Start Date
February
July

Duration
3 year(s) full-time

Mode
On-campus

Program Code
LBSC

Study as
Full-time or part-time

Prerequisites
None

Assumed Knowledge
None

Entry Scores
2025 Guaranteed Entry
Year 12 (ATAR-based): 70.00
Year 12 (Grades-based): B,B,B
TAFE/RTO: DIP
View Guaranteed Entry Info
2024 Cut-Offs
Year 12 (ATAR-based):
- Internal: 70.00
TAFE/RTO: Cert IV
View full entry requirements

Degree overview

  • Study at SA's number one university for teaching quality1, and quality education2 in maths and science.
  • Study Science today to create planetary solutions for tomorrow.
  • Learn about the Earth, the Universe, and science and human activities in space.
  • Develop skills in Atomic science and understand how radiation is used in medicine, agriculture, space and defence.
  • Study the fundamentals of science through observation, experiment, and measurement.
  • Gain practical experience through laboratory and field work.
  • Learn in experiential facilities such as the multi-million dollar Materials and Minerals Science Learning and Research Hub based at Mawson Lakes Campus.
  • Choose your majors based on your interests and career goals.
  • Become a secondary school science teacher by combining this degree with a Master of Teaching (Secondary).

1ComparED (QILT) Student Experience Survey 2021-22, Science and Mathematics – Teaching Quality Indicator (Undergraduate). SA public universities.

2ComparED (QILT) Student Experience Survey 2021-22, Science and Mathematics – Overall Quality of Educational Experience Indicator (Undergraduate). SA public universities.

Snapshot

Snapshot

Unravel the mysteries of the natural and physical world with a Bachelor of Science at UniSA. Scientists work by observation, and measurement, making predictions and informed decisions through the systematic study of the nature and behaviour of the physical universe.

Fostering a spirit of inquiry, you will have the opportunity to follow your natural curiosity and tailor your degree to your interest areas, from traditional pathways like Applied Physics, Biology for Science, Mathematics, and Chemistry for Science, to increasingly critical areas such as Ecosystem Sciences, and Applied Earth Sciences.

You will spend a significant amount of time in laboratory and field settings, with the degree designed with practical skills in mind to ensure you graduate prepared to adapt your expertise to a diverse range of industries, such as defence, the environment, meteorology, and energy or food.

You may also choose to pursue the advancement of knowledge in your field with a career in research, or share your scientific passion in an education setting. If you think you may be interested in secondary school teaching, you can apply for the Bachelor of Science/Master of Teaching (Secondary) – a direct pathway to postgraduate study.

If you would like to apply directly into the Bachelor of Science/Master of Teaching (Secondary) package option, please apply via SATAC using 434101.

On-campus teaching for this program is based at the Mawson Lakes campus. Only 20 minutes from the city centre with easy parking. The Mawson Lakes campus is also accessible by bus and train with the Mawson Lakes train station only a short walk.

What you'll learn

What you Learn

This is a flexible degree. You can select two majors from the following fields:

  • Applied physics: allows you to pursue in-depth studies in advanced materials, computational physics and medical health physics
  • Biology for Science: includes plant and animal biology, cell biology, physiology, environmental biology, biochemistry and introductory biotechnology
  • Chemistry for Science: offers studies in both physical and inorganic chemistry
  • Ecosystem sciences: looks at environmental sciences and policy including the contemporary concepts of ecosystem management and sustainable development that link natural and social systems, providing a solid foundation in natural sciences and field research techniques.
  • Applied Earth Sciences: combines the study of chemical, physical, geological and biological processes that shape the natural environment, with an emphasis on problems such as climate change, environmental pollution and landscape modification. Investigate the Earth System and the dynamic interactions that govern global change from the microscopic to the macroscopic scale.
  • Mathematics and statistics: investigates core studies in applied mathematics, statistics and optimisation.

If you are interested in taking a major in another area of science this may also be possible. Please consult with the Program Director. If you think you might be interested in secondary school teaching, you can apply for the Bachelor of Science/Master of Teaching (Secondary) – a direct pathway to postgraduate study packaged with your Bachelor of Science degree.

You can gain an extra qualification and broaden your career prospects by completing a Diploma in Languages.

