Bachelor of Science

Discover our world

Love science but not sure which path to take? 

The Bachelor of Science lets you design your own degree based on your strengths and emerging interests. From Chemistry to Palaeontology, Genetics to Geophysics... we support your scientific curiosity.

Our degree is ranked best for Science in South Australia, and among the top 104 in the world^.

What will you do?

Whether you want to use your critical thinking to help drive global change or join the cutting-edge of research, our Bachelor of Science will give you the skills you need. You will:

  • become an adaptable scientist as you learn the skills to evolve with one of the fastest-growing sectors
  • learn from world-class researchers who are experts in their field
  • develop connections in the science world through internships
  • engage with new ideas through discovery and experiential learning
  • develop in-depth discipline knowledge through a major
  • build highly sought-after skills in communication, critical thinking and creative problem solving
  • access research facilities of international significance.

You can pursue any of the following major areas of study: 

You can also undertake a double major in:

Where could it take you?

You could surround yourself with plants as botanist, work in stem cell research, take up teaching or apply your skills in the business world. You might help the public engage with science through games and apps. Perhaps you’ll launch your abilities as a space entrepreneur, one of the many emerging science roles we’re only just beginning to imagine.


Direct access to industry leaders and paid internship opportunities: The Academy by Deloitte
This degree gives you the opportunity to be part of our new The Academy by Deloitte You’ll be part of a supportive student cohort that learns from one another and industry leaders. Formal and informal experiences will allow you to build relationships within the Deloitte network.


  • Ranked 124 globally for Natural Sciences^
  • Five star rating for student support in science#
  • STEM jobs growing twice as fast as any other jobs**

^QS World University Rankings by Subject, 2022
#Good Universities Guide, 2021
**Labour Force Survey, Australian Bureau of Statistics, 2019

Entry Requirements

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I am a:

Domestic applicants

Admissions information

SATAC Code 314581
2023 CSP ATAR 65.1
2023 CSP IB 24
Guaranteed Entry Score - ATAR 75
Guaranteed Entry Score - IB 27.5
Deferment Yes - 2 year
Intake February and July
Prerequisites None, however Stage 2 Chemistry, Mathematical Methods, Physics or Specialist Mathematics are prerequisites for some first year courses
Assumed Knowledge Stage 2 Chemistry and Mathematical Methods and Physics IB: Mathematics: Applications and Interpretations (HL) or Mathematics: Analysis and Approaches (SL); Chemistry; Physics.
Selection Criteria
Recent Secondary Education Applicants with recent secondary education are those whose admission is primarily based on the completion of Year 12 within the last two years, however if you completed your secondary education more than two years ago, you may still be able to be considered on the basis of your secondary schooling. You must not have completed more than 2 years full time equivalent university study (48 units). You compete for a place with your Selection Rank (ATAR plus any applicable adjustment factors). Applicants who have not achieved a competitive Selection Rank (ATAR plus any applicable adjustment factors) required for selection may be selected based on the grades in selected year 12 subjects. Applicants do not need to apply to be considered for subject-based entry, as this will automatically be done by SATAC on behalf of the University. For more information, please see: https://www.adelaide.edu.au/study/undergraduate/entry-pathways/recent-secondary-education/ Indigenous applicants may be eligible for entry through the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Access Pathway. See Wirltu Yarlu for further information.
Higher Education Study You must have completed at least six months full time equivalent higher education study (the number of courses and units will vary depending on your prior institution however at the University of Adelaide, this equates to 4 courses / 12 units). 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. Indigenous applicants may be eligible for entry through the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Access Pathway. See Wirltu Yarlu for further information.
Vocational Education and Training (VET) study You must have completed an AQF Certificate IV or above from a Registered Training Organisation. Your application will be ranked according to the level of the award. Indigenous applicants may be eligible for entry through the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Access Pathway. See Wirltu Yarlu for further information.
Work and life experience To be eligible to sit the Special Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT) as as pathway for entry, you must be 18 years or over before 1 February 2024. If you have studied at higher education level in the last two years (for 2024 entry this means you were enrolled in either 2023 or 2022), you must not have accumulated more than a TOTAL of 2 years full-time (or part-time equivalent) higher education study (ie. including any study prior to 2022). If you meet this criteria, you will be ranked according to your result in the Special Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT). Your STAT result is not weighted between verbal and quantitative components. Indigenous applicants may be eligible for entry through the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Access Pathway. See Wirltu Yarlu for further information.
Other Entry Pathways

  • Admissions Transparency Data
    2023 Admissions Data for school leavers
    ATAR
    (raw ATAR, excluding any applicable adjustment factors)    		 Lowest ATAR to receive an offer 62.35
    Median ATAR to receive an offer 86.1
    Highest ATAR to receive an offer 99.95
    Selection Rank
    (ATAR plus any adjustment factors)    		 Lowest Selection Rank to receive an offer 65.1
    Median Selection Rank to receive an offer 90.7
    Highest Selection Rank to receive an offer 99.95
    Minimum eligibility score 65
    Additional criteria considered Selection rank only
    Student Profile
    Applicant background Semester one/Full year intake 2023
    Number of students Percentage of all students
    (A) Higher Education study
    (includes a bridging or enabling course)    		 34 36.6%
    (B) Vocational education and training (VET) study <5 N/A
    (C) Work and life experience
    (admitted on the basis of previous achievement not in the other three categories)    		 5 5.4%
    (D) Recent secondary education:
    • Admitted solely on the basis of ATAR
      (regardless of whether this includes the consideration of adjustment factors)
    		 35 37.6%
    • Admitted where both ATAR and additional criteria were considered
      (e.g. portfolio, audition, extra test, early offer conditional on minimum ATAR)
    		 N/A N/A
    • Admitted on the basis of other criteria only and ATAR was not a factor
      (e.g. special consideration, audition alone, schools recommendation scheme with no minimum ATAR requirement)
    		 <5 N/A
    International students 15 16.1%
    All students 93 100.0%

Fees and Scholarships

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Domestic applicants

Indicative annual tuition fees
Commonwealth-supported place

Where the standard duration of the program is less than one year the full cost of the program is displayed.

