Course Learning Outcomes and Minimum Standards
Bachelor of Science (S320) AQF Level 7
Deakin Graduate Learning
Outcomes
1. Disciplinespecific
knowledge and
capabilities:
appropriate to
the level of study
related to a
discipline or
profession.
AQF Bachelor Degree Descriptor1
Graduates of a Bachelor Degree will
have:
Knowledge : A broad and coherent
body of knowledge, with depth in the
underlying principles and concepts in
one or more disciplines as a basis for
independent lifelong learning.
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AQF Level 7 (Bachelor Degree)
Criteria*
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Application of knowledge and skills :
Demonstrate the application of
knowledge and skills:
 with initiative and judgement in
planning, problem solving and
decision making in professional
practice and/or scholarship
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Skills : Well developed cognitive, technical
(and communication) skills to select and
apply methods and technologies to:
 analyse and evaluate information to
complete a range of activities.
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 to adapt knowledge and skills in
diverse contexts
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Application of knowledge and skills : Apply
knowledge (and skills) to demonstrate
autonomy, well-developed judgement and
responsibility:
 within broad parameters to provide
specialist advice and functions.
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Course Learning Outcomes (CLOs)
(e.g. professional association)
Knowledge : Broad and coherent
theoretical and technical knowledge with
depth in one or more disciplines or areas of
practice.
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Skills : Cognitive and technical skills to
demonstrate a broad understanding of
knowledge with depth in some areas.
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Discipline/Professional Standards
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Minimum Standards
(relating to CLOs)
Upon completion of a bachelor degree
in science, graduates will:
Note: ensure at appropriate AQF specifications and
criteria (see columns 2 & 3)
1. Demonstrate a coherent
understanding of science by:
MS1.1 Demonstrate broad knowledge
of science concepts, methods, and the
nature of science including, what
science is and how science works, and
the role of Science in society through
an in-depth knowledge within (a)
chosen major area(s) of study.
CLO1.1 Apply a broad and coherent
knowledge of the scientific disciplines
1.1 articulating the methods of science of mathematics, physics, chemistry,
biology and the environment within the
and explaining why current scientific
chosen major area(s) of study to
knowledge is both contestable and
demonstrate a deep understanding of
testable by further inquiry
scientific facts, scientific practices and
1.2 explaining the role and relevance of the edifice of science.
science in society.
CLO1.2 Apply technical knowledge and
2. Exhibit depth and breadth of
skills and use them in a range of
scientific knowledge by:
activities, in a professional and/or
academic setting within the major
2.1 demonstrating well-developed
area(s) of study; this application of
knowledge in at least one disciplinary
technical knowedge and skills being
area
characterised by:
2.2 demonstrating knowledge in at
(a) demonstrable in-depth
least one other disciplinary area.
knowledge of scientific methods
and tools, and
MS1.2 Consistently and autonomously
select and apply technical knowledge
and skills to determine acceptable
scientific methods of inquiry for
observation, experimentation and
inference of scientific data.
MS1.3 Integrate and apply knowledge
safely, within diverse science contexts,
to collect and analyse scientific data, to
evaluate and investigate of scientific
problems, and to interpret and present
logical arguments and results taking
(b) demonstrable proficiency in the
utlisation of chosen major area(s) into account multiple perspectives
including ethical, social and political
knowledge.
factors underlying scientific
CLO1.3 Use hypotheses, laws, facts and breakthroughs.
theories to investigate, test, analyse,
and evaluate scientific data and
demonstrate autonomy, welldeveloped judgement and
responsibility to argue about
characteristics and aspects of scientific
theory in the advancement of science.
The text in the 2nd and 3rd columns is taken directly from the Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) Second Edition January 2013 (www.aqf.edu.au). In relation to each of the Deakin Graduate Learning Outcomes (GLO), the full text from the AQF is reproduced. However, some concepts from the AQF
specifications may not apply to a particular Graduate Learning Outcome – in these cases, they have placed in parentheses.
Bachelor of Science (S320) AQF Level 7
Deakin Graduate Learning
Outcomes
2. Communication:
using oral,
written and
interpersonal
communication
to inform,
motivate and
effect change. #
AQF Bachelor Degree Descriptor1
Graduates of a Bachelor Degree will
have:
Skills: Communication skills to present
a clear, coherent and independent
exposition of knowledge and ideas.
