Associate Degree in Science | UniSC | University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland, Australia

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Associate Degree in Science

Challenge your thinking and develop scientific knowledge and skills.

Are you looking for a career where you can make a difference? Are you creative and enjoy solving problems, enjoy collecting and organising information, and love evaluating evidence, 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 where you can gain the necessary skills needed to solve real-life problems related to many branches in science.

Study location
  • Sippy Downs
Refer to the program footnotes
CRICOS code
064652A
Commence
Semester 1 or Semester 2
Program length (full-time)
2 years
Semester tuition fee 2016
A$11,700
Estimated total tuition fee *
A$46,800
Footnotes
  • Only a full-time option is available to international students on a Student visa. Online programs are not available to Student visa holders.
  • * Estimated tuition fees are based on 2025 rates. Refer to international fees for more information.
  • Not all majors/minors and elective options are available at every campus. You should refer to the What Can I Study tab, and the proposed study sequence for your chosen campus and intake for further information.
Study location QTAC code
  • Sunshine Coast 013101
Minimum selection threshold
OP - 19 Rank - 61
UniSC program code
SC201
Commence
Semester 1 or Semester 2
Duration
2 years full time or equivalent part time
Recommended prior study
English; Maths A, B or C; and at least one of the sciences
Fee type 2016
  • What will I pay?
Total units
192

Are you looking for a career where you can make a difference? Are you creative and enjoy solving problems, enjoy collecting and organising information, and love evaluating evidence, 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 where you can gain the necessary skills needed to solve real-life problems related to many branches in science.

Fast-track your science education and gain guaranteed entry into a degree at USC. This program provides students with an alternative pathway to the Bachelor of Science and related programs at USC.

The program aims to meet the needs of students who may have a limited background in science, thus during your first year you’ll learn core scientific principles such as biology, chemistry and introductory mathematics. You then have the flexibility to select an area to specialise in.

Areas you can specialise in include: animal ecology, biology, biomedical science, chemistry, public and environmental health, environmental science, health promotion, nutrition, and sustainability.

After you complete your Associate Degree, you’ll receive full credit towards and direct entry into the Bachelor of Science or another degree in your chosen field of study. USC also offers Associate Degrees in Business and Medical Laboratory Science.

Majors

Students are required to study at least 1 pathway from our range including animal ecology; biology; chemistry; nutrition; environmental science or Biomedical science.

Career opportunities

Depending on major chosen: research and education, waste and pollution control, medical marketing, environmental education and health, biotechnology, environmental protection, community health.

Program structure

For students commencing 2016. All other students please refer to previous handbooks.
Introductory courses (6)

COR109 Human Associative Learning
LFS100 Abnormal Psychology
SCI105 Adult Development and Ageing
SCI110 Advanced Methods in Psychology

Plus choose one (1) of the following:

MTH100 Intercultural and Indigenous Psychologies
MTH102 Personality and Assessment

Plus choose one (1) of the following:
SET111 Psychology of Health and Wellbeing
or one (1) introductory course from the Faculty of Science, Health, Education and Engineering

Elective courses (2)

Select two (2) elective courses from either faculty (Arts and Business or Science, Health, Education and Engineering).

Pathway courses

Select one (1) pathway (8 courses) from the links below, for course selection and enrolment information:

Note: Not all USC courses are available on every USC campus.

Total units: 192

Program requirements and notes

Program requirements

In order to graduate you must complete the courses as listed below in the Program Structure:

  • 6 required introductory courses
  • 2 elective courses
  • 8-course science pathway
Program notes
  • MTH100 does not assume you have successfully completed Years 11-12 Mathematics B (or equivalent). MTH100 does not meet the prerequisite necessary to enrol in advanced level mathematics courses. Should you wish to proceed to 200 or 300 level mathematics courses, you would first need to successfully complete MTH100 and then MTH102 .
  • MTH102 assumes you have successfully completed Years 11-12 Mathematics B (or equivalent). Note that MTH102 is a prerequisite for advanced level (200 and 300 level) mathematics courses.
  • Completing this program within the specified (full-time) duration is based on studying 48 unit points per semester (normally 4 courses).
  • Students must ensure that no more than 10 courses at 100 level are undertaken within this program.
  • It is highly recommended that students consider enrolling in relevant enabling courses.
  • Courses within this program are assessed using a variety of assessment methods including essays, seminar presentations, reports, in-class tests and examinations. Not all courses will necessarily include all methods.
  • As part of your USC program, you may apply to Study Overseas to undertake courses with an overseas higher education provider. It is advisable to contact your Program Advisor to discuss timing and course issues.
  • Only a full-time study option is available to international students on a Student Visa.