Bachelor of Science

You’ll gain a solid foundation in science, along with valuable skills that are transferable to many different sectors.

You can specialise in one of these areas:

biotechnology ecology and environmental management.

These specialisations are aligned with industry need and opportunity – so you'll graduate with a qualification that is well-matched with current career opportunities.

You'll have the flexibility to customise your learning based on career interests.

You will enhance your chosen speciality with minor studies in areas such as statistics, cell biology/microbiology, physics, or units from other disciplines.  This degree offers hands-on learning in modern facilities and opportunities for work placements.

You can progress from this course into an honours year or other postgraduate study (subject to academic performance).

To attain the Bachelor of Science students will be required to complete 288 credit points, consisting of:

• 96 credit points (equivalent to 8 units) of First Year Core units;
• 96 credit points (equivalent to 8 units) of Major studies;

AND

• 96 credit points (equivalent to 8 units) of Major studies

OR:

• 2 x 48 credit points (equivalent to 8 units) of two Minor studies.

Course structure and units

First Year Core Units

• Algebra and Calculus Unit code NEM1001 Credits12
• Statistics for Decision Making Unit code NEM1002 Credits12
• Skills for the Scientist Unit code NSC1210 Credits12
• Global Environmental Issues Unit code RBF1150 Credits12
• Biology 1 Unit code RBF1310 Credits12
• Biology 2 Unit code RBF1320 Credits12
• Chemistry 1A Unit code RCS1601 Credits12
• Chemistry 1B Unit code RCS1602 Credits12

Majors

• Biotechnology Unit code NMABIT
• Chemistry Unit code NMACHE
• Ecology and Environmental Management Unit code NMAENV

Minors

• Molecular Biology Unit code NMIMBI
• Cell Biology / Microbiology Unit code NMICBM
• Pharmaceutical Chemistry Unit code NMIPCH
• Mathematics / Statistics Unit code NMIMST
• Ecology and Environmental Management Unit code NMIEAA
• Analytical Chemistry Unit code NMIACH
• Environmental Science Unit code NMIESC
• Physics Unit code NMIPHY
• Tourism and Aboriginal Sustainability Unit code BMITAS
• The Entrepreneurial Mindset Unit code AMITEM

Victoria University is committed to providing a transparent admissions process. Find out more about how to apply for our courses, and our commitment to admissions transparency.

Applicants for this course will need to have met the academic requirements and prerequisites for this course outlined below.

Meeting the minimum admission criteria does not guarantee entry into this course. Past academic performance may be considered.

Admission criteria

The minimum criteria for admission varies depending on your education background. If you’re not sure which criteria applies to you, use the help tool on this page or make an enquiry and we can assist.

Applicants with recent secondary education (within the last 2 years)

• Australian Senior Secondary Certificate (e.g. VCE) or
• an Australian or overseas equivalent or
• an International Baccalaureate (IB).

Importance of ATAR for this course

ATAR+

We consider both ATAR and other criteria

NA

ATAR is not a consideration. We use other criteria

Admission criteria

Completion of an Australian Senior Secondary Certificate (VCE or equivalent) including Units 3 and 4: a study score of at least 25 in English (EAL) or 20 in any other English.PLUS:A study score of at least 20 in Mathematics (any).

Why is ATAR not applicable?

You will not need an ATAR score to meet the admission requirements for this course. Only the successful completion of your secondary school studies, and any additional prerequisites. Our courses and support programs are designed to prepare students from diverse cultures for success, regardless of their prior experience, ATAR, age, socioeconomic or educational background.

Special admission programs

Our special admission programs cover a range of access and equity schemes that allow applicants from participating schools or disadvantaged social, economic or cultural environments to receive additional consideration. These include:

• Special Entry Access Scheme (external link) (SEAS) for VTAC applicants.
• Special consideration for direct applicants.

Applicants with vocational education and training (VET/TAFE) study

This information is for people who have completed an accredited award at an Australian Registered Training Organisation.

Admission criteria

Completion of an Australian Advanced Diploma or Diploma (or equivalent).OR:Completion of the Certificate IV in Tertiary Preparation (or equivalent).OR:Completion of a Certificate IV in a related Science/Health discipline.

Special admission programs

Our special admission programs cover a range of access and equity schemes that allow applicants from participating schools or disadvantaged social, economic or cultural environments to receive additional consideration. These include:

• Special Entry Access Scheme (external link) (SEAS) for VTAC applicants.
• Special consideration for direct applicants.

Applicants with higher education study

This information is for people whose highest level of study since leaving secondary education is a higher education course.

Admission criteria

Full or partial completion of an Australian Higher Education award (or equivalent). OR:Completion of two units of Higher Education studies. OR:Completion of a bridging or enabling course eg. Foundation course or equivalent.

Special admission programs

Our special admission programs cover a range of access and equity schemes that allow applicants from participating schools or disadvantaged social, economic or cultural environments to receive additional consideration. These include:

• Special Entry Access Scheme (external link) (SEAS) for VTAC applicants.
• Special consideration for direct applicants.

Applicants with work & life experience

This information is for applicants who left secondary school more than two years ago and who have not undertaken VET or higher education study since then.

Admission criteria

Five years (minimum) work/life experience in the Health Sciences or similar.OR:Applicants that completed an Australian Senior Secondary Certificate more than two years ago..PLUS:Units 3 and 4: a study score of at least 25 in English (EAL) or 20 in any other English (or equivalent).PLUS:A study score of at least 20 in Mathematics (any).

Special admission programs

Our special admission programs cover a range of access and equity schemes that allow applicants from participating schools or disadvantaged social, economic or cultural environments to receive additional consideration. These include:

• Special Entry Access Scheme (external link) (SEAS) for VTAC applicants.
• Special consideration for direct applicants.

There are many ways you can start your education journey at VU. Pathways offer an easy transition between courses at different levels, so that you can start with a certificate and progress right through to postgraduate study.

Pathways from VU courses

If you have completed any of the following course(s), you will be guaranteed a place in this course. In some cases you may receive credit for your previous study, reducing the time it takes to complete your course.

You will be guaranteed entry only.

Find out more about pathways and credits.

Credit for skills and past study

If you have completed study with another university or institution and believe you are eligible to receive credit for skills and past study, you can apply for advanced standing.

Applications for advanced standing can be made after a discussion with your course coordinator or academic adviser.

On successful completion of this course, students will be able to: