Fast Facts
Location
Commencing
- Townsville: February, July
- Cairns: February, July
Fees
$12,450.00+
+estimated annual Commonwealth Supported Fee for a full-time study load
Plus Student Services and Amenities fee
Fee deferral and scholarships available if eligible
Duration
5 years full-time
or part-time equivalent
Entry Requirements
ATAR 66.5
English (Units 3/4,C), Mathematical Methods (Units 3/4,C)
QTAC Codes
- 311541
- 321541
Course detail
Give your scientific research the power to influence policy and legislation through an in-depth knowledge of the legal system. Whether you’re passionate about environmental conservation and sustainability or advocacy and human rights, JCU’s Bachelor of Science – Bachelor of Laws degree will equip you to make a difference to the people, communities and environments of the Tropics.
Learn the fundamentals of law and science, then select from a wide range of majors to build knowledge and skills in your chosen area of interest.
In your science degree, study under the guidance of JCU’s leading science experts. Benefit from opportunities to undertake real-world research in World Heritage listed reef and rainforest environments.
In your law degree, take advantage of JCU's community links and strong support from the legal profession, which contribute to providing an authentic learning environment. This course is accredited by the Legal Practitioners Board and approved for admission to practise law in Queensland.
At the end of this five-year joint degree you will have a comprehensive understanding of the role of law in social, economic, environmental and political contexts. Students will appreciate the complexity of legal matters in the context of scientific situations like environmental law and bioethics.
About JCU's Bachelor of Science and Bachelor of Laws in Queensland
Prepare yourself for a successful career with a degree that broadens your understanding of the scientific world as well as the legal field. Your Bachelor of Science-Bachelor of Laws (similar to a Bachelor of Science and Laws) from JCU will give you the legal skills and scientific background you need to work in anything from bioethics to conservation or even national security.
A Strong Scientific Foundation
Work alongside leading scientific experts at JCU. Your world-class education begins here, with the opportunity to work in cutting-edge research labs and at JCU research stations on the Great Barrier Reef and in World Heritage listed tropical rainforests. Be a part of research that makes a difference as you strengthen your understanding of climate change, conservation, bioethics, scientific sensors, and natural systems.
Choose a science major that compliments your goals. Choose from Aquaculture Science and Technology, Chemistry, Data Science, Earth Science, Mathematics, Zoology and Ecology, Molecular and Cell Biology or Marine Biology. Broaden your understanding of these specific fields with extensive first-hand field experience and elective courses that match your skills and interests.
A Strong Legal Foundation
Learn about the fundamental legal principles that underpin our society and the relationship of law to scientific advancement and societal ethics. Understand how science and the law intersect and the frameworks that inform scientific research and development.
Work alongside lecturers committed to student success to build your understanding of the legal institutions of our society and their processes. Grasp how contract law affects development and how property and criminal law can be used to advance human rights and justice.
Build the career path that is right for you – throughout your Bachelor of Science-Bachelor of Laws in Queensland, choose subjects built around themes of sustainability, governance, or social justice. Become a voice for sustainable development through your understanding of environmental law. Stand up for the world's marginalised people with your grasp of health and human rights laws. Make a difference in public policies through your studies in corporate and international law.
Study a Bachelor of Science and Laws and Be Ready Today for Tomorrow
Graduate ready to work with a science and laws bachelor and the knowledge and skills relevant for a contemporary modern world. Be eligible to work as a solicitor with a degree accredited by the Legal Practitioners Admissions Board, or go on to take the Bar Exams and practice as a barrister.
Work towards societal advancements as an adviser or researcher at technology firms. Help communities achieve sustainable growth and development as an intellectual property or environmental lawyer. Work as an in-house counsel for corporations, or advise governments on climate change legislation and copyright law.
Become part of positive change by working as an advocate for Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. Protect the nation working in national security or in public scientific development. Make a meaningful difference to your community, nationally or internationally through your science and laws bachelor studies in Queensland.
