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.

Statistics opens the door to understanding our world through the exploration of data and the modelling of uncertainty. The need for statistics is growing rapidly as our ability to collect massive amounts of data outruns our ability to understand and use the data we collect. Hal Varian, Chief Economist at Google, declared that “the sexy job in the next ten years will be statisticians”, as the challenge of understanding large, complex data structures mounts. It is estimated that 2.5 exabytes of data is generated every single day, with the accumulated amount of data doubling every 18 months, and that 90% of all data ever gathered was produced within the last two years. What’s more, statistics is critical for every discipline for which data play a role, and in responding to the world’s biggest challenges such as climate change, terrorism, health and medicine, and global economic conditions. Some of the world’s largest employers of statisticians include Google and Facebook as well as governments, financial institutions, medical and pharmaceutical industries, universities and many other sectors. By completing a BStat at ANU, you stand ready to meet humanity’s biggest challenges by understanding the world we observe through the eyes of data and statistical and probability modelling.

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.

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

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

1. Review and synthesise a broad range of statistical knowledge from their chosen major
   
2. Use the R statistical computing language to carry out a wide variety of statistical tasks
   
3. Carry out model selection in a multiple linear regression modelling context
   
4. Describe the concepts of stochastic processes in discrete and continuous time
   
5. Describe and interpret probability theory, continuous random variables, and sampling distributions and the central limit theorem
   
6. Analyse programming problems to suggest, design and implement appropriate modular program structures, based on a data-directed approach.   

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.

Additional advice:

Students interested in incorporating an internship into their degree can find out more from the College of Science website.

Important fee information for commencing and continuing domestic undergraduate students intending to study psychology as a professional pathway:

Please note that due to changes in Australian government funding from 2021 as a result of the Job Ready Graduates Package, fees for Behavioural Science courses will be invoiced at different rates. This will affect students in the following manner:

Commencing Students

Study of the accredited sequence of psychology courses taken under the psychology degrees recognised by the Australian Government will be eligible for the Professional Pathway funding rates (HECS band 2). At ANU, these programs are:

• Bachelor Science (Psychology) - (3 year degree)
• Bachelor of Science (Psychology) (Honours) - (+1 Hons year)
• Bachelor of Psychology (Honours) - (4 year degree incl Honours).

Note that Bachelor of Science (Psychology) (Honours) students who commenced their Bachelor of Science (Psychology) at ANU prior to 1 January 2021will be classed as continuing students. 

While the accredited sequence of psychology courses can be taken as part of other programs of study at ANU [Bachelor of Science, Bachelor of Science (Honours), Bachelor of Science (Advanced) (Honours), Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Arts (Honours) and Bachelor of Philosophy (Honours)], the study of psychology is not compulsory therefore Psychology courses in these programs will be charged different fees (HECS band 4).

Continuing students

Continuing students (enrolled before 1 January 2021) studying courses in disciplines with increased student contribution amounts, will be grandfathered under the legislation. That is, they will continue paying the same amount as they would have, had these reforms not been implemented for any courses that would otherwise have an increased student contribution. 

For more information on the 2021 fee changes to Student Contributions Amounts, please visit https://www.anu.edu.au/students/program-administration/fees-payments/student-contributions; and for more information on the Job Ready Graduates Package please visit  https://www.studyassist.gov.au/

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.

Additional advice:

Students interested in incorporating an internship into their degree can find out more from the College of Science website.

Important fee information for commencing and continuing domestic undergraduate students intending to study psychology as a professional pathway:

Please note that due to changes in Australian government funding from 2021 as a result of the Job Ready Graduates Package, fees for Behavioural Science courses will be invoiced at different rates. This will affect students in the following manner:

Commencing Students

Study of the accredited sequence of psychology courses taken under the psychology degrees recognised by the Australian Government will be eligible for the Professional Pathway funding rates (HECS band 2). At ANU, these programs are:

• Bachelor Science (Psychology) - (3 year degree)
• Bachelor of Science (Psychology) (Honours) - (+1 Hons year)
• Bachelor of Psychology (Honours) - (4 year degree incl Honours).

Note that Bachelor of Science (Psychology) (Honours) students who commenced their Bachelor of Science (Psychology) at ANU prior to 1 January 2021will be classed as continuing students. 

While the accredited sequence of psychology courses can be taken as part of other programs of study at ANU [Bachelor of Science, Bachelor of Science (Honours), Bachelor of Science (Advanced) (Honours), Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Arts (Honours) and Bachelor of Philosophy (Honours)], the study of psychology is not compulsory therefore Psychology courses in these programs will be charged different fees (HECS band 4).

Continuing students

Continuing students (enrolled before 1 January 2021) studying courses in disciplines with increased student contribution amounts, will be grandfathered under the legislation. That is, they will continue paying the same amount as they would have, had these reforms not been implemented for any courses that would otherwise have an increased student contribution. 

For more information on the 2021 fee changes to Student Contributions Amounts, please visit https://www.anu.edu.au/students/program-administration/fees-payments/student-contributions; and for more information on the Job Ready Graduates Package please visit  https://www.studyassist.gov.au/

Admission Requirements

At a minimum, all applicants must meet program-specific academic/non-academic requirements, and English language requirements. Admission to most ANU programs is on a competitive basis. Therefore, meeting all admission requirements does not guarantee entry into the program.

