Look around, Information Technology (IT) is everywhere - your TV, laptop, gaming system, mobile phone, watch, music, movies, kitchen, car, bank and your next gig tickets. It is changing the way we live, learn, work and even socialise.
If you are interested in driving this exciting revolution, within a truly globalised and fast changing industry, then the ANU Bachelor of Information Technology is for you.
You will get a strong grounding in computing fundamentals to tackle the progressive nature of IT. With IT being an intrinsic part of all industries, knowledge of software development and information systems is highly sought after by the best employers.
This degree can also be taken as a flexible double with almost any other degree at ANU.
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
All large and small organisations, both public and private, need people to work on their IT systems, or want staff with other professional training who have advanced IT skills.IT students typically work as programmers, network administrators/managers, systems or business analysts, and web designers/developers. Rewarding career opportunities in technology and management are available to students with this degree plus 3 - 5 years work experience.
The career options for combined degree students are wide and varied with IT skills adding a real competitive advantage.
All students who complete the B Information Technology degree are eligible for professional membership of the Australian Computer Society provided they complete a major in Information Systems or Software Development.All large and small organisations, both public and private, need people to work on their IT systems, or want staff with other professional training who have advanced IT skills.
IT students typically work as programmers, network administrators/managers, systems or business analysts, and web designers/developers. Rewarding career opportunities in technology and management are available to students with this degree plus 3 - 5 years work experience.
The career options for combined degree students are wide and varied with IT skills adding a real competitive advantage.
All students who complete the B Information Technology degree are eligible for professional membership of the Australian Computer Society provided they complete a major in Information Systems or Software Development.
Learning Outcomes
- Analyse well defined 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 the foundations of computer science including programming, algorithms, logic, architectures and data structures.
- Communicate complex concepts effectively with diverse audiences using a range of modalities.
- Work effectively within a team 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.
- 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
The B Information Technology program allows students to approach information technology from either a technical, constructive angle, starting with courses in programming, or from a conceptual, critical or information and organisational management angle. It widens the approach to computing to include the creative and conceptual touch, starting by applying scripting to the application area of new media (video and audio), rather than from learning traditional general purpose programming languages applied to algorithms. The technically oriented student can major in Software Development; whereas the more conceptually oriented student can major in Information Systems.
The Software Development major aims to develop the conceptual and practical skills for software development and the technology of computer systems; the Information Systems major focuses on developing an understanding of organisations, the management of computer systems applications in them, and the accompanying systems analysis and design.
All of the majors are founded on an introduction to the principles of programming, a broad perspective on the computing discipline and profession, and an introduction to the functional structure of computers. They also require a grounding in mathematics and theoretical computer science, which is a means of developing the ability to work with abstractions, a fundamental requirement for understanding and applying ideas in computing.
It should be noted that students commencing this degree in Semester 2 (July) without credit/status for previous post secondary studies, may be unable to complete the Software Development major within 3 years. Students will be able to complete the Information Systems major, or complete the degree without a major.
For students seeking to complete some self-study to improve their Maths prior to attempting MATH1005, Susanna Epp's Discrete Mathematics with Applications textbook (3rd or 4th edition) is recommended, given its style, level and coverage of similiar content. It has also been recommended that for students who have completed a lower level of Mathematics at highschool or through vocational studies review 2x2 matrix arithmetic in preparation for MATH1005.
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.
The B Information Technology program allows students to approach information technology from either a technical, constructive angle, starting with courses in programming, or from a conceptual, critical or information and organisational management angle. It widens the approach to computing to include the creative and conceptual touch, starting by applying scripting to the application area of new media (video and audio), rather than from learning traditional general purpose programming languages applied to algorithms. The technically oriented student can major in Software Development; whereas the more conceptually oriented student can major in Information Systems.
The Software Development major aims to develop the conceptual and practical skills for software development and the technology of computer systems; the Information Systems major focuses on developing an understanding of organisations, the management of computer systems applications in them, and the accompanying systems analysis and design.
All of the majors are founded on an introduction to the principles of programming, a broad perspective on the computing discipline and profession, and an introduction to the functional structure of computers. They also require a grounding in mathematics and theoretical computer science, which is a means of developing the ability to work with abstractions, a fundamental requirement for understanding and applying ideas in computing.