Prepare Yourself With a Bachelor of Science-Bachelor of Laws Degree
Become the person employers want to hire, with training and understanding that crosses disciplines. Explain complicated legal issues and translate complex scientific concepts for professionals. Develop your agile mindset and your robust communication skills to become a leader who brings meaningful change.
Hide additional information
View the handbook for a detailed overview of core subjects and available options.
Inherent requirements
Inherent requirements are the identified abilities, attributes, skills, and behaviours that must be demonstrated, during the learning experience, to successfully complete a course. These abilities, attributes, skills, and behaviours preserve the academic integrity of the University’s learning, assessment,and accreditation processes, and where applicable, meet the standards of a profession. For more information please review the inherent requirements for the Bachelor of Science - Bachelor of Laws.
Majors
The Bachelor of Laws degree has a wide variety of subjects that you’ll choose to comprise your studies. The Bachelor of Science degree has eight majors for you to choose from.
Aquaculture Science and Technology
Discover the sustainable practices of aquaculture with lecturers who are world-leaders in tropical aquaculture research and development. Access to the JCU Marine and Aquaculture Research Facility will enhance your knowledge and provide current practical skills.
Throughout this major, you will explore the scientific and practical applications of breeding, rearing, and harvesting of plants and animals in all types of water environments. You will understand the biodiversity of species and how they are farmed, the design of aquaculture systems and the basics of nutrition.
With a focus on tropical species, our researchers’ strong links to industry will give you a sound professional network when you graduate. Career opportunities include jobs in hatcheries, stock nutrition programs and management, fresh water and marine farming, or aquaculture research.
Chemistry
Study in award-winning laboratories and experience excursions to local companies in the chemical industry. You will benefit from small class sizes and the personalised approach of our lecturers.
Gain current, industry-relevant skills and explore the many areas of chemistry including analytical chemistry, synthetic, organic and inorganic chemistry, and kinetics and mechanisms of chemical reactions. In your third year, you will learn a number of instrumental techniques widely used in the industry.
Accredited by the Royal Australian Chemical Institute (RACI), this chemistry major will open up career opportunities both nationally and internationally. Working across a number of industries, you could work as an analytical chemist, research chemist, clinical diagnostician, forensic scientist or environmental scientist.
Please note mid-year entry is not available for the Chemistry major.
Data Science
Data and analytics capabilities have accelerated in recent years. The volume of available data has grown exponentially, more sophisticated algorithms have been developed and computational power and storage have steadily improved.
Data scientists work in every industry – from defence departments to internet start-ups and financial institutions – and tackle big data projects on every level. Skills in data science, big data and analytics are among the most sought-after jobs in the tech world today.
The Data Science major packages existing data science subjects together with new subjects on Data Visualisation, Big Data and Machine Learning.
Earth Science
Study earth science and access the biodiverse region of North Queensland. Gain relevant practical skills by studying and assessing the surrounding environments, including the Wet and Dry Tropics and the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park.
Experience field trips where you will collect, analyse and interpret data. You will gain a thorough understanding of human impact on the natural environment and learn how to develop solutions to lessen the impact. With access to the JCU Fletcherview Research Station, you will learn about resource and environmental impact assessment, mine site rehabilitation and soil and water science.
An understanding of how to develop cost-effective and innovative techniques for environmental management will lead to job opportunities exist in many sectors. You can work as a consultant, in government or industry. You could pursue a career as a geologist, geographer, hydrologist, soil scientist, climatologist, environmental scientist or oceanographer.
Marine Biology
Learn from lecturers who are world-leaders and be equipped to address critical challenges facing marine and coastal ecosystems. You will study in a location that gives you access to one of the most diverse and fragile marine ecosystems in the world, the Great Barrier Reef.
