Bachelor of Science

Length 3 year full-time
Minimum 144 Units

Admission requirements

Prerequisites Adjustment factors availability

Academic plan BSC
CRICOS code 000335K
UAC code
- 138003 (B Science)

Field of Education
- Natural and Physical Sciences
Academic contact
- Science Enquiries

Find my double degree

Program Requirements

The Bachelor of Science requires completion of 144 units, of which:

A maximum of 60 units may come from completion of 1000-level courses

A minimum of 36 units must come from completion of 3000-level courses from the Science course list

A minimum of 96 units must come from completion of courses from the Science course list

The 144 units must include:

48 units from completion of one of the following Science majors:

Biochemistry

Biological Anthropology

Biology

Chemistry

Computer Science

Earth Science

Environmental and Landscape Science

Geography

Marine Science

Mathematical Economics

Mathematical Finance

Mathematical Modelling

Mathematics

Natural Resource Management

Physics

Psychology

Science Communication

Statistics

Sustainability Science

Theoretical Physics

Water Science

Either:

24 units from the completion of one of the following Science minors / specialisations:

Abnormal Psychology

Advanced Chemistry Specialisation

Advanced Mathematics Specialisation

Advanced Physics Specialisation

Applied Statistics

Astronomy and Astrophysics Specialisation

Biochemistry Specialisation

Biodiversity Conservation and Management

Biological Anthropology

Biological Neuropsychology

Chemistry

Climate Science and Policy

Cognitive Psychology

Computer Science

Developmental Psychology

Earth and Marine Science

Earth Physics Specialisation

Environmental Policy

Evolution and Ecology

Forest Science and Policy

Genetics

Geochemistry and Petrology Specialisation

Geography

Human Ecology

Integrative Methods in Environment and Society

Marine Geoscience Specialisation

Mathematical Physics Specialisation

Mathematics

Microbiology and Immunology

Molecular Biology

Neuroscience and Physiology Specialisation

Optics Specialisation

Philosophy and Science

Physics

Plant Science Specialisation

Psychology Specialisation

Quantitative Biology and Bioinformatics Specialisation

Science Communication

Social Psychology

Soil and Land Management

Sustainable Development

Water Science and Policy

24 units from completion of courses from the Science course list

Or:

48 units from completion of a second of the following Science majors:

Biological Anthropology

Biology

Chemistry

Computer Science

Earth Science

Environmental and Landscape Science

Geography

Marine Science

Mathematical Economics

Mathematical Finance

Mathematical Modelling

Mathematics

Natural Resource Management

Physics

Psychology

Science Communication

Statistics

Sustainability Science

Theoretical Physics

Water Science

48 units from completion of elective courses offered by ANU

A maximum of 12 units from completion of 1000-level courses may contribute towards meeting the requirements of two Science majors with common 1000-level course requirements.

In such cases, an equal number of units must come from the completion of additional courses from the Science course list.

Honours

If you attain a sufficient standard in the pass degree you may be admitted to the Honours year to become a candidate for the degree with Honours.

The minimum requirements for admission to an Honours program are:

the successful completion of 144 units including a minimum of 48 units of 2000 level science or 3000 level science courses relevant to the proposed field of Honours study, of which a minimum of 24 units must be 3000 level science courses
the attainment of an average of 6 for the 48 credit points, where HD=10, D=8, CR=6, P=4
the recommendation of the Head of School concerned, in the light of availability of resources and appropriate supervision.

Schools may have additional entry requirements and intending Honours students should contact the relevant Honours convener.

The work of the Honours year consists of advanced work in a selected field of study, details of which are provided by the individual Schools. The Honours program has specific dates which are advertised in the Honours Handbook. If you complete the requirements for the pass degree at the end of the first semester it is possible, subject to the approval of the School concerned, to commence the Honours program mid-year.

Graduates of other universities may be accepted for admission to Honours candidature provided that the undergraduate program and performance in the program are of a standard comparable to that applying in the relevant School.

Fields of study in which a degree with Honours may be taken arelisted below and more information is also available from the College website here

ASTR4005F or MATH4005F or PHYS4003F Astronomy and Astrophysics*

BIAN4005F Biological Anthropology

BIOL4001F Biology

CHEM4005F Chemistry

COMP4005F Computer Science

ENVS4005F Resource and Environmental Management

ENVS4015F Geography

ENVS4025F Human Ecology

ENVS4035 or ENVS4045 or ENVS4055 Forestry**

EMSC4005F Geology

EMSC4008F Physics of the Earth

MATH4005F Mathematics

MATH4009F Computational Science

MICR4005F Microscopy

NEUR4005F Neuroscience

PHYS4003F Physics

PHYS4004F Theoretical Physics

POPS4105F Population Health

PSYC4005F Psychology

SCOM4005F Science Communication

STAT4004F Statistics

* The code depends on whether the Honours year is undertaken in the Mathematical Sciences Institute or the Reseach School of Physics and Engineering or the Research School of Astronomy and Astrophysics.

