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Bachelor of Science (Applied Sciences)
UndergraduateRMI-SCI-DEG2022
Course information for 2022 intake
Understand the big picture problems by looking through a microscope
Explore the molecular level of living systems by studying genetics, biochemistry and microbiology — all taught by leading edge researchers. Go on to solve real world problems with a career in biotechnology, biosciences or agriscience.
- Study method
- Online & on-campus
- Assessments
- Subject may require attendance
- Credit available
- Yes
- Total subjects
- 24
- Available loans
- Australian Higher Education Loan Program (HELP)
Bachelor of Science (Applied Sciences)
About this degree
On completion of this degree students will have:
- An understanding of scientific knowledge and its application
- An awareness of, and ability to select and use, appropriate laboratory and/or field materials and equipment
- The ability to solve problems in a scientific laboratory
- The ability to communicate scientific and technical issues to a wide range of audience types
- An appreciated ethical behaviour in science
- The ability to obtain valid evidence and frame judgments on issues within a professional framework.
The Bachelor of Science (Applied Sciences) from RMIT University allows you to explore the molecular level of living systems from which you can devise strategies to solve important practical problems.
Bioscience and biotechnology are shaping the environment and food supply, ensuring that all living things can survive and live more safely. Drawing on core science areas such as genetics, biological chemistry and microbiology this degree is taught by researchers at the leading edge of industry practice.
The degree is designed for those who wish to pursue careers in biological sciences and provide a biology specialisation for intending teachers.
You will develop the necessary ecological knowledge to deal with complex systems using modern biotechnological techniques. The degree covers ecology, ecotoxicology, marine biology and aquaculture, environmental biotechnology diagnostics and molecular agriculture. Through your studies you will develop core knowledge and techniques in plant and animal identification along with molecular biology, genetics, biological chemistry and microbiology.
Please note: Some subjects in this degree require you to attend laboratory sessions in Melbourne. The 2020 timetable is currently being finalised.
Recommended study pattern
This degree is an OUA Pathways degree, which means there is a recommended series of subjects that, once successfully completed, can be credited towards this degree. To commence the Pathway for this degree, simply select subjects from the Pathway stream below.
Students who aren't taking part in OUA Pathways can instead follow the study pattern below:
Level 1: Complete five (5) core subjects and three (3) Level 1 science electives.
Level 2: Complete four (4) core subjects and two (2) science electives (from Level 2 or 3) plus two (2) general electives from any OUA subjects.
Level 3: Complete five (5) core subjects and two (2) science electives (from Level 2 or 3) plus one (1) general elective from any OUA subjects.
Please see Degree Structure for further information.
Award requirements
To obtain the Bachelor of Science (Applied Sciences), you must complete 24 subjects and meet these requirements:
- You must complete at least eight RMIT subjects
- You must complete the following Bachelor of Science subjects (from the core and elective science subjects):
- eight (8) subjects at Level 1
- four (4) core subjects at Level 2
- five (5) core subjects at Level 3 and
- at least four (4) science elective subjects from level 2 or 3
- three (3) general electives which can be selected from any undergraduate subject offered through OUA
- A maximum of twelve subjects can be taken at First Year Level over the entire degree
- A maximum of one SSK will count towards the degree
Choose your subjects
Majors
Students may select their Level 3 core units from the 'major' areas of biosciences or biotechnology. Students may complete an additional 'minor' sequence using their general electives and should contact the course coordinator for further information.
Degrees are usually made up of core subjects and electives. Some degrees include a choice of majors, so you can focus your studies on a specialisation.
This list is a general overview. Download the full Degree Guide for more information.
If you are are intending to complete the Bachelor of Science (Applied Sciences), you must register for the RMIT degree. You are eligible to register as soon as you have successfully completed a minimum of two core RMIT OUA subjects within this degree.
If you wish to Graduate at the Melbourne graduation ceremony in December, you must complete your final subject no later than Study Period 2 in the year you intend to graduate.
A payment will be required to attend the graduation ceremony in Melbourne; for information about payments or application dates please click here. Alternatively students can apply to graduate in absentia at any time.
To register for the degree or to apply to graduate please click here.
Transition arrangements are changes that occur when courses are updated or phased out. This happens regularly as part of continuous improvement. It may affect you if you are currently enrolled in this course, or if you plan to use credit from previous study towards it.
The Bachelor of Science (Applied Sciences) has undergone a major change from 2016. If you are entering year two or three of the degree, you are expected to follow the new degree structure. If you are expecting to complete your degree before SCI301 Professional Scientist (new subject) is offered, you may complete the degree using the old structure. If you need further advice for your subject selection, please contact the School of Applied Sciences OUA Course Administrator via email on ouaappsci@rmit.edu.au
Open Universities Australia is a not-for-profit organisation. You will not pay any fees for using our services.
