Bachelor of Science (BSCI) - BSc

QTAC code (Australian and New Zealand applicants): Information Technology (Toowoomba campus and Distance education: 906779); Physical Sciences (Distance education: 906125); Biology, Computing and Mathematics 8-unit majors (Toowoomba campus and Distance education: 906349; Fraser Coast campus: 916349); Mathematics and Statistics (Toowoomba campus: 906351; Distance education: 906355); null (Toowoomba campus: 906261; Distance education: 906265); Psychology and Human Physiology (Toowoomba campus: 906321); Psychology (Toowoomba campus: 906331; Distance education: 906335); Human Biology (Toowoomba campus: 906431; Fraser Coast campus: 916431)

CRICOS code (International applicants): 042230E

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In this section:

• Human biology major (16-unit major)
• Mathematics and statistics major (12-unit major)
• Information technology major (12-unit major)
• Psychology major study (12-unit major)
• Biology (8-unit major)
• Computing (8-unit major)
• Human physiology
• Mathematics (8-unit major)

Human biology major (16-unit major)

Students are able to focus on improving their knowledge of the human body. Students undertake specialist courses in physiology, biochemistry, genetics, microbiology, cell biology and molecular biology. Students are able to elect to study further courses human-related such as pharmacology, pathophysiology and psychology.

Career opportunities

Medical, Clinical or Research Technicians in Hospital Laboratories, University and Health or Biotechnology Industry; Pharmaceutical/Biotechnology Industry and Medical Technologies Marketing, Clinical Physiology and Diagnostic Industries, Pathology Laboratory Scientist, Medical Scientist, Research Scientist. The Bachelor of Biomedical Science is an excellent pathway to seek entry into graduate medical programs.

Mathematics and statistics major (12-unit major)

This major allows students to develop skills in mathematics and statistics and examine the fundamentals of pure and applied mathematics, theoretical and applied statistics, mathematical modelling and operations research. Students will learn how to use computational methods as an aid to the processes of analysis, modelling and decision-making.

Career opportunities

Statistics, Biometrics, Operations Research and Management, Actuary, Industrial Mathematics, Teaching (following Teacher Training), Mathematician, Mathematical Modelling, Operations Management, Financial Analyst, Systems Analyst, Risk or Focus Analyst, Business Systems Analyst, Data Mining, Cryptography, Biostatistician, Epidemiologist, Hydrology Modeller, Data Mining Researcher, Speech Processing Researcher, Market Researcher, Quantitative Risk Analyst, Statistical Analyst, Data Analyst, Actuarial Business Analyst, Research Officer, Social Researcher, Survey Researcher, Psychological Statistician, Measurement Scientist, Research Scientist in Mapping & Monitoring, Financial Modelling, Environmental Modelling, Engineering Modelling, Research Economist, Finance Consultant, Business Analyst, Psychometrician.

Information technology major (12-unit major)

The Information Technology major will develop students’ skills and knowledge in software development, programming languages, networking and the design and implementation of computer systems and information systems.

Career opportunities

Application of Computing to Business, Information Systems Manager, Computer Sales Representative, Computer Consultant, Information Manager, Computer Systems Officer, Chief Information Officer, Information Centre Manager, Systems Analyst/Programmer, System Development Coordinator, Computer Educator, Commercial Application Developer.

Psychology major study (12-unit major)

Psychologists study people and their behaviour. Their professional training helps them to understand how people develop throughout their lives; behave in groups, organisations and communities; see, think, hear, feel, learn and remember; relate and interact with others; and cope with anxiety, ageing, death, divorce, disability, disaster, accidents and other life events. The Psychology Major in USQ’s Bachelor of Science is accredited by the Australian Psychology Accreditation Council (APAC) as providing the first three years of the necessary requirements for full membership for membership of the Australian Psychological Society (APS) and the first three years of the necessary requirements for full registration as a psychologist in Queensland. Full membership of the Australian Psychological Society requires six years of appropriate University study: an Honours year plus a Masters degree, or substantial progress towards a Doctorate. Full registration as a psychologist requires: an Honours year plus two years of supervised practice or an Honours year plus a Masters or Doctorate degree.

