Bachelor of Science (Advanced)
Be a visionary
Love scientific enquiry and research? Aspire to be outstanding in your field? The Bachelor of Science (Advanced) is a distinctive vocational degree for high-achieving students who want to excel in their chosen career.
What will you do?
Our advanced degree challenges you to take your scientific training and research skills to the next level. You will:
- learn to drive scientific breakthroughs as you join a research-rich institution at the cutting edge of discovery
- dive straight into life as a researcher with early access to real-world research opportunities usually reserved for honours or postgraduate students
- link with academic mentors and staff in pioneering research areas, allowing you to establish networks before you graduate
- build a breadth of experience through lab placements and a semester-long research project
- work on further projects that can be developed for an honours year and postgraduate study (Masters or PhD).
You’ll design your own degree from a broad range of scientific Majors:
- Biochemistry
- Bioinformatics
- Chemistry
- Ecology and Environmental Science
- Evolutionary Biology
- Experimental and Theoretical Physics
- Genetics
- Geology
- Geology and Earth Resources
- Geology and Geophysics
- Geology and Palaeontology
- Microbiology and Immunology
- Nuclear and Radiation Physics**
- Palaeontology
- Palaeontology and Evolution
- Physics
- Physics and Geophysics
- Plant Biology
- Pure and Applied Chemistry
- Soil Science
- Theoretical Physics
**Please note the Nuclear and Radiation Physics major is only available to Australian Citizens.
Where could it take you?
You’ll graduate with enhanced research and project management skills for further study or leadership roles in your chosen specialisation. You could solve global ecology challenges or win the Nobel Prize as a quantum physicist. You might spearhead an entirely new career in space entrepreneurship, genomic editing, or stem cell engineering. Perhaps you’ll communicate science as an educator, politician, or legislator. Whatever you choose, you’ll be prepared to lead the world.
Direct access to industry leaders and paid internship opportunities: The Academy by Deloitte
This degree gives you the opportunity to be part of our new The Academy by Deloitte You’ll be part of a supportive student cohort that learns from one another and industry leaders. Formal and informal experiences will allow you to build relationships within the Deloitte network.
^QS World University Rankings by Subject, 2022
#Good Universities Guide, 2021
Entry Requirements
Choose your applicant type to view the relevant admissions
information for this program.
I am a:
Before applying make sure you understand the eligibility and entry requirements for your chosen degree.
Look out for any prerequisites or assumed knowledge subjects. Some degrees also have additional entry requirements like interviews and auditions.
Domestic applicants
| SATAC Code | 324651 |
|---|---|
| 2024 CSP ATAR | 65 |
| 2024 CSP IB | 38.25 |
| Guaranteed Entry Score - ATAR | 95 |
| Guaranteed Entry Score - IB | 38.25 |
| Deferment | Yes - 2 year |
| Intake | February and July |
| Prerequisites | None, however Stage 2 Chemistry, Mathematical Methods, Physics or Specialist Mathematics are prerequisites for some first year courses. |
| Assumed Knowledge | Stage 2 Chemistry and Mathematical Methods and Physics IB: Mathematics: Applications and Interpretations (HL) or Mathematics: Analysis and Approaches (SL); Chemistry; Physics. |
| Additional Entry Requirements | Year 12 applicants must obtain an Australian Tertiary Admissions Rank (ATAR) of 95 or higher (or equivalent), including any applicable adjustment factors. |
Selection Criteria
| Recent Secondary Education | Applicants with recent secondary education are those whose admission is primarily based on the completion of Year 12 within the last two years, however if you completed your secondary education more than two years ago, you may still be able to be considered on the basis of your secondary schooling. You must not have completed more than 2 years full time equivalent university study (48 units). You compete for a place with your Selection Rank (ATAR plus any applicable adjustment factors). Indigenous applicants may be eligible for entry through the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Access Pathway. See Wirltu Yarlu for further information. |
|---|---|
| Higher Education Study | You must have completed at least six months full time equivalent higher education study (the number of courses and units will vary depending on your prior institution however at the University of Adelaide, this equates to 4 courses / 12 units). A Grade Point Average (GPA) is calculated for each separate program you have undertaken (apart from some double degree programs where the GPA is combined). You compete on the basis of your best GPA. Indigenous applicants may be eligible for entry through the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Access Pathway. See Wirltu Yarlu for further information. |