** The code depends on whether the Honours year is taken as part of the BSc, BSc(Res&EnvMan) or BSc(Forestry) degrees. Concurrent Honours is also possible in the fourth year of the BSc (Forestry) degree for students who commenced prior to 2010 and are enrolled in the four year program.

Details of codes are given in the Course Summary section.

Students commencing Honours in first semester should enrol in both first and second semester. Students commencing Honours in second semester should only enrol for that semester. Students will be advised when to enrol for the following year.

The Colleges have an Honours handbook giving broad information applicable across Science, including general criteria for the awarding of grades. The Honours Handbook and timeline are available from here.

Please note, the official commencement date of the Honours year may be before the official Semester start. Please check the relevant honours timeline for more information or contact your honours convener.

Elective Study

Once you have met the program requirements of your degree, you may have enough electives to complete an additional elective major, minor or specialisation.

Study Options

Year 1 48 units	Science Major 1000 level course 6 units	Science Minor course 6 units	Elective Course 6 units	Elective Course 6 units
Year 1 48 units	Science Major 1000 level course 6 units	Science Minor course 6 units	Elective Course 6 units	Elective Course 6 units
Year 2 48 units	Science Major 2000 level course 6 units	Science Minor course 6 units	Science Minor course 6 units	Elective Course 6 units
Year 2 48 units	Science Major 2000 level course 6 units	Science Major 2000 level course 6 units	Science course 6 units	Elective Course 6 units
Year 3 48 units	Science Major 3000 level course 6 units	Science elective 3000 level course 6 units	Science elective 3000 level course 6 units	Elective Course 6 units
Year 3 48 units	Science Major 3000 level course 6 units	Science Major 3000 level course 6 units	Science elective 3000 level course 6 units	Elective Course 6 units

Admission Requirements

Admission to all programs is on a competitive basis. Admission to undergraduate degrees is based on meeting the ATAR requirement or an equivalent rank derived from the following qualifications:

• An Australian year 12 qualification or international equivalent; OR
• A completed Associate Diploma, Associate Degree, AQF Diploma, Diploma, AQF Advanced Diploma, Graduate Certificate or international equivalent; OR
• At least one standard full-time year (1.0 FTE) in a single program of degree level study at an Australian higher education institution or international equivalent; OR
• An approved tertiary preparation course unless subsequent study is undertaken.

Click HERE for further information about domestic admission.

The table below is a guide to the entry level required for domestic applicants. Exact entry level will be set at time of offer.

Domestic applicant entry requirements

Queensland Band equivalents are a guide only - selection is made on a UAI equivalent that is not available to students.

International applicant entry requirements

International applicants may view further information on admissions requirements at Entry Requirements for International Undergraduate Applicants

The University reserves the right to alter or discontinue its programs as required.

ATAR:: 80
QLD Band:: 10
International Baccalaureate:: 29

Prerequisites

There are no formal program prerequisites and many first-year science courses assume little specific knowledge. The exceptions are:

For many of the biology majors, chemistry is a requirement, therefore it is recommended that students have at least an ACT minor (but preferably a major) in chemistry, or successful completion of a bridging course in chemistry, or multistrand science in NSW, or equivalent. Chemistry is essential for all later-year courses in the biological streams of biochemistry and cell biology, microbiology and immunology, molecular genetics, animal and human physiology, and some parts of botany and neuroscience. A bridging course is available in February details can be obtained through science.enquiries@anu.edu.au
CHEM1101: ACT major in Chemistry, or successful completion of a bridging course in chemistry, or multistrand science in NSW, or equivalent, is required. Chemistry is essential for all later-year courses in chemistry. A bridging course is available in February details can be obtained through science.enquiries@anu.edu.au
MATH1003: Assumed knowledge: ACT Mathematical Methods or NSW HSC Mathematics or equivalent
MATH1005: ACT Mathematical Methods or NSW HSC Mathematics or equivalent
MATH1013: A satisfactory pass in ACT Specialist Mathematics Major - Minor or NSW HSC Mathematics Extension 1 or equivalent. Students with a good pass in ACT Mathematical Methods or NSW HSC Mathematics or equivalent will be considered
MATH1115: A satisfactory pass in ACT Specialist Mathematics double major or NSW HSC Mathematics Extension 2 or equivalent. Students with excellent marks in either ACT Specialist Mathematics major-minor or NSW HSC Mathematics Extension 1 or equivalent may be permitted to enrol
PHYS1101: There is a corequisite of MATH1013/1115. See the entries above. There is no formal physics prerequisite but preparation is assumed and recommended. Recommended preparation is - NSW: a high standard in 2 unit physics or a multistrand science; ACT: a high standard in physics (major).

