Overview 2020
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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The Science Catalyst Program combines a Bachelor of Science with extra experiences, activities and opportunities. It was created for outstanding students, just like you.
In addition to the Bachelor of Science units, you can apply for the Overseas Exchange Program and spend a semester learning at one of our international partner institutions. If you're accepted to the program, you'll be automatically supported by a $2,500 scholarship.
You can also apply for a Summer Research Project where you will work with a supervisor on a research topic of your choice. Again, upon being accept for a project you'll be supported by an automatic $3,000 scholarship.
You can even graduate with a custom built, multidisciplinary second degree, the high achiever academic extension Bachelor of Philosophy at no extra cost, by studying just a small number of additional units.
There is a $7,500 relocation scholarship available for domestic interstate students moving to Tasmania, and a $3,000 bursary for Tasmanian students to support the start of University studies.
If you want to get the most out of your University experience, set yourself apart in your chosen field, and give yourself an edge for future employment, the Science Catalyst Program is for you.
Course objectives
The Science Catalyst Program gives you a world-class science education including hands-on research experience and an enriching overseas study exchange.
In addition to a deep understanding of a scientific discipline of your choice (or two if you choose to study two majors), you will learn core knowledge and skills in research and analysis, data handling, entrepreneurship, and professional soft skills such as time and project management, team work skills, and preparing and presenting reports. This core knowledge is designed so that no matter what scientific discipline you focus on, you will be able to apply your skills and knowledge across a range of industries around the world.
The program is also focused on delivering genuine practical experience, with options for field trips, research projects, industry engagement, work integrated learning, and international study opportunities included a core component of your studies. You will be able to apply the scientific method through a range of disciplines, identify problems, gather evidence, and form and communicate your conclusions based on research and experience.
The Bachelor of Science is one of the most sought after degrees by employers. Combined with the wealth of extra opportunities offered by the Science Catalyst Program and you graduate truly prepared to hit the ground running and shape the world.
Practical experience
The Science Catalyst Program is built with practical experience in mind. Field trips, research projects, specialist facilities and laboratories, work integrated learning, industry experience, international travel, and more. When you study with us, your learning experience extends well beyond the classroom.
Immerse yourself in our globally unique facilities
The University of Tasmania is the only University in the world to directly control a continental-scale array of world-class radio telescopes. Our researchers, your lecturers, 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. Explore some of our facilities through the UniView virtual tour.
Practical experience through specialist laboratories
Several specialist labs operate on-campus that have direct links to industry, delivering real-world practical experience and 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.
Study overseas as part of your current degree
Never mind a gap year when you can travel and study overseas and have it count towards your degree! The University exchange program provides students with the opportunity to gain an international experience as part of their current degree, with 150 partner institutes globally across 30+ countries, there is a program type for everyone offering programs from semester length to just 2 week international stints.
The exchange is typically undertaken in your second year, and you'll be fully supported by our dedicated Student Mobility team all the way. Upon successful application to the semester exchange, Catalyst students automatically receive a $3,000 scholarship to assist with costs. Other financial assistance is available for both domestic and international students.
Find out more by visiting the Student Mobility website.
Summer research project
Regardless if you choose to pursue a career in research, the Summer Research Project is a great way to set yourself apart for your future career. You apply to conduct a six to eight week research program on a topic of your choice during the summer, typically between your second and third year. If your is successful, Catalyst students receive a guaranteed $3,000 to assist with costs!
You have the advantage of working in some of Australia's best facilities, with access to leading researchers in whatever field of study you're interested in. This may become a pre-cursor to an honours year, or a great experience to add to your CV, either way it's putting you ahead when it comes to starting your career
Our world class research is your educational advantage
Our teaching staff bring their cutting-edge, globally connected research to your laboratories and classrooms. You benefit from their amazing work, as our well above world-class* research rankings in analytical and inorganic chemistry, geology, ecology, plant biology, zoology, agriculture, horticulture, clinical sciences, human movement and sport science and neurosciences help deliver you a cutting edge science education.
When you study with us, you’re learning from some of the best in the world. People who are helping solve global health problems and locating missing star clusters, in the same environment where they conduct their world-class research.