| Work and life experience | To be eligible to sit the Skills for Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT) as as pathway for entry, you must be 18 years or over before 1 February 2025. If you have studied at higher education level in the last two years (for 2025 entry this means you were enrolled in either 2024 or 2023), you must not have accumulated more than a TOTAL of 2 years full-time (or part-time equivalent) higher education study (ie. including any study prior to 2023). If you meet this criteria, you will be ranked according to your result in the Skills for Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT). Your STAT result is not weighted between verbal and quantitative components. Indigenous applicants may be eligible for entry through the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Access Pathway. See Wirltu Yarlu for further information. |
| Other Entry Pathways | |
2024 Admissions Data for school leavers
| ATAR (raw ATAR, excluding any applicable adjustment factors) |
Lowest ATAR to receive an offer | 92.65 |
|---|---|---|
| Median ATAR to receive an offer | 96 | |
| Highest ATAR to receive an offer | 99.45 | |
| Selection Rank (ATAR plus any adjustment factors) |
Lowest Selection Rank to receive an offer | 95.8 |
| Median Selection Rank to receive an offer | 99 | |
| Highest Selection Rank to receive an offer | 99.95 | |
| Minimum eligibility score | 90 | |
| Additional criteria considered | Selection rank only | |
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Admissions Transparency Data
Student Profile
Applicant background Semester one/Full year intake 2024 Number of students Percentage of all students (A) Higher Education study
(includes a bridging or enabling course)<5 N/A (B) Vocational education and training (VET) study n/a N/A (C) Work and life experience
(admitted on the basis of previous achievement not in the other three categories)N/A N/A (D) Recent secondary education: - Admitted solely on the basis of ATAR
(regardless of whether this includes the consideration of adjustment factors)
16 76.2% - Admitted where both ATAR and additional criteria were considered
(e.g. portfolio, audition, extra test, early offer conditional on minimum ATAR)
N/A N/A - Admitted on the basis of other criteria only and ATAR was not a factor
(e.g. special consideration, audition alone, schools recommendation scheme with no minimum ATAR requirement)
N/A N/A International students <5 N/A All students 21 100.0% - Admitted solely on the basis of ATAR
Ready to Apply?
Find out more about the application process and start your studies at the University of Adelaide.
Be sure to check the critical dates to avoid missing application deadlines.
ApplyFees and Scholarships
Choose your applicant type to view the relevant fees and scholarships information for this program.
I am a:
Domestic applicants
| Indicative annual tuition fees |
Commonwealth-supported place: $8,950
|
Where the standard duration of the program is less than one year the full cost of the program is displayed.
More information on Student Contribution Amounts.
Scholarships
Scholarships are not only for high achievers—they are also available to provide students with an equal opportunity to study at university, no matter where they live or what their financial situation might be.
Scholarships are available to both new and continuing students. We encourage students to apply for any scholarships for which they may be eligible.
To browse scholarships offered by the University, visit: University Scholarships
To explore scholarships offered by organisations external to the University, visit: External Scholarships
Careers
Career Readiness
Direct access to industry leaders and paid internship opportunities: The Academy by Deloitte
Students who as part of their studies take part in The Academy by Deloitte experience will have the benefit of undertaking a paid internship with Deloitte. This internship is designed to shape their business readiness through significant real-world client exposure, access to multiple networking opportunities and relevant professional training.
The Bachelor of Science (Advanced) is designed to give you the best chance of becoming a professional scientist. As such, there’s a strong emphasis on advanced research training.
The University of Adelaide Careers Service prepares, inspires and empowers students to achieve successful career transitions and connect with industry.
Graduate Attributes
The objective of this program is to produce graduates with specific attributes as outlined in University of Adelaide Graduate Attributes.- Deep discipline knowledge and intellectual breadth
- Creative and critical thinking, and problem solving
- Teamwork and communication skills
- Professionalism and leadership readiness
- Intercultural and ethical competency
- Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultural competency
- Digital capabilities
- Self-awareness and emotional intelligence
Industry Placement
Due to the flexible nature of this degree, there’s an enormous choice of opportunities which you can tailored to your study and career interests.
