Associate Degree in Science
Are you looking for a career where you can make a difference? If you are creative, enjoy solving problems, enjoy collecting and organising information, and love evaluating evidence, then a career in science is likely to suit you. This two-year program offers the perfect pathway to university to gain new skills, switch careers or simply learn more about a science field that interests you. This program provides students with an alternative pathway to the Bachelor of Science and related programs at USC.
In this program you will:
- Fast-track your science education and gain guaranteed entry into a degree at USC
- Gain the necessary skills needed to solve real-life problems related to many branches in science
- Learn core scientific principles such as biology and chemistry
- Choose to specialise in Biology; Biotechnology; Chemistry; Ecology or Mathematics
Location
CRICOS code
Entry threshold
ATAR/RankDuration
Full-time or equivalent part-time Only a full-time option is available to international students on a Student visa. Online programs are not available to Student visa holders.Indicative fees
Indicative 2025 fees (A$)
CSP Annual fee / Estimated total feeQTAC code
Start
- Semester 1
- Semester 2
- Start
-
- Semester 1
- Semester 2
- Delivery mode
-
- Blended Learning
- Total courses
- 16
- Total units
- 192
- Duration
- 2 years 2 years
- CRICOS code
- 064652A
- UniSC program code
- SC201
Introductory and Developing courses (6) 72 units
LFS100 Foundations of Numeracy
SCI102 English Language and Literacy
SCI105 Introduction to Indigenous Australia
SCI110 Foundations of Sustainability
SCI113 Social Research
PLUS select 1 course (12 units) from:
MTH103 Work Integrated Learning Project
MTH104 Social Sciences and Humanities Project
Pathway courses (4) 48 units
Select 4 courses for ONE of the following pathways:
Biology
ENS221 Communication and Thought
ENS222 Foundations of Australian Law A
LFS252 Criminal Law and Procedure A
LFS261 Chemistry
Biotechnology
LFS251 Foundations of Australian Law B
LFS252 Criminal Law and Procedure B
LFS261 Biodiversity and Ecology
MBT254 Science Research Methods
Chemistry
CHM202 Plant Diversity and Ecology
CHM210 Torts A
LFS251 Cell Biology
CHM310 Environment, Technology and Sustainability
Ecology
ENS213 Vertebrate Diversity and Ecology
ENS221 Torts B
ENS222 Human Physiology
ENS282 Contracts A
Mathematics
ANM203 Microbiology
MTH201 Introduction to Mathematics
MTH212 Mathematics Foundations
MTH302 Plant Growth and Reproduction
Elective courses (6) 72 units*
Select 6 elective courses from the undergraduate elective course options. Of these electives, 2 must be developing and graduate level (200/300 coded).
*Students undertaking the Mathematics pathway will substitute one of the electives for MTH103 or MTH104 .
Note: Program structures are subject to change. Not all UniSC courses are available on every UniSC campus.
Entry requirements
For entry into most USC undergraduate degree programs, you need to have completed a minimum level of education similar to successful completion of Australian Year 12 with good grades.
Further studies, for example, a semester or more at college or university, can also be considered for entry and may give you credit transfer towards a degree.
Some examples of upper secondary qualifications and a guide to the minimum grades that USC will consider are listed here. These are minimum requirements and do not guarantee entry. Some programs may require higher grades. Alternative qualifications may also be considered on a case by case basis.
If your qualification (grouped by country) is not listed, send the qualification transcripts with your application form to the International Office for assessment.
English language requirements
You will also need to meet the English language requirements for this program. If you do not meet the minimum requirements, you may be able to enrol in our English Language Programs to reach the required level for most of UniSC’s programs (exceptions apply to non-standard English requirement programs).
Minimum entry threshold
Applicants must meet the minimum ATAR/Rank.
| Location | ATAR/Rank |
|---|---|
| Sunshine Coast | 50.00 |
- Recommended prior study
- English; Maths Methods or Specialist Maths; at least one science subject (preferably Chemistry)
In order to graduate you must:
- Successfully complete 192 units as outlined in the Program Structure
- Complete no more than 10 introductory level (100 coded).
Program notes
- It is highly recommended that students consider enrolling in relevant enabling courses
- Completing this program within the specified (full-time) duration is based on studying 48 unit points per semester (normally 4 courses)and following the recommended study sequence
- The unit value of all courses is 12 units unless otherwise specified
- It is each students responsibility to enrol correctly according to your course requisites, program rules and requirements and be aware of the academic calendar dates
- Courses within this program are assessed using a variety of assessment methods which may include essays, seminar presentations, reports, in-class tests and examinations
- As part of your UniSC program, you may apply to Study Overseas to undertake courses with an overseas higher education provider
- Only a full-time study option is available to international students on a Student Visa
- Refer to the Managing your progression page for help in understanding your program structure, reviewing your progress and planning remaining courses.
- CSP estimate
- A$10,494 - 2023 Fees
- Annual tuition fee (A$, 2025)
- A$28,400
- Estimated total tuition fee (A$, 2025)
- A$56,800