Degree structure

Course name Area and cat no. Units Reference  
YEAR 1
First Semester (Study Period 1, 2 or 3)
Professional and Technical Communication COMM 1065 4.5
Quantitative Methods in Health MATH 1065 4.5 Rule(s): 3
OR
Mathematics for Laboratory Sciences MATH 1039 4.5 Rule(s): 3
OR 4.5
Calculus 1 MATH 1054 4.5 Rule(s): 2
OR
Statistical Methods MATH 1068 4.5 Rule(s): 1
Major 1 4.5 Note(s): 1,2,3 Rule(s): 4
Major 2 4.5 Note(s): 1,2,3 Rule(s): 4
Second Semester (Study Period 4, 5 or 6)
Astronomy and the Universe PHYS 1015 4.5
Major 1 4.5 Note(s): 1,2,3 Rule(s): 4
Major 1 4.5 Note(s): 1,2,3 Rule(s): 4
Major 2 4.5 Note(s): 1,2,3 Rule(s): 4
SECOND YEAR
First Semester (Study Period 1, 2 or 3)
Atomic, Nuclear, and Radiation Science NASC 3015 4.5
Major 1 4.5 Note(s): 1,2,3 Rule(s): 4
Major 2 4.5 Note(s): 1,2,3 Rule(s): 4
Major 2 4.5 Note(s): 1,2,3 Rule(s): 4
Second Semester (Study Period 4, 5 or 6)
Space Missions NASC 2010 4.5
Major 1 4.5 Note(s): 1,2,3 Rule(s): 4
Major 2 4.5 Note(s): 1,2,3 Rule(s): 4
Elective 4.5 Rule(s): 5
THIRD YEAR
First Semester (Study Period 1, 2 or 3)
Major 1 4.5 Note(s): 1,2,3 Rule(s): 4
Major 1 4.5 Note(s): 1,2,3 Rule(s): 4
Major 2 4.5 Note(s): 1,2,3 Rule(s): 4
Elective 4.5 Rule(s): 6
Second Semester (Study Period 4, 5 or 6)
STEM Internship 15 Days NASC 4022 4.5 Note(s): 8
OR
Applied Science Project PHYS 3002 4.5 Note(s): 7
Major 1 4.5 Note(s): 1,2,3 Rule(s): 4
Major 2 4.5 Note(s): 1,2,3 Rule(s): 4
Major 2 4.5 Note(s): 1,2,3 Rule(s): 4

Study hours

For each course you study, you will need to allocate time for various classes such as lectures, tutorials, workshops, seminars and practicals. Plus you will need additional hours to study in your own time to complete assignments, readings and projects, as well as to contribute to online discussion forums (independent study). So as a general rule, if you are studying full-time you would need to allocate 12–26 hours of study when at university and 14–28 hours of independent study per week. 

Assessment

Assessment

Your studies at UniSA will incorporate both practical, professionally-focused, and research-based learning, so assessment types will vary. You can expect them to include:

  • reports and project documentation
  • research projects, group projects
  • essays and assignments 
  • tests and examinations 

Global opportunities

Enrich your studies and your life – make overseas study part of your qualification. You may have the option to undertake an exchange, short-term program or study tour overseas while you study. We have links with universities worldwide, as well as a range of travel grants available to make going overseas much more accessible.

You can choose short-term or semester-long study from a range of universities and countries depending on your area of study and cultural interests.

Take a look at the global opportunities available.

Global opportunities

Why Bachelor of Science

Why this Degree

In this flexible degree you will develop a broad science education. You will study two majors in areas of science that interest you, and develop a strong scientific understanding in those areas. In this degree you will study new courses in Space Missions and Atomic, Nuclear and Radiation Science, and cap your studies with a project course or internship within one of your major areas. You will learn from academic and industry leaders, with UniSA number one in SA for teaching quality in maths and science1.

Depending on your results in the program, you may also be eligible to apply for entry into one of our highly regarded honours programs, where you will spend a year on more detailed scientific research. Honours programs include:

1ComparED (QILT) Student Experience Survey 2021-22, Science and Mathematics – Teaching Quality Indicator (Undergraduate). SA public universities.

Real-world connections

We are home to several research centres in the fields of biomaterials and nano-medicine, environmental science, phenomics and bioinformatics, energy, and minerals and resources science. As well as research, they provide consulting services to organisations and government. All have state-of-the-art facilities including the Future Industries Institute, with world renowned links and associations that provide a dynamic teaching and research base for our students. We also host regular University-wide career expos and employment forums through our Career Service, as well as alumni events in Australia and overseas.

Hear from Bianna Kelly, Science student

Bianna Kelly talks about her experience studying UniSA's Bachelor of Science which sparked her interest in research.