Application of knowledge and skills:
Demonstrate the application of
knowledge and skills:
 to adapt knowledge and skills in
diverse contexts
AQF Level 7 (Bachelor Degree)
Criteria*
Discipline/Professional Standards
Upon completion of a bachelor degree
in science, graduates will:
Skills: Well developed (cognitive, technical
and) communication skills to select and
apply methods and technologies to:
 (analyse, generate and) transmit
solutions to unpredictable and
sometimes complex problems
 transmit knowledge, skills and ideas to
others.
4. Be effective communicators of
science by:
4.1 communicating scientific results,
information, or arguments, to a range
of audiences, for a range of purposes,
and using a variety of modes.
Application of knowledge and skills: Apply
knowledge and skills to demonstrate
(autonomy), well-developed judgement and
responsibility:
 within broad parameters to provide
specialist advice and functions
3. Digital literacy:
using
technologies to
find, use and
disseminate
information.
Skills: (Cognitive and) technical skills to
demonstrate a broad understanding of
knowledge with depth in some areas.
Application of knowledge and skills:
Demonstrate the application of
knowledge and skills:
 to adapt knowledge and skills in
diverse contexts
Skills: Well developed (cognitive), technical
and communication skills to select and
apply methods and technologies to:
 analyse and evaluate information to
complete a range of activities
 analyse, generate and transmit solutions
to unpredictable and sometimes complex
problems
 transmit knowledge, skills and ideas to
others.
Application of knowledge and skills: Apply
knowledge and skills to demonstrate
(autonomy), well-developed judgement and
responsibility:
 within broad parameters to provide
specialist advice.
Bachelor of Science (S320) AQF Level 7
Course Learning Outcomes (CLOs)
(e.g. professional association)
Note: ensure at appropriate AQF specifications and
criteria (see columns 2 & 3)
CLO2.1 Demonstrate listening skills and
the ability to use a range of
communication skills to accommodate,
encourage and answer audience
questions.
CLO2.2 Articulate the boundaries or
limits of scientific information,
experimental or field data, discuss
error, probability, uncertainty,
conclusions and arguments.
CLO2.2 Judge how well to present
essential details of scientific
procedures, key observations, results
and conclusions in a professional
manner using appropriate style,
language and references including
local, national, and international
contributions or contexts.
3. Critically analyse and solve scientific
problems by:
3.3 selecting and applying practical
and/or theoretical techniques or tools
in order to conduct an investigation
3.4 collecting, accurately recording,
interpreting and drawing conclusions
from scientific data.
Minimum Standards
(relating to CLOs)
CLO3.1 Use well-developed technical
skills, judgement and responsibility to
independently locate, analyse, evaluate
the merits of, synthesise and
disseminate scientific literature,
information, data and results.
MS2.1 Use written, oral, visual and
interpersonal communication skills and
styles to elaborate and explain on the
meaning and implication of scientific
results, information, or arguments to
specialist and non-specialist audience
MS2.2 Use different genres of
communication including formal and
informal modes to engage and inform
peers, experts and lay person about the
nature of science, its implications and
impacts and the controvercies
surrounding scienctific inquiry.
MS2.3 Use a range of tools and
techniques to document details of
procedures, key observations, results
and conclusions and present a clear
and coherent argument to specialist
and non-specialist audiences.
MS3.1 Use web-based resources,
digital tools and technology to find,
use, evaluate, analyse, synthesise and
disseminate scientific information,
scientific data and results.
Deakin Graduate Learning
Outcomes
4. Critical thinking:
evaluating
information
using critical and
analytical
thinking and
judgment.
AQF Bachelor Degree Descriptor1
Graduates of a Bachelor Degree will
have:
AQF Level 7 (Bachelor Degree)
Criteria*
Skills: Cognitive skills to review
critically, analyse, consolidate and
synthesise knowledge.
