Student in labcoat with coral

Course snapshot

Domestic snapshot

  • Start Date

    March, July, October

  • Duration

    1 year full-time; 2 years part-time

  • Location

    Gold Coast, Lismore, National Marine Science Centre Coffs Harbour, Online

  • Placement

    No  

  • Course abbreviation

    BSc(Hons)

  • Course code

    3507030

  • Credit points

    96

  • Equivalent units

    8

  • Scholarships

  • Indicative fee

Please note, some locations may not have all intake periods available. See the full availability details for further information.

International snapshot

  • Start Date

    March, June, October

  • Duration

    1 year full-time

  • Location

    Lismore, National Marine Science Centre Coffs Harbour

  • Placement

    No  

Please note, some locations may not have all intake periods available. See the full availability details for further information.

Overview

The Bachelor of Science with Honours is a challenging and rewarding year of full-time (or part-time equivalent) directed study, which is offered to those students who demonstrate a meritorious performance in their undergraduate studies.

The honours degree may be a completion point for those students who are seeking an opportunity to focus on an area of environmental, marine or forest science management and improve their employment prospects. Alternatively, honours may provide a pathway into postgraduate studies.

Studying honours involves a close working relationship, and mutual responsibilities, between supervisor and student. Students are introduced to research methodology under the close supervision of a member of staff with expertise in the chosen area of study.

In the research component, students can apply their knowledge and technical abilities in a supervised research project and develop skills in data acquisition, design experimentation, problem solving and critical thinking, project implementation, risk assessment and ethical approval process applications, and communicating research outcomes to various audiences.

Interested applicants need to contact the University to discuss their eligibility and to find a suitable honours supervisor for their proposed honours topic, prior to lodging their application. For more information refer to the Faculty of Science and Engineering Honours information

Girl sitting in nature

"The degree gave me a lot of skills in communicating and working with different people, writing reports and liaising with all types of stakeholders, having the ability to understand the science, but then relay it."

The Southern Cross Model is a game-changer in higher education study.

Our students now engage in shorter, six-week unit structures designed around immersive and interactive learning experiences. The shorter unit structure gives students a greater sense of momentum as they achieve milestones quickly, resulting in increased student success rates, and course and teacher satisfaction. Lectures are a thing of the past - students will be engaged in active, interactive and discussion-based learning.

On-campus students experience a variety of teaching approaches including lectures, tutorials, online activities and video-linked or podcast virtual classes.

Our online study option is highly interactive and may include a combination of podcast or video-linked lectures, electronic study materials, workshops, online discussion forums and virtual classes.

The method of teaching and assessment may vary from unit to unit.

Learn more

Course Learning Outcomes express learning achievement in terms of what a student should know, understand and be able to do on completion of a course. These outcomes are aligned with the graduate attributes (GA).

Course Learning Outcome

GA1: Intellectual rigour

CLO1: Demonstrate advanced cognitive, technical and innovative problem-solving skills in scientific research.

CLO3: Demonstrate complex specialist knowledge in one or more scientific disciplines .

CLO5: Demonstrate well-developed written and verbal communication skills to interpret and disseminate research findings in diverse contexts.

GA2: Creativity

CLO1: Demonstrate advanced cognitive, technical and innovative problem-solving skills in scientific research.

GA3: Ethical practice

CLO2: Evaluate and communicate issues with reference to sound ethical and inclusive frameworks and sustainability

CLO4: Exercise autonomy and integrity in learning and responsibility for scholarly and research practices, both individually and collaboratively

GA4: Knowledge of a discipline

CLO1: Demonstrate advanced cognitive, technical and innovative problem-solving skills in scientific research.

CLO3: Demonstrate complex specialist knowledge in one or more scientific disciplines

CLO5: Demonstrate well-developed written and verbal communication skills to interpret and disseminate research findings in diverse contexts.

GA5: Lifelong learning

CLO4: Exercise autonomy and integrity in learning and responsibility for scholarly and research practices, both individually and collaboratively

GA6: Communication and social skills

CLO2: Evaluate and communicate issues with reference to sound ethical and inclusive frameworks and sustainability

CLO5: Demonstrate well-developed written and verbal communication skills to interpret and disseminate research findings in diverse contexts.