Indicative total fee $24,072
The amount shown here is indicative for an Australian citizen studying full-time, which is typically 8 subjects per year.
Fees may vary depending on:
- the subjects you choose
- credit from previous work experience
- your eligibility for government funding loans or subsidies such as HECS-HELP or a Commonwealth supported place.
To learn more, go to Fees or contact a student advisor.
One of Australia's largest dual-sector institutes, offering both TAFE and higher education, RMIT University proudly delivers work-related education and practical research relevant to current business and community needs. More than 96,000 students study with RMIT, and many of their degrees are available through Open Universities Australia.
Learn more about RMIT University.
Explore RMIT courses.
- QS Ranking 2024:
- 11
- Times Higher Education Ranking 2024:
- 16
Entry requirements
Successful completion of one full time semester (four subjects) towards an undergraduate degree or higher level of study at an Australian university, and evidence of meeting maths entry requirement equivalent to VCE prerequisite Subjects 3 and 4: a study score of 20 in one of Maths: Mathematical Methods or Maths: Specialist Mathematics
Successful completion of 2 OUA Core subjects from the Bachelor of Science (Applied Sciences) at pass level (MAS120 and SCB100 recommended)
Successful completion of Australian Year 12, or equivalent, with an ATAR of 68. VCE prerequisites: Units 3 and 4: a minimum of 20 in one of Maths: Mathematical Methods or Maths: Specialist Mathematics, and a minimum study score of 25 in English (or equivalent) or 30 in English (EAL)
Successful completion of Australian advanced diploma, diploma, or equivalent, and evidence of meeting maths entry requirement equivalent to VCE prerequisite Units 3 and 4: a study score of 20 in one of Maths: Mathematical Methods or Maths: Specialist Mathematics
Students may be able to receive credit for previous studies completed at other institutions in the last 10 years. To have your credit formally assessed you must first register for the RMIT degree. You are eligible to register as soon as you have completed a minimum of two core RMIT OUA subjects. An administrative fee of $165 is applicable to register for an award.
Documentation will be required to support your application, such as:
- a certified copy of an Academic Transcript with final grades for Higher Education studies
- a certified copy of a Statement of Attainment for any completed TAFE studies
- subject outlines showing content, learning outcomes and assessment requirements
- an explanation of the grading structure used.
Recognition of prior learning based on industry experience is not available for this degree.
Before lodging a credit transfer students are encouraged to contact their OUA Administrator, School of Applied Sciences via email: ouaappsci@rmit.edu.au
Study method requirements
To be eligible for admission to an RMIT program applicants must be at least 16 years of age by the commencement date of the program in which they want to enrol.
Laboratory, clinical and practical classes
Due to the specialist nature of this degree, you will be required to attend RMIT University in Melbourne to complete practical and laboratory classes.
These classes will be offered in block mode, as a week of intensive practical work during most subjects on site at RMIT City or Bundoora West campuses. There will be one week of block practicals in each Study Period.
These classes are compulsory and some classes may be scheduled concurrently with others. Students planning to enrol into multiple subjects within a particular Study Period that require a laboratory, clinical and/or practical component or wanting further information about the classes' schedule are advised to contact the Coordinator, School of Applied Sciences, RMIT University, prior to finalising their enrolment.
The following subjects have laboratory, clinical and/or practical classes:
- SCB110 Cell Structure and Function
- SCB120 Plant Structure and Function
- SCB130 Animal Structure and Function
- SCB140 Introduction to Microbiology, Immunology and Genetics
- SCB200 Microbiology 1
- SCB210 Biological Chemistry
- SCB220 Genetics and Molecular Biology
- SCB300 Plant Diversity
- SCB301 Animal Diversity
- SCB305 Ecology
- SCB310 Gene Technologies
- SCB330 Advanced Immunology and Cell Technology
- SCC100 Chemistry of Materials 1
- SCI300 Instrumentation for Scientists and Engineers.
The 2022 Practical Schedule is currently being finalised, check course pages for details.
Career opportunities
Graduates of this degree can work in every area of biotechnology and biosciences, from gene manipulation in mammals to toxin testing in waterways and crop protection. Graduates can be employed in research, production and testing positions in government and private laboratories and in the field. RMIT graduates are renowned for their ‘real world’ education and their ‘hands-on’ skills which make them highly desirable to employers.
Professional recognition
Depending on choice of subjects, graduates may satisfy the requirements for membership to the Australian Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, the Australian Society for Microbiology or other professional organisations.
Australian job snapshots
Data sourced from Australian Jobs 2023.
