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.

When undertaking the Bachelor of Visual Arts at the ANU, you will be immersed in a program of rigorous scholarship and intensive studio practice, tailored to your aspirations and informed by internationally renowned art practitioners within Australia’s top-ranking university. You will graduate with the essential creative skills and critical knowledge to address the grand challenges of a rapidly changing world.

You will develop deep disciplinary knowledge and learn specialist skills offered across the School of Art and Design studio disciplines, including ceramics, glass, painting, photography and media arts, printmedia and drawing, sculpture and spatial practice, and textiles. You will extend your study through access to courses in the Centre for Art History and Art Theory, combined with access to electives from across the ANU.

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. apply technical skills and specialist knowledge to realise artworks, artefacts and related forms of creative expression;
2. demonstrate skills and knowledge of the practices, languages, forms, materials, technologies and techniques in the visual arts;
3. recognise and reflect on social, cultural and ethical issues, and apply historical and theoretical perspectives to practice in the visual arts;
4. develop, express and evaluate ideas, concepts and processes by thinking creatively, critically and reflectively;
5. interpret, communicate and present ideas, problems and arguments in modes suited to a range of audiences; and
6. work independently and collaboratively in response to project demands.

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.

Internship opportunities:

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

Vertical Double Degree pathway UGRD-PGRD (not available in FDD)

• This program is part of the Vertical Double Degree pathway structure offered by the College of Science and the College of Health and Medicine. The Vertical Double Degree pathway presents students with the opportunity to complete a 3-year undergraduate single degree offered by the ANU College of Science or the College of Health and Medicine with a cognate 2-year Masters degree in 4 years (full-time) instead of 5 years (full-time). For more information on applicable combinations, benefits and how to apply, eligibility and conditions, please visit: https://science.anu.edu.au/study/double-degrees/vertical-double-degree-pathways or https://health.anu.edu.au/study/double-degrees/vertical-double-degree-pathways
• Students who are interested in pursuing a Vertical Double Degree pathway with this program, are advised to contact the College of Science Student Services Office at science.enquiries@anu.edu.au and seek academic advice. Students who are already in an undergraduate degree offered by the College of Science or College of Health & Medicine should seek academic advice before completion of the first 72 units of their undergraduate studies.
• This pathway is not available to students in an undergraduate Flexible Double Degree.

Progression hurdle:

• Students in the Bachelor of Science who have opted for the Vertical Double Degree pathway must achieve a minimum GPA of 5.0 in the first 96 units attempted to commence the 24 units of Masters courses in their Bachelor degree. Students who do not achieve this GPA will be able to complete and graduate from their Bachelor degree but will not be able to undertake Masters courses.
• If the total number of units attempted exceeds 96 in the same teaching period in which the 96th unit is attempted, all courses attempted will be used in the calculation of the GPA.

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 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/

APAC accreditation and pathway to Honours in Psychology

The Bachelor of Science is accredited by the Australian Psychology Accreditation Council (APAC) when students complete the accredited sequence of psychology courses.

• Students admitted to an ANU BSc, BA or PhB prior to 2023 who wish to be eligible for Honours in psychology must complete the courses from the Psychology major and specialisation in order to satisfy the APAC accredited sequence of courses and achieve the minimum required learning in Psychology. The minimum required learning is achieved by successful completion of PSYC1003 , PSYC1004 , PSYC2001 , PSYC2002 , PSYC2007 , PSYC2008 , PSYC2009 , PSYC3018 , PSYC3025 , PSYC3026 and an additional 2 x 3000 level PSYC courses (or, for PhB students, 3000 level SCNC courses with a psychology supervisor). It is strongly recommended students also complete PSYC2012 and PSYC3020 (PSYC3020 will contribute towards the additional 2 x 3000 level PSYC course requirement).
• Students admitted to an ANU BSc, BA or PhB from 2023 onwards who wish to be eligible for Honours in psychology must complete the courses from the Psychology major and specialisation in order to satisfy the APAC accredited sequence of courses and achieve the minimum required learning in Psychology. The minimum required learning is achieved by successful completion of.PSYC1003 , PSYC1004 , PSYC2001 , PSYC2007 , PSYC2008 , PSYC2009 , PSYC2012 , PSYC3018 , PSYC3020 , PSYC3025 , PSYC3026 and PSYC3202.

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.

Internship opportunities:

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

Vertical Double Degree pathway UGRD-PGRD (not available in FDD)

• This program is part of the Vertical Double Degree pathway structure offered by the College of Science and the College of Health and Medicine. The Vertical Double Degree pathway presents students with the opportunity to complete a 3-year undergraduate single degree offered by the ANU College of Science or the College of Health and Medicine with a cognate 2-year Masters degree in 4 years (full-time) instead of 5 years (full-time). For more information on applicable combinations, benefits and how to apply, eligibility and conditions, please visit: https://science.anu.edu.au/study/double-degrees/vertical-double-degree-pathways or https://health.anu.edu.au/study/double-degrees/vertical-double-degree-pathways
• Students who are interested in pursuing a Vertical Double Degree pathway with this program, are advised to contact the College of Science Student Services Office at science.enquiries@anu.edu.au and seek academic advice. Students who are already in an undergraduate degree offered by the College of Science or College of Health & Medicine should seek academic advice before completion of the first 72 units of their undergraduate studies.
• This pathway is not available to students in an undergraduate Flexible Double Degree.