Career opportunities

Psychologist (with further study), Welfare Officer, Counselling, Vocational and Occupational Guidance, Training and Development, and other related areas in Administration and Research in the Public and Private sectors, Clinical, Educational, Counselling, Sports, Organisational or Forensic Psychologist, Human Resource Management, Police Service, Corrective Services.

Biology (8-unit major)

This major provides students with a broad knowledge in biology, chemistry and communications, and a more detailed knowledge in disciplines such as biochemistry, genetics, microbiology and physiology.

Career opportunities

Research Officer (Universities, Defence, CSIRO, DPI, Industry, Government, Health), Technical Officer (Labs), Technical/Sales Representative in Pharmaceutical, Medical and Biotechnological Industries. Molecular Biologists, Microbiologists. After further study: Biotechnologist, Dietitian, Research Scientist, Secondary Science Teaching, Medicine. Employment opportunities also exist in Laboratory work in Agricultural, Food, Health, Medical, Veterinary, Educational and Industrial settings, Plant Breeding, Science Journalism, National Banks.

Computing (8-unit major)

This major provides flexibility to meet the needs of students wishing to combine some computing studies with other science disciplines. This major is of particular value to students who wish to pursue a career in teaching secondary science and computing.

Career opportunities

Computer Scientist, Computer Programmer, Computer Systems Officer, Database Management System Administrator, Game Developer, LAN Manager, Network Administrator, Network Designer and Specialist, Network Security Analyst, Simulator, Database/Web/Network Developer, Software Designer, Systems Architect, Computer Systems Developer, Software Developer, Applications Specialist, Software Engineer.

Human physiology

Students may combine this major with another discipline area such as psychology to strengthen their appreciation of the connections between psychological and physiological aspects of human health.

Career opportunities

In conjunction with a psychology major, this combination would be a major advantage in any careers involving the promotion of people's health and well-being.

Mathematics (8-unit major)

This major is typically taken by students who decide to pursue a double major or double degree path. It enables them to combine the rigour and logic of a scientific approach, which is an integral part of mathematical studies, with the specifics of a professional area of a particular interest. Second majors can be chosen from any of the other eight course majors defined for the Bachelor of Science, or (with the approval of the Program Coordinator) from other eight course majors from other undergraduate programs in the University.

Career opportunities

Statistics, Biometrics, Operations Research and Management, Actuary, Industrial Mathematics, Teaching (following Teacher Training), Mathematician, Mathematical Modelling, Operations Management, Financial Analyst, Mathematics Journalism, Systems Analyst, Supply Chain Analyst, Quality Control, Quantative Analyst, Risk or Focus Analyst, Business Systems Analyst, Data Mining, Cryptography, Secondary or Tertiary Teacher (when combined with relevant postgraduate studies), Commercial Property, Biostatistician, Manager for Risk Analytics, Epidemiologist, Hydrology Modeller, Data Mining Researcher, Speech Processing Researcher, Market Researcher, Quantitative Risk Analyst, Statistical Analyst, Data Analyst, Actuarial Business Analyst. Employment opportunities also exist in the Australian Bureau of Statistics, different banks, insurance companies, computing, logistics and engineering, and financial institutions.

Professional accreditation

The Information Technology major is accredited by the Australian Computer Society.

The Bachelor of Science (Psychology) major is fully accredited by the Australian Psychology Accreditation Council as a three-year sequence of study.

Program objectives

On completion of this program graduates will:

• possess more than a basic competence in at least one chosen discipline

• possess skill in drawing upon the growing content of knowledge in these disciplines

• understand the principles underlying these disciplines

• be capable of applying these principles to the solving of problems, particularly practical problems

• be capable of working with people trained in other disciplines towards the solution of common problems

• be motivated to sustain adaptive, independent learning

• be aware of the social, moral and legal responsibilities of professional scientists

• be skilled in the communication of ideas and concepts.

Admission requirements

To be eligible for a place in this program, applicants will have achieved a level of Sound Achievement over four semesters in Queensland Senior (Year 12) English or equivalent.

