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University of South Australia (UNISA)

Adelaide , South Australia ,Australia

Bachelor of Science

Unravel the mysteries of the natural and physical world with a Bachelor of Science at UniSA. Scientists work by observation, experiment and measurement. They make predictions and informed decisions through the systematic study of the nature and behaviour of the physical universe. 

The Bachelor of Science is designed to be practical, the focus is on laboratory and fieldwork. You will gain skills you can transfer to the workplace and graduate ready to make a real difference in the world. 

If you think you might be interested in secondary school teaching, you can apply for the Bachelor of Science/Master of Teaching (Secondary), it’s a direct pathway to postgraduate study.

If you would like to apply directly into the Bachelor of Science/Master of Teaching (Secondary) package option, please apply via SATAC using 434101.

This is a very flexible degree, where you can choose 2 majors from right across the field of science. Majors available: 

Applied physics: allows you to pursue in-depth studies in advanced materials, computational physics and medical health physics
Biology: includes plant and animal biology, cell biology, physiology, environmental biology, biochemistry and introductory biotechnology
Chemistry: offers studies in both physical and inorganic chemistry
Ecosystem sciences: looks at environmental sciences and policy including the contemporary concepts of ecosystem management and sustainable development that link natural and social systems. You will receive a solid foundation in natural sciences and field research techniques, while engaging in active, project-based learning opportunities
Mathematics and statistics: core studies in applied mathematics, statistics and optimization
Geographical Information Systems (GIS): are computerised systems which store and analyse spatial data. Data stored by coordinates in 2D, 3D or 4D can be used to perform spatial queries and analyses. These tools are used in many real world applications with the major focusing on environmental applications. The major contains courses on capturing, storing, analysing and presenting various forms of spatial data.
Geoscience and Biogeochemistry: combines the study of chemical, physical, geological and biological processes that shape the natural environment, with an emphasis on problems such as climate change, environmental pollution and landscape modification. Investigate the Earth System and the dynamic interactions that govern global change from the microscopic to the macroscopic scale.
If you are interested in taking a major in another area of science this may also be possible. Please consult with the Program Director. If you think you might be interested in secondary school teaching, you can apply for the Bachelor of Science/Master of Teaching (Secondary), it’s a direct pathway to postgraduate study.

Campus Information

Mawson Lakes

In the progressive area of Mawson Lakes just 12km north of the city, you can study civil aviation, education, engineering, environmental studies, information technology, science, and sport and recreation management.

Intakes

  • Feb
  • July

Application Processing Time in Days: 14

Minimum English Language Requirements

English Level Description IELTS (1.0 -9.0) TOEFL IBT (0-120) TOEFL CBT (0-300) PTE (10-90)
Expert 9 120 297-300 86-90
Very Good 8.5 115-119 280-293 83-86
Very Good 8 110-114 270-280 79-83
Good 7.5 102-109 253-267 73-79
Good 7 94-101 240-253 65-73
Competent 6.5 79-93 213-233 58-65
Competent 6 60-78 170-210 50-58
Modest 5.5 46-59 133-210 43-50
Modest 5 35-45 107-133 36-43
Limited 4 32-34 97-103 30-36
Extremely Limited < 4 < 31 < 93 < 30

Job Opportunity Potential

Because of the diverse nature of this degree, your skills and knowledge will apply to careers in a broad range of industries, such as:

  • private or government laboratories
  • medical and pharmaceutical industries
  • manufacturing
  • environmental management
  • food and beverages
  • mining and energy
  • information technology
  • defence and space science
  • meteorology
  • teaching (with further study)

If you think you might be interested in secondary school teaching, you can apply for the Bachelor of Science/Master of Teaching (Secondary) - a direct pathway to postgraduate study.

PSW Opportunity

Bachelor Degree or Masters by Coursework Degree - 2 years - 3 years (Adelaide)

Masters by Research - 3 years - 4 years (Adelaide)

PhD qualification - 4 years - 5 years (Adelaide)

Admission Requirement / Eligibility Criteria

The admission criteria have been grouped to assist you to easily find the information most relevant to your circumstances. However, you may fit into more than one and the university will consider applicants against each of the relevant criteria.

Certain conditions apply. For more information refer to Appendix 4 of the University's Selection and Entry policy.

Applicants are required to meet one of the following criteria with a competitive result, and demonstrate that they fulfil any prerequisite requirements and essential requirements for admission:

Recent secondary education

  • Meet any prerequisite requirements with a minimum grade of C- or equivalent
    AND
  • Qualify for the South Australian Certificate of Education (SACE), and achieved a competitive Selection Rank (ATAR), or
  • Complete secondary qualifications equivalent to SACE,
    or
  • Complete the International Baccalaureate Diploma with a minimum score of 24 points

Applicants who have not achieved the Selection Rank required for automatic selection may be selected for any remaining places based on the grades of their year 12 subjects.

OR
Higher education study

  • Complete or partly complete a recognised higher education program at a recognised higher education institution, or
  • Complete at least four Open Universities Australia (OUA) courses at undergraduate level or above
    OR

Vocational Education and Training (VET)

  • Complete an award from a registered training organisation at Diploma level or above
    OR

Work and life experience

  • Qualify for Special Entry, or
  • Complete a 12-month UniSA Foundation Studies program or equivalent, or
  • Hold completed secondary qualifications equivalent to SACE obtained more than 2 years in the past.