We live in a world of major security problems. From large-scale wars and strategic competition between the major states, to threats to the environment, and challenges at home such as terrorism, cybersecurity and the impact of new technology. The Bachelor of International Security Studies (BINSS) explores the enduring problems of security and war through a broad lens. It provides students with the empirical knowledge and analytical skills to understand the history and causes of international conflict and the implications of security issues for Australia and the Asia-Pacific region. Students will develop the experience and communication skills to assess the nature of contemporary security problems, and drawing on the latest academic scholarship, engage with policy and civil society solutions to the security problems of our time.
The BINSS is particularly suited for those seeking careers in the Australian Government, such as working as a diplomat in Foreign Affairs and Trade, as a strategist in the Department of Defence, or as a security analyst in the Intelligence Community. Graduates will also be well placed to contribute to international organisations such as the United Nations, to Aid and Development groups, or to support the private sector as businesses and non-government organisations navigate a challenging world.
With a myriad of disciplines offered, 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.
Wherever your passion lies, 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
The Bachelor of International Security Studies gives you the practical skills and knowledge that will set you apart as a leader in this field and graduates from this degree can expect to find themselves working in a range of fields including defence policy, foreign affairs, intelligence agencies, journalism and media. Recent graduates of security studies are currently working with organisations like the Department of Defence, United Nations, Qantas, Google, the Australian Federal Police, and the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade.
The Bachelor of International Security Studies gives you the practical skills and knowledge that will set you apart as a leader in this field and graduates from this degree can expect to find themselves working in a range of fields including defence policy, foreign affairs, intelligence agencies, journalism and media. Recent graduates of security studies are currently working with organisations like the Department of Defence, United Nations, Qantas, Google, the Australian Federal Police, and the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade.
Learning Outcomes
- Identify and explain the key concepts, ideas and principal actors in international security.
- Evaluate the major theoretical frameworks for understanding the complexities of contemporary security challenges.
- Demonstrate a thorough knowledge of the historical and contemporary dimensions of international, internal and transnational security, especially in the Asia-Pacific region.
- Analyse the key challenges facing Australian security and defence policy
- Reflect critically on the principal factors that determine the security policies of Australia and the major regional powers
- Develop and demonstrate teamwork, interpersonal, and communication skills
- 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.
Admission Requirements
- ATAR:
- 85
- International Baccalaureate:
- 32
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 students.cos@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 combined with an applicant's secondary education results to determine their Selection Rank. ANU offers adjustment factors based on equity, diversity, and/or performance principles, such as for recognition of difficult circumstances that students face in their studies.
To be eligible for adjustment factors, you must have:
- achieved a Selection Rank of 70 or more before adjustment factors are applied
- if you have undertaken higher education, completed less than one year full-time equivalent (1.0 FTE) of a higher education program
- applied for an eligible ANU bachelor degree program
Please visit the ANU Adjustment Factors website for further information.
Indicative fees
Bachelor of International Security Studies - 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
- $53,700.00
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 International Security Studies 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 18 units must come from completion of 3000-level courses
The 96 units must consist of:
The 144 units must consist of:
36 units from completion of the following compulsory courses:
STST1001 Introduction to International Security
STST1004 How Nations Fight: From Tsushima to Taiwan
STST2001 Security Concepts in the Asia-Pacific
STST2005 Why Nations Fight: The Causes of International Conflict
STST3002 Living with Giants: Australia's Security in a Contested Asia
STST3005 International Security in the 21st Century
A maximum of 12 units from completion of the following courses:
ASIA3088 The Korean War
STST2003 Australia and Security in the Pacific Islands
STST3003 Honeypots and Overcoats: Australian Intelligence in the World
Minimum of 6 units from completion of a course from the following concepts and methods course list:
HIST2110 Approaches to History
POLS2044 Contemporary Political Analysis
POLS3001 Foreign Policy Analysis
POLS3125 Game Theory and Social Sciences