UniSA Video

Career outcomes

Your career

Because of the diverse nature of this degree, your skills and knowledge will apply to careers in a broad range of industries, such as:

  • private or government laboratories
  • medical and pharmaceutical industries
  • manufacturing
  • environmental management
  • food and beverages
  • mining and energy
  • information technology
  • defence and space science
  • meteorology
  • teaching (with further study)

If you think you might be interested in secondary school teaching, you can apply for the Bachelor of Science/Master of Teaching (Secondary) - a direct pathway to postgraduate study.

Industry facts

chart-people

Science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) skills are essential to Australia's top five growth industries

(National Centre for Vocational Education Research)

job-listings

Science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) skills are essential to 75 per cent of Australia's fastest growing employment areas

(AMSI: Australia Must Embrace Mathematics for Innovation)

How to apply

To apply:

  • go to the top of this page and make note of the relevant SATAC code*, then click Apply
  • you will be redirected through to the SATAC website to continue your application

*There are two SATAC codes – one for this degree, and one for this degree packaged with the Master of Teaching. You can apply to study this degree on its own. However, if you already know you would like to combine it with a Master of Teaching, you can apply for both together.

Alternative Pathways

Australian
There are other pathways you can follow to study this degree, including:

International
There are other pathways you can follow to study this degree, including:

 

Deferment

This degree is available for deferment. This option is made available by responding to your offer during the application process via the SATAC website. Applicants who receive an offer into a midyear degree are eligible to defer for six months.

Scholarships

Every year, over 2,500 UniSA students are supported in their studies through scholarships and grants worth millions of dollars. Check out the scholarships below. One of them may be perfect for you. Visit our scholarships page for more.

More scholarships

Your study experience and support

Our campuses are home to fantastic facilities including modern lecture theatres, libraries, workshops and laboratories, as well as spaces that simulate real work environments. But you’ll also discover that your journey at UniSA is about social experiences, healthy living and getting involved. You’ll find student sports and fitness facilities, community clinics, tech zones and chill-out spaces. There are campus sport activities to keep you active, and if you are keen to explore the social side of university life, there are movies, cooking demonstrations, parties and loads more.

Adelaide also has a variety of accommodation options to suit different requirements and budgets. Options include dedicated student accommodation and private rentals. See our long-term accommodation pages, or explore our student accommodation by Scape on Bank Street in Adelaide’s lively cultural precinct, an ideal location for students. It is within easy reach of UniSA’s city and metropolitan campuses, Rundle Mall shopping, the Central Market, Chinatown, and the West End’s vibrant nightlife. It is also across the road from the Adelaide train station, and on bus and tram routes.

Student services

Student services

Our student services provide you with all the support you need at university. We want you to succeed, and if you need help, we're here to assist. You can access a full range of support services, including:

  • academic counselling
  • personal counselling
  • social support services, including family support and nearby childcare
  • common rooms
  • prayer rooms
  • security officers
  • career services and mentoring
  • Wirringka Student Services, offering Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students a supportive place to study
  • as well as services offered through our student association, USASA.

When you become a UniSA student, you can also contact Campus Central for help with anything related to your degree. They will help you with your enrolment, ID cards, fees, timetables and more.

24/7 digital environment

Our learnonline facilities include a personal learning environment with virtual classrooms, lecture recordings, emails, learning support, administration, library access and results. The environment is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, so you can tailor your learning to your life. We are continually investing in innovative digital technologies for a high-quality student learning experience.

Student services

Your campus

We have six campuses in metropolitan and regional areas, each with modern facilities including lecture theatres, libraries and laboratories, as well as spaces that simulate real work environments.

Location This degree is delivered at the following campus.

Your study spaces

You will have access to our multi-million dollar Materials and Minerals Science Learning and Research Hub at the Mawson Lakes campus. The $50 million facility supports our world-class research in minerals and materials science. It’s a place that blends teaching and research environments, making you part of a vibrant learning community.

Your study spaces

Your program director

My background is in physics, having both an undergraduate degree and a PhD in physics. My PhD was in Auroral Physics with the Space Environment Physics group at the University of Southampton in the UK, which allowed me to explore the fusion of many areas of physics as I studied the behaviour of the Aurora borealis, or Northern Lights. Following my PhD, I switched focus to teaching and moved to New Zealand to teach physics at Massey University. I took up my current position at UniSA mid-2020 as a teaching-focussed lecturer in Applied Physics with a focus on foundational and first year physics teaching.