GA7: Cultural competence

CLO2: Evaluate and communicate issues with reference to sound ethical and inclusive frameworks and sustainability

CLO4: Exercise autonomy and integrity in learning and responsibility for scholarly and research practices, both individually and collaboratively

Location Teaching period
Gold CoastTerm  1
LismoreTerm  1, Term  3, Term  5
National Marine Science Centre Coffs HarbourTerm  1, Term  3, Term  5
OnlineTerm  1, Term  3, Term  5
Location Teaching period Annual Fees CRICOS
LismoreTerm  1, Term  3, Term  5$33,520 ($4,190 per unit)085420K
National Marine Science Centre Coffs HarbourTerm  1, Term  3, Term  5$33,520 ($4,190 per unit)085420K

Tuition fees are in Australian dollars, and are subject to change, including annual increases over the duration of a course. Annual tuition fee is based on completing 8 units per year. In addition students are required to pay OSHC for the duration of their visa in advance. Non-tuition fee covers textbooks, stationery and excursions.

Career Outcomes

Depending on their area of research, graduates are suited to careers within the public and private sectors.

Graduates also have opportunities to develop careers as researchers and can aim for further research qualifications by undertaking a PhD.

Requirements

We encourage you to apply for the courses you most want to study. If you are not eligible to enter your chosen course right now, our team will work with you to find the best pathway option.

Before applying, make sure you double check all entry requirements, gather required documentation and review the University’s Rules Relating to Awards, noting any specifics listed below.

Entry requirements

Language requirements

English language requirements apply to International applicants and other applicants whose previous study was undertaken in a language other than English. The minimum English language requirements for such applicants for entry to this course are as follows

CategoryScore
Overall6.0
Listeningminimum 5.5
Readingminimum 5.5
Speakingminimum 5.5
Writingminimum 5.5

Course requirements

To be eligible to receive the Bachelor of Science with Honours, students must complete the equivalent of 8 units (96 credit points).

Class of Honours

This degree may be awarded in the following classes:

1. First Class;

2. Second Class (Division 1);

3. Second Class (Division 2); or

4. Third Class.

Other things to consider

Credit for Prior Learning, also referred to as ‘Advanced Standing’ or Recognition for Prior Learning (RPL), is the process of looking at your prior study and/or experience to assess if you can be awarded academic credit or gain entry to a course on the basis of your existing knowledge and skills.

Learn more


Course structure

Your course progression is in the recommended order you should complete your course in. It is important that you follow this to ensure you meet the course requirements. For further assistance see How to Enrol in Units using My Enrolment.

Students should use course progression information to select units specific to their course and enrol in these units using My Enrolment.

Current Students should select their units by checking the Handbook for the year of their enrolment as these may be different.

