Bachelor of Science
Degree Level Undergraduate
Year 2023
You're viewing degree information for Australian students
You're considered an Australian student if you are any of the following:
- Australian or New Zealand Citizen
- Australian Permanent Resident (including Permanent Humanitarian Visa holders)
Program Code
LBSC
SATAC Code
434101 (Packaged)
434201 (Internal)
Study as
Full-time
or part-time
Entry Scores
2023 Guaranteed Entry
Year 12 (ATAR-based): 70.00
Year 12 (Grades-based): B,B,B
TAFE/RTO: DIP
View Guaranteed Entry Info
2022 Cut-Offs
Year 12 (ATAR-based):
- Internal: 68.35
TAFE/RTO: Cert IV
View full entry requirements
-
View full entry requirements Hide full entry requirements
Entry requirements
Admission criteria
The admission criteria have been grouped to assist you to easily find the information most relevant to your circumstances. However, you may fit into more than one and the university will consider applicants against each of the relevant criteria.
Certain conditions apply. For more information refer to Appendix 4 of the University's Selection and Entry policy.
Applicants are required to meet one of the following criteria with a competitive result, and demonstrate that they fulfil any prerequisite requirements and essential requirements for admission:
Recent secondary education
Meet any prerequisite requirements with a minimum grade of C- or equivalent
AND- Qualify for the South Australian Certificate of Education (SACE), and achieved a competitive Selection Rank (ATAR), or
- Complete secondary qualifications equivalent to SACE, or
- Complete the International Baccalaureate Diploma with a minimum score of 24 points
Applicants who have not achieved the Selection Rank required for automatic selection may be selected for any remaining places based on the grades of their year 12 subjects..
There are no prerequisites for entry into this program however Stage 2 Chemistry, Mathematical Methods, Physics, or equivalent knowledge, are prerequisites for some courses in some majors. Further details are available in the program schedule rules and notes.
OR
Higher education study- Complete or partly complete a recognised higher education program at a recognised higher education institution, or
- Complete at least four Open Universities Australia (OUA) courses at undergraduate level or above
OR
Vocational Education and Training (VET)- Complete an award from a registered training organisation at Certificate IV or above
OR
Work and life experience- Qualify for Special Entry, or
- Complete a UniSA Foundation Studies program or equivalent, or
- Hold completed secondary qualifications equivalent to SACE obtained more than 2 years in the past
Essential requirements for admission
Prerequisites
NoneAssumed Knowledge
None
There are no prerequisites for entry into this program in 2023 however prerequisite knowledge may still be required for some majors. Please refer to the Program Schedule Rules and Notes.
Degree overview
- Study at SA's number one university for graduate careers1, teaching quality2, and quality education3 in maths and science.
- Study Science today to create planetary solutions for tomorrow.
- 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) Graduate Outcomes Survey 2020-22 – Full-time Employment Indicator (Domestic Undergraduate). SA public universities.
2ComparED (QILT) Student Experience Survey 2020-21 (Undergraduate). SA public universities.
3ComparED (QILT) Student Experience Survey 2020-21, Overall Quality of Educational Experience Indicator (Undergraduate). SA public universities.
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, Computer Science and Geoscience and Biogeochemistry.
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.
What you'll learn
This is a very 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.
- Geoscience and Biogeochemistry: 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.
- Computer Science: develops knowledge of the fundamentals and practice of computing, including studies in programming, data structures, operating systems, computer systems organisation, logic and computational mathematics.
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.
You can gain an extra qualification and broaden your career prospects by completing a Diploma in Languages.
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
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.
Why Bachelor of Science
In this very 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. You will learn from academic and industry leaders, with UniSA number one in SA for teaching quality in science and mathematics1.
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:
- Bachelor of Science (Honours)
- Bachelor of Applied Science (Honours) (Industrial and Applied Mathematics)
- Bachelor of Biomedical Research (Honours)
- Bachelor of Information Technology (Honours)
1 ComparED (QILT) Course Experience Questionnaire 2019-20 (Undergraduate). SA public universities.
Hear from Bianna Kelly, Science student
Bianna Kelly talks about her experience studying UniSA's Bachelor of Science which sparked her interest in research.
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 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
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
There are a wide variety of pathways into studying Science and Mathematics at UniSA.
Find an Alternative Pathway
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.
UniSA Excellence Scholarships
$5,000 scholarship for South Australian students with an ATAR of 99 who enrol to study a UniSA undergraduate degree.
