Science programs - Inherent Academic Requirements | UniSC | University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland, Australia

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Science programs - Inherent Academic Requirements

For double degrees, please check the Inherent Academic Requirements for both single degrees

Committed to equity and diversity

At UniSC, we are committed to facilitating the integration of all students into the University Community.

Reasonable adjustments in teaching and/or assessment methods can be made for students provided those adjustments do not compromise the inherent requirements of the program.

The inherent academic requirements of the Associate Degree in Science, Bachelor of Science, Bachelor of Animal Ecology, Bachelor of Environmental Science, Bachelor of Environmental Management and associated double degrees are the fundamental skills and abilities that the student must be able to achieve in order to demonstrate the essential learning outcomes of these programs.

This Statement provides realistic information about the inherent academic requirements that you must meet in order to complete your program and graduate. Make sure you read and understand the requirements for your program so you can make an informed judgement about your ability to fulfil them.

Skills you need

These Science programs at UniSC have inherent academic requirements in six categories:

  1. Observational skills
  2. Communication skills
  3. Motor skills
  4. Intellectual, such as conceptual, integrative and quantitative abilities
  5. Behavioural and social skills
  6. Sustained performance

Before you enrol

If you intend to enrol in the Associate Degree in Science, Bachelor of Science, Bachelor of Animal Ecology, Bachelor of Environmental Science, Bachelor of Environmental Management and associated double degrees at UniSC, look carefully at the inherent academic requirements listed in this statement and think about whether you might experience challenges in meeting them.

If you think you might experience challenges related to your disability, health condition or for any other reason, you should discuss your concerns with a University Ability Adviser or School staff.

Reasonable adjustments

Students with disabilities or other special circumstances may be provided with reasonable adjustment to enable them to meet the inherent academic requirements of the program if the adjustment is:

  • Logistically reasonable.
  • Likely to result in the student being able to perform the skills adequately and in a timely manner
Support and further information is available from UniSC

Observational skills

The core observational requirements are the capacity to demonstrate adequate hearing and vision to safely and effectively complete tasks during laboratory practical classes, field trips and/or work placements.

Justification

Adequate vision and hearing are required to safely and effectively complete various tasks during laboratory practical classes, field trips and work placements.

Adjustments

Adjustments must address the need to perform the full range of tasks required to complete the degree. Any strategies to address the effects of vision or hearing impairment must be effective, consistent and not compromise completion of assessment tasks or safety.

Exemplars

As a student you must be able to:

  • Make observations and accurately take measurements using instrumentation with visual and/or auditory outputs such as microscopes, GIS, cameras, laboratory equipment etc.
  • Participate in and understand work, health and safety briefings.
  • Observe visual and auditory alarms, warnings and directions to ensure the safety of yourself and others during laboratory work, field trips and work placements.

Communication skills

Students must be able to communicate effectively in spoken and written English with language use and style appropriate to the audience.

Justification

Students require adequate English language skills to understand lectures, reading materials and verbal and written instructions, to participate in group activities and to complete assessment tasks.

Adjustments

Adjustments must address effectiveness, timeliness, clarity and accuracy issues to ensure appropriate support.

Exemplars

As a student you must be able to:

  • Write and present clear, concise and accurate reports, essays, oral presentations etc.
  • Read and understand a range of literature and information, including spreadsheets and graphs.
  • Integrate and summarise information in a meaningful manner.
  • Actively participate in group assessment tasks, tutorial and/or laboratory discussions.
  • Comprehend spoken English delivered at conversational speed.

Motor skills

Students must demonstrate adequate gross and fine motor skills to safely and effectively complete tasks during laboratory practical classes, field trips and work placements.

Justification

Gross motor function and fine motor dexterity is required to complete various tasks in the laboratory, field and/or work placements.

Adjustments

Reasonable adjustments must facilitate functional effectiveness and safety of self and others.

Exemplars

As a student you must be able to:

  • Accurately manipulate equipment and instruments in tests and measurements for laboratory and field data collection and analysis.
  • Transport and operate field and laboratory equipment.
  • Travel to, and participate in, field trips and work placements in off campus locations within reasonable timeframes.

Intellectual skills, such as conceptual, integrative and quantitative abilities

Students must be able to collect, organise, analyse and interpret numerical and qualitative data meaningfully. Students must be able to critically analyse various forms of scientific evidence and employ logical reasoning to arrive at independent conclusions.

Justification

Conceptual, integrative and quantitative abilities are essential for the acquisition and application of knowledge in academic and professional environments.

Adjustments

Reasonable adjustments must support the student’s ability to acquire, analyse and apply knowledge.

Exemplars

As a student you must be able to:

  • Conceptualise and use appropriate knowledge to fulfil academic assessment tasks.
  • Read, interpret, synthesize and comprehend information from multiple sources.
  • Perform accurate calculations.
  • Accurately interpret data.
  • Correctly apply data, measurements and numerical criteria.

Behavioural and social skills

Students must be able to work with others and share responsibility for outcomes in a range of roles and contexts. Students must be able to demonstrate cultural, environmental and social awareness and ethical and reflective practice – e.g. in tutorials, workshops, laboratory classes, field trips and/ or work placements.

Justification
  • Students must be able to work constructively and ethically in socially and culturally diverse academic and professional environments. These may include tutorials, laboratory classes, in the field and during work placements.
  • Students must comply with professional standards and requirements.
Adjustments

Reasonable adjustments must comply with standards and maintain ethical behaviour.

Exemplars

As a student you must be able to:

  • Respond appropriately and professionally to stressful situations and issues.
  • Work constructively in culturally and socially diverse groups while dealing with challenging practical and theoretical issues.

Sustained performance

Students must be able to perform and complete multiple tasks over appropriate time frames to meet program requirements.

Justification

Students must be able to undertake and complete tasks and activities that require both physical and mental performance at a consistent and sustained level.

Adjustments

Adjustments must ensure that performance is consistent and sustained over a given period.

Exemplars

As a student you must be able to:

  • Take responsibility for personal learning and complete multiple tasks within defined timeframes.