Science Courses Booklet

This is a three-year degree. Within your chosen course of study there will be one subject in which you will specialise when you reach level 3; this is called your "major".

Students who attain good marks in their major at level 3 may be invited to go on to a fourth year, specialising in their chosen major subject, which leads to the award of the BSc (Honours).

It is possible to complete two majors at level 3, and it may also be possible to undertake a joint honours in two subjects.

This course has an overall structure that follows the guidelines set out below.

Most units are worth 6 points; exceptions are indicated in table one (science units and prerequisites).

Overall course structure

* 2 required in some programs

If you have a place in the Bachelor of Science you have the choice of enrolling in

1. the Bachelor of Science by way of foundation package and majors, with a choice of thirty-eight majors

OR

2. one of the twenty-two programs of the Bachelor of Science, some of which offer special majors that are available only within that program.

If you have been offered a place only in the BSc (Exercise & Health) or the BSc (Earth Science) you must complete at least two semesters in that program, after which you may be permitted to switch to another program or major pathway if you wish, provided you satisfy the prerequisites for the new programme/major.  Check with the Faculty.

Level 1 (first year)

See also planning your enrolment.

When you enrol

• You will have the opportunity to discuss your choice of program and units with a faculty course adviser from your area of interest.
• You should check with the adviser that your choice of units leads to at least three science majors - it is very important at this stage to keep several possibilities open.
• You should check that you have selected the units in chemistry, maths and/or physics that are appropriate for your background (TEE subjects and marks) and your course. If you are unsure you should talk to an adviser.

You must check your timetable to make sure that you have no lecture clashes.

Level 2 (second year)

When you have completed units to the value of 48 points, you are considered to be a second-year student.

• You are now required to identify your chosen major(s).
• You can only enrol in units for which you have passed the prerequisites. You should read unit descriptions in the Undergraduate Handbook or unit outlines on the Faculty's website.
• Your enrolment must lead to at least two science majors in two different disciplines (see core units for BSc majors).
• If enrolling in a named BSc program, you should choose all your units according to the guidelines for that program.

Level 3 (third year)

When you have completed units to the value of 96 points, you are considered to be in third year.

• Your enrolment must include units to the value of 24 points which comprise a major (see Core Units for BSc Majors). You may take up to 48 points in your major subject, or you may complete two majors, or you may take a mixture of units in other disciplines to support your major.
• No level 3 unit can be counted towards more than one major.
• Your enrolment must be approved by a faculty course adviser.
• If your enrolment includes any quota-restricted units then you must correctly complete and lodge a Quota form (available from www.studentadmin.uwa.edu.au/welcome/forms).
• If you are intending to proceed to the BSc (honours), you should check the entry requirements of your Honours program, to make sure that you complete any specific units required (see Undergraduate Handbook for details). The same applies if you are intending to proceed to a specialist "fourth-year" degree.

Level 4 (honours)

When you have completed your BSc, you may be eligible for entry to the BSc (Honours).

The normal minimum requirement is an average mark of 65% in the units comprising your major (or in 24 points of level 3 units appropriate to the subject in which you wish to take honours). Some disciplines have higher or more specific requirements (see Undergraduate Handbook for details).

You should submit an application form to the Honours Co-ordinator, Program Co-ordinator, Head of School or Head of Discipline where you want to take honours. If your application is approved by the Faculty, you will receive an authority to enrol in January. Mid-year entry to honours is available in many disciplines, but not all.

Honours enrolment is normally full-time, though part-time enrolment may be approved in some circumstances. There is no provision for taking a semester off during the honours course.

Specialist four-year degrees

The Faculty of Life & Physical Sciences offers several specialist degrees, which require a fourth year of study. Eligible students are able to apply for entry into these specialist degrees on completion of the appropriate three-year BSc program or BSc with appropriate major/s (or equivalent).

• Bachelor of Exercise Rehabilitation Science (51150)

• Bachelor of Science European (51130) (This course is under review)

Entry is performance-based; for some courses particular units must have been completed, and minimum standards must have been met. The degree awarded at the end of this fourth year is the specialist degree; in some cases it may be awarded with honours. Contact the Faculty of Life & Physical Sciences, or the relevant School or program coordinator, for further information.