By studying the surrounding habitats of the Great Barrier Reef, you will discover the impact that humans have on the marine environment and how the oceans and atmosphere interact. You will gain valuable employability skills through practical experiments and opportunities to visit the JCU Orpheus Island Research Station.
Benefit from our researchers’ strong links with industry including the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority (GBRMPA), TropWater and CSIRO Townsville. As a marine biologist, you could work in conservation biology and policy, environmental and resource management, fisheries biology, ecosystem restoration and marine impact assessments.
Mathematics
Develop the problem-solving, analytical and quantitative reasoning skills that are highly sought-after by employers worldwide. With small class sizes, you will receive the one-on-one support required to excel as a mathematician.
Understand advanced mathematical techniques, data analysis and multivariate statistical methods. You will learn how to formulate mathematical models to illustrate science and engineering problems and use various techniques to help find solutions.
To enhance your employability skills, you have the flexibility to combine this major with another science major. As a mathematician, you can work in many sectors such as information technology, animation, business and finance, astronomy and space exploration, climate study or meteorology, cryptography and applied research.
Molecular and Cell Biology
Learn how to amplify and edit DNA sequences and conduct laboratory-based and field-based projects. Throughout your degree, you will study the basis of health and disease at a molecular level and analyse the functions of a whole cell.
Benefit from hands-on experience using cutting-edge equipment and techniques. Study biochemistry, microbiology, biotechnology and bioinformatics and gain an in-depth understanding of molecular genetics. These structures and processes form the basis of all living matter and provide insights into complex biological interactions.
Develop the foundations needed to work towards developments in modern medicine and biotechnology. You will have the knowledge to work across a breadth of industries — job opportunities include working in research laboratories, hospital and diagnostic departments, and biotech or pharmaceutical companies.
Zoology and Ecology
Learn from lecturers with global standing, study amazing rainforests and diverse species and go on field trips to Borneo or the Galapagos Islands. Offered at both our Townsville, Bebegu Yumba and Cairns, Nguma-bada campuses, you will study in one of the most biodiverse regions in Australia.
Study the biology of plants and animals and their natural habitats. Discover many of the environmental threats to the Tropics by studying the effects of deforestation, infrastructure expansion, habitat fragmentation, over-hunting, and invasive species.
You will access the various environments of the Wet Tropics and our Daintree Rainforest Observatory to learn about biosecurity, behavioural ecology, conservation biology and ecological modelling. You could find work as a wildlife or environmental consultant, zoologist or ecologist for a conservation, quarantine, or biosecurity organisation.
Refer to the handbook for a detailed overview of each major and minor available.
JCU Science-Law graduates have a wide variety of career choices available.
You could pursue a career in areas such as bioethics, intellectual property, copyright and patent law, climate change, conservation and sustainability, or science and national security.
Roles available to graduates of this joint degree include environmental lawyer, intellectual property lawyer, or in-house counsel for research and technology firms.
Entry score threshold
These are the lowest adjusted scores we made an offer to in Semester 1, 2022. Entry scores are based on the most recent Semester 1 intake and are updated in June each year. Meeting the threshold doesn't guarantee admission.
ATAR/Selection Rank: 66.50
Entry score range
This table shows the range of entry scores for recent secondary students offered a place in the Bachelor of Science - Bachelor of Laws for Semester 1, 2022. The table includes offers deferred to Semester 1, 2022 which may have been assessed using the entry score threshold of an earlier year.
JCU Townsville
Without adjustments | With adjustments* | |
|---|---|---|
Highest | 95.2 | 99.95 |
Median | 93.85 | 97.85 |
Lowest | 77.15 | 77.15 |
JCU Cairns
Without adjustments | With adjustments* | |
|---|---|---|
Highest | <5 | <5 |
Median | <5 | <5 |
Lowest | <5 | <5 |
Notes:
<5 – indicates less than 5 OP/ATAR-based offers made.
* Refer to Adjustment Factors
Find out more about who you might study with by viewing this course’s student profile.