Information Technology and Computing

Applicants for the above majors are also required to have achieved a level of Sound Achievement over four semesters in Queensland Senior (Year 12) Mathematics A or equivalent. Recommended study: Mathematics B.

Mathematics and Statistics

Applicants for the majors are also required to have achieved a level of Sound Achievement over four semesters in Queensland Senior (Year 12) Mathematics B or equivalent. Recommended study: Biological Science, Chemistry or Physics.

Biology, Human Biology, Human Physiology

Recommended study: Mathematics B, Biological Science, Chemistry or Physics.

Psychology

Recommended study: Mathematics A.

International applicants must also have met the University's English language requirements or have completed the University's ELICOS/UNIPREP programs .

How to apply

Domestic students

Application for undergraduate programs may be made through the Queensland Tertiary Admissions Centre (QTAC). The same procedure applies whether you plan to study on-campus or by distance education.

If you completed Year 12 at a Queensland secondary school you will be assessed for entry on the basis of your Overall Position (OP) or equivalent score. Year 12 students from other states or territories are considered for entry on the basis of their UAI, ENTER or TER and the subject prerequisites indicated. Other applicants will be based on their overall Rank. You should ensure you submit your application by the closing dates.

International students

This program is offered to international students. An international student is a person who is not an Australian or New Zealand citizen and not an Australian permanent resident. Please refer to USQ International for information about entry requirements, visa arrangements and how to apply.

Program fees

Commonwealth supported place

A Commonwealth supported place is where the Australian Government makes a contribution towards the cost of your higher education and you as a student pay a student contribution amount, which varies depending on the courses undertaken. You are able to calculate the fees for a particular course via the Course Fee Finder.

Commonwealth Supported students may be eligible to defer their fees through a Government loan called HECS-HELP.

International full fee paying place

International students pay full fees. Full fees vary depending on the courses that are taken and whether they are studied on-campus, via distance education/online. You are able to calculate the fees for a particular course via the Course Fee Finder.

Program structure

The Bachelor of Science consists of 24 units comprising four units of Foundation Studies courses with combinations of 16, 12 or 8 unit majors, 4 unit minors and elective courses as follows:

• one 16 unit major and 4 units of elective courses

• one 16 unit major and one 4 unit minor study

• one 12 unit major and one 8 unit major*

• one 12 unit major, one 4 unit minor study and 4 units of elective courses

• one 12 unit major and 8 units of elective courses, or

• two 8 unit majors*

  and 4 units of elective courses.

• one 8 unit major and 12 units of elective courses negotiated with the Program Coordinator.

At least four courses in the program will be at level 3. Where two majors are chosen which have some compulsory courses in common, the overlap will be made up by taking extra electives defined in those majors.

Required time limits

Students have a maximum of 8 years to complete this program.

Core courses

Foundation Studies

In general, Foundation Studies courses will be selected according to major as follows except with the permission of the Program Coordinator.

Students currently studying in the Chemistry, Climatology, Physics, Ecology and Sustainabililty and Plant Science majors of the Bachelor of Science should follow teach out plans as directed by the Department of Biological and Physical Sciences.

Major studies

The following majors in the Bachelor of Science: Chemistry, Physics, Plant Science, Climatology and, Ecology and Sustainability are no longer available for entry. We are contacting students who are currently enrolled in those majors about options to complete their nominated major and any students who may require further advice regarding these areas should contact the Undergraduate Coordinator within the Department of Biological and Physical Sciences.

The following majors are available in the Bachelor of Science:

16-unit major (contain at least four Level 3 courses)

• Human Biology

12-unit majors (contain at least three Level 3 courses)

• Mathematics & Statistics

• Information Technology

• Psychology.

8-unit majors (contain at least two Level 3 courses)

• Biology

• Computing

• Human Physiology

• Mathematics.