Skills: Well developed cognitive (technical
and communication) skills to select and
apply methods and technologies to:
 analyse and evaluate information to
Cognitive (and technical) skills to
complete a range of activities
demonstrate a broad understanding of
knowledge with depth in some areas.
 analyse, generate and transmit solutions
to unpredictable and sometimes complex
Cognitive and creative skills to exercise
problems.
critical thinking and judgement in
identifying and solving problems with
Application of knowledge and skills: Apply
intellectual independence.
knowledge and skills to demonstrate
autonomy, well-developed judgement and
Application of knowledge and skills:
responsibility:
Demonstrate the application of
 within broad parameters to provide
knowledge and skills:
specialist advice.
 with initiative and judgement in
Discipline/Professional Standards
Course Learning Outcomes (CLOs)
(e.g. professional association)
Upon completion of a bachelor degree
in science, graduates will:
Note: ensure at appropriate AQF specifications and
criteria (see columns 2 & 3)
3. Critically analyse and solve scientific
problems by:
CLO4.1 Locate and evaluate scientific
information from multiple sources and
3.1 gathering, synthesising and critically use scientific methods and frameworks
to structure and plan observations,
evaluating information from a range of
experimentation or fieldwork
source
investigations.
3.2 designing and planning an
CLO4.2 Use critical and analytical
investigation
thinking and judgement to analyse,
3.3 selecting and applying practical
synthesise and generate an integrated
and/or theoretical techniques or tools knowledge, formulate hypotheses and
in order to conduct an investigation
test them against evidence-based
scientific concepts and principles.
3.4 collecting, accurately recording,
interpreting and drawing conclusions
from scientific data.
MS4.1 Collect, record and evaluate
scientific information or data from a
variety of sources including selfselected sources and criteria related to
the aims of the inquiry using
appropriate methodologies.
3. Critically analyse and solve scientific
problems by:
MS5.1 Propose one or more creative
solutions that indicates a deep
comprehension of the problem, ability
to prioritise tasks, reflect on
possibilities, judge the pros and cons of
various solutions within a given context
and formulate a logical solution.
planning, problem solving and
decision making in professional
practice and /or scholarship
 to adapt knowledge and skills in
diverse contexts.
5. Problem solving:
creating
solutions to
authentic
(real world and
ill-defined)
problems.
Skills: Cognitive and creative skills to
exercise critical thinking and judgment
in identifying and solving problems
with intellectual independence.
Application of knowledge and skills:
Demonstrate the application of
knowledge and skills:
 with initiative and judgement in
planning, problem solving and
decision making in professional
practice and /or scholarship
 to adapt knowledge and skills in
diverse contexts.
Bachelor of Science (S320) AQF Level 7
Skills: Well developed cognitive, technical
(and communication) skills to select and
apply methods and technologies to:
 analyse and evaluate information to
complete a range of activities
 analyse, generate (and transmit)
solutions to unpredictable and
sometimes complex problems.
Application of knowledge and skills: Apply
knowledge and skills to demonstrate
autonomy, well-developed judgement and
responsibility:
 within broad parameters to provide
specialist advice.
Minimum Standards
(relating to CLOs)
CLO5.1 Use initiative and creativity in
planning, identifying and using multiple
3.1 gathering, synthesising and critically approaches to recognise, clarify,
construct and solve problems taking
evaluating information from a range of
into account relevant contextual
source
factors.
3.2 designing and planning an
CLO5.2 Advocate scientific
investigation
methodologies, hypotheses, laws, facts
3.3 selecting and applying practical
and principles to create solutions to
and/or theoretical techniques or tools authentic real world problems.
in order to conduct an investigation
3.4 collecting, accurately recording,
interpreting and drawing conclusions
from scientific data.
MS4.2 Systematically and methodically
discriminate between assertion or
personal opinion and information
substantiated by robust evidence.
MS4.3 Reveal insightful patterns,
differences or similaries by interpreting
and evaluating complex view points by
asking rigorous questions to formulate
hypotheses and test them against
scientific facts, laws, principles and
evidence.
MS5.2 Provide detailed and insightful
scientific explanation and guidance to
implement solutions in a manner that
addresses multiple contextual factors
and facets of the problem.
Deakin Graduate Learning
Outcomes
6. Selfmanagement:
working and
learning
independently,
and taking
responsibility for
personal actions.
