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.
- 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.
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 Communication and Thought
LFS100 Cell Biology
SCI105 Chemistry
SCI110 Science Research Methods
Plus choose one (1) of the following:
MTH100 Introduction to Mathematics
MTH102 Mathematics Foundations
Plus choose one (1) of the following:
SET111 Environment, Technology and Sustainability
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:
- Animal Ecology
- Biology
- Biomedical Science
- Chemistry
- Public and Environmental Health
- Environmental Science
- Health Promotion
- Nutrition
- Sustainability
Note: Not all USC courses are available on every USC campus.
Total units: 192
Recommended study sequences
- Animal Ecology pathway Study Plan - Semester 2 (mid-year) commencement
- Biology pathway Study Plan - Semester 2 (mid year) commencement
- Biomedical Science pathway Study Plan - Semester 2 (mid-year) commencement
- Chemistry pathway Study Plan - Semester 2 (mid-year) commencement
- Public and Environmental Health pathway Study Plan - Semester 2 (mid-year) commencement
- Environmental Science pathway Study Plan - Semester 2 (mid-year) commencement
- Health Promotion pathway Study Plan - Semester 2 (mid-year) commencement
- Nutrition pathway Study Plan - Semester 2 (mid-year) commencement
- Sports and Exercise Science pathway - Semester 2 (mid-year) commencement
- Sustainability pathway Study Plan - Semester 2 (mid-year) commencement
- Animal Ecology pathway Study Plan - Semester 1 commencement
- Biology pathway Study Plan - Semester 1 commencement
- Biomedical Science pathway Study Plan - Semester 1 commencement
- Chemistry pathway Study Plan - Semester 1 commencement
- Public and Environmental Health pathway Study Plan - Semester 1 commencement
- Environmental Science pathway Study Plan - Semester 1
- Health Promotion pathway Study Plan - Semester 1 commencement
- Nutrition pathway Study Plan - Semester 1 commencement
- Sports and Exercise Science pathway Study Plan - Semester 1 commencement
- Sustainability pathway Study Plan - Semester 1 commencement
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.