In this section:

• Human biology major (16-unit major)
• Mathematics and statistics major (12-unit major)
• Information technology major (12-unit major)
• Psychology major study (12-unit major)
• Eight-unit majors
• Biology (8-unit major)
• Computing (8-unit major)
• Human Physiology (8-unit major)
• Mathematics (8-unit major)

Human biology major (16-unit major)

Human Biology Major Objectives

Graduates who have completed the major in Human Biology will:

• have a sound grounding in the major subject areas central to the biological sciences

• have sufficient specialisation to be acceptable to employers who are currently offering positions to three-year trained biology graduates

• have demonstrated competence in laboratory and field techniques and the use of instrumentation relevant to general biological science

• have the capacity to research biological topics in scientific literature and to prepare concise, accurate reports of experimental work

• have an awareness of the principles of laboratory and field safety as they apply in biological laboratories and during field work

• be qualified for admission to an appropriate professional body.

Human Biology Major Courses

This is a 16-unit major. Along with the Foundation Studies courses prescribed above, students must take the following 16 units of courses:

To complete the award, students taking a 16-unit major must undertake 5 Foundation Studies and 3 units of elective courses.

Minor Studies

Under the Human Biology Major there are no minor studies available.

Electives

Electives are courses chosen from other Level 1, 2 or 3 courses in the University.

Mathematics and statistics major (12-unit major)

Mathematics and Statistics Major Objectives

Graduates who have completed the major in Mathematics and Statistics will be able to:

• demonstrate an understanding of the fundamentals of mathematical analysis at the undergraduate level

• demonstrate a sound knowledge of important theories and techniques of applied mathematics, statistics and computing

• demonstrate an ability to apply their knowledge to solve practical problems that they are likely to encounter in science, industry, business or government instrumentalities

• continue to develop their abilities through research, discussion and private study

• use computer packages to solve problems in statistics, mathematics and modelling

• satisfy the minimum requirements for graduate membership of relevant professional bodies.

Mathematics and Statistics Major Courses

This is a 12-unit major. Along with the Foundation Studies courses prescribed above, students must take the following 12 units of courses:

To complete the award, students taking a 12-unit major must undertake one of the following:

• one 8 unit second major

• 4 units of elective courses and one 4 unit minor study; with at least one being a level three course, or

• 8 units of electives with at least one being a level three course.

Second Major

Second majors can be chosen from any of the eight-unit majors defined below for the Bachelor of Science (except Computing), or (with the approval of the Program Coordinator) from other eight-unit majors from other undergraduate programs in the University.

Minor Studies

Minor studies are a set of courses as defined in the Options Studies section of the Handbook.

Electives

Electives are courses chosen from other Level 1, 2 or 3 courses in the University.

Unsuitable Electives

For various reasons, the following courses will not be approved as electives for students majoring in Mathematics and Statistics in the Bachelor of Science program:

MGT2100, MGT2102, MAT1100, MAC1901 , CIS1000, CIS1001, CIS2000, CIS2002, CIS2003 .

In addition, students will require their Program Coordinator's approval if they wish to count both STA3300 Experimental Design and STA3302 Statistics for Researchers towards a Bachelor of Science program.

Information technology major (12-unit major)

Information Technology Major Objectives

Graduates who have completed the major in Information Technology will be able to:

• work as a professional in the Information Technology industry

• demonstrate a sound understanding of several key areas of computing

• have a broad knowledge in computing

• have basic skills in software development and computer systems

• demonstrate sound presentation and communication skills required in the computing industry

• satisfy academic admission requirements for membership of relevant professional bodies.

Information Technology Major Courses

This is a 12-unit major. Along with the Foundation Studies courses prescribed above, students must take the following 12 units of courses:

To complete the award, students taking a 12-unit major must undertake one of the following:

• one 8 unit second major

• 4 units of elective courses and one 4 unit minor study; with at least one being a level three course, or

• 8 units of electives with at least one being a level three course.

Second Major

Second majors can be chosen from any of the eight-unit majors defined below for the Bachelor of Science (except Computing), or (with the approval of the Program Coordinator) from other eight-unit majors from other undergraduate programs in the University.

Minor Studies

Minor studies are a set of courses as defined in the Options Studies section of the Handbook.