Adjustment factors
James Cook University applies bonus ranks under the Regional Preference Scheme and QTAC’s Educational Access Scheme (EAS). Learn more about JCU’s adjustment factors.
Handbook year | Information valid for students commencing in 2023 |
Course code | 60510 |
Professional accreditation status | The Bachelor of Laws is accredited by the Legal Practitioners Admissions Board (LPAB) & Chief Justice. To be eligible for admission as a solicitor in Queensland, an applicant must have completed approved law qualifications (this degree satisfies that requirement), have undertaken approved practical legal training via a practical legal training course or Supervised Traineeship at a firm, and be able to satisfy the Legal Practitioners Admissions Board and the Supreme Court of Queensland of their fitness to practise. The same requirements apply to those intending to practice as a barrister but, to obtain a barrister’s practising certificate applicants must also pass the Bar Exams and complete the Bar Practice Course after being admitted as a lawyer, followed by one year of mentoring and supervision. This course is also certified under the Australian Law School Standards. |
Course type | Bachelor Degree (AQF level 7) |
Owner | Academy |
| College |
Science and Engineering Business, Law and Governance |
Award Requirements
Admission Requirements
Course pre-requisites | English (Units 3/4,C), Mathematical Methods (Units 3/4,C) Students considering Science majors in Chemistry or Molecular and Cell Biology will require Chemistry (Units 3/4,C); or equivalent |
Minimum English language proficiency requirements | Applicants of non-English speaking backgrounds must meet the English language proficiency requirements of Band 2 – Schedule II of the JCU Admissions Policy. |
Post-admission requirements | Some majors require attendance in intensive mode subjects on either the Townsville or Cairns campus. Students may be required to attend intensive mode classes at a campus other than that at which they are enrolled, at their own expense. |
Academic Requirements for Course Completion
Credit points | 120 credit points as per course structure |
Additional course rules | Students may seek permission to enrol in one or more level 5 science subjects. |
Course learning outcomes | JCU graduates are committed to lifelong learning, intellectual development and to displaying exemplary personal, professional and ethical standards. They have an understanding of First Nations peoples, reconciliation, diversity and sustainability (in its broadest sense). They also have a sense of their place in the Tropics and are charged with professional, community and environmental responsibility. They exhibit a willingness to lead and to contribute to the intellectual, cultural and social challenges of regional, national and international communities. On successful completion of the Bachelor of Laws, graduates will be able to:
On successful completion of the Bachelor of Science, graduates will be able to:
|
Inherent Requirements
Inherent Requirements | Inherent requirements are the identified abilities, attributes, skills, and behaviours that must be demonstrated, during the learning experience, to successfully complete a course. These abilities, attributes, skills, and behaviours preserve the academic integrity of the University's learning, assessment, and accreditation processes, and where applicable, meet the standards of a profession. For more information please visit: Bachelor of Science - Bachelor of Laws. |
Reasonable adjustments | All JCU students have the opportunity to demonstrate, with reasonable adjustments where applicable, the inherent requirements for their course. For more information please visit: Student Disability Policy and Procedure. |
Course Structure
CORE SUBJECTS
Level 1
LA1101:03 Legal Institutions and Processes
LA1102:03 Legal Research, Writing and Analysis
LA1105:03 Contract Law 1
LA1106:03 Contract Law 2
LA1107:03 Contemporary Practice: The New Lawyer
LA1027:03 Human Rights Law or LA1022:03 Public International Law
SC1101:03 Science, Technology and Truth
SC1102:03 Modelling Natural Systems
Level 2
LA2021:03 Personal Property and Land Law 1
LA2016:03 Land Law 2