In line with the university's admissions policy and strategic plan, an assessment for admission may include competitively ranking applicants on the basis of specific academic achievement, English language proficiency and diversity factors.

The University reserves the right to alter or discontinue its programs and change admission requirements as needed.

Domestic applicants

Before applying for a program, you should review the general information about domestic undergraduate admission to ANU programs and how to apply, and the program-specific information below.

• Applicants with recent secondary education are assessed on:
  • completion of Australian Year 12 or equivalent, and the minimum Selection Rank (from their academic qualifications, plus any adjustment factors) requirement for this program; and
  • co-curricular or service requirement (applies to applicants who complete secondary education in the year prior to commencing at ANU); and
  • English language proficiency; and
  • any program-specific requirements listed below.
• Applicants with higher education study are assessed on:
  • previous higher education studies; or secondary education results if completed less than one full-time equivalent year (1.0 FTE) of a degree; or the result from a bridging or preparatory course; and
  • English language proficiency; and
  • any program-specific requirements listed below.
• Applicants with vocational education and training (VET) study are assessed on:
  • previously completed VET qualifications at AQF level 5 or higher (i.e. a Diploma or above); or secondary education results if the VET qualification is not completed; and
  • English language proficiency; and
  • any program-specific requirements listed below.
• Applicants with work and life experience are assessed on:
  • ATAR or equivalent if secondary education was completed; or the Special Adult Entry Scheme (SAES); or work experience; and
  • English language proficiency; and
  • any program-specific requirements listed below.

International applicants

Applicants who complete a recognised secondary/senior secondary/post-secondary/tertiary sequence of study will be assessed on the basis of an equivalent selection rank that is calculated upon application. A list of commonly observed international qualifications and corresponding admission requirements can be found here. Applicants must also meet any program specific requirements that are listed below.

Diversity factors & English language proficiency  
As Australia's national university, ANU is global representative of Australian research and education. ANU endeavours to recruit and maintain a diverse and deliberate student cohort representative not only of Australia, but the world. In order to achieve these outcomes, competitive ranking of applicants may be adjusted to ensure access to ANU is a reality for brilliant students from countries across the globe. If required, competitive ranking may further be confirmed on the basis of demonstrating higher-level English language proficiency.

Further information is available for English Language Requirements for Admission

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 (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). 

ACT: Specialist Mathematics (Major/Minor)/Specialist Methods(Major/Minor), NSW: Mathematics Extension 1. More information about interstate subject equivalencies can be found here.

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.

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 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.

The Bachelor of Statistics flexible double degree component requires completion of 96 units, of which:

A maximum of 48 units may come from completion of 1000-level courses

The 96 units must consist of:

48 units from the completion of one of the following statistics majors:@

Applied Statistics

Probability and Stochastic Processes

Statistical Data Analytics

Theoretical Statistics

 6 units from completion of the following compulsory courses:

STAT2005 Introduction to Stochastic Processes

 6 units from completion of an introductory statistics course from the following list:

STAT1003 Statistical Techniques

STAT1008 Quantitative Research Methods

6 units from completion of an introductory mathematical statistics course from the following list:

STAT2001 Introductory Mathematical Statistics

STAT2013 Introductory Mathematical Statistics for Actuarial Studies

6 units from completion of a regression course from the following list:

STAT2008 Regression Modelling

STAT2014 Regression Modelling for Actuarial Studies

 6 units from completion of an introductory computing course from the following list:

COMP1100 Programming as Problem Solving

COMP1730 Programming for Scientists

 12 units from completion of an introductory mathematics 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

 6 units from completion of a discrete mathematics course from the following list:

MATH2301 Games, Graphs and Machines

MATH3511 Scientific Computing

If your flexible double degree is within the College of Business and Economics (for example Commerce and Economics), the below study plan may show the same course twice. If this is the case, you must only do the course once and replace the other course with a University Wide Elective or CBE List 1 elective. Please note that you cannot exceed 8 out of college electives.

Students enrolled in Bachelor of Statistics/Bachelor of Actuarial Studies degree will need to enrol in STAT2013 and STAT2014, instead of STAT2001 and STAT2008.

Students enrolled in Bachelor of Statistics/Bachelor of Advanced Computing (Hons) degree will need to enrol in MATH1115 and MATH1116, instead of MATH1013 and MATH1014. Also, in the Bachelor of Statistics, these students should replace COMP1100 with an elective, as they will completing COMP1130 in the BAC (Hons) degree, which is an incompatible course

For majors and minors offered by the ANU College of Business and Economics, students may count a course towards multiple majors and minors. If a minor is a subset of all stated courses and/or prerequisites for a major, then completion of the major overrides completion of the minor, and only the major is regarded as having been completed. If all courses in a major and/or minor are compulsory courses in the degree, the major and/or minor will not be listed on the transcript.

Majors

Bachelor of Science Majors

Bachelor of Statistics Majors

Minors

Bachelor of Science Minors

Bachelor of Statistics Minors

Specialisations

Bachelor of Science Specialisations

Study Options

Honours

Students may proceed to the fourth honours year in Statistics. Entry to the honours year program is subject to an appropriately high average grade (generally distinction level or above) in the 3000-level compulsory subjects described in the course listings and requires the approval of College. Other conditions may also apply. Students who are interested in the honours program should seek further advice from the Convenor of the Program in the Research School of Finance, Actuarial Studies and Applied Statistics.