Progression hurdle:

• Students in the Bachelor of Science who have opted for the Vertical Double Degree pathway must achieve a minimum GPA of 5.0 in the first 96 units attempted to commence the 24 units of Masters courses in their Bachelor degree. Students who do not achieve this GPA will be able to complete and graduate from their Bachelor degree but will not be able to undertake Masters courses.
• If the total number of units attempted exceeds 96 in the same teaching period in which the 96th unit is attempted, all courses attempted will be used in the calculation of the GPA.

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 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/

APAC accreditation and pathway to Honours in Psychology

The Bachelor of Science is accredited by the Australian Psychology Accreditation Council (APAC) when students complete the accredited sequence of psychology courses.

• Students admitted to an ANU BSc, BA or PhB prior to 2023 who wish to be eligible for Honours in psychology must complete the courses from the Psychology major and specialisation in order to satisfy the APAC accredited sequence of courses and achieve the minimum required learning in Psychology. The minimum required learning is achieved by successful completion of PSYC1003 , PSYC1004 , PSYC2001 , PSYC2002 , PSYC2007 , PSYC2008 , PSYC2009 , PSYC3018 , PSYC3025 , PSYC3026 and an additional 2 x 3000 level PSYC courses (or, for PhB students, 3000 level SCNC courses with a psychology supervisor). It is strongly recommended students also complete PSYC2012 and PSYC3020 (PSYC3020 will contribute towards the additional 2 x 3000 level PSYC course requirement).
• Students admitted to an ANU BSc, BA or PhB from 2023 onwards who wish to be eligible for Honours in psychology must complete the courses from the Psychology major and specialisation in order to satisfy the APAC accredited sequence of courses and achieve the minimum required learning in Psychology. The minimum required learning is achieved by successful completion of.PSYC1003 , PSYC1004 , PSYC2001 , PSYC2007 , PSYC2008 , PSYC2009 , PSYC2012 , PSYC3018 , PSYC3020 , PSYC3025 , PSYC3026 and PSYC3202.

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 multi-strand 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 multi-strand 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 Advanced or equivalent
• MATH1005: ACT Mathematical Methods (major)/Further Mathematics/Specialist Mathematics (major)/Specialist Methods or NSW HSC Mathematics Advanced 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 Advanced 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 multi-strand 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.

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

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:

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 Minor

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

Nuclear Science Minor

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 major, 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 Visual Arts 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 include:

36 units from completion of the following compulsory courses:

ARTH1006 Art History and Curatorial Studies 1: Cultures and Meaning

ARTH1007 Art History and Curatorial Studies 2: Vision and Materiality

ARTV1034 Foundations of Contemporary Arts Practices

ARTV3033 Creative Research Practice: Developing an Independent Work Proposal

ARTV3035 Creative Research Practice: Extending and Consolidating an Independent Project (12 units)

A minimum of 12 units from completion of ARTV 1000-level courses, and/or courses from the following list:

DESN1002 Visual Communication: Design and Production

DESN1003 Contemporary Design in Context

DESN1005 Precise Drawing and Model Making

A minimum of 18 units from completion of ARTV 2000-level courses, and/or courses from the following list:

ARTV3507 Open to Influence: Studio Research

DESN2001 Digital Form and Fabrication

DESN2002 Foundations of Creative Code

DESN2003 Creative Data Visualisation: Representing Data in Visual and Material Form

DESN2004 Autonomous Agents

DESN2006 Front-end Web: Crafting online experience

DESN2007 Design Fiction: Speculative and Critical Design

DESN2009 Typography in Context

DESN2010 Making Creative and Critical Technologies: Physical Computing for Art & Design

DESN2012 The Ethics of Making: Design for Reuse and Repair

DESN2015 Supporting Bodies: Now that we’re here, where do we sit?

MEDN2222 Exquisite Corpse - Insight into the Human Body

6 units from completion of an engagement course from the following list:

ARTV2027 Professional Practice: Economies and Ecologies in the Australian Cultural Sector

ARTV2028 Professional Practices: Internship

ARTV2909 The Public Project: engagement strategies for artists, designers, institutions and communities

ARTV2921 Environment Studio: Field based Research and Studio Practice in Visual Arts

Majors

Bachelor of Science Majors

Minors

Bachelor of Science Minors

Bachelor of Visual Arts Minors

Specialisations

Bachelor of Science Specialisations

Study Options