SOCY2043 Introduction to Qualitative Research Methods
SOCY2038 Introduction to Quantitative Research methods
A minimum of 30 units from the completion of courses within one or more of the following Security, Language, and Area Studies majors and minors:
Languages
Arabic Language
Burmese Language
Chinese Language
French Studies
German Studies
Hindi Language
Indonesian Language
Italian Studies
Japanese Language
Korean Language
Mongolian Language
Persian
Russian Studies
Sanskrit Language
Spanish Studies
Tetum Language
Thai Language
Tibetan Language
Tok Pisin Language
Vietnamese Language
Regions
Asian History
Asian Studies
Contemporary Europe
Chinese Studies
Indian and South Asian Studies
Indonesian Studies
Middle Eastern and Central Asian Studies
Middle East Politics and Security
Russian and Central Asia Studies
Northeast Asian Studies
Pacific Studies
Southeast Asian Studies
Issues
Ancient History
Climate Science and Policy
Criminology
Geography
Gender and Sexuality
History
Historical International Security
International Relations
Peace and Conflict Studies
Philosophy
Political Science
Psychology
Social Research methods
Sociology
Sustainable Development
Technology, Networks and Society
A minimum of 12 units of courses tagged as Transdisciplinary Problem-Solving
A maximum of 12 units of internships courses:
ANIP3003 Australian National Internship Program Internship A
ASIA2110 International Affairs Internship
ASIA3023 Asia Pacific Week Internship
36 units from completion of the following compulsory course list:
STST1001 Introduction to International Security
STST1004 How Nations Fight: From Tsushima to Taiwan
STST2001 Security Concepts in the Asia-Pacific
STST2005 Why Nations Fight: The Causes of International Conflict
STST3002 Living with Giants: Australia's Security in a Contested Asia
STST3005 International Security in the 21st Century
A maximum of 12 units from completion of the following courses
ASIA3088 The Korean War
STST2003 Australia and Security in the Pacific Islands
STST3003 Honeypots and Overcoats: Australian Intelligence in the World’
A minimum of 6 units from completion of a course from the following concepts and methods course list:
HIST2110 Approaches to History
POLS2044 Contemporary Political Analysis
POLS2125 Game Theory and Social Sciences
POLS3001 Foreign Policy Analysis
SOCY2043 Introduction to Qualitative Research Methods
SOCY2038 Introduction to Quantitative Research methods
A minimum of 30 units from the completion of courses within one or more of the following Security, Language, and Area Studies majors and minors.
Languages
Arabic Language
Burmese Language
Chinese Language
French Studies
German Studies
Hindi Language
Indonesian Language
Italian Studies
Japanese Language
Korean Language
Mongolian Language
Persian
Russian Studies
Sanskrit Language
Spanish Studies
Tetum Language
Thai Language
Tibetan Language
Tok Pisin Language
Vietnamese Language
Regions
Asian History
Asian Studies
Contemporary Europe
Chinese Studies
Indian and South Asian Studies
Indonesian Studies
Middle Eastern and Central Asian Studies
Middle East Politics and Security
Russian and Central Asia Studies
Northeast Asian Studies
Pacific Studies
Southeast Asian Studies
Issues
Ancient History
Climate Science and Policy
Criminology
Geography
Gender and Sexuality
History
Historical International Security
International Relations
Peace and Conflict Studies
Philosophy
Political Science
Psychology
Social Research methods
Sociology
Sustainable Development
Technology, Networks and Society
A minimum of 12 units of courses tagged as Transdisciplinary Problem-Solving
A maximum of 12 units of internships courses:
ANIP3003 Australian National Internship Program Internship A
ASIA2110 International Affairs Internship
ASIA3023 Asia Pacific Week Internship
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:
A minimum of 84 units from completion of courses from the following lists, which must include:
A minimum of 12 units from completion of 1000- level courses from the following subject areas or courses listed below:
ASTR – Astronomy & Astrophysics
BIOL – Biology
CHEM – Chemistry
EMSC – Earth and Marine Science
ENVS – Environmental Science
MATH – Mathematics
PHYS – Physics
SCNC – Science
SCOM – Science Communication
COMP1100 Programming as Problem Solving
COMP1110 Structured Programming
COMP1130 Programming as Problem Solving (Advanced)
COMP1140 Structured Programming (Advanced)
COMP1600 Foundations of Computing
COMP1730 Programming for Scientists
FINM1001 Foundations of Finance
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
Human Biology
Mathematical Finance
Mathematical Modelling
Mathematics
Physics
Psychology
Quantitative Biology
Science Communication
Statistics
A minimum of 24 units from completion of courses not previously taken from the following subject areas:
ASTR – Astronomy & Astrophysics
BIOL – Biology
CHEM – Chemistry
EMSC – Earth and Marine Science
ENVS – Environmental Science
HLMD – Health and Medicine
HLTH – Health Science
MATH – Mathematics
MEDN – Medical Science
NEUR – Neuroscience
PHYS – Physics
PSYC – Psychology
SCNC – Science
SCOM – Science Communication
Once you have met the program requirements of your degree, you may have enough electives to complete an additional elective major, minor or specialisation. Majors and minors if taken together must have different names. Detailed information on course overlap is available from the College of Science website.