 I’m passionate about physics teaching and enabling students to actively explore the behaviour of the physical world. My scholarship interests are currently in simulated experiments, and exploring the links between engagement and performance in physics and physics-allied courses.

Dr Sam Tuttle

Program Director

Enquire
Portrait image for Dr Sam Tuttle
Portrait image for Dr Sam Tuttle

Dr Sam Tuttle

Program Director

Enquire

Ask UniSA

  • How do I apply? minus-thick plus-thick

    The way you apply for UniSA will depend on the undergraduate or postgraduate coursework degree you're interested in studying.

    The majority of applications are made via the South Australian Tertiary Admissions Centre (SATAC). Check out more information on the SATAC website and follow the appropriate process for your degree of interest.

    There are a small number of degrees that you need to apply for through direct application processes. The process you need to follow will be listed on the 'How to Apply' section of the degree homepage, but you'll also be taken to where you need to go if you hit the 'apply' button.

    If you are interested in studying one of our 100% online degrees you'll need to apply directly to UniSA Online.

    You can find more information about the application processes for UniSA on our How to Apply webpage.

    If you're more interested in applying for a postgraduate degree by research, check out and follow the information in our step by step guide to applying

  • Is there a closing date for applications? minus-thick plus-thick

    Applications for all degrees will close ahead of study commencing, but the timelines may vary for undergraduate and postgraduate degrees.

    Undergraduate

    The deadline to apply to study a degree at UniSA for semester one (commencing late February) and be guaranteed equal consideration is generally in very late November or early December. While you may be able to apply after this date, you are not guaranteed to be considered equally with other applicants and your application may not be assessed in time for the main round of offers. More competitive degrees may not make any offers after the main offer round. Find more information on the Key Dates section of the SATAC website, but you can also call the Future Student Enquiries team for more information on 08 8302 376.

    Postgraduate

    Many postgraduate by coursework degrees do not have set closing dates. The exceptions are highly competitive degrees, so it is best to check – either on the degree homepage on the SATAC website or by checking with our Future Student Enquiries team.

    As most postgraduate applications are assessed as they are submitted and offers are continuous, there are no set closing dates for applications. Degrees can be filled and closed with little notice so it is best to apply as soon as possible to avoid missing out on a place. For more information, please contact our Future Student Enquires team on (08) 8302 2376 or submit an enquiry.

  • What credit can I receive for previous studies? minus-thick plus-thick

    You may be eligible for credit or advanced standing for your chosen UniSA degree based on your previous studies, if they are in a related area and completed within a certain timeframe. Receiving credit or RPL will reduce the number of courses you undertake within the degree, and may also reduce the overall duration of your degree. You can read more about our pre-existing credit agreements through our online Credit Assessor. If you have related industry experience, you may also be eligible to receive recognised prior learning (RPL) for this experience. Credit and RPL is assessed by the Program Director once you've received an offer, and you apply through UniSA's current student experts, Campus Central. 

  • Can I speak to someone regarding my study options? minus-thick plus-thick

    Future Student Enquiries welcomes the opportunity to meet with you to discuss your study options at UniSA. We can discuss degree information, entry requirements and pathways, applications, general career outcomes and student life, so you have the information to make the best study decision for your future. Head to our Book an Appointment webpage to find a date and time to speak with us, and take your next steps on journey to university study.

More FAQs

What others are saying

I decided to study at UniSA because of the broad choice of science subjects on offer and practical side of the degree. Plus as a student I’m been involved in the UniSA Sport tennis club, competing in the Australian Uni Games. I enjoyed studying so much that now I'm completing a research degree with UniSA.

Douglas Howard

Bachelor of Science

Douglas Howard

Douglas Howard

Bachelor of Science

I’ve completed a summer vocation scholarship in the maths department, and from there gained a role working as a mentor for the UniSA College. These are enjoyable activities to be involved in, and help boost my resume and experience!

Sarah Mundi

Bachelor of Science

Sarah Mundi

Sarah Mundi

Bachelor of Science

I was raised on a sheep and cropping farm in the mid-north of South Australia and have always been interested in biology and the environment. This led me to study a science degree. I am fascinated by the possibilities of science and have decided to further my knowledge by completing honours. My goal is to pursue a career in research because I enjoy fieldwork and being outdoors.

Bianna Kelly

Bachelor of Science

Bianna Kelly.jpg

Bianna Kelly

Bachelor of Science