Bachelor of Science
Discover the endless opportunities a career in science offers you, while improving our understanding of the universe. This degree is designed to provide flexibility, while preparing you for a variety of work opportunities.
Develop specialist skills through your choice of majors and minors.
In this program you will:
- Graduate with depth and breadth of scientific knowledge
- Gain a strong foundation in cell biology, chemistry, biodiversity and ecology, and research methods
- Choose additional introductory courses in mathematics for those interested in specialisation
- Learn in specialised labs and gain hands-on experience during field studies, preparing you for work in professional scientific settings
Location
CRICOS code
Entry threshold
ATAR/RankDuration
Full-time or equivalent part-time Only a full-time option is available to international students on a Student visa. Online programs are not available to Student visa holders.Indicative fees
Indicative 2025 fees (A$)
CSP Annual feeQTAC code
Start
- Semester 1
- Semester 2
- Semester 1
- Semester 2
Career opportunities
- Education
- Industry/government
- Research
- Start
-
- Semester 1
- Semester 2
- Semester 1
- Semester 2
- Delivery mode
-
- Blended Learning
- Total courses
- 24
- Total units
- 288
- Duration
- 3 years 3 years
- CRICOS code
- 022804D
- UniSC program code
- SC301
- Program coordinator
Required courses (5) 60 units
SCI100 Cell Diversity
SCI102 Biodiversity and Ecology
SCI105 Introductory Chemistry
SCI110 Science Research Methods
SCI113 Discovering Science
Required courses from a specified list (1) 12 units
Select a total of 12 units from:
ANM203 Statistics with Teeth: Understanding Ecological Data
SCI202 Advanced Research Methods and Statistics
Required courses from a specified list (1) 12 units
ENS330 K'gari Field Studies
ENS333 Special Field Studies Topic
SCI302 Analytical Sciences
SRP301 Special Research Project
WPL310 Workplace Learning I
Major 96 units
Select 1 major from:
Biology
Biotechnology
Chemistry
Ecology
Mathematics
Minor 48 units
Select 1 minor from:
Agriculture and Aquaculture
Biology
Biochemistry
Biotechnology
Chemistry
Genetics
Mathematics
Microbiology
Sustainability
Elective courses (5) 60 units
Select 60 units from the undergraduate elective course options.
Note: Program structures are subject to change. Not all UniSC courses are available on every UniSC campus.
In order to graduate you must:
- Successful completion of 288 units.
- If there is overlap between courses in majors and minors and/or required courses, students must select courses from the undergraduate elective course options to meet the total program unit value.
- Complete no more than 10 introductory level (100 coded) courses
- Not all study components and / or combinations of study components included in this program may be able to be completed in the minimum duration.
- The following study sequences are available for Semester 1 commencement only
- Chemistry Major combined with the Mathematics Minor
- Chemistry Major combined with the Biotechnology Minor
Students who wish to complete the study sequence above commencing in Semester 2 should contact the course coordinator for approval.
- The following combinations of majors / minors are not available:
-
Ecology Major combined with Agriculture and Aquaculture Minor.
-
-
The following applies to specific major or minor sequences
-
Students undertaking an Agriculture and Aquaculture Minor will be required to use 1 elective course (12 units) to complete ENS103.
-
Students undertaking a Biotechnology Minor will be required to use 2 elective courses (24 units) to complete (LFS252 or SCI212 or BIM202) and (MBT263 or LFS261).
-
Students undertaking a Mathematics Minor will be required to use 2 elective courses (24 units) to complete MTH103 and MTH104.
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-
With the approval of the Program Coordinator, students may replace a specified major or minor with a study component deemed to be equivalent commenced or completed at another university or comparable tertiary institution.
Program notes
- Completing this program within the specified (full-time) duration is based on studying 48 unit points per semester (normally 4 courses) and following the recommended study sequence
- The unit value of all courses is 12 units unless otherwise specified
- It is each students responsibility to enrol correctly according to your course requisites, program rules and requirements and be aware of the academic calendar dates
- Courses within this program are assessed using a variety of assessment methods which may include essays, seminar presentations, reports, in-class tests and examinations
- As part of your UniSC program, you may apply to Study Overseas to undertake courses with an overseas higher education provider
- Only a full-time study option is available to international students on a Student Visa
- Refer to the Managing your progression page for help in understanding your program structure, reviewing your progress and planning remaining courses.
This study sequence reflects the current program structure. Continuing students must follow their commencing structure, which can be found in the previous student handbooks.
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| Applicant background | No. of students | % of all students |
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Notes
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N/A - Students not accepted in this category
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Adjusted ATARs are a calculation of a student's ATAR + eligible adjustment factors and are used to determine admission. The raw ATAR is the student's rank before any adjustments are applied.
Entry requirements
For entry into most USC undergraduate degree programs, you need to have completed a minimum level of education similar to successful completion of Australian Year 12 with good grades.
Further studies, for example, a semester or more at college or university, can also be considered for entry and may give you credit transfer towards a degree.
Some examples of upper secondary qualifications and a guide to the minimum grades that USC will consider are listed here. These are minimum requirements and do not guarantee entry. Some programs may require higher grades. Alternative qualifications may also be considered on a case by case basis.
