Bachelor of Science

Discover our world

Love science but not sure which path to take? 

The Bachelor of Science lets you design your own degree based on your strengths and emerging interests. From Chemistry to Palaeontology, Genetics to Geophysics... we support your scientific curiosity.

Our degree is ranked best for Science in South Australia, and among the top 104 in the world^.

What will you do?

Whether you want to use your critical thinking to help drive global change or join the cutting-edge of research, our Bachelor of Science will give you the skills you need. You will:

  • become an adaptable scientist as you learn the skills to evolve with one of the fastest-growing sectors
  • learn from world-class researchers who are experts in their field
  • develop connections in the science world through internships
  • engage with new ideas through discovery and experiential learning
  • develop in-depth discipline knowledge through a major
  • build highly sought-after skills in communication, critical thinking and creative problem solving
  • access research facilities of international significance.

You can pursue any of the following major areas of study: 

  • 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 & 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 could surround yourself with plants as botanist, work in stem cell research, take up teaching or apply your skills in the business world. You might help the public engage with science through games and apps. Perhaps you’ll launch your abilities as a space entrepreneur, one of the many emerging science roles we’re only just beginning to imagine.

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.


  • Ranked 124 globally for Natural Sciences^
  • Five star rating for student support in science#
  • STEM jobs growing twice as fast as any other jobs**

^QS World University Rankings by Subject, 2022
#Good Universities Guide, 2021
**Labour Force Survey, Australian Bureau of Statistics, 2019

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

Admissions information

SATAC Code 314581
2024 CSP ATAR 65
2024 CSP IB 24
Guaranteed Entry Score - ATAR 75
Guaranteed Entry Score - IB 27.5
Deferment Yes - 2 year
Intake February and July
Prerequisites None, however Stage 2 Chemistry, Mathematical Methods, Physics and/or Specialist Mathematics are prerequisites for some first year courses
Assumed Knowledge SACE Stage 2 Chemistry and Mathematical Methods and Physics IB: Mathematics: Applications and Interpretations (HL) or Mathematics: Analysis and Approaches (SL); Chemistry; Physics.
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). Applicants who have not achieved a competitive Selection Rank (ATAR plus any applicable adjustment factors) required for selection may be selected based on the grades in selected year 12 subjects. Applicants do not need to apply to be considered for subject-based entry, as this will automatically be done by SATAC on behalf of the University. For more information, please see: https://www.adelaide.edu.au/study/undergraduate/entry-pathways/recent-secondary-education/ 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.
Vocational Education and Training (VET) study You must have completed an AQF Certificate IV or above from a Registered Training Organisation. Your application will be ranked according to the level of the award. 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 59.85
Median ATAR to receive an offer 86.58
Highest ATAR to receive an offer 99.7
Selection Rank
(ATAR plus any adjustment factors)		 Lowest Selection Rank to receive an offer 65.25
Median Selection Rank to receive an offer 91.15
Highest Selection Rank to receive an offer 99.95
Minimum eligibility score 65
Additional criteria considered Selection rank only
  • 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)    		 40 36.7%
    (B) Vocational education and training (VET) study <5 N/A
    (C) Work and life experience
    (admitted on the basis of previous achievement not in the other three categories)    		 <5 N/A
    (D) Recent secondary education:
    • Admitted solely on the basis of ATAR
      (regardless of whether this includes the consideration of adjustment factors)
    		 44 40.4%
    • 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)
    		 <5 N/A
    International students 17 15.6%
    All students 109 100.0%

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.

Apply

Fees 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.


As a Bachelor of Science graduate, you’ll learn skills that are sought after in a wide range of careers, not just science. This includes skills such as analytical methods, laboratory and field techniques, information technology skills, teamwork, initiative and the ability to communicate and cooperate with people from diverse backgrounds.

This provides the opportunity for a variety of careers in:
  • business
  • defence industry
  • environmental sciences
  • government departments
  • hospitals and health organisations
  • intellectual property
  • laboratory research and development
  • management
  • minerals and energy
  • oil and gas industry
  • private industry and consulting
  • research
  • sales and consultancy
  • science communication, journalism
  • teaching and lecturing
  • universities.

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.
  1. Deep discipline knowledge and intellectual breadth
  2. Creative and critical thinking, and problem solving
  3. Teamwork and communication skills
  4. Professionalism and leadership readiness
  5. Intercultural and ethical competency
  6. Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultural competency
  7. Digital capabilities
  8. Self-awareness and emotional intelligence

Potential careers

Graduates of this program have gone on to roles such as:

Biochemist;  Botanist;  Catchment Management;  Ecologist;  Ecotourism;  Environmental Biologist;  Environmental Chemist;  Environmental Consultant;  Environmental Geology;  Environmental Geoscientist ...

Degree Structure



Academic Program Rules

The Calendar is a comprehensive handbook of the University's academic program rules.