LA2017:03 Principles of Criminal Law A
LA2018:03 Principles of Criminal Law B
LA2019:03 Torts A - Specific Torts
LA2020:03 Torts B - Negligence
SC2202:03 Quantitative Methods in Science
Level 3
LA3004:03 Evidence
LA3006:03 Administrative Law
LA3013:03 Principles of Equity
LA3014:03 Law of Trusts
LA3105:03 Constitutional Law
LA3106:03 Company and Partnership Law
SC3008:03 Professional Placement
SC3010:03 Sensors and Sensing for Scientists
Level 4
LA4022:03 Civil Procedure
LA4038:03 Legal Ethics and Trust Accounting
OPTIONS
Select a Science major from Table A
PLUS
Select 3 credit points of specified subjects from List 1
PLUS
Select 6 credit points of specified subjects from List 2
PLUS
Select 3 credit points of specified subjects from List 3
PLUS
Select 9 credit points of specified subjects from List 4
List 1
LA4014:03 Clinical Legal Studies
LA4021:03 Competition Mooting
LA4039:03 Advocacy and Criminal Sentencing
LA4041:03 Legal Placement
LA4043:03 Multidisciplinary Project
LA4044:03 Independent Project
List 2
Select subjects which are not already in your Science major
BM1000:03 Introductory Biochemistry and Microbiology
BS1007:03 Introduction to Biodiversity
BS1001:03 Introduction to Biological Processes
CH1001:03 Chemistry: A Central Science
CH1002:03 Chemistry: Principles and Applications
CP1401:03 Fundamentals of Problem Solving and Programming 1
CP1404:03 Programming II
EV1005:03 Environmental Processes and Global Change
EA1110:03 Evolution of the Earth
EG1000:03 Engineering 1
MA1000:03 Mathematical Foundations
MA1003:03 Mathematical Techniques
PH1005:03 Advanced Stream Physics 1
PH1007:03 Advanced Stream Physics 2
List 3
CH2103:03 Analytical Chemistry
CP2404:03 Database Modelling
EV2502:03 Introduction to Geographic Information Systems
MA2210:03 Linear Algebra
List 4
LA2902:03 Environmental Law and Policy
LA2903:03 Indigenous Peoples and the Law
LA4007:03 Succession
LA4012:03 Public International Law
LA4015:03 Commercial Law
LA4019:03 Conveyancing and Drafting
LA4020:03 Employment, Workplace and Industrial Relations Law
LA4023:03 Taxation Law
LA4024:03 Advanced Taxation Law
LA4027:03 Human Rights Law
LA4031:03 Health Law
LA4032:03 Family Law
LA4034:03 Alternative Dispute Resolution
LA4039:03 Advocacy and Criminal Sentencing
LA4045:03 Intellectual Property Law
LA4049:03 Technological Disruption, Cyberspace and the Law
LA4050:03 Sport and Entertainment Law
LA4106:03 Advanced Company Law
TABLE A (SCIENCE MAJORS)
Type of major | Mandatory, Single |
Credit points in major | 24 credit points |
MAJOR | AVAILABLE AT | NOTES |
JCU Townsville | The first year of study may be completed in Cairns | |
JCU Townsville | Students undertaking this major require Senior Chemistry (or equivalent) No mid-year entry | |
JCU Cairns JCU Townsville | Students must select CP1401 and CP1404 as their List 2 subject electives | |
JCU Cairns JCU Townsville | ||
JCU Townsville | No mid-year entry The first year of study may be completed in Cairns | |
JCU Townsville | No mid-year entry in Cairns The first year of study may be completed in Cairns | |
JCU Townsville | Students undertaking this major require Senior Chemistry (or equivalent) No mid-year entry | |
JCU Cairns JCU Townsville |
Location
COURSE AVAILABLE AT | NOTES |
JCU Cairns | Not all majors available in Cairns Not all majors are available mid-year |
JCU Townsville | Not all majors are available mid-year |
Candidature
Expected time to complete | 5 years full-time or equivalent part-time |
Maximum time to complete | 11 years |
Maximum leave of absence | 1 year |
Progression
Course progression requisites | Nil |
Course includes mandatory professional placement(s) | No |
Special assessment requirements | Nil |
Professional accreditation requirements | Nil |
Supplementary exam for final subject | A student who has failed a single law subject towards the award in their final teaching period and who gained 40% or more of the marks for that subject, may be granted a supplementary examination in that subject. |
Credit
Eligibility | Students may apply for credit transfer for previous tertiary study in accordance with the Credit Transfer Procedure. |
Maximum allowed | 80 credit points |
