Bachelor of Science (Advanced) (BSc(Adv))

Program Code
BSC

Program Faculty
Faculty of Sciences, Engineering and Technology

Academic Year
2024

These Program Rules should be read in conjunction with the University's policies (https://www.adelaide.edu.au/policies).

Overview

This program is designed for high-achieving students who wish to develop their knowledge and understanding of science, with a strong emphasis on research skill development. Students design their own degree from a broad range of study options and have flexibility to select areas of specific interest. In first year, students enrol in a combination of courses that prepare them to follow pathways through to major study areas. In third year, students choose at least one area of science in which to major and undertake a research placement. This program provides students with the early opportunity to participate in the academic and research culture of the scientific areas they are most interested in, while still providing the choice and flexibility of a Bachelor of Science. Bachelor of Science (Advanced) students participate in program specific courses that will introduce topics on processes, communication and methods used in science research. Students will also participate in structured research activities and research seminars, normally only available to Honours and postgraduate students. In addition, a semester long research placement and lab attachments will provide breadth of experience. These activities will allow associations with academic staff in major research areas, providing early access to research laboratories/projects that can be further developed for an Honours year and postgraduate study (Masters or PhD).

The Bachelor of Science (Advanced) is an AQF Level 7 program with a standard full-time duration of 3 years.  

Program Learning Outcomes

  1. Demonstrate a coherent understanding of science by: 1.1 articulating the methods of science and explaining why current scientific knowledge is both contestable and testable by further inquiry 1.2 explaining the role and relevance of science in society.
  2. Exhibit depth and breadth of scientific knowledge by: 2.1 demonstrating well-developed knowledge in at least one disciplinary area 2.2 demonstrating knowledge in at least one other disciplinary area with enhanced cross-disciplinary knowledge.
  3. Critically analyse and solve scientific problems in an integrative manner by: 3.1 gathering, synthesising and critically evaluating information from a range of sources 3.2 designing and planning an investigation 3.3 selecting and applying practical and/or theoretical techniques or tools in order to conduct an investigation 3.4 collecting, accurately recording, interpreting and drawing conclusions from scientific data 3.5 demonstrating the cooperativity and effectiveness of working in a team environment.
  4. Be effective communicators of science by: 4.1 communicating scientific results, information, or arguments, to a range of audiences, for a range of purposes, and using a variety of modes.
  5. Be accountable for their own learning and scientific work by: 5.1 being independent and self-directed learners 5.2 working effectively, responsibly and safely in an individual or team context 5.3 demonstrating knowledge of the regulatory frameworks relevant to their disciplinary area and personally practicing ethical conduct.

Conditions

Interruption of program: Students must apply for permission from the Executive Dean or delegate before taking a Leave of Absence. Any extension of the leave without approval will result in the loss of place in the program but an application may be made to be re-admitted to the program subject to the admission procedures in place at the time.

Condition of continuing enrolment: Students enrolled in this program must maintain a minimum semester GPA of 5.0 throughout their enrolment or will be required to transfer to the Bachelor of Science. Students who have maintained this GPA will automatically be eligible for a place in the Bachelor of Science (Honours) program upon completion of the Bachelor of Science (Advanced).

Program Maximum Duration: As specified in Table 1 of the Coursework Academic Programs Policy, this program must be completed within a Maximum Duration which includes any periods of non-enrolment, leave of absence or approved study at other institutions for credit towards a Program.

Academic Program Rules for Bachelor of Science (Advanced)

There shall be a Bachelor of Science (Advanced).

Qualification Requirements

To qualify for the degree of Bachelor of Science (Advanced), the student must complete satisfactorily a program of study consisting of the following requirements with a combined total of not less than 72 units:

  1. Core courses to the value of 6 units.
  2. Elective courses up to the value of 42 units.
  3. Broadening Electives to the value of 9 units.
  4. Level I courses to a maximum of 30 units.
  5. Level III Science courses to the value of at least 24 units.
  6. One major to the value of at least 24 units from the following:
    • Biochemistry
    • Bioinformatics
    • Chemistry
    • Ecology and Environmental Science
    • Evolutionary Biology
    • Experimental and Theoretical Physics
    • Genetics
    • Geology
    • Geology and Earth Resources
    • Geology and Geophysics
    • Geology and Palaeontology
    • Microbiology and Immunology
    • Palaeontology
    • Palaeontology and Evolution
    • Physics
    • Physics and Geophysics
    • Plant Biology
    • Pure and Applied Chemistry
    • Soil Science
    • Theoretical Physics
Note: In addition to completing one major in the Bachelor of Science (Advanced) degree, students may, without exceeding the maximum units for the degree, choose to undertake a second major from the available majors in the Bachelor of Science degree, or Bachelor of Mathematical and Computer Sciences degree, as outlined in the corresponding Academic Program Rules.

Core Courses

Major

Electives