It should be noted that students commencing this degree in Semester 2 (July) without credit/status for previous post secondary studies, may be unable to complete the Software Development major within 3 years. Students will be able to complete the Information Systems major, or complete the degree without a major.
For students seeking to complete some self-study to improve their Maths prior to attempting MATH1005, Susanna Epp's Discrete Mathematics with Applications textbook (3rd or 4th edition) is recommended, given its style, level and coverage of similiar content. It has also been recommended that for students who have completed a lower level of Mathematics at highschool or through vocational studies review 2x2 matrix arithmetic in preparation for MATH1005.
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
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.
- ATAR:
- 80
- International Baccalaureate:
- 29
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
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 Information Technology - 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
- $47,940.00
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 Information Technology flexible double degree component requires completion of 96 units, of which:
A maximum of 36 units may come from completion of 1000-level courses
The 96 units must include:
30 units from the completion of the following compulsory courses:
COMP1600 Foundations of Computing
COMP2100 Software Design Methodologies
COMP2300 Computer Organisation and Program Execution
COMP2420 Introduction to Data Management, Analysis and Security
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)
24 units from completion of a 3000- and 4000-level courses from the following subject areas:
COMP Computer Science
INFS Information Systems, only if completing the Information Systems major
A minimum of 12 units and a maximum of 30 units from completion of further courses from the following subject areas:
COMP Computer Science
INFS Information Systems, only if completing the Information Systems major
A maximum of 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
A maximum of 12 units from completion of courses from the following list:
ENGN1211 Discovering Engineering
VCUG2002 Leadership and Influence in a Complex World
VCUG2004 Creating Impact
VCUG3001 Unravelling Complexity
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
A minimum of 6 units must come from completion of quantitative research skills courses from the following list, which may contribute towards meeting the requirements of a major, minor or specialisation in the Bachelor of Science:
BIAN3014 Research Design and Analysis in Biological Anthropology (6 units)
BIOL2001 Introduction to Quantitative Biology (6 units)
BIOL2202 Experimental Design and Analysis in Biology (6 units)
ENVS1003 Introduction to Environmental and Social Research (6 units)
ENVS2002 Environmental Measurement, Modelling and Monitoring (6 units)
PSYC2009 Quantitative Methods in Psychology (6 units)
PSYC3018 Advanced Research Methods (6 units)
Any 1000-, 2000- or 3000- level course from the subject area MATH- Mathematics or STAT- Statistics, with the exception of MATH1042
The 96 units must include:
48 units from completion of one of the following Science majors:
Agricultural Innovation
Astronomy and Astrophysics
Biochemistry
Biodiversity Conservation
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
Indigenous Science and Knowledges
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
Biochemistry Specialisation
Biodiversity Conservation and Management
Biological Anthropology Minor
Biological Neuropsychology Minor
Biology Minor
Biomedical Science Specialisation
Chemistry Minor
Climate Science and Policy Minor
Climate Science Specialisation
Cognitive Psychology Minor
Computer Science Minor
Developmental Psychology Minor
Earth and Marine Science Minor
Earth Physics Specialisation
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
Marine Science 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
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 Information Technology Majors
Bachelor of Science Majors
Minors
Bachelor of Science Minors
Bachelor of Information Technology Minors
Specialisations
Bachelor of Science Specialisations
Bachelor of Information Technology Specialisations
Study Options
Year 1 | COMP1100 Programming as Problem Solving 6 units OR COMP1130; | MATH1005 Discrete Mathematical Models 6 units | 1000 level course Science Major 6 units | 1000 level Science elective or minor course 6 units |
COMP1110 Structured Programming 6 units OR COMP1140; | COMP1600 Foundations of Computing 6 units | 1000 level course Science Major 6 units | 1000 level Science elective or minor course 6 units | |
Year 2 | COMP2100 Software Design Methodologies 6 units | COMP2300 Computer Organisation and Program Execution 6 units | 2000 level course Science Major 6 units | Science elective 6 units |
Computing elective | Computing elective | 2000 level course Science Major 6 units | Science elective or minor or specialisation course 6 units | |
Year 3 | COMP2420 Introduction to Data Management, Analysis and Security 6 units | 3000 level Computing elective | 2000 level course Science Major 6 units | Science elective or minor or specialisation course 6 units |
3000 level Computing elective | 3000 level Computing elective | 3000 level course Science Major 6 units | 3000 level Science elective or specialisation course 6 units | |
Year 4 | 3000 level Computing elective | Computing elective | 3000 level course Science Major 6 units | 3000 level course Science elective 6 units |
3000 level Computing elective | Computing elective | 3000 level course Science Major 6 units | 3000 level Science elective or specialisation course 6 units |
Back to the Bachelor of Information Technology page
The ANU
Bachelor of Information Technology (BIT) program is accredited by the Australian
Computer Society. The three year degree prepares graduates to enter the
computing industry work force as novice practitioners to develop software or to
apply computing in human organisations. The BIT can also be taken as a part of
many double degrees.
