Software Engineering is about building effective software systems that address complex problems in a broad range of domains including transport, communications, finance, medicine, science, entertainment and the arts.
The Bachelor of Software Engineering (Honours) is a four-year program accredited by Engineers Australia and the Australian Computer Society. Graduates will obtain skills and capabilities for professional software engineering practice, innovation and research. We adopt a systems approach to software engineering that not only covers the technical aspects of professional practice, innovation and research, but also the complex socio-technical context in which these activities occur. This includes approaches to dealing with uncertainty and risk, design, modern management practices, ethics and communication.
BSEng students develop these skills and capabilities through a balance of theoretical study, practice in team projects with industry partners, and work experience. Students also have the opportunity to develop their innovation and entrepreneurial capabilities by working on their own start-ups with industry entrepreneurs as part of their degree.
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
ANU ranks among the world's very finest universities. Our nearly 100,000 alumni include political, business, government, and academic leaders around the world.
We have graduated remarkable people from every part of our continent, our region and all walks of life.
Employment Opportunities
Graduates work as accredited, professional software engineers and are highly sought after by both large international organisations and local firms.
They are employed in a variety of roles, including but not limited to:
- Software Engineer
- Software Developer
- Software Consultant
- Software Architect
- Programmer
- System Analyst
- Project Manager
- Product Manager
- Application Developer
- Database Analyst
- Network Architect
Our graduates work in many organisations including:
- IBM
- Microsoft
- Yahoo
- Intel
- Price Waterhouse Coopers
- Accenture Australia
- Bloomberg
- National Australia Bank
- Citigroup
- Deloitte
- Unisys
- Australian Government (Australian Taxation Office, Reserve Bank of Australia, Department of Broadband, Communication and the Digital Economy, etc.)
Graduates work as accredited, professional software engineers and are highly sought after by both large international organisations and local firms.
They are employed in a variety of roles, including but not limited to:
- Software Engineer
- Software Developer
- Software Consultant
- Software Architect
- Programmer
- System Analyst
- Project Manager
- Product Manager
- Application Developer
- Database Analyst
- Network Architect
Our graduates work in many organisations including:
- IBM
- Microsoft
- Yahoo
- Intel
- Price Waterhouse Coopers
- Accenture Australia
- Bloomberg
- National Australia Bank
- Citigroup
- Deloitte
- Unisys
- Australian Government (Australian Taxation Office, Reserve Bank of Australia, Department of Broadband, Communication and the Digital Economy, etc.)
Learning Outcomes
Define and analyse complex problems, and design, implement and evaluate solutions that demonstrate an understanding of the systems context in which software is developed and operated including economic, social, historical, sustainability and ethical aspects.
Recognise connections and recurring themes, including abstraction and complexity, across the discipline.
Adapt to new environments and technologies, and to innovate.
Demonstrate an operational understanding of systems engineering and the foundations of computer science including programming, algorithms, logic, architectures and data structures.
Apply an advanced understanding of software engineering practices in requirements engineering, system level architecture, data management, security, design, construction, evaluation, and project management.
Communicate complex concepts effectively with diverse audiences using a range of modalities.
Lead and work effectively within multi-disciplinary, multi-cultural and distributed teams in order to achieve a common goal.
Demonstrate commitment to professional conduct and development that recognises the social, legal and ethical implications of their work, to work independently, and self- and peer-assess performance.
Demonstrate an understanding of the fundamentals of research methodologies, including defining research problems, background reading and literature review, designing experiments, and effectively communicating results.
Apply research methods to the solution of contemporary research problems in software engineering.
- 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
Learn more about the degrees offered at the ANU College of Engineering and Computer Science, read current student profiles to see what campus life is really like, and discover what our graduates have achieved since leaving the College - Visit the College of Engineering and Computer Science website.
Learn more about the degrees offered at the ANU College of Engineering and Computer Science, read current student profiles to see what campus life is really like, and discover what our graduates have achieved since leaving the College - Visit the College of Engineering and Computer Science website.
Admission Requirements
- ATAR:
- 85
- International Baccalaureate:
- 31
Prerequisites
ACT: Mathematical Methods (Major)/Further Mathematics (Major)/Specialist Mathematics/Specialist Methods (Major), NSW: Mathematics or equivalent. More information about interstate subject equivalencies can be found here.
