Back to search

Bachelor of Science

Degree Type Bachelor

Duration 3 years full-time or part-time? equiv.

SATAC Code 314581

2011
ATAR
65.25

  • Program Outline

    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.

  • Program Structure
    You can pursue pathways in one or more of the following areas of science: Biomedical Sciences; Chemical Sciences; Earth Sciences; Evolutionary Biology and Ecology; Molecular Biology; Physics; Soil Science and Spatial Information Science.

    Biomedical Science provides an understanding of the human body and the way it works. Graduates pursue professions allied with medical research, such as human anatomy and histology, the microbiology and physiology of disease, exercise physiology, immune responses, the harmful and useful roles of drugs and the psychological and physiological basis of human behaviour. 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.
  • Assessment

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

  • Related Programs

    Science/Engineering: double degrees are available with Engineering (Aerospace) - 324201, Engineering (Civil and Structural) - 314171, Engineering (Civil and Environmental) - 314181, Engineering (Chemical) - 314161, Engineering (Mechanical) - 314221, Engineering (Electrical and Electronic) - 314201, Engineering (Petroleum) - 324211, Engineering (Mining) - 324441.

    Science/Law: a double degree is available with Law through the Bachelor of Laws/Bachelor of Science. Students who wish to obtain qualifications in both Science and Law may combine their studies in a program that can be finished in five years of full-time study or its part-time equivalent. See the entry for Bachelor of Laws (324111).

    Science/Arts: a double degree is available with Humanities and Social Sciences through the Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Science. Students who wish to obtain qualifications in both Science and Humanities and Social Sciences may combine their studies in a program that can be completed in four years of full-time study or its part-time equivalent. See the entry for Arts (314071).

    Science/Language: students who wish to combine a full three years of language studies with their science program may enrol jointly in the Diploma of Languages. See the entry for Arts (314071).

    Science/Teaching: a double degree is available with Education through the Bachelor of Teaching/Bachelor of Science. Students who wish to obtain qualifications in both science and secondary teaching may combine their studies in a program that can be completed in four years.

  • Admission and Fee Information

    Choose your applicant type to view the relevant admissions information for this program.
    I am a:

    Domestic applicants

    Not a domestic applicant? ?

    SATAC Code 314581
    2011 CSP ATAR 65.25
    Adelaide Approved Score ? 75
    2011 CSP IB 24
    Annual tuition fees ?
    Commonwealth-supported place: $4,520
    Mid-year entry? Yes
    Deferment? Yes - 2 year
    Enquiries University Contact Centre
    Selection Criteria ?
    Year 12 applicants
    You must not have completed more than 2 years full time equivalent university study (48 units). You compete for a place with your Australian Tertiary Admissions Rank (ATAR).
    Assumed Knowledge ?
    SACE Stage 2 Chemistry, Mathematical Studies, Physics
    Alternative entry pathways
    • Higher Education applicants
      You must have completed at least half a year full time equivalent university study. A Grade Point Average (GPA) is calculated for each separate program you have undertaken (apart from some double degree programs where the GPA is combined). You compete on the basis of your best GPA.
    • VET applicants
      You must have completed an AQF Certificate IV or above. Your application will be ranked according to the level of the award.
    • Special Entry applicants
      You must be 18 years or over before February 1st of the year that you will be studying. If you have studied a higher education program within the last two years, you must not have studied more than 2 years full-time equivalent in that program and you must not hold a completed higher education level award. If you meet this criteria, you will be ranked according to your result in the Special Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT). Personal Competencies (PC) and Employment Experience (EE) statements may also contribute to your rank. Your STAT result is not weighted between verbal and quantitative components. If you submit a PC or EE statement, and one of these ranks higher than your STAT score, then the highest ranking statement will contribute 50% to your overall rank and the STAT will contribute the remaining 50%. If you do not submit a PC or EE statement, or if the statements have a lower rank than the STAT, then you will compete for a place on the basis of your STAT result only. Indigenous applicants may be eligible for entry through the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Access Scheme. See Wilto Yerlo for further information.
    • Without formal qualifications?
      You may be eligible for our special access schemes.
    How to Apply ?
    SATAC Code: 314581

    International applicants

    Not an international applicant? ?

    International ATAR 70
    IELTS Overall 6 [more info]
    Annual tuition fees ? International student place: $25,500
    Mid-year entry? Subject to availability
    Enquiries University Contact Centre
    Selection Criteria ?
    Prerequisites ?
    Chemistry is a prerequisite for students majoring in Chemistry; Physics and Mathematics are prerequisites for students majoring in Physics
    Equivalent Scores
    International ATAR 70
    IELTS
    Overall
    Reading
    Listening
    Speaking
    Writing
    6
    5.5
    5.5
    6
    6
    How to Apply ?

    International applicants applying with Australian year 12 results

    Not an international applicant applying with Australian year 12 results? ?

    International ATAR 70
    Annual tuition fees ? International student place: $25,500
    Mid-year entry? Subject to availability
    Enquiries University Contact Centre
    Selection Criteria ?
    Assumed Knowledge ?
    SACE Stage 2 Chemistry, Mathematical Studies, Physics
  • Areas of Specialisation

    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.