Your third year practical work experience takes place in an active research laboratory.
Potential careers
Graduates of this program have gone on to roles such as:
Merchant Banker; Atmospheric Chemist; Palaeontologist; Plant Scientist; Public Health Scientist; Ecotour Operator; Research and Development Manager; Environmental Manager; Flavour Chemist; Geobiologist ...
Degree Structure
The BSc (Advanced) has a strong emphasis on advanced research training to give students the best chance of becoming a professional scientist.
Like the Bachelor of Science, students in the BSc (Advanced) design their own degree from a broad range of study options and have flexibility to select areas of specific interest. In first year, students enrol in a combination of courses that prepare them to follow pathways through to major study areas. In third year, students choose at least one area of science in which to specialise and undertake a research placement. Exposure to research culture will be explored through the BSc (Advanced) specific courses Principles and Practice of Research (Advanced) II and Principle and Practice of Research (Advanced) III.
To remain in this highly competitive program, students must maintain a high Grade Point Average (GPA) throughout their candidature. Similarly, students who attain a predetermined GPA will automatically be eligible for a place in the BSc (Hons) program upon completion of the BSc (Advanced).
Study Plan
Level 1
Core course: SCIENCE 1300 Principles & Practice of Research (Advanced) I
Non core courses chosen from a range of science offerings that complement a student's interests and build towards two science majors listed below.
Level 2
Core course: SCIENCE 2300 Principles and Practice of Research (Advanced) II;
Non core courses chosen from a range of science offerings and that maintain study in the area of two science majors listed below.
Level 3
Core course: SCIENCE 3100 Principles and Practice of Research (Advanced) III
Non core courses chosen from a range of science offerings that complete the study required to achieve at least one science major as listed below.
Academic Program Rules
The Calendar is a comprehensive handbook of the University's academic program rules.
Areas of Specialisation
BIOMEDICAL SCIENCE
Majors: Biochemistry, Bioinformatics, Chemistry, Genetics, Microbiology & Immunology
Biomedical Science involves the biomedical aspects of biology,and focuses on understanding both the normal functions and diseases of the human body. Emphasis is placed on the interface between modern biomedical knowledge and experimental approaches. Students are taught by world-class biomedical researchers and experienced educators. Graduates gain employment in medical or research laboratories, hospitals, private industries, the pharmaceutical industry, sports clinics, the biotechnology industry, forensic science, food science and nutrition, cardiac technology, rehabilitation, chiropractic and teaching.
CHEMICAL SCIENCES
Major: Chemistry
Chemical Sciences involves the study of the structure, physical and chemical properties and reactions of elements and compounds. Students learn how to apply this knowledge to develop new and useful chemicals such as plastics, fuels and pharmaceuticals, for use in manufacture, medicine and the environment. A wide range of professional careers may be sought by graduates including environmental monitoring and control, mining, forensic science, nanotechnology, the pharmaceutical industry, medical and agricultural laboratories, manufacturing, food technology, the chemical industry, research and teaching.
EARTH SCIENCES
Majors: Geology, Geophysics and Palaeontology
Earth Sciences involves the study of how our planet is built, how it works, its turbulent 4.5 billion year history and how its precious resources can be located and used. It also investigates how the fragile landscape and often hazardous natural events must be studied and understood to allow them to be adequately managed. Earth Science is one of the most diverse of the sciences covering everything from meteorites to dinosaurs and from gold deposits to volcanoes. Graduates may seek a wide range of professional careers in areas including resource management, environmental geology, mineral exploration, organic geochemistry, seismology, geomorphology, palaeontology, industry and fundamental research.
EVOLUTIONARY BIOLOGY AND ECOLOGY
Majors: Evolutionary Biology, Ecology, Ecology and Environmental Science
Evolutionary Biology and Ecology allows students to investigate the diversity of life on earth and the relationships between organisms and their environments. Students will learn about plants and animals, their ecology, conservation and management, physiology and evolution, including those in terrestrial, freshwater and marine systems. Fieldwork and the study of South Australian ecosystems are important components of many later year courses. Exciting careers exist in environmental consultancy, environmental monitoring and management, marine science, aquaculture, community education, ecotourism, wildlife parks, catchment management, research and teaching.