Electives

Electives are courses chosen from other Level 1, 2 or 3 courses in the University.

Unsuitable Electives

For various reasons, the following courses will not be approved as electives for students majoring in Information Technology in the Bachelor of Science program:

CSC1402, CIS1001, CIS2000, CIS2002 , CIS2003, MGT2100, MGT2102.

Psychology major study (12-unit major)

Psychology Major Objectives

Graduates who have completed the major in Psychology will be able to:

• demonstrate a sound understanding of the scope and focus of the major fields in contemporary Psychology

• gain employment in the public and private sectors as behavioural science graduates or as graduates with a broad range of skills

• satisfy the minimum requirements for affiliate membership of relevant professional bodies, most notably the Australian Psychological Society

• conduct research and report the findings to lay persons and the scientific community at large.

Psychology Major Courses

This is a 12-unit major. Along with the Foundation Studies courses prescribed above, students must take the following 12 units of courses:

To complete the award, students taking a 12-unit major must undertake one of the following:

• one further 8 unit second major

• 4 units of elective courses and one 4 unit minor study , or

• 8 units of electives .

Second Major

Second majors can be chosen from any of the other eight-unit majors defined for the Bachelor of Science, (Biology, Human Physiology, Computing, Mathematics or Statistics) or (with the approval of the Program Coordinator) from other eight-unit majors from other undergraduate programs in the University.

The double major Psychology and Human Physiology, will provide an appreciation of the connections between psychological and physiological aspects of human health and is highly recommended by the Department of Psychology.

Other majors in the University which have been taken as a second major with psychology include Human Resource Management, Management and Leadership, Administrative Management, Anthropology, History, Visual Arts Practice, Marketing and English Literature.

Students intending to take a second major should begin enrolment in these courses in the first year of full-time enrolment, or the second year of part-time enrolment.

Minor Studies

Minor studies are a set of courses as defined in the Options Studies section of the Handbook.

Electives

Electives can be selected from the table of psychology electives below or from any courses at Levels 1, 2 and 3 offered by USQ subject to satisfaction of pre-requisite requirements, timetabling constraints, quotas and program requirements.

Psychology Elective Courses

Note: These are the only Psychology elective courses available in 2009. Students are responsible for ensuring that they do not enrol in, or continue to be enrolled in, courses for which they have not satisfied the enrolment requirements (e.g., the necessary pre-requisites). The electives offered change from year to year.

The recommended enrolment patterns for students with no exemptions, and the enrolment requirements for courses in the major, is given in the table that follows. If students are granted exemptions from specific compulsory courses or from approved elective courses, they may need to modify the recommended enrolment pattern.

Eight-unit majors

Eight-unit major objectives

The eight-unit majors are designed to:

• allow students to receive a broad-based education

• allow students to study at least one discipline area to Third Level

• prepare students for teaching in appropriate areas to Grade 12 level in Secondary Schools, subject to further study

• cater for students who aspire to professional studies that require a general first degree for admission

• form a basis for study at postgraduate diploma level, honours level or higher.

Biology (8-unit major)

Biology Major Courses

To complete the award, students taking an eight-unit major must undertake either:

• one further 8 unit second major and 4 units of elective courses or

• a further 12 units of elective courses negotiated with the Program Coordinator.

Second Major

Second majors can be chosen from any of the other eight-unit majors defined for the Bachelor of Science, or (with the approval of the Program Coordinator) from other eight-unit majors from other undergraduate programs in the University.

Minor Studies

Minor studies are a set of courses as defined in the Options Studies section of the Handbook.

Electives

Electives are courses chosen from other Level 1, 2 or 3 courses in the University.

Computing (8-unit major)

Computing Major Courses

To complete the award, students taking an eight-unit major must undertake either:

• one further 8 unit second major and 4 units of elective courses or

• a further 12 units of elective courses negotiated with the Program Coordinator.

Second Major

Second majors can be chosen from any of the other eight-unit majors defined for the Bachelor of Science, or (with the approval of the Program Coordinator) from other eight-unit majors from other undergraduate programs in the University.

