The Bachelor of Science program is ideal for students who enjoy and are inspired by the breadth of science.  It provides the most flexibility due to its diverse range of course offerings from a number of disciplines.  In the first year level, students enrol in a combination of courses that prepare them to follow pathways through to major study areas in third year.  Science students learn a number of transferable skills that are useful in a wide range of careers not only limited to scientific areas.  These skills include analytical methods, laboratory and field techniques, information technology skills, teamwork, initiative and the ability to communicate and cooperate with people from a range of backgrounds and expertise.

Varies according to chosen major but may include assignments, practicals, field reports and exams.

Biomedical Science focuses on the biomedical aspects of biology, understanding the normal functions and diseases of the human body. Emphasis is placed on the interface between modern biomedical knowledge and experimental approaches. You will be taught by world-class biomedical researchers and experienced educators. Graduates gain employment in medical or research laboratories, hospitals, private industries, the pharmaceutical industry, sports clinics, the biotechnology industry, forensic science, food science and nutrition, cardiac technology, rehabilitation, chiropractics and teaching..

Chemical Sciences involves the study of the structure, physical and chemical properties and reactions of elements and compounds. Students learn how to apply this knowledge to develop new and useful chemicals such as plastics, fuels and pharmaceuticals, for use in manufacture, medicine and the environment.  A wide range of professional careers may be sought by graduates including environmental monitoring and control, mining, forensic science, nanotechnology, the pharmaceutical industry, medical and agricultural laboratories, manufacturing, food technology, the chemical industry, research and teaching.

Earth Sciences involves the study of how our planet is built, how it works, its turbulent 4.5 billion year history and how its precious resources can be located and used. It also investigates how the fragile landscape and often hazardous natural events must be studied and understood to allow them to be adequately managed.  Earth Science is one of the most diverse of the sciences covering everything from meteorites to dinosaurs and from gold deposits to volcanoes. Graduates may seek a wide range of professional careers in areas including resource management, environmental geology, mineral exploration, organic geochemistry, seismology, geomorphology, palaeontology, industry and fundamental research.

Evolutionary Biology and Ecology allows students to investigate the diversity of life on earth and the relationships between organisms and their environments.  Students will learn about plants and animals, their ecology, conservation and management, physiology and evolution, including those in terrestrial, freshwater and marine systems. Fieldwork and the study of South Australian ecosystems are important components of many later year courses. Exciting careers exist in environmental consultancy, environmental monitoring and management, marine science, aquaculture, community education, ecotourism, wildlife parks, catchment management, research and teaching.

Molecular Biology explores how biological processes function at a molecular level and its application in medicine, agriculture and research. Students develop an understanding of the manufacture of important biological molecules and how, through gene technology, genes may be manipulated in beneficial ways. Graduates can pursue careers in biotechnology, biomedicine, agricultural research, pharmaceutical industries and medical laboratories. 

Physics provides an understanding of the structure of matter and the nature of the universe. You will develop a detailed knowledge of areas which can include astrophysics, atmospheric and environmental physics, computational physics, optics and lasers, photonics and nuclear/particle physics. Mathematical and computer science courses are often taken along with physics.  Employment opportunities exist for graduates in electronics, optics and laser industries, scientific computing, telecommunications, space and astronomy programs, forensic science, defence, health and environmental industries, medical physics or in research.

Soil Science and Spatial Information Science explores the biological, chemical and physical properties of soils in Australian landscapes and uses the latest technology in geographical information systems, remote sensing, and spatial modelling to monitor distributions of landscape properties.  Graduates are keenly sought after by a wide range of government agencies, regional bodies, private enterprise and universities in the fields of oil surveying, environmental planning, soil conservation, environmental impact assessment, environmental engineering, land assessment and mapping, research and biodiversity survey and assessment.

Science graduates gain a wide range of skills that can lead to a variety of careers in:

• Business
• The defence industry
• Environmental sciences
• Government departments
• Hospitals and health organisations
• Intellectual property
• Laboratory research and development
• Management
• Minerals and energy
  
• The oil and gas industry
• Research
• Private industry and consulting
• Sales and consultancy
• Science communication, journalism
• Teaching and lecturing
• Universities

Bachelor of Science Graduate Attributes

Knowledge

• A broad scientific knowledge with a deep understanding of one or more science disciplines, commensurate with the highest international standards in science education.
• To understand the observational and experimental character of science and to have skills in field and laboratory techniques and experimental design.

Intellectual and social capabilities

• The skills of inquiry, objective criticism, logical thought and problem solving that are considered to be the foundations of the scientific method.
• The ability to communicate scientific information effectively, both orally and in writing.
• To have a high order of numerical and analytical skills.
• To possess scientific curiosity and the attitudes, knowledge and skills necessary for a commitment to life long learning.
• To have experience with learning opportunities made available by new technologies and to be equipped with computing and information technology skills.
• To have the skills required to tackle scientific problems as a member of a team.

Attitudes and values

• To appreciate the central role of science in society.
• An enthusiasm for, and enjoyment of, the ethos of science and the process of scientific investigation.
• To value the close relationsip between scientific research and the development of new knowledge.

Bachelor of Science Objectives 

• To deliver high quality education in a broad range of science disciplines.
• To equip students with skills in field and laboratory techniques relating to the observational and experimental character of science
• To equip students with the skills of inquiry, objective criticism, logical thinking and problem solving.
• To develop the ability to communicate scientific information clearly and concisely in written and spoken English, using appropriate and correct terminology
• To equip students with numeracy and computer literacy skills at a level adequate for the scientific inquiry required.
• To enable students to identify and evaluate problems and define key elements required for their solution - both as an individual and as part of a team.
• To equip students with the ability to understand and apply new skills and procedures efficiently and effectively.
• To provide societal context for students' scientific learning.
• To be competitive in a wide range of areas of employment as a result of their knowledge and skills (Pass graduates).
• To demonstrate, according to international standards, high academic quality and to be able to either contribute to scientific research in a specialised area, or enter professional employment (Honours graduates).

Faculty of Sciences Undergraduate Program Rules

• Faculty of Sciences
• Science Program Information Leaflet
  
• Undergraduate Scholarships
• University Contact Centre Enquiry form