A major cannot contribute satisfying the requirements of two degrees.
Majors
Bachelor of Science Majors
Minors
Bachelor of International Security Studies Minors
Bachelor of Science Minors
Study Options
| Year 1 | STST1001 Introduction to International Security Studies 6 units | Course toward completion of minor from list B | 1000 level BSC course 6 units | 1000 level BSC or ANU elective 6 units |
| STST1003 Coping with Crisis: The Practice of International Security 6 units | Elective | 1000 level BSC course 6 units | 1000 level BSC or ANU elective 6 units | |
| Year 2 | STST2001 Security Concepts in the Asia-Pacific 6 units | Course toward completion of minor from list B | 2000 level course BSC Major 6 units | BSC elective 6 units |
| POLS2132 War and International Relations 6 units | Course toward completion of minor from list B | 2000 level course BSC Major 6 units | 2000 level course BSC Major 6 units | |
| Year 3 | STST3002 Living with Giants: Australia's Security in a Contested Asia 6 units | Course toward completion of minor from list B | 2000 level course BSC Major 6 units | 3000 level course BSC Major 6 units |
| Elective | Elective | 3000 level course BSC Major 6 units | BSC elective 6 units | |
| Year 4 | Course toward completion of 18 unit requirement of list A | Course toward completion of 18 unit requirement of list A | 3000 level course BSC Major 6 units | 3000 level course BSC Major 6 units |
| Course toward completion of 18 unit requirement of list A | Elective | 3000 level course BSC Major 6 units | 3000 level BSC elective 6 units |
Back to the Bachelor of International Security Studies page
When you study the Bachelor
of International Security Studies you will delve deeply into the
contemporary security threats facing nations, international organisations and
businesses around the world - including the threat of military power, civil
war, terrorism, cybercrime, environmental degradation and food security to name
just a few. Read more about this degree on our website.
Enrolment Status
It is possible to enrol in fewer courses per semester, but it
will take you longer to finish your program and get your degree. If you are an
international student you must always be enrolled full-time in 24 units each
semester.
Remember you will need to enrol in courses for both First Semester and Second
Semester. You will be able to change your enrolment in courses up until
the end of week 2 of each semester without penalty. Other things to be aware of:
A course can only be counted towards one major or minor.
You can’t study more than 4 courses (24 units) per semester.
You may need to enrol in courses for your major and/or your minor, particularly if you are completing a double degree.
If you are intending to enrol in language courses and have previous experience with the language you wish to study, you need to sit a placement test to ensure you are enrolled at the most appropriate level of language study. Further information is available here.
Important things to keep in mind when choosing your 1000-level courses
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 ASIA1234.
Majors and Minors
See available majors and minors for this program
Electives
You can use your electives to enrol in any courses that you
like, provided you meet prerequisite requirements.
To find 1000-level courses, search
Programs and Courses.
Remember, though, that if you are a single-degree student you cannot count more than 60 units of 1000-level courses towards the completion of your degree. If you are a double-degree student, you cannot count more than 36 units of 1000-level courses towards the completion of the 96 units allocated to the BINSS half of your degree.
