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Tropical wetlands
Undergraduate

Bachelor of Science Honours

Key details

Duration

1 year/s full-time
2 year/s part-time
1 year/s full-time

Intake

Semester 1, Semester 2
On campus - Semester 1, Semester 2
Online - No
Important Dates

Locations

Alice Springs campus, Casuarina campus, Online
Alice Springs campus, Casuarina campus

Credit points required

80

Course code

VSCIH1
SATAC codes

Overview

This one-year honours course includes a major research project, advanced-level coursework and research skills training in a number of science disciplines, including:

  • environmental science
  • health and clinical science
  • information technology.

Key areas you could base your research on include:

  • biology
  • ecology
  • hydrological science
  • spatial science
  • analytical chemistry and molecular modelling
  • exercise and sports science
  • medical laboratory science
  • pharmacy
  • information systems
  • mobile networking
  • software development.


Honours qualifications prepare you for professional positions requiring higher-level project management, effective written and oral communication, analysis, and problem-solving and research skills. You are encouraged to pursue in-depth research under the guidance of experienced researchers and through targeted coursework and generic research skills training.

Honours qualifications are also a pathway to further study in Master or PhD programs.



Fees

Commonwealth supported places

Commonwealth Supported places are available in this course to students who meet one of the following residency requirements:

(a) be an Australian citizen, who will complete some of your course of study while resident in Australia; or

(b) a New Zealand citizen; or an Australian permanent visa holder; or an eligible former permanent humanitarian visa holder; who studies the entire course while living in Australia.

Further information about fees and charges can be found at Fees and Payments.

International tuition fees

International Tuition Fees

Stephanie Oberbrieler smiling

Why study Science, Environmental Science and Management at CDU?

If you're interested in finding solutions to our planet's environmental issues, there's never been a better time to study science, environmental science and management at CDU. You'll be prepared to apply the academic theories and principles you learn in class to real-world problems in a diverse range of careers. 

  • #3 in Australia for agriculture and environmental studies starting salary (GUG 2024)
  • Five-star Australian university for graduate employment outcomes (GUG 2024)
  • Choose to study online, on campus, part-time or full-time as it suits you
Medical Laboratory Science student Hajrah in the lab at Casuarina campus

Why study science, environmental science & management at CDU?

If you're interested in finding solutions to our planet's environmental issues, there's never been a better time to study science, environmental science and management at CDU. You'll be prepared to apply the academic theories and principles you learn in class to real-world problems in a diverse range of careers.

  • Five-star Australian university for undergraduate employment outcomes (GUG 2024)
  • #3 in Australia for agriculture and environmental studies starting salary (GUG 2024)
Stephanie Oberbrieler smiling

Why study Science, Environmental Science and Management at CDU?

If you're interested in finding solutions to our planet's environmental issues, there's never been a better time to study science, environmental science and management at CDU. You'll be prepared to apply the academic theories and principles you learn in class to real-world problems in a diverse range of careers. 

  • #3 in Australia for agriculture and environmental studies starting salary (GUG 2024)
  • Five-star Australian university for graduate employment outcomes (GUG 2024)
  • Choose to study online, on campus, part-time or full-time as it suits you
Medical Laboratory Science student Hajrah in the lab at Casuarina campus

Why study science, environmental science & management at CDU?

If you're interested in finding solutions to our planet's environmental issues, there's never been a better time to study science, environmental science and management at CDU. You'll be prepared to apply the academic theories and principles you learn in class to real-world problems in a diverse range of careers.

  • Five-star Australian university for undergraduate employment outcomes (GUG 2024)
  • #3 in Australia for agriculture and environmental studies starting salary (GUG 2024)

What will I study?

The Bachelor of Science Honours consists of a major research project, a research skills unit, and elective coursework units relevant to the discipline and training activities (hurdle assessments) individually selected to meet your specific needs.

Course structure


A candidate must successfully complete units totalling 80 credit points (cp) as detailed below. All units are valued at 10 credit points unless otherwise indicated.

Unit typeCredit PointsSpecific requirements
Core Units      
(1 unit)
10cp
Compulsory Core unit totalling 10 credit points as detailed below:      

SID403 Research Skills      
 
Research Units      
(6 units)
60cpResearch units totalling 60 credit points selected from the units listed below:      

SCI701 Honours Thesis A
SCI702 Honours Thesis B
SCI703 Honours Thesis C
SCI704 Honours Thesis D
SCI705 Honours Thesis E (requires prerequisites SCI701 and SCI702)
SCI706 Honours Thesis F (requires prerequisites SCI701 and SCI702)
 
Specialist Electives      
(1 unit)
10cpSpecialist Elective unit totalling 10 credit points (at 400 or 500 level) selected from the units listed below:      

ENV511 Real-World Statistics and Data Reasonings OR another research preparation unit approved by the course coordinator.      
 
 80cpTotal Credit Points

Course Rules (unless otherwise indicated in the above course structure)


COURSE CHANGES AND TRANSITIONAL ARRANGEMENTS - 2025 

From 2025, the course structure has changed as follows:

  • Six (6) new Research units have replaced the below Research units to provide students with greater flexibility
    • SCI711 Honours Thesis #10 (10 credit points) (final offering 2024)
    • SCI712 Honours Thesis #20 (20 credit points) (final offering 2024)
    • SCI713 Honours Thesis #30 (30 credit points) (final offering 2024)
       
  • The Information Technology and Health and Clinical Sciences specialisations have been removed as specified options from the Specialist Elective section. 
    List of units removed as specified options
    Health and Clinical Sciences:      
    HEA562 Practice Evaluation Strategies (no longer offered)
    PHM519 Clinical Trials and Other Intervention Studies (replaces PHM524 from 2021)      
    PHM526 Research Design      
    PHM527 Research, Ethics and Impact     
    PHM552 Epidemiology      
    PHM553 Biostatistics      
    PHM588 Qualitative Research 
    PSY416 Ethics and Professional Issues (replaces PSY426 2022)      
    PSY417 Research Methods and Practice (replaces PSY447 2022)      
    Information Technology:      
    Unit approved by the project thesis supervisor and honours coordinator.
     
  • HEA562 Practice Evaluation Strategies has been removed from the Health and Clinical Sciences specialisation in the Specialist Electives.

Transitional arrangements 

  • Students that have completed SCI711, SCI712 or SCI713 prior to 2025 will have these counted towards their Research unit requirements.
  • Students that have completed SCI711, SCI712 or SCI713 prior to 2025 will be contacted by their Course Coordinator to discuss their enrolment options.
  • Students who have completed a specialist elective prior to 2025 will have this counted towards their Specialist Elective requirements.

Any student who believes they will be disadvantaged by these changes should contact the course coordinator for assistance.      


COURSE CHANGES AND TRANSITIONAL ARRANGEMENTS - 2022 

PSY426 has been replaced by PSY416. Students that have completed PSY426 prior to 2022 should not complete PSY416.      
PSY447 has been replaced by PSY447. Students that have completed PSY447 prior to 2022 should not complete PSY417.

Study plan


STUDENTS COMMENCING IN SEMESTER 1

The Recommended Study Plans provided below are suitable for students enrolling in a full-time or part-time study load. Students entering this course with advanced standing, or wishing to vary their study plan due to work, personal, financial or other reasons should use the table as a guide to create an individual study plan.

When designing an individual study plan:

  • maintain the basic order in which units are to be attempted; and
  • check the prerequisite and assumed knowledge for each unit as some units assume you have completed foundation unit/s in the unit area at a lower level.    
     
Legend:CO = Core UnitR = ResearchSE = Specialist Elective

Full-Time Study Plan

Semester 1Semester 2
Year 1
SID403 Research SkillsCOSCI703 Honours Thesis CR
Specialist Elective (discipline-specific research preparation unit)SESCI704 Honours Thesis DR
SCI701 Honours Thesis ARSCI705 Honours Thesis E (prerequisites: SCI701 and SCI702)R
SCI702 Honours Thesis BRSCI706 Honours Thesis F (prerequisites: SCI701 and SCI702)R

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Legend:CO = Core UnitR = ResearchSE = Specialist Elective

Part-Time Study Plan

Semester 1Semester 2
Year 1
SID403 Research SkillsCOSpecialist Elective (discipline specific research preparation unit)SE
SCI701 Honours Thesis ARSCI702 Honours Thesis BR
Year 2
SCI703 Honours Thesis CRSCI705 Honours Thesis E (prerequisites: SCI701 and SCI702)R
SCI704 Honours Thesis DRSCI706 Honours Thesis F (prerequisites: SCI701 and SCI702)R


Specialist Elective Availability

Semester 1Semester 2
ENV511 Real-World Statistics and Data Reasoning
or
Research preparation unit (400 or 500 level) approved by the course coordinator
Research preparation unit (400 or 500 level) approved by the course coordinator

 

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_____________________________________

STUDENTS COMMENCING IN SEMESTER 2

The Recommended Study Plans provided below are suitable for students enrolling in a full-time or part-time study load. Students entering this course with advanced standing, or wishing to vary their study plan due to work, personal, financial or other reasons should use the table as a guide to create an individual study plan.

