Bachelor of General Studies (Science)

What is this course about?

CSU's Bachelor of General Studies (Science) program offers a range of flexible, generalist undergraduate study areas with a wide range of opportunities and choices available to graduates.

CSU's Bachelor of General Studies (Science) provides students flexible study options with access to a diverse pool of subjects that teach a wide range of knowledge and skills. The aim of this approach is to increase the student's potential to meet a wider range of vocational needs in an increasingly broad variety of science environments. The course allows students flexibility in the construction of a program of study that they consider will best meet their future employment needs.

The Bachelor of General Studies (Science) draws upon the extensive portfolio of subjects already developed by CSU's Faculty of Science as well as the subject offerings of other CSU faculties and any tertiary study previously undertaken.

Almost anything is possible with this flexible degree, however there are some study pathways available if you have a particular area of interest. For information about creating a study stream in the Bachelor of General Studies (Science), see the examples here.

The University Certificate in General Studies (Science) and Associate Degree in General Studies (Science) are exit point degrees, should a student decide to withdraw from the Bachelor of General Studies (Science) program.

International students can study this course by distance education only.

Academic expectations

For each 8 point subject at CSU, students should normally expect to spend between 140-160 hours engaged in the specified learning and assessment activities (such as attending lectures or residential schools, assigned readings, tutorial assistance, individual or group research/study, forum activity, workplace learning, assignments or examinations). The student workload for some subjects may vary from these norms as a result of approved course design.

Students will be assessed on the basis of completed assignments, examinations, workplace learning, or other methods as outlined in specific subject outlines.

Where applicable, students are responsible for travel and accommodation costs involved in workplace learning experiences, or attending residential schools (distance education students).

Expectations relating to academic, workplace learning, time and cost requirements for specific subjects are provided in the subject abstracts and in course materials.

Study options

This degree allows you to combine a range of subjects from the Faculty of Science to build a study program that interests you. You can select subjects from a range of different science disciplines, or focus on one area as a stepping stone to a career in that area.

For examples of how you can build your degree to suit your interests, see the examples below:

• Animal Science stream
• Environmental Science stream
• Equine Science stream
• Food and Nutrition stream
• Medical Science stream

Course Structure

Bachelor of General Studies (Science)

This course of 192 points duration consists of:

• Restricted elective subjects (160 points; 20 standard weighted subjects)
• Free elective subjects (32 points; 4 standard weighted subjects)

Restricted elective subjects are chosen from the menu of subjects held by the course coordinator; all subject prerequisite and corequisite requirements must be met.

Free elective subjects can be either:

• subjects from outside the Faculty of Science (chosen with the approval of the Course Co-ordinator and the relevant Teaching School);
• additional subjects from the list of restricted elective subjects.

Students must complete a minimum of 40 points (5 standard weighted subjects or equivalent) at Level 3, and a minimum of 80 points (10 standard weighted subjects or equivalent) at Levels 2 or 3.

There are no key subjects in this course.

Associate Degree in General Studies (Science) - exit point only

This exit point only course of 128 points duration consists of:

• Restricted elective subjects (112 points; 14 standard weighted subjects)
• Free elective subjects (16 points; 2 standard weighted subjects)

Restricted elective subjects are chosen from the menu of subjects held by the Course Co-ordinator; all subject prerequisite and corequisite requirements must be met.

Free elective subjects can be either:

• subjects from outside the Faculty of Science (chosen with the approval of the Course Co-ordinator and the relevant Teaching School);
• additional subjects from the list of restricted elective subjects.

Students must complete a minimum of 32 points (4 standard weighted subjects or equivalent) at Level 2 or above.

There are no key subjects in this course.

University Certificate in General Studies (Science) - exit point only

This exit point only course of 64 points duration consists of:

• Restricted elective subjects (56 points; 7 standard weighted subjects)
• Free elective subjects (8 points; 1 standard weighted subject)

Restricted elective subjects are chosen from the menu of subjects held by the Course Co-ordinator; all subject prerequisite and corequisite requirements must be met.

Free elective subjects can be either:

• subjects from outside the Faculty of Science (chosen with the approval of the Course Co-ordinator and the relevant Teaching School);
• additional subjects from the list of restricted elective subjects.

There are no key subjects in this course.

Enrolment pattern

It is not possible to specify an enrolment pattern. Students will receive written advice from Course Coordinator's about the subjects that best suit their needs and interests. It will be the students responsibility to select subjects based on this advice, subject availability, prerequisites, co-requisites and/or enrolment restrictions.

Admission requirements

To be admitted into the course, prospective students need to indicate their likelihood of success through:

1. previous studies, and
2. other attainments and experience.

Previous studies

Previous studies include:

• the NSW Higher School Certificate or interstate /overseas equivalent;
• the International Baccalaureate Diploma;
• a completed or part completed course of a university, college of advanced education or other accredited tertiary institution;
• a completed or part completed course of a TAFE college or other accredited post-secondary institution (including TAFE Tertiary Preparation Certificate);
• an approved Foundation Studies program certificate;
• completion of undergraduate subjects as an Associate Student with the University or through another University, or Open Universities Australia.

NSW and interstate school leavers are normally selected on the basis of their Australian Tertiary Admissions Rank (ATAR) or interstate equivalent. You may also be admitted on the basis of a strong performance in subjects relevant to your course preferences.

Currently no secondary school subjects are prerequisites for admission to particular CSU courses however some courses assume a certain level of knowledge. This will be specified in the course information if applicable.

English language proficiency

The University has minimum requirements for English language proficiency prior to entry to our courses. Some courses also have a requirement for a higher entry or exit level of English proficiency. More information on English language requirements.

Attainment and experience

You may also be admitted to a course based on other attainments and experience. These may include:

• voluntary or paid work experience;
• performance in tests and examinations conducted by professional recognised bodies;
• participation in continuing education programs and/or staff development programs conducted by adult education agencies, consultancies, professional bodies or employers;
• completion of the Special Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT).

Internet access

CSU places great emphasis on services to its students. It is a leader in the provision of online services and, in particular, the use of the internet in the support of teaching, administration and communications with students.

The online environment is so integrated into all aspects of student life and the learning experience at CSU that the University now assumes that all on campus and distance education students at CSU will have ongoing access to an internet connected computer capable of communicating with CSU online systems.

Students enrolled in Information Technology subjects (i.e. with an ITC subject code) may be required to have additional hardware and/or software that is deemed essential for the completion of the learning activities in that subject.

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This course is available to commence study in

Session 1; Session 2