Single degree
- This degree requires 144 units (each course is typically 6 units)
- Typically you will study four courses per semester (total of 24 units)
- You can study a computing major (48 units) or minor (24 units)
- You have 48 units (eight courses) of electives that can be taken from Computer Science or from any other area of the university.
Double degree
- This degree requires 96 units (each course is typically 6 units) from the BIT rules
- Typically you will study four courses per semester (total of 24 units)
- You can study a major (48 units) or a minor (24 units).
- There are no university electives in the double degree.
- You can choose your double degree with BIT from Programs and Courses
About this degree
Typically you will study 4 courses per semester (total of 24 units) as a full time student giving you a total of 24 courses across your whole degree
- The degree is made up of compulsory requirements (seven courses) and an additional suite of computing requirements (nine courses)
- You can choose to study a computing major or minor – note that completing a major
- In the single degree program you will have 48 units (eight courses) of electives. You may use these to study further computing courses, courses from elsewhere in the university, or a major or minor from another area of the university.
- In the double degree, you have no electives - your other degree requirements use up all of these.
Enrolment Status
While it is 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 study 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 BIT half of the double degree.
- In choosing your first year programming courses you will have a choice of doing COMP1030, COMP1100 or COMP1130 in Semester 1, and COMP1040, COMP1100, COMP1110 or 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 COMP1130 you will be able to drop back to COMP1100 in the first 2 weeks. Similarly if you are not confident in your maths or computing ability, you will be able to enrol in COMP1030 in Semester 1 and then COMP1100 in Semester 2, followed by COMP1110 in Semester 1, 2018.
Majors and Minors
See available majors and minors for this program
You have the option to complete a major as a part of your BIT – note that a major is required for Australian Computer Society Accreditation:
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.
- You have four electives to choose in your first year. These can be additional computing courses (eg: COMP1720, COMP1710, COMP2400, INFS1001), other electives that may count as COMP courses (MATH1013 MATH1014, STAT1003, STAT1008, ENGN1211), engineering oriented electives (such as PHYS1001 or PHYS1101 or ENGN1218 ).
- 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.
Study Options
Bachelor of Information Technology - Semester 2 Commencement
This study plan is for those students commencing in semester 2. Due to the different offering of courses, your study plan is different from those students who commence in semester 1.Bachelor of Information Technology single degree
Study Options
Year 1 48 units | COMP1100 Programming as Problem Solving 6 units OR COMP1130; | MATH1005 Discrete Mathematical Models 6 units | Elective course 6 units | Elective course 6 units |
COMP1110 Structured Programming 6 units OR COMP1140; | COMP1600 Foundations of Computing 6 units | Elective course 6 units | Elective course 6 units |
Bachelor of Information Technology double degree
Study Options
Year 1 48 units | COMP1100 Programming as Problem Solving 6 units OR COMP1130; | MATH1005 Discrete Mathematical Models 6 units | Other Degree course 6 units | Other Degree course 6 units |
COMP1110 Structured Programming 6 units OR COMP1140; | COMP1600 Foundations of Computing 6 units | Other Degree course 6 units | Other Degree course 6 units |
Academic Advice
For assistance, please email: 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