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
Cell & Molecular Biology
Chemistry
Computer Science
Earth Science
Environmental Science
Evolution, Ecology and Organismal Biology
Geography
Human Biology
Human Evolutionary Biology
Marine Science
Mathematical Economics
Mathematical Finance
Mathematical Modelling
Mathematics
Resource and Environmental Management
Physics
Psychology
Quantitative Biology
Science Communication
Statistics
Sustainability Studies
Water Science

Either:

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

Abnormal Psychology minor
Advanced Chemistry specialisation
Advanced Mathematics specialisation
Advanced Physics specialisation
Advanced Quantitative Biology and Bioinformatics specialisation
Applied Statistics minor
Astronomy and Astrophysics specialisation
Biology minor
Biochemistry specialisation
Biodiversity Conservation and Management
Biological Anthropology minor
Biological Neuropsychology minor
Biomedical Science specialisation
Chemistry minor
Climate Science and Policy minor
Cognitive Psychology minor
Computer Science minor
Developmental Psychology minor
Earth and Marine Sciences minor
Earth Physics specialisation
Environmental Policy minor
Evolution and Ecology specialisation
Forest Science and Policy minor
Genetics specialisation
Geochemistry and Petrology specialisation
Geography minor
Human Ecology minor
Marine Geoscience specialisation
Mathematical Physics specialisation
Mathematics minor
Microbiology and Immunology specialisation
Neuroscience and Physiology specialisation
Optics specialisation
Philosophy and Science minor
Physics minor
Plant Science specialisation
Professional Science Engagement specialisation
Psychology specialisation
Science Communication minor
Social Psychology minor
Soil and Land Management minor
Sustainable Development minor
Water Science and Policy minor

24 units from completion of courses from the Science course list

Or:

48 units from completion of a second Science majors, listed above

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.

Majors

Minors

Specialisations

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	1000 level course Science Major 6 units	1000 level Science elective or minor course 6 units	Science or non-science elective 6 units	Science or non-science elective 6 units
Year 1 48 units	1000 level course Science Major 6 units	1000 level Science elective or minor course 6 units	Science or non-science elective 6 units	Science or non-science elective 6 units
Year 2 48 units	2000 level course Science Major 6 units	Science elective or minor or specialisation course 6 units	Science elective 6 units	Science or non-science elective 6 units
Year 2 48 units	2000 level course Science Major 6 units	2000 level course Science Major 6 units	Science elective or minor or specialisation course 6 units	Science or non-science elective 6 units
Year 3 48 units	3000 level course Science Major 6 units	3000 level Science elective or specialisation course 6 units	3000 level course Science elective 6 units	Science or non-science elective 6 units
Year 3 48 units	3000 level course Science Major 6 units	3000 level course Science Major 6 units	3000 level Science elective or specialisation course 6 units	Science or non-science elective 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.

More information about ATAR requirements for individual programs can be found HERE.

The National Register of higher education providers is an authoritative source of information that will help you confirm your institution of choice is registered to deliver higher education in Australia.

The Quality Indicators for Learning and Teaching (QILT) website is HERE. Based on surveys done by thousands of students across Australia you can find out about universities that interest you, doing side-by-side comparisons.

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 an ATAR 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:: 28

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

ANU offers rank adjustments for a number of adjustment factors, including for high achievement in nationally strategic senior secondary subjects and for recognition of difficult circumstances that students face in their studies. Rank adjustments are applied to Bachelor degree applicants with an ATAR at or above 70. Points are awarded in accordance with the approved schedules, and no more than 15 points (maximum 5 subject/performance-based adjustments, maximum 10 equity-based adjustments and maximum 5 Elite Athlete adjustments) will be awarded. Subject and performance-based adjustments do not apply to programs with a minimum selection rank of 98 or higher. Visit the ANU Adjustment Factors website for further 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: $42,960.00

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.

With a myriad of majors and minors, craft a science degree that is uniquely yours with the ANU Bachelor of Science.

You’ll have the opportunity to experiment in our state-of-the-art laboratories while being mentored by leading scientists. You’ll have the flexibility to go on fieldtrips, take your studies overseas, or try an internship.

Whether your passion lies in marine science or mathematics, physics or psychology, you’ll be able to explore your interests and follow your passions with our most flexible science degree.

Find out more about our science study areas, degree structure, the university experience, career opportunities and student stories on our website.

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

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

In a global economy driven by data, technology and innovation, high quality scientists are in demand.

You could become a neurologist, marine or conservation biologist, teacher, journalist, nuclear physicist, astronomer, meteorologist, policy advisor, researcher or maybe even pursue a career that hasn’t been invented yet.

You might also like to undertake further studies at the Honours, Masters or Doctoral level.

See where a Bachelor of Science could take you: our career wheel will help you turn your interests into a career in science.

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of a Bachelor of 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.

Further Information

Want to learn more about the structure of the Bachelor of Science or wish to map out your degree? Click here to see a short program presentation video and access the study plan.

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. You can make an appointment by using our online booking system here. Alternatively, you can call Science Central on 6125 2809. 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 course list or another ANU College (maximum non-science allowed 48 units)

Double degree

The Bachelor of Science in a double 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 the Science course list

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 (science or non-science courses). 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 of Science course. 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 Health and Medicine and College of Science 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 Health and Medicine and College of Science 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 can be found on the Science Course List.

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. You can find all the possibilities on our Program and Courses website .

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.

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.

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