Study Options
Single Degree example
This is an example only - you need to plan your degree carefully to ensure that you are on track to fulfil the requirements of the BINSS program orders. You may, for example, wish to leave a substantial number (24) of elective units free so that you can study overseas for a semester.Study Options
| Year 1 48 units | STST1001 Introduction to International Security Studies 6 units | 1000-level course from the Language, Security and Area Studies minor list | 1000-level elective course | 1000-level elective course |
| STST1003 Coping with Crisis: The Practice of International Security 6 units | 1000-level course from the Language, Security and Area Studies minor list | 1000-level elective course | 1000-level elective course |
Double Degree example
This is an example only - you need to plan your degree carefully to ensure that you are on track to fulfil the requirements of both degrees.Study Options
| Year 1 48 units | STST1001 Introduction to International Security Studies 6 units | 1000-level course from the Language, Security and Area Studies minor list | Course from second degree | Course from second degree |
| STST1003 Coping with Crisis: The Practice of International Security 6 units | 1000-level course from the Language, Security and Area Studies minor list | Course from second degree | Course from second degree |
Back to the Bachelor of Science page
Note:
Advice on this page is indicative only. Where a number of courses has
been identified, it assumes that all of your courses are 6-units.
If you take a course worth 12-units please refer to the unit-load in the
study requirements in the program orders.
This degree can be taken as a single degree or combined with another degree in a Flexible Double Degree (FDD).When
the Bachelor of Science is combined with another undergraduate degree through a
Flexible Double Degree, 48 units of ANU electives units are replaced with
the core requirements of the other degree and the total program duration is
expanded to 192 units (4 years Full-Time) or 240 units (5 years Full-Time)
depending on the duration of the other program.
Semester 2 commencers
Please
note that if you are commencing your studies in Semester 2 there may be
restrictions on the courses available for enrolment. If you have concerns,
please contact students.cos@anu.edu.au.
Advisory sessions will be held the week before semester commences.
Single degree
The Bachelor of Science requires 144 units (24 courses), including:
- *A maximum of 10 x 1000-level courses
- A minimum of 5 x 3000-level courses which can come from a major and/or other lists in the core requirements of the BSC
- A minimum of 14 courses from the lists specified in the core requirements of the BSC
- A minimum of 2 x transdisciplinary problem-solving (TD) courses
- 1 x quantitative
skills course
- A maximum of 10 courses from the lists in the BSC not previously taken or other ANU electives
The minimum 84 units (14 courses) specified in the core component of the BSC must include:
- A minimum of 2 x 1000- level
courses from the list in the BSC
- 1 x major listed in the BSC
- *A minimum of 4 x 2000-3000 level courses listed in the BSC.
Double degree
The total number of overall units in a Flexible Double Degree (FDD) depends on the FDD combination eg.
- 4050: 192 units
- 4350, 4569, 4750: 240 units
Of which a minimum of 2 courses must be tagged as transdisciplinary problem-solving. These courses may be taken in either component of the FDD.
The Bachelor of Science component of an FDD requires 96 units, including:
- *A maximum of 6 x 1000-level courses
- A minimum of 5 x 3000-level courses which can come from a major and/or other lists in the core requirements of the BSC
- A minimum of 14 courses from the lists specified in the BSC
- 1 x major listed in the BSC
- A minimum of 2 transdisciplinary problem-solving (TD) courses
- 1 x quantitative
skills course
- A minimum of 2 x 1000- level courses from the list in the BSC
- *A minimum of 4 x course from the lists in the BSC.
- *A maximum of 2 x courses from courses listed in the BSC not previously taken or other ANU electives
About this degree
Transdisciplinary Problem-Solving courses
In
this degree, you will have to complete 12 units of courses flagged as
Transdisciplinary Problem-Solving (TD). However, many majors will identify
in the "Advice for students" section which courses listed in the major
will contribute towards this requirement.
You can satisfy this
requirement through a course/s in the major or as an elective in the
core requirements of the degree or through the ANU electives (if in a
single degree) - it all depends on how you structure your degree and
your other enrolment choices. Some majors in the BSC may include TD flagged courses, so if
you enrol in a TD course listed in a major it will contribute towards
satisfying this requirement.
Enrolment Status
Duration
The Bachelor of Science typically takes three years to complete on a full-time basis. Students will usually take 24-units (four six-unit courses) each semester and there are two semesters each year. One course is typically worth six-units.