Adjustment Factors

The National Access Scheme 2014

ANU offers bonus points for nationally strategic senior secondary subjects, and in recognition of difficult circumstances that students face in their studies.

Bonus points are applied to all applicants with an ATAR at or above 70. Points are awarded in accordance with the approved schedule, and no more than 10 points (maximum 5 academic points and maximum 5 equity points) will be awarded.

Bonus points do not apply to programs with an ATAR cutoff of 98 or higher.

Bonus Points are only awarded to domestic applicants applying for admission through UAC who have not previously attempted tertiary study.

How to apply

Academic Bonus Points: senior secondary students do not need to apply for ANU academic bonus points. They are automatically added in accordance with the schedule.

Educational Access Scheme: senior secondary students do not need to apply if their school is part of the Priority School Funding Program or Country Areas Program. All other applicants should refer to http://www.uac.edu.au/eas/ for more information.

Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP)

For more information see: http://www.anu.edu.au/students/program-administration/costs-fees

Annual indicative fee for international students: $37,104.00

For further information on International Tuition Fees see: https://www.anu.edu.au/students/program-administration/fees-payments/international-tuition-fees

Scholarships

ANU offers a wide range of scholarships to students to assist with the cost of their studies.

Eligibility to apply for ANU scholarships varies depending on the specifics of the scholarship and can be categorised by the type of student you are. Specific scholarship application process information is included in the relevant scholarship listing.

For further information see the Scholarships website.

Explore the endless possibilities of science with this degree as you can choose to study everything from astronomy to neuroscience. So whether your interests are broad or unique, the Bachelor of Science allows you to follow or find your passion.

You’ll have the flexibility to explore all of your interests, tailoring a program to take you in whichever direction of science interests you most. And when you study at Australia's most reputable science university, you will gain access to state-of-the-art laboratories while being mentored by leading scientists. You'll also benefit from studying in Canberra, a science city which gives you unparalleled access to parliament, CSIRO, government departments, Geoscience Australia and many other national and international science organisations.

For more information on our educational offerings, the university experience, career opportunities and student stories please visit our website.

Get the inside story on what it’s like to be an ANU student by visiting our student blog.

Science

Career Options

Graduates from ANU have been rated as Australia's most employable graduates and among the most sought after by employers worldwide.

The latest Global Employability University Ranking, published by the Times Higher Education, rated ANU as Australia's top university for getting a job for the fourth year in a row.

Employment Opportunities

High quality scientists are in demand, accordingly many of our graduates proceed to further studies (such as at the Honours, Masters and Doctoral level) in order to retain a competitive edge in their chosen scientific field.

Graduates of this degree can find work within administrative, ecological and technological arenas. Graduates can also undertake specific graduate-level training in areas such as teaching, patent assessment or science communication to further equip themselves for these professions.

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this program Science graduates will be able to:

develop, apply, integrate and generate scientific knowledge in educational and professional contexts;
use a range of skills and methods to identify, analyse and respond to problems and issues;
convey and relate professional and disciplinary information and ideas to diverse audiences in effective and appropriate ways;
work and learn in both independent and collaborative ways with others to encompass diverse abilities and perspectives;
exercise personal, professional and social responsibility as a global citizen.

Back to the Bachelor of Science page

Please note that if you are commencing your studies in semester 2 there may be restrictions on the courses available for enrolment. We strongly recommend that you make an appointment with an academic advisor (science.enquiries@anu.edu.au or phoning 6125 2809) to discuss your options. There will also be advisory sessions offered during the week before semester commences.

Do you have boundless interests you can't pin down? Are you curious about parasites and planets and everything in between?

Explore the endless possibilities of astronomy and astrophysics, biological anthropology, biology, chemistry, climate science, computer science, earth science, environmental policy, evolution and ecology, genetics, geography, immunology, marine science, mathematics and statistics, natural resource management and sustainability, physics, plant science, psychology and neuroscience, and science communication (just to name a few).

Whatever you choose to study, you will gain transferrable skills in critical thinking, analysis, investigation and evidenced-based decision making.

With the ANU Bachelor of Science you have the flexibility to explore all your interests, tailoring a program for the direction you choose to take science.

Single degree

This degree requires 144 units
A maximum of 60 units of 1000 level courses
A minimum of 36 units 3000 level Science courses
One Science major (48 units)
One Science minor, specialisation or a second Science major (24units/48 units)
Other courses from Science or another ANU College (maximum non-science allowed 48 units)

Double degree

This degree requires 96 units Science courses
A maximum of 36 units of 1000 level courses
A minimum of 36 units 3000 level Science courses
One Science major (48 units)
One Science minor, specialisation or a second Science major (24units/48 units)
Other courses from Science

About this degree

Single degree

In a Bachelor of Science single degree program you will study a total of 144 units. Typically you will take 4 courses per semester (total of 24 units) as a full time student giving you a total of 24 courses across your whole degree.