Minor Studies

Minor studies are a set of courses as defined in the Options Studies section of the Handbook.

Electives

Electives are courses chosen from other Level 1, 2 or 3 courses in the University.

Unsuitable Electives

For various reasons, the following courses will not be approved as electives for students majoring in Computing in the Bachelor of Science program:

CSC1402, CIS1001, CIS2000, CIS2002 , CIS2003, MGT2100, MGT2102

Human Physiology (8-unit major)

Human Physiology Major Courses

Second Major

Second majors can be chosen from any of the other eight-unit majors defined for the Bachelor of Science, or (with the approval of the Program Coordinator) from other eight-unit majors from other undergraduate programs in the University.

Minor Studies

Minor studies are a set of courses as defined in the Options Studies section of the Handbook.

Electives

Electives are courses chosen from other Level 1, 2 or 3 courses in the University.

Mathematics (8-unit major)

Mathematics Major Courses

To complete the award, students taking an eight-unit major must undertake either:

• one further 8 unit second major and 4 units of elective courses or

• a further 12 units of elective courses negotiated with the Program Coordinator.

Second Major

Second majors can be chosen from any of the other eight-unit majors defined for the Bachelor of Science, or (with the approval of the Program Coordinator) from other eight-unit majors from other undergraduate programs in the University.

Minor Studies

Minor studies are a set of courses as defined in the Options Studies section of the Handbook.

Electives

Electives are courses chosen from other Level 1, 2 or 3 courses in the University.

Unsuitable Electives

For various reasons, the following courses will not be approved as electives for students majoring in Mathematics in the Bachelor of Science program:

MGT2100, MGT2102, MAT1100, MAC1901 , CIS1000, CIS1001, CIS2000, CIS2002, CIS2003 .

IT requirements

Students should visit the USQ Recommended Hardware and Recommended Software sites to check that their computers are capable of running the appropriate software and versions of Internet web browsers and to check the minimum and recommended standards for software.

Related programs

Requirements for Entry to Graduate Diploma in Learning and Teaching

Students intending to become secondary school teachers are advised that they may need to complete the one-year Graduate Diploma in Learning and Teaching program or an equivalent program after completion of their undergraduate program. For further information, students should refer to the Faculty of Education's entry in this Handbook or address enquiries to the Faculty of Education.

In this section:

• Recommended enrolment pattern - Human biology
• Recommended enrolment pattern - Information technology
• Recommended enrolment pattern - Mathematics and statistics
• Recommended enrolment pattern - Psychology
• Recommended enrolment pattern - 8-unit majors - Biology, Computing, Human Physiology, Mathematics

Recommended enrolment pattern - Human biology

Recommended enrolment pattern - Information technology

Notes :

Elective courses can be selected from any of the courses at Levels 1, 2 or 3 offered by USQ, subject to approval by the Program Coordinator, satisfaction of enrolment requirements, timetabling constraints and program requirements.

Students may find the Minor Studies section of the Handbook useful in the selection of electives.

Recommended enrolment pattern - Mathematics and statistics

Recommended enrolment pattern - Psychology

Recommended enrolment pattern - 8-unit majors - Biology, Computing, Human Physiology, Mathematics

Students undertaking an eight-unit major as a first major should:

• study the beginning of this section that describes the program structure and requirements for the award of the Bachelor of Science

• select at least one major from the eight-unit majors listed in the previous pages. Select courses from that/those major(s) bearing in mind the requirements for the award, etc

• select elective courses. Students should refer to the courses in the Minor Studies section of the Handbook to help with the selection of elective courses. Students may select their electives as a package as described in the Minor Studies section, or they may select any four courses of interest providing they obtain approval from the Program Coordinator listed in Enquiries above

• construct a table similar to the following and insert the courses selected in appropriate year/semester sections

• contact the appropriate Program Coordinator when they arrive at the University, or before they arrive to verify that their selection is appropriate.

There is sufficient flexibility in the Bachelor of Science requirements to allow individual students to design a program well suited to their needs. Students should contact the Program Coordinator to discuss their program structure as major combinations are timetable dependent.