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? 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 where you can gain the necessary skills needed to solve real-life problems related to many branches in science.

Study location
  • Sunshine Coast
Refer to the program footnotes
CRICOS code
064652A
Commence
Semester 1 or Semester 2
Program length (full-time)
2 years
Annual tuition fee 2021
A$28,000
Estimated total tuition fee *
A$56,000
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
ATAR - 55.00 OP - - Rank - 55
UniSC program code
SC201
Commence
Semester 1 or Semester 2
Duration
2 years full time or equivalent part time
Study mode
Blended Learning
Recommended prior study
English; Maths Methods or Specialist Maths; at least one science subject (preferably Chemistry)
Fee type 2021
  • Commonwealth supported places
Total courses
16
Total units
192

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 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 and chemistry. You then have the flexibility to select an area to specialise in.

Areas you can specialise in include: Biology; Biotechnology; Chemistry; Ecology and Mathematics.

After you complete your Associate Degree, you’ll receive credit towards and direct entry into the Bachelor of Science or another degree in your chosen field of study.

Career opportunities

Depending on major chosen: research and education, industry / government.

 

Program structure

Introductory and Developing courses (6) 72 units

LFS100 International Relations Theory and Practice
SCI102 Simulation in Practice Education
SCI105 Community and Primary Health Care
SCI110 Professional Internship
SCI113 Independent Study

PLUS select 1 course (12 units) from:
MTH103 Assessment in Mental Health
MTH104 Advanced Health Assessment

Pathway courses (4) 48 units

Select 4 courses for ONE of the following pathways:

Biology

ENS221 Communication and Thought
ENS222 Leadership and Team Dynamics
LFS252 Training and Development
LFS261 Project Management

Biotechnology

LFS251 Communication and Thought
LFS252 Corporate Governance and Social Responsibility
LFS261 Cross-Cultural Management
MBT254 Managing Organisational Change

Chemistry

CHM202 Contemporary Issues in Steiner Education
CHM210 The Art of Steiner Education
LFS251 Steiner Curriculum Development and Evaluation
CHM310 Assessment Principles and Practice in Steiner Education

Ecology

ENS213 Animal Ecology Field Course
ENS221 Endangered Animals and their Conservation
ENS222 Animal Form, Function and Evolution
ENS282 Marine Vertebrates: Sharks, Seabirds, Fish, Turtles and Whales

Mathematics

ANM203 Biodiversity and Ecology
MTH201 Science Research Methods
MTH212 Discovering Science
MTH302 Cell Biology

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 USC courses are available on every USC campus.

Total units: 192

Program requirements and notes

Program requirements

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 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
  • Refer to the Managing your progression page for help in understanding your program structure, reviewing your progress and planning remaining courses.