More information on Student Contribution Amounts.

Scholarships

These scholarships, as well as many others funded by industry and non-profit organisations, are available to potential and currently enrolled students.

Find a Scholarship.

Careers

Career Readiness

Direct access to industry leaders and paid internship opportunities: The Academy by Deloitte
Students who as part of their studies take part in The Academy by Deloitte experience will have the benefit of undertaking a paid internship with Deloitte. This internship is designed to shape their business readiness through significant real-world client exposure, access to multiple networking opportunities and relevant professional training.


As a Bachelor of Science graduate, you’ll learn skills that are sought after in a wide range of careers, not just science. This includes skills such as analytical methods, laboratory and field techniques, information technology skills, teamwork, initiative and the ability to communicate and cooperate with people from diverse backgrounds.

This provides the opportunity for a variety of careers in:
  • business
  • defence industry
  • environmental sciences
  • government departments
  • hospitals and health organisations
  • intellectual property
  • laboratory research and development
  • management
  • minerals and energy
  • oil and gas industry
  • private industry and consulting
  • research
  • sales and consultancy
  • science communication, journalism
  • teaching and lecturing
  • universities.

The University of Adelaide Careers Service prepares, inspires and empowers students to achieve successful career transitions and connect with industry.

Graduate Attributes

The objective of this program is to produce graduates with specific attributes as outlined in University of Adelaide Graduate Attributes.
  1. Deep discipline knowledge and intellectual breadth
  2. Creative and critical thinking, and problem solving
  3. Teamwork and communication skills
  4. Professionalism and leadership readiness
  5. Intercultural and ethical competency
  6. Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultural competency
  7. Digital capabilities
  8. Self-awareness and emotional intelligence

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, Merchant Banker, Atmospheric Chemist, Palaeontologist, Plant Scientist, Ecotour Operator, Research and Development Manager, ...

Degree Structure



Academic Program Rules

The Calendar is a comprehensive handbook of the University's academic program rules.

To qualify for the degree of Bachelor of Science, students must complete satisfactorily a program of study consisting of the following requirements with a combined total of not less than 72 units:
  • Core course to the value of 3 units.
  • Elective courses to the value of 69 units.
  • Level I courses not exceeding 30 units.
  • Level III Science courses to the value of at least 24 units.
  • One major chosen from the following:
    • Biochemistry; Bioinformatics; Chemistry; Ecology & Environmental Science; Evolutionary Biology; Genetics; Geology; Microbiology & Immunology; Palaeontology; Physics; Plant Biology; Soil Science; Theoretical Physics.
    • Or a double major from: Chemistry (double); Experimental & Theoretical Physics; Geology (Earth Resources); Geology (Geophysics); Palaeontology (Evolution); Palaeontology (Geology); Physics (Geophysics).

Example Study Plan

Core courses
All students must complete the following courses, to the value of 3 units


Majors

Biochemistry To satisfy the requirements for the Biochemistry major, students must complete the following courses:
Bioinformatics To satisfy the requirements for the Bioinformatics major, students must complete the following courses:
and courses to the value of 6 units from the following:
Chemistry To satisfy the requirements for the Chemistry major, students must complete the following courses to the value of at least 6 units from the following:
and courses to the value of up to 6 units from the following:
Ecology & Environmental Science To satisfy the requirements for the Ecology & Environmental Science major, students must complete the following courses:
and courses to the value of at least 3 units from the following:
and courses to the value of up to 3 units from the following:
Evolutionary Biology To satisfy the requirements for the Evolutionary Biology major, students must complete the following courses:
and courses to the value of 3 units from the following:
  • BIOINF 3000 Bioinformatics III
  • Geochronology, Fossils and Palaeoenvironments III
Genetics To satisfy the requirements for the Genetics major, students must complete the following courses:
Geology To satisfy the requirements for the Geology major, students must complete the following courses:
Microbiology & Immunology To satisfy the requirements for the Microbiology & Immunology major, students must complete the following courses:
Palaeontology To satisfy the requirements for the Palaeontology major, students must complete the following courses:
and courses to the value of 3 units from the following:
Physics To satisfy the requirements of the Physics major, students must complete the following courses:
and courses to the value of 3 units from the following:
Plant Biology To satisfy the requirements of the Plant Biology major, students must complete the following courses:
Soil Science To satisfy the requirements of the Soil Science major, students must complete the following courses:
Theoretical Physics To satisfy the requirements of the Theoretical Physics major, students must complete the following courses:

Assessment

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

Related Degrees

Further Study

Testimonial

Focusing on agricultural science gave me quite a dynamic approach to solving problems where you can be part of making a difference in the world and influence the direction industry are taking.
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Edward Scott

Bachelor of Science

Faculty of Sciences, Engineering and Technology

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, 13 Sep 2023