Role | Earnings | Employment change |
|---|---|---|
Agricultural and Forestry Scientists | $93K to $120K | Down 14.5% |
Chemists, and Food and Wine Scientists | Over $120K | Up 5.1% |
Environmental Consultants | $93K to $120K | N/A^ |
Environmental Scientists | $93K to $120K | Up 22.4% |
Life Scientists | $93K to $120K | Up 27.2% |
^ There is no data available
Degree FAQs
How long does it take to finish an online degree?
That's up to you! Because we let you choose when to study online, you can actually pick up and pause study when it suits you. Many universities have a set time you need to complete your degree within. For some this is up to 10 years, and for others there is no limit.
There are some degrees that are stricter about when you can take breaks, and about how many years you can take to complete your degree. Please always check with your uni what the limits are.
As a general guide, Commonwealth supported place students have 10 years to finish their undergraduate degree through OUA, However, if you're studying with Griffith University, there's a limit of 8 years to complete your studies. If you want to take a break that lasts more than two study terms, you'll need to apply for a leave of absence. You can apply for a leave of absence for up to 12 months, as long as you complete your studies within the maximum time allowed for your degree.
If you're studying with Macquarie University, with the exception of certain degrees, there's no limit to how long you can take. But, please check with Macquarie Student Administration to be sure.
If you're studying with the University of Adelaide, you have up to 9 years to complete your undergraduate degree and graduate.
If you're studying with La Trobe University and want to take a break of minimum 1 study term, you must apply for leave of absence to avoid being inadvertently withdrawn from your degree.
Through OUA, you can study all year round, so it's possible to fast-track and finish up sooner than studying at a traditional uni would allow. That said, you need to spend around 12 hours a week on each undergraduate subject you do, so taking on extra work to finish ahead of time can be challenging.
How can I pay for my studies?
You may be eligible for a HELP loan from the Australian government, depending on your citizenship status and where you'll be living during your studies. You can also pay upfront with your credit card.
Payment options are explained in Fees, and you can contact a student advisor for more information.
How does studying through Open Universities Australia work?
You might find learning through OUA a little different to how you've studied in the past. It can take time to develop the skills you need for independent online study.
We connect you with subjects and degrees that are taught by leading Australian universities. You can complete single subjects, or follow a degree structure to work towards a specific qualification. Subjects are offered in several study terms throughout the year, so you can choose to study part-time or full-time, continuously or with breaks.
We help you find the subjects or degree that's right for you, and we handle your enrolment in uni and some administration. Your uni sends you your study materials and deals with all academic matters. They're also in charge of your assessment and graduation. If you go on to complete a degree, you'll graduate from the uni offering your degree, for example, RMIT University or Griffith University.
How do I know if I‘m eligible to apply for a course?
Before starting an enrolment, it's important to read the entry requirements for your chosen course to ensure that you're eligible to apply. If you don't quite meet the requirements, we can help you find a pathway into your course through open-entry subjects, which anyone can study. Contact us to find out more.
When is my cut-off date for enrolment?
Our close of enrolment times vary. You can check the cut-off dates for upcoming study terms by visiting Key dates.
Why should I study online through Open Universities Australia?
There are a lot of reasons to study your course online through us.
You can enrol without entry requirements
We have a unique open-door policy that makes it possible for everyone to enrol in university study, no matter their academic history. If you don't meet the entry requirements for a degree, we'll help you get in through single undergraduate subjects and transition into a qualification from there.
You have total control over how you study
Upskill without committing to a whole degree upfront. Or enrol in a full degree, but take it a subject at a time. We'll introduce you to flexible study options you didn't even know about, so you can fit uni around what matters to you.You'll graduate with the same qualification as an on-campus student
Once you enrol through us, you'll study online with the university that provides your degree. This means that when you complete your qualification, you'll graduate with the same degree as on-campus students.We'll help you navigate the university world
Our friendly student advisors will be your guide every step of the enrolment journey. They'll help you compare universities, choose a course, provide documentation and understand your finance options.
How do I enrol?
Here at Open Universities Australia, we make enrolling online as straightforward as possible. To get started, find the course for you by browsing the options on this page. You can also compare different qualifications using our handy comparison tool, or request help from one of our student advisors.
When you've made your choice, click 'Apply now' on the relevant course page and follow the prompts to begin your enrolment. We'll ask you to supply some supporting documentation, including proof of your identity, your tax file number, and a unique student identifier (USI) during this process.
Your university will get in touch with you via email to confirm whether or not your application has been successful.
If you get stuck at any time, reach out to a student advisor and we'll talk you through it.
You can also take a look at our online self-service enrolling instructions.