The Bachelor of Science (Specialisation) is a flexible program with considerable applied content. It allows students the choice of specialising in one of the following five plans: aquatic resource management, biological sciences, marine ecology, biotechnology or industrial chemistry. Students first complete a foundation year appropriate to their area of specialisation, followed by second and third year study in the selected specialisation (one of aquatic resource management, marine ecology, biological sciences, biotechnology, or industrial chemistry), plus a complementary co-plan. A wide range of co-plans are available, including psychology, geography, environmental science, biomedical sciences, information technology and occupational health and safety. High achieving graduates can undertake one further year of full-time study to complete an honours degree in their chosen area of specialisation.

Aquatic resource management specialisation
This specialisation is designed to provide graduates with the background and training necessary to become aquatic resource managers. Students initially develop an appreciation of the structure and function of freshwater and marine ecosystems, including man made systems. A range of specialist courses then deal with topics including water quality control, pollution monitoring, experimental design and aquaculture. An industrial placement provides practical experience.

Exit point: Students who do not wish to proceed beyond the second year of the program but who have completed the six foundation courses plus the 6 Level 2 courses stipulated in the aquatic resource management plan specified below, together with electives to give a total of 96 units of credit, can exit with an Advanced Diploma of Aquatic Resource Management.

Biological sciences specialisation
This specialisation is designed to prepare graduates who can work as professional biologists, either individually or as members of a team. Biology is the scientific study of all living organisms, including human beings. It includes botany, zoology, microbiology, marine science, biochemistry and ecology. It is increasingly important for modern biologists to have a thorough knowledge of the basic concepts of biology, together with a scientific approach to problem solving, experimental design and the interpretation of results. This plan helps develop these skills with a combination of theoretical and practical work, including applied problems, small research projects and teamwork. Biologists are employed in fields such as medicine, public health, universities, national parks, agriculture, conservation and environmental management.

Exit point: Students who do not wish to proceed beyond the second year of this program, but who have completed the Level 1 foundation courses plus 36 units of credit of Advanced Level courses in this plan, together with additional courses to give a total of 96 units of credit can exit with an Advanced Diploma of Biological Laboratory Techniques.

Biotechnology specialisation
By studying the biotechnology specialisation graduates are prepared to work as professional biotechnicians. Problem solving, interpretation of information and communication skills are learnt through a combination of theoretical, practical and industrial work experiences. After an introductory year studying concepts in biology, chemistry and genetics, students progress to advanced level studies in cell culture, food and plant biotechnology, genomes, proteomics and commercialisation. A range of co-plans can be selected from to focus interests and broaden career options. Central Queensland with its natural aquatic systems, cattle husbandry and tropical agriculture, mining and heavy industries is an ideal place to study and gain field and practical experiences.

Biotechnology is the way of the future. It is one of Queensland's fastest growing economies providing many new jobs each year. Advances in genetic engineering, molecular biology, cell culture, cloning and breeding for new agricultural products are paving the way for a variety of job opportunities. Graduates will find jobs in the food and pharmaceutical industries, specialist companies, government departments and a range of research laboratories involved in product research and development.

Industrial chemistry specialisation
This program aims to provide graduates with a broadly based knowledge of modern chemical principles, who are also aware of the need for environmentally responsible and sustainable practices within chemical industries. Graduates are qualified for employment in areas as diverse as agriculture, medicine, mining, power industry, environmental science, materials production, ecology, food technology, as well as careers in research and development in the private and public sector. Royal Australian Chemical Institute accreditation for this plan is currently being re-confirmed.

In the second and third years, strong emphasis is placed on analytical/forensic chemistry and modern instrumentation techniques.

In the third year an applied practical project is undertaken, giving students the opportunity to demonstrate their skills in a problem solving situation. This combination of hands on experience and practical training leads to excellent employment prospects.

Exit point: Students who do not wish to proceed beyond the second year of this program, but who have completed the Level 1 foundation courses plus 36 units of credit of Advanced Level courses in this plan, together with additional courses to give a total of 96 units of credit can exit with an Advanced Diploma of Chemical Sciences.

Marine ecology specialisation
The marine ecology specialisation prepares graduates to work in the marine environment with an emphasis on environmental management and tropical ecosystems. After an introductory year studying concepts in biology and chemistry students select from Advanced Level courses in aquatic botany, zoology, aquatic systems, aquatic physiology, marine resources and environmental impacts. A range of co-plans is available for selection of an option to complement the plan and broaden student expertise in a career orientated specialist field.

The Central Queensland environment provides ideal natural aquatic habitats and systems to gain field and practical experiences.

To fulfil the requirements for the awarding of a Bachelor of Science (Specialisation) degree, a student must complete the following:

• 6 foundation courses or 36 units of credit applicable to your chosen plan field of study.
• A plan, comprising 10 courses (60 units of credit) at Advanced Level. At least 4 of these must be third level courses (24 units of credit) from 1 of the plan disciplines of aquatic resource management, biological sciences or Industrial Chemistry (see science specialisations below).
• A co-plan, comprising 6 courses (36 units of credit) made up of 2 courses at Level 1 and 4 at Advanced Level from 1 of the following discipline areas (details of which are given in the co-plans below). Students must undertake a co-plan in a different discipline area to their chosen field of study.

• biological sciences;
• biotechnology;
• industrial chemistry;
• marine ecology;
• psychology;
• geography;
• environmental science;
• biomedical science;
• occupational health and safety;
• information technology;
• mathematical modelling;
• statistical modelling; and
• electives chosen from any degree level offerings within the University to give a total of 144 units of credit.

Students are required to have at least 6 courses (36 units of credit) of third level courses in their program.

Science specialisations

• Specialisation 1: Aquatic Resource Management
• Specialisation 2: Biological Sciences
• Specialisation 3: Biotechnology
• Specialisation 4: Industrial Chemistry 
• Specialisation 5: Marine Ecology