In total, students need to complete 144 units of study towards the Bachelor of Science. This will be 24 courses if all courses are worth six-units, but may be fewer if one or more courses of 12-units or more are taken.
- If you combine the Bachelor of Science with another degree in a Flexible Double Degree, you will need to complete a total of 192 units (32 six-unit courses) or 240 units (40 six-unit courses) depending on the combination. This will typically take four years for a 192-unit degree or five years for a 240-unit degree .
Domestic students may choose to enrol in fewer than 24-units in any semester or half-year study period. Students studying 18 or more units in a half year (January – June or July – December) are considered full-time. Students studying less than this are considered part-time.
If you take fewer than 24-units in any half year period, then your degree is likely to take longer than three years to complete.
International students on a student visa are required to enrol in a full-time study load of 24-units in each half year study period (Summer, Semester 1, Autumn or Winter, Semester 2, Spring) unless they have been approved for Reduced Study Load or program leave.
Maximum time for completion
- The maximum period for completion of the single Bachelor of Science degree is ten years from the date of first enrolment in the program. This ten years includes any periods of leave.
- The maximum period for completion of a flexible double degree is ten years for a 192-unit degree or 11 years for a 240-unit degree from the date of first enrolment in the program. The maximum period includes periods of leave.
A transfer of credit (status) from previous studies will
reduce the total amount of time remaining to complete the balance of your degree.
When you are assessed for credit, you will be notified of the new maximum end
date for your degree in your credit offer.
Important things to keep in mind when choosing your 1000-level courses
In your first year, you will enrol in 1000-level courses – these courses have ‘1’ as the first number in their course code. Eg CHEM1201, PHYS1001, MATH1013.
- You can take a maximum of 10 x 1000-level courses within the single degree, or 6 x 1000-level courses if taking a Bachelor of Science within a double degree. The majority of these courses will be taken in your first year.Many 2000 and 3000 level courses build upon the specific knowledge achieved through 1000-level courses.
- You must complete a minimum of 2 x 1000-level courses as part of your Bachelor of Science. Please check the “Requirements” in the “Study” tab of your preferred major to make sure you enrol in any prerequisites required for the 2000 and 3000 level courses in this major.
There is room in your first year to pick and choose courses depending on your interests but, you must also ensure that you select the 1000-level courses that are prerequisites for 2000 and 3000 level courses. When selecting your courses, please pay close attention to the semester in which it is offered. This is particularly important if you have a preferred major in mind. The 1000- level course that are prerequisites for each major can be found in the:
- Programs and Courses entry for each major.
- Programs and Courses entry for each individual course.
- College of Science first year guide.
Details of the semester/s in which courses are offered can be found in the individual course entries on the Programs and Course website on the Class tab.
Majors and Minors
See available majors and minors for this program
What is a major? What is a minor or a specialisation?
A major is a sequence of 48-units (eight
six-unit courses), usually at 2000 and 3000 level. The major has been
structured to develop relevant skills and knowledge in the discipline and to prepare
you for further study or entry to the workforce. The majors that contribute
towards the core requirements of the Bachelor of Science are listed in the “Program
Requirements” on the “Study” tab.
Minors and specialisations are sequences of 24 units (four six-unit courses).
Minors are typically made up of 1000 and 2000-level courses and can bring
structured breadth to your degree. Specialisations are typically made up of
2000 and 3000 level courses (minimum 2 x 3000-level) and can bring structured depth to your degree.
Specialisations build
upon the knowledge of specific co-requisite majors and must be taken together
with the co-requisite major.