View Student Handbook

Unit CodeUnit TitleAvailableCredit pointsNotes

Complete the following units to satisfy the Requirements of the Award

SCIN4002Scientific Research Context, Perspective and Methods 1
Term1,3,5
12
LocationDomesticInternational
Gold Coast
Term1,3,5
Term1,3,5
Lismore
Term1,3,5
Term1,3,5
National Marine Science Centre Coffs Harbour
Term1,3,5
Term1,3,5
Online
Term1,3,5
N/A
SCIN4003Scientific Research Context, Perspective and Methods 2
Summer Term
Term1,2,3,4,5
12
LocationDomesticInternational
Gold Coast
Summer Term
Term1,2,3,4,5
Summer Term
Term1,2,3,4,5
Lismore
Summer Term
Term1,2,3,4,5
Summer Term
Term1,2,3,4,5
National Marine Science Centre Coffs Harbour
Summer Term
Term1,2,3,4,5
Summer Term
Term1,2,3,4,5
Online
Summer Term
Term1,2,3,4,5
N/A
Co-requisitesStudents must have either completed, or enrol concurrently in, SCIN4002 - Scientific Research Context, Perspective and Methods 1
SCIN4004Science Honours Thesis 1
Summer Term
Term1,2,3,4,5
12
LocationDomesticInternational
Gold Coast
Summer Term
Term1,2,3,4,5
Summer Term
Term1,2,3,4,5
Lismore
Summer Term
Term1,2,3,4,5
Summer Term
Term1,2,3,4,5
National Marine Science Centre Coffs Harbour
Summer Term
Term1,2,3,4,5
Summer Term
Term1,2,3,4,5
Online
Summer Term
Term1,2,3,4,5
N/A
Pre-requisitesSCIN4003 - Scientific Research Context, Perspective and Methods 2 OR ENVR4001 - Scientific Research, Context, Perspective and Method
SCIN4005Science Honours Thesis 2
Summer Term
Term1,2,3,4,5
12
LocationDomesticInternational
Gold Coast
Summer Term
Term1,2,3,4,5
Summer Term
Term1,2,3,4,5
Lismore
Summer Term
Term1,2,3,4,5
Summer Term
Term1,2,3,4,5
National Marine Science Centre Coffs Harbour
Summer Term
Term1,2,3,4,5
Summer Term
Term1,2,3,4,5
Online
Summer Term
Term1,2,3,4,5
N/A
Co-requisitesStudents must have either completed, or enrol concurrently in, SCIN4004 - Science Honours Thesis 1
SCIN4006Science Honours Thesis 3
Summer Term
Term1,2,3,4,5
12
LocationDomesticInternational
Gold Coast
Summer Term
Term1,2,3,4,5
Summer Term
Term1,2,3,4,5
Lismore
Summer Term
Term1,2,3,4,5
Summer Term
Term1,2,3,4,5
National Marine Science Centre Coffs Harbour
Summer Term
Term1,2,3,4,5
Summer Term
Term1,2,3,4,5
Online
Summer Term
Term1,2,3,4,5
N/A
Pre-requisitesSCIN4005 - Science Honours Thesis 2 OR ENVR4002 - Science Honours Thesis I
SCIN4007Science Honours Thesis 4
Summer Term
Term1,2,3,4,5
12
LocationDomesticInternational
Gold Coast
Summer Term
Term1,2,3,4,5
Summer Term
Term1,2,3,4,5
Lismore
Summer Term
Term1,2,3,4,5
Summer Term
Term1,2,3,4,5
National Marine Science Centre Coffs Harbour
Summer Term
Term1,2,3,4,5
Summer Term
Term1,2,3,4,5
Online
Summer Term
Term1,2,3,4,5
N/A
Co-requisitesStudents must have either completed, or enrol concurrently in, SCIN4006 - Science Honours Thesis 3
SCIN4008Science Honours Thesis 5
Summer Term
Term1,2,3,4,5
12
LocationDomesticInternational
Gold Coast
Summer Term
Term1,2,3,4,5
Summer Term
Term1,2,3,4,5
Lismore
Summer Term
Term1,2,3,4,5
Summer Term
Term1,2,3,4,5
National Marine Science Centre Coffs Harbour
Summer Term
Term1,2,3,4,5
Summer Term
Term1,2,3,4,5
Online
Summer Term
Term1,2,3,4,5
N/A
Pre-requisitesSCIN4007 - Science Honours Thesis 4 OR ENVR4003 - Science Honours Thesis II
SCIN4009Science Honours Thesis 6
Summer Term
Term1,2,3,4,5
12
LocationDomesticInternational
Gold Coast
Summer Term
Term1,2,3,4,5
Summer Term
Term1,2,3,4,5
Lismore
Summer Term
Term1,2,3,4,5
Summer Term
Term1,2,3,4,5
National Marine Science Centre Coffs Harbour
Summer Term
Term1,2,3,4,5
Summer Term
Term1,2,3,4,5
Online
Summer Term
Term1,2,3,4,5
N/A
Co-requisitesStudents must have either completed, or enrol concurrently in, SCIN4008 - Science Honours Thesis 5