You'll need to take one Science major (8 courses) and one Science minor (or specialisation) (4 courses), and four Science electives (4 courses). If you'd like to, you can use your Science electives to extend your Science minor into a second Science major. You'll also get to choose eight electives from courses right across ANU. You can use these electives to try a range of courses or to take a major or minor in a non-Science subject, such as history or marketing.

Double degree

In a Bachelor of Science double degree program you will study a total of 96 units. Typically you will take 4 courses per semester (total of 24 units) as a full time student giving you a total of 16 courses across your whole degree. However, for each semester you are likely to take 2 courses from your Science degree and then 2 courses from the other half of your double degree – still a total of 4 courses a semester.

Study Options
The maximum period for completion of the degree program is 10 years from the date of first enrolment in the program. The 10 years includes periods of leave.

Where there is mention of Science courses, majors, minors and specialisations this refers to courses, majors, minors and specialisations that are offered by the College of Medicine, Biology and Environment and College of Physical and Mathematical Sciences as well as some that are offered by the College of Engineering and Computer Science, College of Business and Economics and College of Arts and Social Sciences. as listed below

Courses offered by College of Medicine, Biology and Environment and College of Physical and Mathematical Sciences include any courses commencing with the following codes:

ASTR BIOL CHEM EMSC ENVS MATH NEUR PHYS PSYC SCNC SCOM VCUG

Courses offered by other ANU Colleges include:

ANTH2026 Medical Anthropology

ANTH2127 Genes, Memes and Cultural Difference

ARCH2108 Animals, Plants and People

BIAN (All courses)

COMP (Most courses. For advice consult a Sub Dean)

ECON3121 Mathematical Economics

ECON3100 Economics III Honours

EMET3006 Applied Micro-econometrics

EMET3008 Applied Macro and Financial Econometrics

EMET3011 Advanced Econometric Methods

FINM3003 Continuous Time Finance

FINM3007 Advanced Derivatives Pricing and Applications

PHIL2057 Philosophy of Science

PHIL2061 Philosophy of Psychology

PHIL2080 Logic

PHIL2082 Philosophy of Biology

STAT (Most courses. For advice consult a Sub Dean)

Enrolment Status

While it's possible to enrol in fewer courses per semester, which is called studying part-time, it will take you longer to finish your program and get your degree. If you are an international student you must always be full-time.

When you enrol for the first time you will study ‘1000-level’ courses. These courses have ‘1’ as the first number in their course code, such as SCNC1234.

A course (usually 6 units) can only be counted towards one major or minor.
You need to enrol in courses for both First Semester and Second Semester.
You can’t study more than four courses (24 units) per semester, eight for the year.
You need to enrol in courses for at least one potential Science major
You need to enrol in courses for at least one potential Science minor or a second potential Science major
You may take 1000-level courses later in your program. But remember you can’t count more than ten 1000-level courses (60 units) towards your single degree or six 1000-level courses (36 units) towards your Science half of the double degree.

Majors and Minors

See available majors and minors for this program

A course can only ever be counted toward one major or minor.

Exception: A maximum of 12 units of 1000 level courses can count toward two majors that share common first year requirements.

There are over sixty Science majors, minors and specialisations available for you to study, from Astronomy and Astrophysics to Water Science. A list of these is available here.

If you aren’t sure what you want to study for your whole degree, that’s fine. You don’t need to commit to majors or minors until after your first year. Using electives can help to keep your options open.

There are two main ways to choose courses for majors and minors:

Choose from the list of Science majors and minors and see what first year courses you need to enrol in.
Choose from the list of first-year Science courses and see what majors and minors they count towards.

The following links will take you to the full lists of Science majors, minors and specialisations:

Majors

http://programsandcourses.anu.edu.au/Search?Source=Catalogue&FilterByMajors=true&CollegeName=CMBE_CPS

Minors

http://programsandcourses.anu.edu.au/Search?Source=Catalogue&FilterByMinors=true&CollegeName=CMBE_CPS

Specialisations

http://programsandcourses.anu.edu.au/Search?Source=Catalogue&FilterBySpecialisations=true&CollegeName=CMBE_CPS

Because there are so many options available, you will need to take your time choosing what you want to study. To help you choose Science courses you can go to the following link to download (and print) the Science First Year Guide:

Electives

While you only need to enrol in courses for one Science major and one Science minor, you can use your electives to enrol in 1000-level courses for other Science majors or minors. That way you keep your options open. Once you've selected courses for a Science major, and a Science minor or second Science major, you should choose electives to make up the balance of your courses.

To find 1000-level courses, use the catalogue finder. Remember you can choose up to 8 courses from another ANU College at the University if you are undertaking the single Bachelor of Science program.

Study Options