When designing an individual study plan:

  • maintain the basic order in which units are to be attempted; and
  • check the prerequisite and assumed knowledge for each unit as some units assume you have completed foundation unit/s in the unit area at a lower level.    
     
Legend:CO = Core UnitR = ResearchSE = Specialist Elective

Full-Time Study Plan

Semester 1Semester 2
Year 1
  Specialist Elective (discipline specific research preparation unit)SE
  SCI701 Honours Thesis AR
  SCI702 Honours Thesis BR
  SCI703 Honours Thesis CR
Year 2
SID403 Research SkillsCO  
SCI704 Honours Thesis DR  
SCI705 Honours Thesis E (prerequisites: SCI701 and SCI702)R  
SCI706 Honours Thesis F (prerequisites: SCI701 and SCI702)R  

Top of Page

Legend:CO = Core UnitR = ResearchSE = Specialist Elective

Part-Time Study Plan

Semester 1Semester 2
Calendar Year 1
  Specialist Elective (discipline specific research preparation unit)SE
  SCI701 Honours Thesis AR
Calendar Year 2
SID403 Research SkillsCOSCI703 Honours Thesis CR
SCI702 Honours Thesis BRSCI704 Honours Thesis DR
Calendar Year 3
SCI705 Honours Thesis E (prerequisites: SCI701 and SCI702)R  
SCI706 Honours Thesis F (prerequisites: SCI701 and SCI702)R  


Specialist Elective Availability

Semester 1Semester 2
ENV511 Real-World Statistics and Data Reasoning
or
Research preparation unit (400 or 500 level) approved by the course coordinator
Research preparation unit (400 or 500 level) approved by the course coordinator


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Entry requirements

Admission criteria

Successful completion of a recognised bachelor degree or equivalent international qualification in a science, biomedical science, environment, health or information technology discipline with at least a credit average (GPA of 5.00).

Students who do not meet the GPA requirement, but have a GPA of at least 4.0 will be considered on a case-by-case basis.

Additional admission requirements

Applicants must contact the Faculty of Science and Technology at fst-support@cdu.edu.au to discuss a potential project and supervision prior to submitting an application. In addition to a credit average (GPA of 5.00), you are required to have a project topic and project supervisor who has agreed to supervise your project before admission is approved.

Essential requirements

Criminal history check: The completion of a research project in some disciplines may require an Ochre Card or equivalent.

English language requirements

To gain entry into Charles Darwin University, all Higher Education applicants must satisfy the University's English Language Proficiency requirements for their chosen course of study. From 2025 ALL applicants will be required to supply evidence of this at the time of application. For further details on the English requirements for CDU courses, please refer to CDU English Language Proficiency Policy.

DOMESTIC STUDENTS   
English language proficiency requirements - Domestic students

INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS   
English language proficiency requirements - International students   
Course specific English language proficiency requirements for International students are included below.

The minimum English language requirement for this course is met by either undertaking previous education from an English-speaking country or undertaking one of the following English language tests and obtaining the minimum requirements listed below.

CDU English for Academic Purposes 4 (ZEAP40)Successful completion of EAP004 English for Academic Purposes 4
IELTS Academic ModuleA minimum overall score of 6.5 with no band less than 6.0.
Cambridge Advanced English (CAE)A minimum overall score of 176, with no skill below 169.
Common European Framework Certificate of English ProficiencyA minimum overall grade of C1, valid for three years from the date of the test to the date of commencement at CDU.
Pearson Test of English (PTE) Academic moduleA minimum overall score of 58 with no score lower than 50.
TOEFL Internet-based Test (iBT)A minimum overall score of 79 with a minimum writing score of 21.

* All tests are valid for two years from the date of the test to the date of commencement at CDU, unless otherwise specified.  
* Where applicable, international applicants must also satisfy the Department of Home Affairs (DHA) English language requirements for student visa applications.