If your qualification (grouped by country) is not listed, send the qualification transcripts with your application form to the International Office for assessment.
English language requirements
You will also need to meet the English language requirements for this program. If you do not meet the minimum requirements, you may be able to enrol in our English Language Programs to reach the required level for most of UniSC’s programs (exceptions apply to non-standard English requirement programs).
Minimum entry threshold
Applicants must meet the minimum ATAR/Rank.
| Location | ATAR/Rank |
|---|---|
| Sunshine Coast | 50.00 |
| Moreton Bay | 50.00 |
- Recommended prior study
- English; Maths Methods or Specialist Maths ; and at least one science subject (preferably Chemistry)
Prospective students must consider the Inherent Academic Requirements before applying to study this program.
Refer to Science programs - Inherent Academic Requirements
UniSC strongly supports the rights of all people to pursue studies. The University embraces diversity and endeavours to accommodate all students.
What are Inherent Academic Requirements (IARs)?
The IARs of a program are those fundamental skills, capabilities and knowledge that students must be able to demonstrate in order to achieve the essential learning outcomes of the program, while maintaining the academic integrity of that program.
Students with a disability or chronic health condition may be able to have reasonable adjustments made to enable them to meet these requirements.
UniSC is committed to making reasonable adjustments to teaching and learning, assessment, placement and other activities to enable students to participate in their program.
Reasonable adjustments must not fundamentally change the nature of the IAR.
Consideration is given to a student's cultural and religious background/beliefs, which may impact on participation in their program or course. For further information contact Student Support.
Why are Inherent Academic Requirements (IARs) important?
IARs ensure the academic integrity of a program is maintained and preserves the University's learning, assessment and accreditation processes. They must be met by all students.
How does this affect you?
To successfully complete a program at UniSC, you need to be able to meet all the Inherent Academic Requirements.
If you are applying for a program, you should read the IAR statement carefully to ensure you are able to meet them.
If you have a disability or chronic health condition, contact a UniSC Disability Advisor to talk about the adjustments that may be put in place so you can meet the requirements.
Headstart Program - Years 10 to 12
The Headstart program lets you study uni subjects while you’re still in high school. If you successfully complete two Headstart courses, you’ll get a selection rank that you could use to get into uni.
Early Offer Guarantee scheme - Year 12
The Early Offer Guarantee scheme enables Year 12 students to be offered a place at UniSC on the basis of their Principal's recommendation.
Prior study or work experience
If you:
- have completed Year 12 (no matter how long ago)
- have a TAFE/VET qualification
- have relevant work experience, or
- have studied at university before (even if you didn’t complete your studies)
You may be eligible for a selection rank, which can help you get into uni. For more detailed information selection ranks and how applications are assessed, visit Admissions explained.
Tertiary Preparation Pathway
If you don’t have qualifications or experience that will give you a selection rank, you can complete the Tertiary Preparation Pathway as a stepping stone into most degrees. You can also use TPP to complete subject prerequisites.
If you haven’t studied in a while, TPP is also a great way to brush up on essential study skills like critical reading, assignment writing and referencing.
It can also build your knowledge and confidence in the subject areas you’ll need for your degree, like science or maths. TPP courses are fee-free for eligible domestic students.
Indigenous Direct Entry and Access Scheme (IDEAS)
You may be eligible for direct entry into a UniSC degree based on your potential to succeed, under UniSC’s Indigenous Direct Entry and Access Scheme (IDEAS). All you have to do is complete an online application through our website.
High-school leavers completing year 12 are not eligible, and must apply through QTAC.
- CSP estimate
- A$12,192 - 2025 Fees
- Annual tuition fee (A$, 2025)
- A$29,990
International fee-paying places
Annual tuition fees are based on 2025 rates and the equivalent full-time student load as per the recommended study sequence in the relevant program.
Actual fees payable are based on the actual enrolment load in a teaching period (excluding Study Abroad and Postgraduate Qualifying Pathway).
All prices quoted are in Australian Dollars (A$).
Domestic applicants apply for admission through the Queensland Tertiary Admissions Centre (QTAC). Some applicants may be eligible to apply direct to UniSC if they meet certain criteria.
Find out about how to apply and key application closing dates.
No matter what kind of future you’re looking for, you can find it at UniSC. Our programs offer the choice and flexibility you need to get started on any career goal.
Visit How to apply for simple steps to submit your international student application and start your UniSC experience today.
Need help with submitting your application?
UniSC has appointed representatives to assist you with submitting your application and provide information about the steps you need to complete to begin your studies. You can contact a UniSC Representative in your area.
Any questions? Contact us.
QTAC code
| Location | QTAC code |
|---|---|
| Sunshine Coast | 013001 |
| Moreton Bay | 014801 |
Student story
“UniSC Lecturer in Biological Chemistry Dr Peter Brooks and Professor Nicholas Paul were key to my transition to pure science. I thoroughly enjoyed Dr Brooke’s analytical science and organic chemistry subjects."
Need advice on what to study or how to apply?
Our Student Central team can help.
Call us +61 7 5430 2890
Email us information@usc.edu.au
For locations and opening hours, visit Student Central.