Minors offered by the College of Science:
- Applied Statistics APST-MIN
- Biodiversity Conservation and Management BCAM-MIN
- Biology BIOL-MIN
- Chemistry CHEM-MIN
- Climate Science and Policy CSAP-MIN
- Computer Science CSCI-MIN
- Developmental Psychology DEPS-MIN
- Earth and Marine Sciences EMSC-MIN
- Environmental Policy ENVP-MIN
- Forest Science and Policy FSAP-MIN
- Geography GEOG-MIN
- Human Ecology HECL-MIN
- Mathematics MATH-MIN
- Nuclear Science NCSC-MIN
- Physics PHYS-MIN
- Science Communication SCOM-MIN
- Social Psychology SOPS-MIN
- Soil and Land Management LAND-MIN
- Sustainable Development SUSD-MIN
- Water Science and Policy WSAP-MIN
- Advanced Chemistry CHEM-SPEC
- Advanced Mathematics ADMA-SPEC
- Advanced Physics ADPH-SPEC
- Astronomy and Astrophysics ASAP-SPEC
- Biochemistry BCHM-SPEC
- Biomedical Science BMSC-SPEC
- Climate Science CLSC-SPEC
- Evolution and Ecology EVEC-SPEC
- Genetics GENE-SPEC
- Geochemistry and Petrology GOPT-SPEC
- Marine Science Specialisation MARS-SPEC
- Microbiology and Immunology MBIM-SPEC
- Neuroscience and Physiology NEUR-SPEC
- Plant Science PLNT-SPEC
- Psychology PSYC-SPEC
Electives
How do I use my electives?
Electives are courses that provide freedom for you to select subjects that align to your personal interests and career aspirations in a more individualised way than is possible through general major or degree requirements. An ANU elective is a course that you can select without restriction, beyond the global requirements of your program (e.g. limits on 1000-level courses, etc).
In the BSc you will also be able to select 24 units from scientific discipline areas. These are often referred to as BSc electives, as they provide some scope for freedom in your studies, but are restricted to content relevant to your science degree.
In your first year, we recommend taking some electives from a range of discipline areas in science to help you get a feel for which major could be the best fit in your second year. This will give you some flexibility to change plans if you find your preferred subject area isn’t what you expected it to be.
We also recommend holding some ANU electives in reserve to keep
other opportunities open, such as international exchange, internships, and
meeting the transdisciplinary requirements of your degree.
You may have noticed that the BSC does not have any specified “compulsory” courses. There are lists of courses,
lists of majors, lists of alpha codes, but no specific course that absolutely
must be taken. A major in the BSC might have compulsory courses, but the
program itself does not.
Instead, the BSC groups
courses in two ways:
- The courses that contribute towards the “core” BSC components of the degree.
- “ANU electives” which are the courses offered by other colleges and are not specifically listed in the study requirements of the BSC (either as specific courses, themed lists, through the alpha code lists or through the study requirements of majors)
While you only need to enrol in courses for one BSC major plus associated 1000-level courses, you can use your electives to enrol in 1000-level courses for other BSC majors or minors. That way you keep your options open. Once you've selected courses for a Science major, you should choose electives to make up the balance of your courses per the degree requirements. In this space you could take a Transdisciplinary course or a course from the quantitative course list.
Remember you can choose up to 10 courses from another ANU College if you are undertaking the single Bachelor of Science program. You can try a range of courses or take a major or minor in a non-science subject, such as philosophy, history or computing. The choice is yours.
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. It is advisable that a minimum of four 1000-level courses are taken towards the core requirements of the Bachelor of Science depending on preferences of major/s. Some majors in the Bachelor of Science require more than two 1000-level courses. Guidance on which 1000-level courses to select can be found under the “Study” tab of the major.Study Options
| Year 1 48 units | 1000 level BSC course 6 units | 1000-level course BSC or ANU elective 6 units | 1000-level course BSC or ANU elective 6 units | 1000-level course BSC or ANU elective 6 units |
| 1000 level BSC course 6 units | 1000-level course BSC or ANU elective 6 units | 1000-level course BSC or ANU elective 6 units | 1000-level course BSC or ANU 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 Arts (degree B). It is advisable that a minimum of four 1000-level courses are taken towards the core requirements of the Bachelor of Science in first year depending on preferences for majors. Some majors in the Bachelor of Science require more than two 1000-level courses. Guidance on which 1000-level courses to select can be found under the “Study” tab of the major.Study Options
| Year 1 48 units | 1000 level BSC course 6 units | 1000-level course BSC or ANU elective 6 units | Degree B 6 units | Degree B 6 units |
| 1000 level BSC course 6 units | 1000-level course BSC or ANU elective 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 the information at our New commencers & first year students page, or
- Email us at students.cos@anu.edu.au, or
- Come and talk to someone - you can make an appointment with an academic advisor here