ASPIRING scientists in Warrnambool can study without leaving home after Deakin University announced a new Bachelor of Science course starting next year.
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The Warrnambool campus will offer a course featuring two major streams in freshwater biology and fisheries and aquaculture, designed to produce graduates meeting employers’ needs.
A third major sequence in mathematical modelling is also available for students to study online.
Students can complete the entire course in Warrnambool or transfer to another campus for another major stream after one year.
Degree coordinator Dr Julie Mondon said students interested in science could enjoy the “sea change” lifestyle at the Warrnambool campus in 2016.
“It means Warrnambool students wanting to do a Bachelor of Science no longer have to go to Geelong or Melbourne, and we hope it attracts students to move to Warrnambool,” Dr Mondon said.
“The wonderful thing about being in Warrnambool is the situation - right on the coast with two estuaries on either side on a small campus, which means the students won’t get lost.“
She said the new course, which offers greater flexibility and options for students, was part of the university’s plan to build on its reputation for excellence in the aquatic disciplines.
“Collectively the triple degree structure enables students to build skills across aquatic disciplines extending from very broad biological applications, to conservation and management, through to wild harvesting and aquaculture.
“It will strengthen what we’re known for, which is excellence for marine studies, aquaculture… and also with freshwater. We are across the board in aquatic excellence.
“There will be some other Bachelor of Science majors as well, once we get the degree rolling.”
Senior lecturer in marine biology, Dr Alecia Bellgrove, who will teach units in the science course, said there had already been strong interest in the degree.
“We think there’s demand in the area,” she said. “The feedback from talking to careers teachers is that there’s interest from a number of students.
“Hopefully it’s opening opportunities for local students and the potential for more students to move to Warrnambool for part or all of their degree. It means (local students) can potentially save a lot of money by having less time out of home and keep their options open until they have a clearer idea of their career pathway.
“It is a new offering on the campus and we would be happy with 15 students in the first year but it has great potential to grow.”
Students also have the option of doing a fourth-year honours degree.
The Bachelor of Science will run alongside the Bachelor of Environmental Science Marine Biology, while the Bachelor of Fisheries and Aquaculture would be discontinued and offered as studies within the new degree at Warrnambool.