Bachelor of Science

Unravel the mysteries of the natural and physical world with a Bachelor of Science at UniSA.

Scientists work by observation, experiment and measurement.

They make predictions and informed decisions through the systematic study of the nature and behaviour of the physical universe.

The Bachelor of Science is designed to be practical, the focus is on laboratory and fieldwork.

You will gain skills you can transfer to the workplace and graduate ready to make a real difference in the world.

If you think you might be interested in secondary school teaching, you can apply for the Bachelor of Science/Master of Teaching (Secondary), it’s a direct pathway to postgraduate study.

If you would like to apply directly into the Bachelor of Science/Master of Teaching (Secondary) package option, please apply via SATAC using 434101.

Entry requirements

Admission criteria

The admission criteria have been grouped to assist you to easily find the information most relevant to your circumstances. However, you may fit into more than one and the university will consider applicants against each of the relevant criteria.

Certain conditions apply. For more information refer to Appendix 4 of the University's Selection and Entry policy.

Applicants are required to meet one of the following criteria with a competitive result, and demonstrate that they fulfil any prerequisite requirements and essential requirements for admission:

Recent secondary education Meet any prerequisite requirements with a minimum grade of C- or equivalent AND

• Qualify for the South Australian Certificate of Education (SACE), and achieved a competitive Selection Rank (ATAR), or
• Complete secondary qualifications equivalent to SACE, or
• Complete the International Baccalaureate Diploma with a minimum score of 24 points

Applicants who have not achieved the Selection Rank required for automatic selection may be selected for any remaining places based on the grades of their year 12 subjects.

Recent secondary education ATAR profile

OR Higher education study

• Complete or partly complete a recognised higher education program at a recognised higher education institution, or
• Complete at least four Open Universities Australia (OUA) courses at undergraduate level or above

OR Vocational Education and Training (VET)

• Complete an award from a registered training organisation at Certificate IV or above

OR Work and life experience

• Qualify for Special Entry, or
• Complete a UniSA Foundation Studies program or equivalent, or
• Hold completed secondary qualifications equivalent to SACE obtained more than 2 years in the past

Essential requirements for admission

Prerequisites

At least two of the following:

Assumed Knowledge

Deferment

This degree is available for deferment. This option is made available by responding to your offer during the application process via the SATAC website. Applicants who receive an offer into a midyear degree are eligible to defer for six months.

This is a very flexible degree, where you can choose 2 majors from right across the field of science. Majors available:

• Applied physics: allows you to pursue in-depth studies in advanced materials, computational physics and medical health physics
• Biology: includes plant and animal biology, cell biology, physiology, environmental biology, biochemistry and introductory biotechnology
• Chemistry: offers studies in both physical and inorganic chemistry
• Ecosystem sciences: looks at environmental sciences and policy including the contemporary concepts of ecosystem management and sustainable development that link natural and social systems. You will receive a solid foundation in natural sciences and field research techniques, while engaging in active, project-based learning opportunities
• Mathematics and statistics: core studies in applied mathematics, statistics and optimization
• Geographical Information Systems (GIS): are computerised systems which store and analyse spatial data. Data stored by coordinates in 2D, 3D or 4D can be used to perform spatial queries and analyses. These tools are used in many real world applications with the major focusing on environmental applications. The major contains courses on capturing, storing, analysing and presenting various forms of spatial data.
• Geoscience and Biogeochemistry: combines the study of chemical, physical, geological and biological processes that shape the natural environment, with an emphasis on problems such as climate change, environmental pollution and landscape modification. Investigate the Earth System and the dynamic interactions that govern global change from the microscopic to the macroscopic scale.

If you are interested in taking a major in another area of science this may also be possible. Please consult with the Program Director. If you think you might be interested in secondary school teaching, you can apply for the Bachelor of Science/Master of Teaching (Secondary), it’s a direct pathway to postgraduate study.

For each course you study, you will need to allocate time for various classes such as lectures, tutorials, workshops, seminars and practicals. Plus you will need additional hours to study in your own time to complete assignments, readings and projects and contribute to online discussion forums (independent study). So as a general rule, if you are studying full-time you would need to allocate 12 – 26 hours of study when at university and 14 – 28 hours of independent study per week.

Your studies at UniSA will incorporate both practical, professionally-focused and research-based learning, so assessment types will vary. You can expect them to include:

We are home to several research centres in the fields of biomaterials and nano-medicine, environmental science, phenomics and bioinformatics, energy, and minerals and resources science. As well as research, they provide consulting services to organisations and government. All have state-of-the-art facilities including the Future Industries Institute, with world renowned links and associations that provide a dynamic teaching and research base for our students. We also host regular University-wide employee master classes and employment expos, and alumni events in Australia and overseas.

Your career

Because of the diverse nature of this degree, your skills and knowledge will apply to careers in a broad range of industries, such as:

• private or government laboratories
• medical and pharmaceutical industries
• manufacturing
• environmental management
• food and beverages
• mining and energy
• information technology
• defence science
• meteorology
• teaching (with further study)

If you think you might be interested in secondary school teaching, you can apply for the Bachelor of Science/Master of Teaching (Secondary), it’s a direct pathway to postgraduate study.

To apply:

• go to the top of this page and make note of the relevant SATAC code*, then click Apply
• you will be redirected through to the SATAC website to continue your application

*There are two SATAC codes – one for this degree, and one for this degree packaged with the Master of Teaching. You can apply to study this degree on its own. However if you already know you would like to combine it with a Master of Teaching, you can apply for both together.

Our campuses have fantastic facilities including modern lecture theatres, libraries, workshops, laboratories, and areas that simulate real work environments. But you’ll also discover that your journey at UniSA is about social experiences, healthy living and getting involved. You’ll find student sports and fitness facilities, community clinics, tech zones and chill-out spaces. There are campus sport activities to keep you active, and if you are keen to explore the social side of university life, there are movies, cooking demonstrations, parties and loads more.

Adelaide has a variety of accommodation options to suit different requirements and budgets. Options include dedicated student accommodation or private rentals. See our long-term accommodation pages for plenty of options. If you need somewhere to live, our new student accommodation by urbanest is on Bank Street in Adelaide’s lively cultural precinct, an ideal perfect location for students. It is within easy reach of UniSA’s city and metropolitan campuses, Rundle Mall shopping, the Central Market, Chinatown, and the West End’s vibrant nightlife. It is also across the road from the Adelaide train station, and on bus and tram routes.

Our student support services will make your life at university easier. We want you to be successful, and if you need help, we're here to assist. We provide a full range of support services, including:

• academic counselling
• personal counselling
• social support services, including family support and nearby childcare

We have six campuses in metropolitan and regional areas, each with advanced facilities including modern lecture theatres, libraries, laboratories, and areas that simulate real work environments.

You will have access to our multi-million dollar Materials and Minerals Science Learning and Research Hub at the Mawson Lakes campus. The $50 million facility supports our world-class research in minerals and materials science. It’s a place that blends teaching and research environments, making you part of a vibrant learning community.