Fieldwork and the study of South Australian ecosystems are important components of many later year courses. Spatial Science allows students to assess, map and monitor the Australian landscapes using the latest technology in geographical information systems, remote sensing, and spatial modelling.
PHYSICS
Majors: Physics and Theoretical Physics
Physics provides an understanding of the structure of matter and the nature of the universe. You will develop a detailed knowledge of areas which can include astrophysics, atmospheric and environmental physics, computational physics, optics and lasers, photonics and nuclear/particle physics. Mathematical and computer science courses are often taken along with physics. Employment opportunities exist for graduates in electronics, optics and laser industries, scientific computing, telecommunications, space and astronomy programs, forensic science, defence, health and environmental industries, medical physics or in research.
SOIL SCIENCE AND SPATIAL INFORMATION SCIENCE
Major: Soil Science and Plant Biology
Soil Science explores the biological, chemical and physical properties of soils in Australian landscapes and uses the latest technology in geographical information systems, remote sensing, and spatial modelling to monitor distributions of landscape properties. Graduates are keenly sought after by a wide range of government agencies, regional bodies, private enterprise and universities in the fields of oil surveying, environmental planning, soil conservation, environmental impact assessment, environmental engineering, land assessment and mapping, research and biodiversity survey and assessment.
Example Study Plan
All courses are 3 units unless stated otherwise.
Example Indicative study plan
| Core courses Students must complete the following courses, to the value of 6 units |
SCIENCE 1300 Principles & Practice of Research (Advanced) I |
Majors
| Biochemistry |
To satisfy the requirements for Biochemistry Major students must complete courses to the value of at least 30 units. BIOLOGY 1101 Biology I: Molecules, Genes and Cells |
| Bioinformatics |
To satisfy the requirements for Bioinformatics Major students must complete courses to the value of at least 24 units. All of the following courses must be completed: Level I or Level II or Level III Science courses to the value of at least 12 units, plus the following courses: BIOINF 3000 Bioinformatics III and Courses to the value of 3 units from the following: |
| Chemistry |
To satisfy the requirements for Chemistry Major students must complete courses to the value of at least 24 units. CHEM 1100 Chemistry IA and CHEM 1200 Chemistry IB OR CHEM 1101 Foundations of Chemistry IA, CHEM 1201 Foundations of Chemistry IB and CHEM 1312 Foundations of Chemistry IS CHEM 2545 Organic Chemistry II and Courses to the value of at least 6 units from the following: CHEM 3610 Inorganic Chemistry III and Courses to the value of up to 3 units from the following: CHEM 3211 Synthesis of Materials III |
| Ecology and Environmental Science |
To satisfy the requirements for Ecology and Environmental Science Major students must complete courses to the value of at least 24 units. All of the following courses must be completed: Level I or Level II or Level III Science courses to the value of at least 12 units, plus the following courses: ENV BIOL 3121 Concepts in Ecology III and Courses to the value of 3 units from the following: ENV BIOL 3004 Freshwater Ecology III |
| Evolutionary Biology |
To satisfy the requirements for Evolutionary Biology Major students must complete courses to the value of at least 24 units. All of the following courses must be completed: Level I or Level II or Level III Science courses to the value of at least 9 units, plus the following courses: ENV BIOL 2501 Evolutionary Biology II and Courses to the value of 3 units from the following: BIOINF 3000 Bioinformatics III |
| Experimental and Theoretical Physics |
To satisfy the requirements for Experimental and Theoretical Physics Major students must complete courses to the value of at least 45 units. MATHS 1011 Mathematics IA |
| Genetics |
To satisfy the requirements for Genetics Major students must complete courses to the value of at least 24 units. BIOLOGY 1101 Biology I: Molecules, Genes and Cells All of the following courses must be completed: GENETICS 2510 Genetics IIA: Foundation of Genetics |
Assessment
Varies according to chosen major but may include assignments, practicals, field reports and exams.
Related Degrees
Further Study
Testimonial
I chose my degree because it gave me the flexibility to choose my subjects with like-minded, motivated and enthusiastic young scientists.
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Last updated: Thursday, 12 Sep 2024
