73O Bachelor of Science

Overview 2020

Entry Requirements: See entry requirements

Duration: Minimum 3 Years, up to a maximum of 7 Years
Duration
Duration refers to the minimum and maximum amounts of time in which this course can be completed. It will be affected by whether you choose to study full or part time, noting that some programs are only available part time.

Location

Hobart: Semester 1

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

There's some really interesting people here at the University, studying some interesting stuff. They're very passionate about what they do and it comes across in lectures and classes. It makes a huge difference when you see someone else who is enthused, it really inspires and encourages you.

Laura van Galen, Bachelor of Science graduate

This course is in teach-out and is not accepting new admissions. It has been replaced by P3O Bachelor of Science, please visit that page for the latest information.

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."
Bianca Deans, Bachelor of Science with Honours

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

Bun Fu Yu, Bachelor of Science with Honours

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

Professional Recognition

Graduates with a Science degree can be eligible for membership of a number of professional organisations, depending on their specialist studies. To be eligible, you'll need to successfully complete the units endorsed by that body. Specific details of possible membership are available online under individual majors and disciplines. Organisations include:

Australian Computer Society
Ag Institute
Australian Institute of Biologists
Australian Institute of Food Science and Technology
Australian Institute of Medical Scientists
Australian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy
Australian Institute of Physics
Australian Marine Sciences Association
Australian Mathematical Society
Australian Psychological Society
Australian Science Teachers Association
Australian Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
Australian Society for Medical Research
Australian Society for Microbiology
Australian Society for Operations Research
Australian Society for Phycology and Aquatic Botany Australian Society of Plant Scientists
Australian Systematic Botany Society
Ecological Society of Australia
Genetic Society of Australia
Institute of Australian Geographers
Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers
Royal Australian Chemical Institute
Royal Society of Tasmania
Statistical Society of Australia Inc.
Surveying and Spatial Sciences Institute

Course structure

A Bachelor of Science normally takes three years to finish and requires the successful completion of 24 units. You select one major (eight units), one minor (four units), degree electives (four units), student electives (six units) and breadth units (two units).

You can further diversify and improve your career options by using your student electives to complete a double science major, or experience another field of study from another Faculty, like Business or Arts.

Choose 1 major from the following list:

Applied Mathematics

This major is aimed at people who enjoy applying mathematics to solve scientific problems that arise in modelling real-world effects. People with this training might work in industry, medical applications, finance, or go on to further study in the area.

If you select both a major and a minor in Mathematics, substitute KMA155 for KMA152 or KMA182, and substitute KMA153 for KMA154 or KMA184. KMA255 should be substitued for KMA252 if it is taken as part of another Mathematics major or minor.

Year 1

Choose 1 introductory unit from the following list:

JEE103

Location	Study period	Attendance options		Available to
Hobart	Semester 1
Hobart	Semester 2
Hobart	Summer school (early)
Hobart	Winter school
Launceston	Semester 1
Launceston	Semester 2
Launceston	Summer school (early)

Location	Study period	Attendance options		Available to
Hobart	Spring school (late)
Launceston	Spring school (late)
Cradle Coast	Spring school (late)

Bachelor of Science (73O)

Overview 2020

Entry Requirements

Duration

Duration

Location

Globally Unique Facilities

Specialist Laboratories

Tasmania's Living Laboratory

STEM Student Ambassadors

Overseas Exchange

Career outcomes

Career Opportunities with Science

Professional Recognition

Course structure

Choose 1 major from the following list:

Year 1

Choose 1 introductory unit from the following list:

Mathematics I

Mathematics 1A

Choose 1 introductory unit from the following list:

Mathematics II

Mathematics 1B

Year 2

Compulsory intermediate units

Calculus and Applications 2

Linear Algebra and Differential Equations

Year 3

Compulsory advanced units

Partial Differential Equations, Applications and Methods 3

Computational Techniques 3

Choose 1 advanced unit from the following list:

Dynamical Systems and Chaos

Fluid Mechanics

Choose 1 advanced unit from the following list:

Calculus of Variations

Applied Complex Variables and Transform Theory

Year 1

Compulsory introductory units

Aquatic Biology A

Aquatic Biology B

Year 2

Compulsory intermediate unit

General Microbiology

Choose 1 intermediate unit from the following list:

Data Analysis and Presentation

Seafood Safety and Quality Control

Year 3

Choose 4 advanced units from the following list:

Aquatic Animal Feeds and Nutrition

Aquatic Animal Health

Aquatic Animal Physiology and Behaviour

Aquatic Molecular Biology

Ecosystem Assessment for Policy Design

Marine Protected Area Management

Restoration Ecology

Topics In Marine Environmental Studies

Year 1

Choose 1 introductory unit from the following list:

Aquatic Biology A

Cell Biology, Genetics and Evolution

Chemistry 1A

Chemistry 1A Hobart

Choose 1 introductory unit from the following list:

Aquatic Biology B

Biology of Plants

Chemistry 1B

Chemistry 1B Hobart

Biology of Animals

Year 2

Compulsory intermediate units

Biochemistry: Metabolism & Nutrition

Molecular Biology in Health & Disease

Year 3

Compulsory advanced units

Techniques in Molecular Biology and Protein Biochemistry

Molecular Biology and Protein Biochemistry

Research Project in Health and Disease

Advanced Biochemistry and Molecular Biology

Year 1