To qualify for the degree of Bachelor of Science, students must complete satisfactorily a program of study consisting of the following requirements with a combined total of not less than 72 units:

  • Core course to the value of 3 units.
  • Elective courses up to the value of 45 units which may include a second major.
  • Level I courses to a maximum of 30 units.
  • Level III Science courses to the value of at least 24 units.

At least one major to the value of at least 24 units chosen from the following:

  • 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 & Immunology
  • Nuclear and Radiation Physics**
  • Palaeontology
  • Palaeontology and Evolution
  • Physics
  • Physics and Geophysics
  • Plant Biology
  • Pure and Applied Chemistry
  • Soil Science
  • Theoretical Physics

Note: A student who has completed a major in a Science discipline and also completes courses that fulfil requirements for a major as specified under the Academic Program Rules for the degree of Bachelor of Mathematical and Computer Sciences, shall be awarded that Mathematical and Computer Sciences major in addition to the Science major.

Example Study Plan

All courses are 3 units unless stated otherwise.

Example Indicative study plan 

Core courses
All students must complete the following courses, to the value of 3 units


Majors

Biochemistry To satisfy the requirements for the Biochemistry major, students must complete courses to the value of at least 30 units from the following:
Bioinformatics To satisfy the requirements for the Bioinformatics major, students must complete courses to the value of at least 24 units. Level I or Level II or Level III Science courses to the value of at least 12 units must be completed plus the following courses:
and courses to the value of 6 units from the following:
Chemistry To satisfy the requirements for the Chemistry major, students must complete courses to the value of at least 24 units:

Courses to the value of at least 6 units from the following:

Courses to the value of up to 6 units from the following:
Ecology and Environmental Science To satisfy the requirements for the Ecology and Environmental Science major, students must complete courses to the value of at least 24 units. Level I or Level II or Level III Science courses to the value of at least 12 units must be completed plus the following courses: 
and courses to the value of at least 3 units from the following:
and courses to the value of up to 3 units from the following:
Evolutionary Biology To satisfy the requirements for the Evolutionary Biology major, students must complete courses to the value of at least 24 units. Level I or Level II or Level III Science courses to the value of at least 9 units must be completed plus the following courses:
and courses to the value of 3 units from the following:
Experimental and Theoretical Physics

To satisfy the requirements for the Experimental and Theoretical Physics major, students must complete courses to the value of at least 45 units from the following:

and courses to the value of 3 units from the following:
Genetics To satisfy the requirements for the Genetics major, students must complete courses to the value of at least 24 units:

and courses to the value of 3 units from the following:
Geology To satisfy the requirements for the Geology major, students must complete courses to the value of at least 24 units from the following:
Geology and Earth Resources

To satisfy the requirements for the Geology and Earth Resources major, students must complete courses to the value of at least 30 units from the following:
Geology and Geophysics

To satisfy the requirements for the Geology and Geophysics major, students must complete courses to the value of at least 33 units from the following:
Geology and Palaeontology

To satisfy the requirements for the Geology and Palaeontology major, students must complete courses to the value of at least 42 units from the following:
Microbiology and Immunology To satisfy the requirements for the Microbiology and Immunology major, students must complete courses to the value of at least 24 units from the following:
Palaeontology To satisfy the requirements for the Palaeontology major, students must complete courses to the value of at least 24 units. Level I or Level II or Level III Science courses to the value of at least 6 units must be completed plus the following courses:

and courses to the value of 3 units from the following:
Palaeontology and Evolution

To satisfy the requirements for the Palaeontology and Evolution major, students must complete courses to the value of at least 36 units from the following: 

and courses to the value of 3 units from the following:
Physics To satisfy the requirements of the Physics major, students must complete courses to the value of at least 36 units from the following:

and courses to the value of 3 units from the following:
Physics and Geophysics

To satisfy the requirements for the Physics and Geophysics major, students must complete courses to the value of at least 51 units from the following:

and courses to the value of 3 units from the following:
Plant Biology To satisfy the requirements of the Plant Biology major, students must complete courses to the value of at least 24 units from the following:
Pure and Applied Chemistry 

To satisfy the requirements for the Pure and Applied Chemistry major, students must complete courses to the value of at least 30 units from the following:

and courses to the value of up to 12 units from the following:
Soil Science To satisfy the requirements of the Soil Science major, students must complete courses to the value of at least 27 units:
Theoretical Physics To satisfy the requirements of the Theoretical Physics major, students must complete courses to the value of at least 39 units from the following:

    Assessment

    Varies according to chosen major but may include assignments, practicals, field reports and exams.

    Related Degrees

    Further Study

    Testimonial

    Study has provided me with a supportive framework to complete my studies. The degrees have provided me with the skills necessary to be a successful and confident scientist.
    Luke Weinel

    Luke Weinel

    Bachelor of Science

    Faculty of Sciences, Engineering and Technology

    The University of Adelaide is committed to regular reviews of the courses and programs it offers to students. The University of Adelaide therefore reserves the right to discontinue or vary programs and courses without notice. Please read the important information contained in the disclaimer.

    Last updated: Thursday, 12 Sep 2024