Do you have a question regarding English requirements at CDU? Please email: international@cdu.edu.au.  
 

ATAR profile


There are no statistics available for this course. It may be that the course is new or the profile data is unavailable.

I chose CDU because it has an excellent science course, with lots of opportunities for practical experience in the field. I love the small classes, community feel and the interaction with lecturers that you don't get at larger universities.

Brittany

CDU student

CDU Student Brittnay

I am very proud that I am now an environmental expert who can work anywhere on this planet. There is nothing that can be done on the development of any projects without environmental experts. So, it is a very promising career.

Cassian

CDU student

Cassian Lushinge

I chose CDU because it has an excellent science course, with lots of opportunities for practical experience in the field. I love the small classes, community feel and the interaction with lecturers that you don't get at larger universities.

Brittany

CDU student

CDU Student Brittnay

I am very proud that I am now an environmental expert who can work anywhere on this planet. There is nothing that can be done on the development of any projects without environmental experts. So, it is a very promising career.

Cassian

CDU student

Cassian Lushinge

Course details

Accreditation

This course is accredited by the University in accordance with the Higher Education Standards.

Inherent Requirements

There are inherent requirements for this course. Students must read and understand the requirements for this course.

Australian qualification framework

This course is recognised in the Australian Qualifications Framework at Level 8.

Student profile

The table below gives an indication of the likely peer cohort for new students in this course. It provides data on students that commenced this course and passed the census date in Semester 1, 2024.

Applicant background (Semester one intake 2024)No. of Students% of all Students
A. Higher education study
(includes a bridging or enabling course)
5 .0
B. Vocational education and training (VET) study<5N/P
C. Work and life experience
(Admitted on the basis of previous achievement not in the other three categories)
<5N/P
D. Recent secondary education
  • Admitted solely on the basis of ATAR

(regardless of whether this includes the consideration of adjustment factors such as equity or subject bonus points)

<5N/P
  • Admitted where both ATAR and additional criteria were considered

(e.g. portfolio, audition, extra offer conditional on minimum ATAR)

<5N/P
  • Admitted on the basis of other criteria only and ATAR was not a factor

(e.g. special consideration, audition alone, schools recommendation scheme with no minimum ATAR requirement)

<5N/P
International students<5N/P
All students 5 .0

Notes
"<5" - the number of students is less than 5
N/A - Students not accepted in this category
N/P - Not published: the number is hidden to prevent calculation of numbers in cells with less than 5 students.

Additional information

Can offers be deferred?
Yes
Award
Bachelor of Science Honours
Faculty/College
Faculty of Science and Technology
Sector
HE
Area of study
Science, Environmental Science and Management

Contact details

For further information about the course, enrolment procedures, closing dates and other administrative issues please contact Student Central on:

Email:Student.Central@cdu.edu.auPhone:1800 061 963 (free call)

You make CDU

Together we are a positive force for change in our communities and the world.

Learn more about environmental management

Vamshidhar is from India and studied a Master of Environmental Management at CDU. Hear more about his experience of studying, living, working and playing in Darwin, Northern Territory, Australia.

You make CDU

Together we are a positive force for change in our communities and the world.

Learn more about environmental management

Vamshidhar is from India and studied a Master of Environmental Management at CDU. Hear more about his experience of studying, living, working and playing in Darwin, Northern Territory, Australia.

How to apply

There are many ways to apply to CDU. The method you use depends on your course type, where you live and whether you are a new or returning student to CDU.

Remember to apply early for your best chance at securing an offer to study with us.

SATAC

SATAC is the application channel for residents of NT, ACT, SA, WA, QLD, VIC, NSW or TAS.

International applications

Applications must be submitted online through our application portal, Studylink. You'll need a valid email address to create your online account. Once you have started your application, you will be able to save it and resume it later. There is no application fee when you apply online.

You may be able to lodge a direct application; however, there may be restrictions on your geographic location. If you cannot submit a direct application via the application portal, please apply through one of our registered agents.

Apply through StudyLink or through an Agent.

If you do not meet any of the criteria above please visit Pathways to study to view the options available to you.

SATAC codes

Location
SATAC Code
Alice Springs campus (CSP)
1BH018
Casuarina campus (CSP)
1BH017
Online (CSP)
1BH017
* CSP = Commonwealth supported place
FF = Full fee

CRICOS codes

Location
CRICOS Code
Alice Springs campus
0101045
Casuarina campus
0101045

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