AQF Bachelor Degree Descriptor1
Graduates of a Bachelor Degree will
have:
AQF Level 7 (Bachelor Degree)
Criteria*
Course Learning Outcomes (CLOs)
(e.g. professional association)
Upon completion of a bachelor degree
in science, graduates will:
Application of knowledge and skills:
Demonstrate the application of
knowledge and skills:
 with initiative and judgement in
planning, problem-solving and
decision making in professional
practice and/or scholarship
 with responsibility and
accountability for own learning and
professional practice (and in
collaboration with others) within
broad parameters.
Application of knowledge and skills: Apply
knowledge and skills to demonstrate
autonomy, well developed judgement and
responsibility:
 in contexts that require self-directed
learning
 within broad parameters to provide
specialised advice and functions.
7. Teamwork:
working and
learning with
others from
different
disciplines and
backgrounds.
Application of knowledge and skills:
Demonstrate the application of
knowledge and skills:
 with responsibility and
accountability for own learning and
professional practice and in
collaboration with others within
broad parameters.
The AQF makes no specific reference to
criteria/standards associated with
teamwork.
8. Global
citizenship:
engaging
ethically and
productively in
the professional
context and with
diverse
communities and
cultures in a
global context
Application of knowledge and skills:
The AQF makes no specific reference to
Demonstrate the application of
criteria/standards associated with global
knowledge and skills:
citizenship.
 to adapt knowledge and skills in
diverse contexts
 with responsibility and
accountability for own learning and
professional practice and in
collaboration with others within
broad parameters.(Note: this second
dot point from the AQF descriptor
does not relate specifically and
directly to global citizenship;
however may be indirectly related to
ethical engagement within a
professional context and/or within
diverse communities and cultures by
way of its link to responsibility.)
Bachelor of Science (S320) AQF Level 7
Discipline/Professional Standards
5. Be accountable for their own
learning and scientific work by:
5.1 being independent and selfdirected learners
Minimum Standards
(relating to CLOs)
Note: ensure at appropriate AQF specifications and
criteria (see columns 2 & 3)
CLO6.1 Take personal, professional and
social responsibility within changing
professional science contexts to
develop autonomy as learners and
evaluate own performance.
5.2 working effectively, responsibly and
CLO6.2 Work autonomously,
safely in an individual or team context
responsibly and safely to solve
5.3 demonstrating knowledge of the
unstructured problems and actively
regulatory frameworks relevant to their apply knowledge of regulatory
disciplinary area and personally
frameworks and scientific
practising ethical conduct.
methodologies to make informed
choices.
MS6.1 Consistently consider the
scientific context, background
information, ethical consideration and
intellectual property issues to
demonstrate a framework of
accountability, honesty and
responsibility for own scientific
learning.
MS6.2 Practice safety policies,
compliance procedures and follow
regulations when investigating,
experimenting or conducting fieldwork
and present data and evidence
collected with accuracy and rigour,
while acknowledging the contributions
made by others.
5. Be accountable for their own
learning and scientific work by:
CLO7.1 Work independently and
collaboratively as a team to contribute
towards achieving team goals and
5.2 working effectively, responsibly and
safely in an individual or team context. thereby demonstrate interpersonal
skills including the ability to
brainstorm, negotiate, resolve conflicts,
managing difficult and awkward
conversations, provide constructive
feedback and work in diverse
professional, social and cultural
contexts.
MS7.1 Consistently complete all
assigned tasks by deadline, proactively
assist others, lead, contribute to ideas
and teamwork by engaging in research,
constructive discussions, debates,
arguments and dissemination of
information in a manner that resolves
conflicts and germinates ideas for
further exploration.
5. Be accountable for their own
learning and scientific work by:
MS8.1 Demonstrate ethical,
professional, social and cultural
awareness and apply a framework of
accountability, honesty and
responsibility that indicates
professionalism, objectivity and an
unbiased position when working with
others, including members of the
society.
CLO8.1 Apply scientific knowledge and
skills with a high level of autonomy,
judgement, responsibility and
5.1 being independent and selfaccountability in collaboration with
directed learners
others to articulate the place and
5.2 working effectively, responsibly and importance of science in the local and
safely in an individual or team context global community.
5.3 demonstrating knowledge of the
regulatory frameworks relevant to their
disciplinary area and personally
practising ethical conduct.