     

     

     

  • Study Plans

    The study plans ? given are examples of pathways through this degree for students that commenced their program in 2012 (refer to the program rules). Students that commenced in previous years should refer to the tabs above(referring to years) or consult their Faculty for advice.

     

    Level I

    Level I Courses*

    Core Course

    • Semester I
       SCIENCE 1100 Principles and Practice of Science

    Additional courses to the value of 21 units chosen from the following areas (refer to Foundation Package when selecting courses)

    Biology

    Chemistry

    Computer Science

    Evolutionary Biology

    Geology

    Mathematics

     Physics

      Statistical Practice

     

    *Courses are chosen in conjuction with course advice from academic staff avaliable at enrolment days. Information on enrolment days will be sent to students in their SATAC offer pack.

     

    Psychology

    Level II

    Level II Courses *

    Courses to the value of 24 units (refer to Major information when selecting courses)

    Anatomical Science

    Biochemistry

    • Semester I
      BIOCHEM 2500 Biochemistry II: Molecular & Cell Biology
    • Semester II
      BIOCHEM 2501 Biochemistry II: Metabolism

    Chemistry

    Environmental Biology

    Genetics

    Geology  

    Microbiology

    Physics 

    Physiology

    Psychology

    • Semester I
      PSYCHOL 2004 Doing Research in Psychology: Research Design, Methods & Analysis
      PSYCHOL 2006 Foundations of Perception & Cognition
    • Semester II  
      PSYCHOL 2005 Foundations of Health & Lifespan Development Psychology
      PSYCHOL 2007 Psychology in Society

    Soil & Water

    Mathematical & Computer Science

    Level II Mathematical and Computer Sciences courses listed under the degree of Bachelor of Mathematical and Computer Sciences

    LEVEL 3

    Courses to the value of 24 units (refer to Major information when selecting courses)

    Anatomical Science

    For information on a major in Anatomical Sciences please click here

    Biochemistry

    • Semester I
      BIOCHEM 3000 Molecular & Structural Biology III
    • Semester II
      BIOCHEM 3001 Cancer, Stem Cells & Developmental Biology III

    For information on a major in Biochemistry, please click here

    Botany

     For information on a major in Botany,

    Chemistry 

    • Semester I
      CHEM 3111 Chemistry III 
      CHEM 3530 Environmental & Analytical Chemistry III
      CHEM 3540 Research Methods in Chemistry III 
    • Semester II
      CHEM 3211 Heterocyclic Chemistry & Molecular Devices III
      CHEM 3212 Materials Chemistry III
      CHEM 3213 Advanced Synthetic Methods
      CHEM 3214 Medicinal & Biological Chemistry III

    For information on a major in Chemistry, please click here
    For information on a double major in Chemistry, please click here

    Ecology

    Ecology and Spatial Science

     Geology

    Geophysics and Applied Geology

     For a major in Geology,
    For a major in Geophysics and Applied Geology,

     

    Genetics

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

  • Career Opportunities

    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

    Potential careers

    Biochemist, Botanist, Catchment Management, Ecologist, Ecotourism, Environmental Biologist, Environmental Chemist, Environmental Consultant, Environmental Geology, Environmental Geoscientist, Environmental Management, Environmental Project Officer, Forensic Scientist, Geochemist, Geologists, Hydrogeologist, Climate and Ecosystem Modeller, Ministerial Adviser, Bioinformatics, Molecular Biology, Biomedical Scientist, Natural Resource Planner, ...

  • Graduate Attributes

    Students are encouraged to take responsibility for developing the following attributes:

    • Knowledge and understanding of the content and techniques of a chosen discipline at advanced levels that are internationally recognised.
    • The ability to locate, analyse, evaluate and synthesise information from a wide variety of sources in a planned and timely manner.
    • An ability to apply effective, creative and innovative solutions, both independently and cooperatively, to current and future problems.
    • Skills of a high order in interpersonal understanding, teamwork and communication.
    • A proficiency in the appropriate use of contemporary technologies.
    • A commitment to continuous learning and the capacity to maintain intellectual curiosity throughout life.
    • A commitment to the highest standards of professional endeavour and the ability to take a leadership role in the community.
    • An awareness of ethical, social and cultural issues and their importance in the exercise of professional skills and responsibilities.

     

  • Program Rules
  • Further Information

    Please direct enquiries to the University Contact Centre
    Phone: +61 8 8313 7335 (toll free 1800 061 459)

    The annual Open Day and Information Night events provide an excellent opportunity to see our campus, meet with academics, and discuss your study options.

  • Useful Links

The University of Adelaide is committed to regular reviews of the courses and programs it offers to students. The University of Adelaide therefore reserves the right to discontinue or vary programs and courses without notice. Please read the important information contained in the disclaimer.

Last updated: Wednesday, 4 Apr 2012

Need Help?

Contact us

Our University Contact Centre can help with any enquiries you have - all you have to do is ask! We're open 9am-5pm Adelaide time, Mon-Fri.

Call us +61 8 8313 7335
(Toll free) 1800 061 459
Stay Informed