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 (major)/Further Mathematics/Specialist Mathematics (major)/ Specialist Methods or NSW HSC Mathematics or equivalent
- MATH1005: ACT Mathematical Methods (major)/Further Mathematics/Specialist Mathematics (major)/ Specialist 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
Adjustment factors are additional points added to an applicant's Selection Rank (for example an applicant's ATAR). ANU offers adjustment factors based on performance and equity principles, such as for high achievement in nationally strategic senior secondary subjects and for recognition of difficult circumstances that students face in their studies.
Selection Rank adjustments are granted in accordance with the approved schedules, and no more than 15 (maximum 5 subject/performance-based adjustment factors and maximum 10 equity-based adjustment factors) can be awarded.
You may be considered for adjustment factors if you have:
- applied for an eligible ANU Bachelor degree program
- undertaken Australian Year 12 or the International Baccalaureate
- achieved an ATAR or equivalent at or above 70
- not previously attempted tertiary study.
Please visit the ANU Adjustment Factors website for further information.
Indicative fees
Bachelor of Software Engineering (Honours) - Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP)
Bachelor of Science - Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP)
For more information see: http://www.anu.edu.au/students/program-administration/costs-fees
- Annual indicative fee for international students
- $48,384.00
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.
Program Requirements
The Bachelor of Software Engineering (Honours) flexible double degree component requires completion of 156 units, of which:
A maximum of 60 units may come from completion of 1000-level courses
12 units contribute towards the requirement of the other double degree component
The 156 units must include:
96 units from the completion of the following compulsory courses:
COMP1600 Foundations of Computing
COMP2100 Software Design Methodologies
COMP2300 Computer Organisation and Program Execution
COMP2310 Systems, Networks and Concurrency
COMP2120 Software Engineering
COMP2420 Introduction to Data Management, Analysis and Security
COMP3120 Managing Software Development
COMP3500 Software Engineering Project (12 units)
COMP3530 Systems Engineering for Software Engineers
COMP3600 Algorithms
COMP4130 Managing Software Quality and Process
COMP4450 Advanced Computing Research Methods
COMP4800 Industrial Experience (0 units)
ENGN1211 Discovering Engineering
ENGN3230 Engineering Innovation
MATH1005 Discrete Mathematical Models
6 units from completion of course from the following list:
COMP1100 Programming as Problem Solving
COMP1130 Programming as Problem Solving (Advanced)
6 units from completion of course from the following list:
COMP1110 Structured Programming
COMP1140 Structured Programming (Advanced)
Either:
12 units from completion of COMP4500 Software Engineering Practice
12 units from completion of further 4000-level courses from the subject area COMP Computer Science
Or:
24 units from completion of COMP4540 Software Engineering Research Project
Either:
6 units from completion of further courses from the subject area COMP Computer Science
Or:
6 units from completion of courses from the following list:
MATH1013 Mathematics and Applications 1
MATH1014 Mathematics and Applications 2
MATH1115 Advanced Mathematics and Applications 1
MATH1116 Advanced Mathematics and Applications 2
MATH2301 Games, Graphs and Machines
STAT1003 Statistical Techniques
STAT1008 Quantitative Research Methods
Either:
6 units from completion of further 3000- and 4000-level courses from the subject area COMP Computer Science
Or:
6 units from completion of courses from the following list:
VCUG3001 Unravelling Complexity
VCUG3002 Mobilising Research
The Bachelor of Science flexible double degree component requires completion of 96 units, of which:
A maximum of 36 units may come from completion of 1000-level courses
A minimum of 30 units must come from completion of 3000-level courses from the Science course list
The 96 units must include:
48 units from completion of one of the following Science majors:
Agricultural Innovation
Astronomy and Astrophysics
Biochemistry
Biodiversity Conservation and Management
Biological Anthropology
Cell & Molecular Biology
Chemistry
Climate Science
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
Quantitative Environmental Modelling
Science Communication
Statistics
Sustainability Studies
Water Science
Either:
24 units from the completion of one of the following Science minors / 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 Science Minor
Earth Physics Specialisation Minor
Environmental Geology Specialisation
Environmental Policy Minor
Evolution and Ecology Specialisation
Forest Science and Policy Minor
Genetics Specialisation
Geochemistry and Petrology Specialisation
Geography Minor
Geophysics and Geology Specialisation
Human Ecology Minor
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
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
Bachelor of Software Engineering (Honours) Majors