Currency | Credit will be granted only for studies completed in the 10 years prior to the commencement of this course. |
Expiry | Credit gained for any subject shall be cancelled 21 years after the date of the examination upon which the credit is based if, by then, the student has not completed the course of study prescribed for the degree. |
Other restrictions | Nil |
Award Details
Award title | BACHELOR OF SCIENCE - BACHELOR OF LAWS |
Approved abbreviation | BSc-LLB |
Inclusion of majors on testamur | All majors may appear on the testamur |
Exit with lesser award | Students who have completed 24 credit points of their course award requirements, and withdraw from or fail to meet the requirements for progression in the later years, may be eligible for the award of Diploma of Tertiary Studies. |
Course articulation | Not applicable |
Special awards | Students may receive an Award of Recognition in accordance with the Recognition of Academic Excellence Procedure |
Honours
Honours availability | Honours is available in either or both disciplines Law honours is available as an additional 24 credit points of study Science honours is available as an additional 24 credit points of study |
Eligibility | Entry to the Law Honours program is by invitation of the Dean of College Normally a minimum overall GPA of 5.0 (ie. credit average) is required across the bachelor degree with credits or better in the discipline specific areas. |
Estimated annual Commonwealth Supported fee: $AUD12,450.00
A Student Services and Amenities fee is payable per subject up to a maximum amount per year.
A variety of Scholarships are available to suit different student types.
An ATAR is the score required for entry into most undergraduate courses. If you are not a Year 12 school leaver or do not have an ATAR, you can be assigned an equivalent score. Scores are calculated from previous study that you might have completed, either secondary, tertiary or vocational, or previous paid employment experience.
JCU offers pathway courses to help you move into a degree. Pathway courses provide you with an individualised study plan and specialised support as you transition to university.
Contact us to find out more.
Students are encouraged to undertake the Tertiary Access Course if they have not studied recently and/or want assistance making the transition to University studies.
Get prepared – bridging subjects
Bridging subjects are designed to fill any gaps in your knowledge. We offer maths and chemistry bridging subjects that can be studied on-campus in Cairns and Townsville. You may need to enrol in a bridging subject if you have not achieved the grade of ‘Sound Achievement or better’ in Queensland Year 12 maths or chemistry.
Note the course QTAC code for the location you've chosen. You'll need to enter it as part of your QTAC application.
Application dates vary between courses, whether they're delivered in semester, trimester or carousel study modes. View our Application due dates page for more information.
ATAR score is indicative only. Entry scores will be finalised in the major offer round.
Real stories
-
Student
Akari Fellows
Bachelor of Science - Bachelor of Laws
I plan to specialise in marine science and what better place to study that than JCU, which is a leader in marine science. Also, the law degree has great connections with the legal profession and I'm very interested to gain valuable experience in a law firm. The experience could take me anywhere in the world.
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Lecturer
Associate Professor Louise Floyd
Lecturer, Bachelor of Science - Bachelor of Laws
With world-leading marine biologists; award-winning scientists; & lawyers respected by Australia’s legal profession, JCU BSciLLB is a great choice for students seeking a challenge. Medical negligence expertise; the law on robots & work; forensic criminology & environmental law are just some of the doors that may open.
-
Alumni
William Evans
Commercial Litigation Partner - Connolly Suthers Lawyers
JCU Science and Law graduates have skills that are very transferable. The analytical and report-writing skills developed through this joint degree help graduates in their approach to complex problems that are regularly presented within the legal industry.