What are the Academic Calendar changes to BSCH in 2024?
Updated
What calendar will the program be using for 2024 intakes?
In 2024, the coursework component of the Bachelor of Science (Honours) will follow the Trimester Academic Calendar, while the research component of the program will follow the Year-long Academic Calendar.
A Trimester is a study period that occurs three times during the year. Each Trimester is of equal length (14 weeks) and includes a 2-week flexible learning period (these are weeks that contain no new teaching content, but there is an expectation that students will still be engaged with other aspects of study, which may include catching up, revision, and assessment progression/submission).
A Year-long study period is equivalent in length to three Trimesters.
The first Trimester study period for the Bachelor of Science (Honours) degree starts in January 2024.
Visit the Academic Calendar and Important Dates page for more information on key dates or to download a copy of the Trimester Calendar.
When can I start my program? Can I start in any study period?
You can apply to start in Trimester 1 (January), Trimester 2 (May) or Trimester 3 (September).
Are all courses taught in each study period?
All courses are taught in each study period. This means you can commence your studies in the Trimester that works for you.
Recommended enrolment patterns are provided in the program handbook. These patterns have been developed to build your foundational knowledge and ensures you meet pre-requisite requirements when completing subsequent courses.
When will the 2024 Handbook be available?
The handbook will be released prior to enrolment opening for 2024 courses.
Can I accelerate my program and finish my degree quicker?
Yes! You may be able to complete this year long program in two Trimesters if you study in a full-time enrolment pattern. However, this is subject to your completion of the research component in two Trimesters rather than over the year.
Please note, the research component is one course completed in the Year-long Academic Calendar.
Am I required to study in every study period?
No! There is no obligation to study in all three Trimesters.
A part-time pathway is available if you want to do fewer courses across the year. This might help you to balance work, study, family, and other commitments.
If you are considering full or part time study, an international student, or receiving Centrelink benefits you can access more information on full-time study.
What makes the new calendar for my program better?
In the new calendar, the research component of the program will be offered in the Year Long Academic Calendar. The extended length of this study period improves your ability to fully immerse yourself in a real-world research project and to develop outcomes that may influence practice.
The Trimester calendar offers a great deal of flexibility to allow you to speed up or slow down your studies. It also allows you to study in all three trimesters in a calendar year and still have a break (approx. 6 weeks) in your studies over the end of year holiday period.
Will I have to do any courses in another calendar?
Yes. The Bachelor of Science (Honours) runs in two calendars.
The program coursework will run in the Trimester Calendar. You will need to complete three courses (SCI4405, SCI4406 and SCI4421) in the Trimester calendar.
The research component, SCI4422, will be offered in the Year-long Calendar.
I am a current student, what does this change mean for my program?
We anticipate there will be minimal changes to your enrolment pattern. From 2024 you will be studying in the Trimester Calendar.
If you need to complete the coursework components of this program then you will have more flexibility in when you enrol in these courses as they will now be offered in all three Trimesters.
If you only need to complete your research course in 2024 you will undertake the research thesis course (SCI4422) in the Year-long Calendar.
Where can I go if I need support?
Find answers online, any time, through Ask UniSQ FAQs, or live chat or connect with the iconnect team, your first point of contact when you need information or support, 7 days a week. The team is also available to answer your queries on-campus in UniSQ Toowoomba, Ipswich and Springfield.