Bachelor of Science Majors
Minors
Bachelor of Science Minors
Bachelor of Software Engineering (Honours) Minors
Specialisations
Bachelor of Science Specialisations
Bachelor of Software Engineering (Honours) Specialisations
Study Options
| Year 1 | COMP1100 Programming as Problem Solving 6 units | ENGN1211 Discovering Engineering 6 units | MATH1005 Discrete Mathematical Models 6 units | Science Degree Major Course 6 units |
| COMP1100 Programming as Problem Solving 6 units OR COMP1140; | COMP1600 Foundations of Computing 6 units | Computing Elective 6 units | Science Degree Major Course 6 units | |
| Year 2 | COMP2100 Software Design Methodologies 6 units | COMP2300 Computer Organisation and Program Execution 6 units | Science elective 6 units | Science Degree Major Course 6 units |
| COMP2120 Software Engineering 6 units | COMP2310 Systems, Networks and Concurrency 6 units | Science elective 6 units | Science elective 6 units | |
| Year 3 | COMP2420 Introduction to Data Management, Analysis and Security 6 units | COMP3120 Managing Software Development 6 units | Science Degree Major Course 6 units | |
| ENGN3230 Engineering Innovation 6 units | COMP3530 Systems Engineering for Software Engineers 6 units | Science Degree 3000 level Minor or Specialisation Course 6 units | Science elective 6 units | |
| Year 4 | COMP3500 Software Engineering Project 6 units | COMP4130 Managing Software Quality and Process 6 units | Science Degree 3000 level Minor or Specialisation Course 6 units | Science Degree 3000 level Major Course 6 units |
| COMP3500 Software Engineering Project 6 units | COMP3600 Algorithms 6 units | Science Degree 3000 level Minor or Specialisation Course 6 units | Science Degree 3000 level Major Course 6 units | |
| Year 5 | COMP4500 Software Engineering Practice 6 units | COMP4450 Advanced Computing Research Methods 6 units | COMP 4000 level elective 6 units | Science Degree 3000 level Major Course 6 units |
| COMP4500 Software Engineering Practice 6 units | COMP 4000 level elective 6 units | COMP/VC 4000 level elective 6 units | Science Degree 3000 level Major Course 6 units |
Back to the Bachelor of Software Engineering (Honours) page
The Bachelor of Software Engineering (Honours) (BSEng) is a four year single degree accredited by Engineers Australia and the Australian Computer Society. The degree allows you to focus your study on Software Engineering and the software lifecycle, whilst also having the opportunity to explore other interests in computing, engineering, science or any discipline offered at ANU. You will learn how to develop software, work for real-world clients, manage teams, design innovative solutions and implement them.
The BSEng can be studied as a double degree with a number of other degrees.
Single degree
- This degree requires 192 units (each course is typically 6 units though some may be 12 units or higher)
- Typically you will study four courses per semester (total of 24 units)
- Majors and minors are not compulsory in the BSEng
- You have 48 units of university electives (eight courses). These courses can be used to study a computing specialisation, or a major or minor from another area of the university including Engineering.
- You can study a maximum of 60 units of 1000 level courses
Double degree
- This degree requires 144 units of the compulsory Software Engineering requirements (each course is typically 6 units though some may be 12 units or higher)
- Typically you will study four courses per semester (total of 24 units)
- Majors and minors are not compulsory in the BSEng
- There are no university electives in the double degree and therefore it is not possible to complete a computing specialisation expect in certain circumstances in the double degree with the BSc.
- Typically you can do a maximum of 72u 1000 level courses in your double degree
- You can find your double degree with the BSEng from Program and Courses
About this degree
- The degree is made of up compulsory requirements, additional computing electives, and 48 units (eight courses) of electives
- In the single degree you have 48 units of university electives (eight courses). These courses can be used to study a computing specialisation, or a major or minor from another area of the university including Engineering.
- In the double degree, you have no university electives - your other degree requirements use up all of these
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. There are maximum time limits for completion of the degree on a part-time basis. If you are an international student you
must always be full-time.
Important things to keep in mind when choosing your 1000-level courses
- When you enrol for the first time you will typically study '1000-level' courses. These courses have '1' as the first number in their course code, such as COMP1100.
- You need to enrol in courses for both First Semester and Second Semester though note that you can change your Semester 2 courses all the way until July.
- You can’t study more than four courses (24 units) per semester, eight for the year, and international students cannot study less than 24u a semester.
- 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 BSEng half of the double degree.
