Overview 2020
Location
This course may not be available to international students. Please see the list of distance courses (i.e. online and taken outside Australia) that are offered to international students
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For years prior to 2015, please view the Course and Unit Handbook Archive
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If you like a challenge, are fascinated with discovering how and why, and are passionate about improving the world around you, a Bachelor of Science can open up exciting pathways to a world of rewarding careers.
The University of Tasmania is focused on providing students with a solid foundation in the core sciences and rational thinking, while also equipping you with the methods to apply those skills to the practical needs of industry, business and government in both scientific and non-scientific roles.
We have five specialist schools providing world-class teaching and research, and are committed to building upon our already well-developed collaborative links with scientific and business communities in Australia and around the world. This high-quality new thinking feeds into our teaching and will energise and enhance your student experience.
Course objectives
A Bachelor of Science provides the specialist knowledge you need to pursue focused scientific careers in areas such as astronomy, biology, geology, mathematics, zoology, spatial sciences and more. Broadly, it also provides an excellent foundation for many general graduate positions due to your ability to identify problems, gather evidence, and form and communicate your conclusions.
You will be provided with opportunities to acquire knowledge, attitudes and skills in a range of physical, computational, mathematical, earth and life sciences, and be able to apply the scientific method through a range of disciplines. We will also equip you with the methods to apply those skills to the practical needs of industry, business and government.
Practical experience
Your study experience can include a combination of classroom, laboratory and in-the-field learning, plus 24/7 access to computer labs and the Central Science Laboratory.
The Central Science Laboratory hosts research-oriented analytical instruments and provides high-level electronic and mechanical engineering workshop support.
Globally Unique Facilities
The University of Tasmania is the only one in the world to directly control a continental-scale array of world-class radio telescopes. Researchers use these in both national and international collaborations including with SpaceX and NASA. Depending on your area of study, even as an undergraduate you can have direct access as part of your studies, literally driving them yourself as you test theories and explore the Universe.
Specialist Laboratories
Several specialist labs operate on-campus that have direct links to industry, giving not just experience but networking opportunities. The Molecular Genetics Laboratory has contributed to a range of projects in conjunction with CRC Forestry, Tasmanian Aquaculture and Fisheries Institute, Australian Antarctic Division, Institute of Antarctic and Southern Ocean Studies, and CSIRO Marine and Atmospheric Research.
As well as the facilities and equipment, our teaching staff bring their cutting-edge findings and examples to the laboratory and classroom. Our well above world-class* research rankings in scientific fields of analytical and inorganic chemistry, geology, ecology, plant biology, zoology, agriculture, horticulture, clinical sciences, human movement and sport science and neurosciences mean that you're learning from some of the best in the world in the same environment where they conduct their world-class research.
Tasmania's Living Laboratory
Tasmania is a living laboratory with six diverse ecosystems all within 30 minutes of the Sandy Bay campus. Your proximity to a wide range of pristine, diverse environments, and the researchers who travel from around the world to work in them, give you unparalleled practical field experience. It's also an amazing place to live!
"We have really approachable staff who give you best practice guidelines then let you start using the equipment from day one, instead of handing samples over to a lab-tech. It's a very independent experience that gives you the tools to conduct your own work, from first year undergraduate to PhD."
STEM Student Ambassadors
Students can also serve as STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) student ambassadors. The goals of the program are to provide exceptional STEM education, outreach and community engagement in schools and elsewhere. The program provides opportunities and experiences that will lead to personal and professional growth for participants, particularly improving public speaking skills.
Overseas Exchange
Our international exchange program offers opportunities to study at universities around the world. Exchange can allow students to have an affordable educational and cultural experience in a foreign country for a semester or a full year. To facilitate this, we offer a range of scholarships and financial assistance. Participants may be eligible for OS-HELP Loans or scholarship funding to assist with their airfares, accommodation and other expenses.
Find out more about Student Exchange.
Career outcomes
The best thing about studying science is that I could follow a passion and change direction as I went, and in doing so I actually opened up even more career options for myself
Most jobs and careers and all sectors of a modern economy rely in some way on science, engineering and technology. As a result, a Science degree is one of the most sought after degrees at university and one of the most asked for by employers.
The Bachelor of Science is one of the broadest degrees at University, giving you opportunities to focus on one area of study, or select several areas across both scientific and non-scientific disciplines. As a result, your career options are many and varied, located across the country or across the world, both indoors and outdoors, and in every industry on (and off!) the planet.
If you're not sure, don't worry! Many students start studying a science degree by following a passion, not knowing exactly where they will end up. During your studies you will meet other students, academics and visiting lecturers, and have the opportunity to network with people from all around the world, all of which contributes to building a picture of where your particular science degree could take you.
Career Opportunities with Science
While science career options are wide and varied, they typically fall into three main categories:
- Specialist knowledge (e.g., geologist, marine biologist, IT systems developer).
- Careers where a broad understanding of science is essential (e.g., science teacher, journalism, policy advisor).
- Careers using generic skills obtained during your degree (e.g., public relations, business manager, marketing, government and local councils).
At the University of Tasmania, in addition to specialised scientific knowledge and skills, our focus is on giving students the practical skills that are highly sought after by all employers – creative problem-solving, working in a team and flexibility of thinking.
A Science degree can provide a wide range of experiences and broad workplace skills. You can also choose specialist career studies, which may require further study following a Bachelors degree. Career options in Science include the following jobs and industries:
- Administrative and managerial roles
- Biochemist
- Botanist
- Eco-tourism
- Environmental Consultant
- Financial Analyst
- Food Technologist
- Geologist
- Information Technologist
- Marine and Aquatic Science
- Mathematician
- Meteorologist
- Mining and mineral exploration
- Natural Resources Manager
- Physicist
- Plant scientist
- Researcher
- Science Communicator/Education Officer
- Scientific Officer
- Spatial scientist
- Zoologist
Course structure
Entry requirements
Fees & scholarships
Domestic students
Scholarships
Domestic Students
Each year, the University offers more than 900 awards to students from all walks of life, including: those who have achieved high academic results, those from low socio-economic backgrounds, students with sporting ability, students undertaking overseas study, and students with a disability.
For information on all scholarships available at the University of Tasmania, please visit the scholarships website.
Applications for most awards commencing in Semester 1 open at the beginning of August and close strictly on 31 October in the year prior to study.
International students
There are a huge range of scholarships, bursaries and fee discounts available for international students studying at the University of Tasmania. For more information on these, visit the Tasmanian International Scholarships (TIS) website.
How can we help?
Do you have any questions about choosing a course or applying? Get in touch.
- Domestic
- 13 8827 (13 UTAS)
- International
- +61 3 6226 6200
- Course.Info@utas.edu.au
- Online
- Online enquiries