Uncover the secrets of the universe
Science is all about discovery. Learn how to investigate the world around us, contributing to new knowledge that improves our understanding of the universe. Specialise in a range of major or minors in traditional scientific fields to make yourself more attractive to potential employers. From the first year you’ll learn about topics such as cell biology, chemistry, biodiversity and ecology, and science research methods to give you a solid grounding in the science world.
- 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.
- Campus note: Only first-year courses are offered at Fraser Coast. The remainder of the degree is completed at Sippy Downs.
- Campus note: Only first-year courses are offered at Fraser Coast. The remainder of the degree is completed at Sippy Downs.
Science is all about discovery. Learn how to investigate the world around us, contributing to new knowledge that improves our understanding of the universe. Specialise in a range of major or minors in traditional scientific fields to make yourself more attractive to potential employers. From the first year you’ll learn about topics such as cell biology, chemistry, biodiversity and ecology, and science research methods to give you a solid grounding in the science world.
In this program you will:
- Use fully equipped laboratories to safely conduct tests and experiments under the supervision of experienced scientists.
- Gain hands-on skills through field studies to prepare you for a career in the science world.
- Undertake work integrated learning to get a feel for a career in areas such as industry or government agencies.
- Specialise in a range of major or minor in areas such as biotechnology, chemistry, ecology, or food and biosecurity.
Majors
Biology; Biotechnology; Chemistry; Ecology; Food and Biosecurity; Mathematics.
Minors
Biochemistry; Biology; Biotechnology; Chemistry; Ecology; Entrepreneurship; Food Security; Genetics; Journalism; Mathematics; Microbiology; Sustainability.
Career opportunities
- Aquaculture Manager
- Biochemist
- Biologist/Biological Technician
- Biomanufacturing Specialist
- Data Scientist
- Microbiologist
- Mathematical Modeller
- Plant Scientist
- Restoration Ecologist/Park Ranger
- Science Research Officer
- Specialist Biology, Chemistry and/or Mathematics teacher
If students are planning to enter a career in education you should look to study at least one and preferably two of the traditional majors offered in the program. If you're planning to enter a career in research (usually via Bachelor of Science (Honours), Doctor of Philosophy), you must achieve a high grade point average and should take advantage of our Special Research Project (SRP) opportunities offered in the program, especially with prospective supervisors, however if you are planning to enter a career in industry or government, you should take advantage of our Work Place Learning (WPL) opportunities offered, especially with prospective employers.
Membership
Eligibility for memberships depends on areas of specialisation.
Program structure
Introductory courses (7) 84 units
COR109 Cell Biology
LFS100 Vertebrate Diversity and Ecology
SCI102 Introduction to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Education
SCI105 Plant Growth and Reproduction
SCI110 Advanced Genetics
SCI113 Genetics
PLUS select 1 course (12 units) from:
MTH100 Plant Diversity and Ecology Δ
MTH103 Invertebrate Biology and EcologyΔ
MTH104 Wildlife Ecology and ConservationΔ
Major and minor courses (12) 144 units
Select 12 course (144 units) towards 1 major and 1 minor
Majors
Minors
- Biochemistry
- Biology
- Biotechnology
- Chemistry
- Ecology
- Entrepreneurship
- Food Security
- Genetics
- Journalism
- Mathematics
- Microbiology
- Sustainability
Elective courses (5) 60 units
Select 5 elective courses (60 units) from the undergraduate elective course options. Of these electives 2 must be developing or graduate level (200/300 coded) courses
*The number of elective courses may vary depending on the major/minor combinations chosen
Δ refer to program notes
Note: Program structures are subject to change. Not all USC courses are available on every USC campus.
Total units: 288
Recommended study sequences
Program requirements and notes
Program requirements
In order to graduate you must:
- Successfully complete 288 units as outlined in the Program Structure
- Complete no more than 10 introductory level (100 coded) courses
Program notes
- MTH103 and MTH104 assumes you have successfully completed a Years 11-12 mathematics subject (or equivalent) and preferably at least Mathematics B. Should you wish to proceed to 200 or 300 coded mathematics courses, you would first need to successfully complete MTH103 and MTH104 to meet prerequisite requirements. MTH100 does not meet the prerequisite necessary to enrol in developing and graduate level mathematics 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 USC 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
- You may choose to complete 2 majors or 1 major and 2 minors from the list on the Program Structure
- Refer to the Managing your progression page for help in understanding your program structure, reviewing your progress and planning remaining courses.
- Δ MTH100 not being offered in 2019