- In choosing your first year programming courses you will have a choice of doing COMP1100 or COMP1130 in Semester 1, and COMP1110 and COMP1140 in Semester 2. The standard courses are COMP1100/1110 but if you have a strong maths background, and/or significant programming experience, you might like to choose COMP1130/1140. Note that you choose 1130 you will be able to drop back to 1100 in the first 2 weeks.
Majors and Minors
See available majors and minors for this program
Majors, minors and specialisations are not compulsory in the BSEng and are only possible in the single degree. You can study an advanced Computing specialisation (third and fourth year courses), the Information Systems major, or any other major/minor from across the university using your university electives in a single BSEng.
Electives
If you are in the single degree then in your first year you have two electives to choose.
- To find 1000-level (first year) elective courses, use the catalogue search.
- If you enjoy and are good at mathematics and do not plan to do a major from another area of study, then you are encouraged to consider doing the following:
- Semester 1: MATH1013 Maths and Applications 1, or MATH1115 Maths and Applications 1 (Hons)
- Semester 2: MATH1014 Maths and Applications 2, or MATH1116 Maths and Applications 2 (Hons)
- You have one computing elective to choose in your first year. Your computing elective could be COMP1710 (S1), COMP1720 (S2), MATH1013 (S1 or S2), STAT1003 (S1), STAT1008 (S2)
- Suggested electives in your first year if you are interested in Engineering are:
- Suggested electives if you are interested in Information Systems:
- Semester 1 or 2: INFS1001
- If you have an interest in another area (eg management, mathematics, psychology, languages) then you should explore first year courses in these areas and in particular, look at the majors and minors in these areas. These will give you an idea of the first year courses that you should study.
- Students whose first language is not English and who feel they would benefit from not only some additional English assistance but who would like to learn more about the Australian academic style (eg essay structure, oral presentations, critical thinking, plagiarism and poor academic practice), might like to seek enrolment in ESEN1101 Essential University English
- If you have an interest in innovation and entrepreneurship, creating your own business and/or using computing to tackle complex challenges and opportunities of local, national and global significance, then you should consider the Minor or Major in Innovation and Professional Practice - https://cecs.anu.edu.au/master-innovation-and-professional-practice
Study Options
Bachelor of Software Engineering (Honours) single degree
Study Options
| Year 1 48 units | COMP1100 Programming as Problem Solving 6 units OR COMP1130; | ENGN1211 Discovering Engineering 6 units | MATH1005 Discrete Mathematical Models 6 units | University elective 6 units |
| COMP1110 Structured Programming 6 units OR COMP1140; | COMP1600 Foundations of Computing 6 units | Computing elective 6 units | University elective 6 units |
Bachelor of Software Engineering (Honours) double degree
Study Options
| Year 1 48 units | COMP1100 Programming as Problem Solving 6 units OR COMP1130; | ENGN1211 Discovering Engineering 6 units | MATH1005 Discrete Mathematical Models 6 units | Course from other degree 6 units |
| COMP1110 Structured Programming 6 units OR COMP1140; | COMP1600 Foundations of Computing 6 units | Computing elective 6 units | Course from other degree 6 units |
Do you want to talk to someone before enrolling?
Contact Student Enquiries at studentadmin.cecs@anu.edu.au
Back to the Bachelor of Science page
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 30 units 3000 level Science courses
- One Science major (48 units)
- One Science minor,
specialisation (24 units) or a second Science major (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 30 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.
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.
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 VCUGCourses 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
Bachelor of Science - single degree
This is a typical study pattern for the first year of a student undertaking a Bachelor of Science with one Science Major and one Science minor.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 |
| 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 |
Bachelor of Science - double degree
This is a typical study pattern for the first year of a student undertaking a Bachelor of Science (degree A) with another three year degree, such as the Bachelor of Science (degree B).Study Options
| Year 1 48 units | 1000 level course Science Major 6 units | 1000 level Science elective or minor course 6 units | Degree B 6 units | Degree B 6 units |
| 1000 level course Science Major 6 units | 1000 level Science elective or minor course 6 units | Degree B 6 units | Degree B 6 units |
Academic Advice
For further information on prerequisites and Science disciplines you can:
- Download the Science first year course guide available here, or
- View our program presentation videos located on our New commencers & first year students page, or
- Email us at science.enquiries@anu.edu.au, or
- Come and talk to someone face-to-face. You can make an appointment with an academic advisor here or by calling Science Central on 6125 2809.
Do you want to talk to someone before enrolling?
Contact Science.Enquiries@anu.edu.au