As a Science Catalyst Student you’ll receive exclusive invitations to research seminars, meet-and-greets with academics and visiting lecturers, and informal social gatherings. As part of the program, we provide you the opportunity to deeply explore a wide range of scientific disciplines, meet amazing people, and build professional and social networks that will benefit you for years to come.
*Excellence in Research for Australia (ERA) 2018 National Report
Tasmania is literally a living laboratory
The University of Tasmania has with six diverse ecosystems all within 30 minutes of the Sandy Bay campus, and the world’s second largest temperate rain forest only an hour away. We’re the gateway to Antarctica and, as the birthplace of the green movement, celebrate our biodiversity and environmental sustainability. 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 while you study, plus it makes Tasmania an amazing place to live.
Work placement
Students in the Bachelor of Science have many exciting opportunities to participate in work placement. The University of Tasmania has consistently maintained a strong relationship with industries such as agriculture, earth science, and forestry, among others. Through this, many of our students are able to turn practical experience into work experience.
You may also be able to gain practical experience in industry via the Dean's Summer Research Scholarship.
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. Studying science doesn’t confine you to a particular career, you could even do something not related to your field of study, using the skills you pick up in research, analysis and communication."
The Science Catalyst Program offers outstanding career advantages, giving you an edge over your competitors.
By combining our highly sought after Bachelor of Science degree with a wealth of extracurricular opportunities, you graduate with a combination of knowledge, skills and experience that truly sets you apart.
The Bachelor of Science is one of the most flexible degrees at the University of Tasmania, 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.
If you're not sure where your degree might take you, 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, all of whom may spark an idea of where your particular science degree could take you.
In addition, the Bachelor of Philosophy is offered for no additional cost to high achieving students who want to broaden the scope of their education, gain highly sought after and transferable employment skills.
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 you the practical and professional skills that are highly sought after by all employers – creative problem-solving, working in a team environment and flexibility of thinking. We teach you how to think, not what to think.
A career in science can be in any industry on earth. It will come to where your passion takes you.
Postgraduate study
If you successfully complete this course, you may be also be eligible to apply for a range of other postgraduate courses including Graduate Certificates and Graduate Diplomas and Masters by coursework and research. Filter the course list by Postgraduate to view the current courses available.
Course structure
Entry requirements
Fees & scholarships
Domestic students
Scholarships
Catalyst Program scholarships
Interstate relocation scholarship (domestic students only)
There is a guaranteed $7,500 relocation scholarship available to domestic students who are relocating from interstate to Tasmania, and are commencing the Catalyst Program for the first time.
The scholarship will be delivered as $2,500 per semester for your first three semesters, provided you are fully enrolled in the Catalyst Program at census date, have successfully passed all your units in each semester.
Tasmanian Catalyst scholarship (domestic students only)
There is a $3,000 bursary available to domestic students from Tasmania to support the commencement of their university studies. The scholarship will be delivered as $1,500 per semester for your first two semesters, provided you are fully enrolled in the Catalyst Program at census date and have successfully passed all your units in each semester
Tasmanian International Scholarship (TIS) (international students only)
The Tasmanian International Scholarship (TIS) provides commencing international students with a 25% reduction in registered tuition fees for the duration of their course (provided satisfactory grades are maintained).
Overseas Exchange Scholarship
The College of Sciences and Engineering will give you a guaranteed $2,500 to assist with costs upon successfully applying for a semester overseas exchange. Note that other sources of funding are also available, including additional scholarships, funds through the Commonwealth OS Help Program and (if eligible). Domestic students can still claim Centrelink payments.
Dean's Summer Research Program
Typically taken in the summer of your third year, you have the opportunity to participate in a six to eight week research program working on a topic of your choice. You will work alongside your supervisor and graduate research students to gain experience in identifying and solving research programs. If your project is accepted for the program. You will need to apply to the program, and if successful, will receive a guaranteed $3,000 scholarship to assist with costs.
Additional scholarships
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.
Although you receive guaranteed scholarships as part of the Catalyst Program, you can still apply for others. 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.
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