Unit CodeUnit TitleNotes
SCIN4002Scientific Research Context, Perspective and Methods 1
SCIN4003Scientific Research Context, Perspective and Methods 2
SCIN4004Science Honours Thesis 1
SCIN4005Science Honours Thesis 2
SCIN4006Science Honours Thesis 3
SCIN4007Science Honours Thesis 4
SCIN4008Science Honours Thesis 5
SCIN4009Science Honours Thesis 6

Why Science and Environment at SCU

Global top 350

We're ranked in the global top 350 in Agriculture and Forestry

(QS Rankings 2023)

5-star rating

We’re rated 5-stars for learning resources, student support and teaching quality

(Good Universities Guide 2023: Science and Mathematics)

Guaranteed entry with Diploma of Science

Guaranteed entry with Diploma of Science into our Bachelor of Science with a choice of specialisations

Fees and Scholarships

Domestic students

You are a domestic student if you are an Australian citizen or permanent resident, New Zealand citizen, or Australian humanitarian visa holder. Your course will either be a Commonwealth Supported Place or a full fee-paying place. This is noted in the course snapshot.

Commonwealth Supported Places:

In a Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP), the Government pays some of your fees and you pay the rest as the Student Contribution Amount (SCA).

SCA is calculated per unit, not per course. Eligible students can defer the SCA through a HECS-HELP loan.

Full Fee-Paying Places:

A full fee-paying place is where you pay the full (unsubsidised) tuition fee for your course. Eligible students can defer the payment of their tuition fees through the FEE-HELP scheme (including employer-reserved places for The Hotel School courses).

Also known as SSAF, the Student Services and Amenities Fee is a compulsory fee for most students used to provide important services and amenities to students both on and off campus. It’s charged per unit, based on the unit’s credit point value. Eligible domestic students have the option of deferring this fee through the SA-HELP loan scheme. More about SSAF

Depending on your course, your costs could also include computer equipment and software, books, stationery, field trips, uniforms or other course-specific expenses such as art materials, musical equipment or travel for practicums, internships, vaccinations or industry experience.

Southern Cross University offers a range of scholarships for undergraduate (your first degree), postgraduate, Indigenous Australian students as well as international students. There are also scholarships available to help you study overseas for a short period as an international exchange student. Scholarships range from a few hundred dollars a year to several thousand dollars a year.

More about scholarships

Further fee information

Fees and Scholarships

International Students

If you're an international student, you can find the annual course cost in Australian dollars (AUD$) on our International Courses and Fees page or on the web page for your course under fees.

Also known as SSAF, the Student Services and Amenities Fee is a compulsory fee for most students used to provide important services and amenities to students both on and off campus. It’s charged per unit, based on the unit’s credit point value. Eligible domestic students have the option of deferring this fee through the SA-HELP loan scheme. More about SSAF

Depending on your course, your costs could also include computer equipment and software, books, stationery, field trips, uniforms or other course-specific expenses such as art materials, musical equipment or travel for practicums, internships, vaccinations or industry experience.

Southern Cross University offers a range of scholarships for undergraduate (your first degree), postgraduate, Indigenous Australian students as well as international students. There are also scholarships available to help you study overseas for a short period as an international exchange student. Scholarships range from a few hundred dollars a year to several thousand dollars a year.

More about scholarships

Further fee information

Apply now

Preparing to apply

  1. Check requirements
  2. Get supporting documents ready
  3. Choose where and when from the available options

Click the Apply button to start your application in our Application Portal.

Choose where you want to study

Gold Coast

Lismore

National Marine Science Centre Coffs Harbour

Online

Choose where you want to study

International students studying in Australia

Lismore

National Marine Science Centre Coffs Harbour

Dates for the diary

Our shorter, more focused six-week unit structure gives students a greater sense of momentum and motivation as they achieve milestones quickly. Application dates per Term are shown on each course page however refer to our key dates and teaching calendar for detail on when enrolment opens, studies commence and when grades are published. There are also Dual Term and Tri Term calendars for those who have specific subjects.

See key dates

Credit Transfer

Get a head start on your degree. Find out if you’re eligible for credit from previous studies.

Go to credit assessor

Entry Pathway

We believe in equal access to further education, so we offer a range of pathways to university.

Find a pathway