UniSA Outstanding Achievement Scholarship
Up to $10,000 per annum (full time) for South Australian students who obtain an ATAR of 99.95 or IB equivalent and enrol to study at UniSA.
Study on Demand with Australia's University of Enterprise
UniSA Online – 100% online degrees designed specifically for online learning.
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
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.
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 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.
-
How do I apply?
There are a number of ways to apply to study UniSA's undergraduate and postgraduate coursework degrees.
Applications for admission into the University of South Australia’s undergraduate and most postgraduate degrees are made via the South Australian Tertiary Admissions Centre (SATAC). Visit satac.edu.au and follow the links.
For the MBA degrees please apply through the UniSA MBA Application Portal. Applications for a small number of degrees are submitted direct to UniSA through our Apply Online portal. It will be noted on the degree page if you need to apply via Apply Online.
Postgraduate study by research
For information on applying to do postgraduate study by research, including Master of Research, PhDs or Doctorates, please visit unisa.edu.au/resdegrees. -
Is there a closing date for applications?
Undergraduate
Yes. The deadline to apply to study a degree at UniSA for semester one (commencing late February) and be given equal consideration is in 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 (mid January). Some degrees will not make any offers after the main offer round. Please click here find all of the key dates for applications here.Postgraduate
Most postgraduate degrees do not have a closing date for applications. However, there are exceptions, so it is best to check – either on the SATAC website, Apply Online or the degree homepage. Postgraduate offers are normally ‘rolling’, meaning they may be sent out at any time up until the program starts. This also means that applications may close at any time without warning, if the quota is filled earlier. For this reason, postgraduate applications should be submitted without delay. For more information, please contact our Future Student Enquiries team on (08) 8302 2376 or via the online enquiry form. -
What credit can I receive for previous studies?
Credit transfer or advanced standing
You may be eligible to receive a credit transfer or advanced standing for your chosen UniSA degree based on your previous studies, if they are in a related area at an equivalent or higher level. Receiving a credit transfer will reduce the number of courses you undertake within the degree, and may also reduce the overall duration of your degree.
Recognised prior learning
If you have related industry experience, you may also be eligible to receive recognised prior learning for this experience. Receiving recognised prior learning will normally reduce the number of courses you undertake within the degree, and can reduce the duration of the degree.
How do I get credit?
Credit transfer and recognition of prior learning is assessed on a case-by-case basis by the Program Director who will discuss your prior learning and experience with you to ascertain what credit you may be eligible for.
Many of our credit transfer arrangements are listed on our online Credit Assessor.
-
Can I speak to someone regarding my study options?
UniSA welcomes the opportunity to speak with you regarding your study options. Our staff are able to talk to you about degree information, career outcomes and pathways, entry requirements, applications, and student life, so that you are able to make the best study decision for your future.
Click here to book a 1:1 appointment with one of our enquiries team.
If you are interested in studying an MBA please contact admissions@unisa.edu.au and our Future Student Enquiries team will contact you regarding your enquiry.
Alternatively, you can complete a MyCareerMatch career profile. MyCareerMatch is an online career profiling tool that you can use free-of-charge through UniSA. MyCareerMatch specialises in career profiles and provides you with a personalised career report outlining information about your personality style and a list of career options, which are complementary to your natural strengths and talents.
We have many events throughout the year where you can speak with a lecturer or tutor about your degrees of interest. You can find out what is happening at UniSA by visiting our events page or by signing up to our mailing list, so you're the first to know about careers events, information sessions, degree requirements, scholarships and more!
There are also many career counsellors external to the University that you can discuss your career options with. If you are unsure where to start your search, you can contact the Government's Work Ready team (formally Skills for All). Visit skills.sa.gov.au or call 1800 506 266.
You may also find Job Outlook a helpful resource in your decision-making.
-
Where can I get further information?
It can be difficult to decide what degree you would like to do and where. You might find information from government organisations will help to weigh up your degree and provider options.
Find a course or a provider
TEQSA is a regulatory body for higher education providers. Use the TEQSA national register of higher education providers to search for a course or a provider. Compare courses and providers for undergraduates and postgraduates using the Quality Indicators for Learning and Teaching (QILT) online comparison tool.
More information on university admission
Visit the SATAC website to find out important news, events and information on applying to university in South Australia. Visit Study with Us to find out everything you need to know about studying at UniSA, admissions and the application process.
Questions about your application
If you have any questions or concerns regarding your application you should contact the Future Students Enquiries team in the first instance.
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
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
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
