Go to Courses and units

Bachelor of Science (P3O)

Overview Career outcomes Course structure Entry requirements Fees & scholarships
Apply now

Overview (2027)

Key Information

Duration

Minimum 3 years, up to a maximum of 7 years.

This course is available to study as both part-time or full-time
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, Semester 2
Launceston
Semester 1, Semester 2

"I thought geography and mathematics was a great mix of subjects in the end. I liked the idea of mixing the two and doing something related to demographics, population and statistics."

Read more

Georgina Newton, Bachelor of Science graduate

If you enjoy pursuing your curiosity and understanding the world around you, consider yourself an innovator, and are passionate about shaping the world from our living laboratory, our Bachelor of Science provides a gateway to an exciting world of rewarding careers.

This degree can be combined to combined to form a double degree. Explore your options and find out how you can accelerate your career.

The University of Tasmania’s science degree provides you with a foundation of core skills in science, analysis, and rational thinking. You have options to focus your study in one or more scientific disciplines and learn the methods to apply your skills and knowledge to the practical needs of industry, business, and government in both scientific and non-scientific roles.

In choosing a Bachelor of Science you can:

  • Select one or two science majors from our range of exciting options, plus expand your educational experience and study units of your choice from across the University.
  • Explore a range of study options through your choice of electives, discovering potential new areas of interest even after you start studying
  • Learn through hands-on practical experience including laboratory work, field trips, field-based units, and research projects.
  • Enjoy being mentored by highly qualified staff, many of whom are national and world leaders in their field.

Our curriculum offers flexibility and choice in how your degree is structured. We provide a wealth of practical experience, access to world class facilities and an opportunity to immerse yourself in a local and interconnected scientific community.

Majors availableHobartLauncestonFully Online (Distance)
ChemistryChemistry is available in Hobart Chemistry is available in Launceston Chemistry is not available by distance
Earth ScienceEarth Science is available in Hobart Earth Science is not available in Launceston Earth Science is not available by distance
EcologyEcology is available in Hobart Ecology is available in Launceston Ecology is not available by distance
Food Innovation and SafetyFood Innovation and Safety is not available in Hobart Food Innovation and Safety is  available in Launceston Food Innovation and Safety is not available by distance
Geography and EnvironmentGeography and Environment is available in Hobart Geography and Environment is not available in LauncestonGeography and Environment is available by distance
MathematicsMathematics is available in Hobart Mathematics is not available in LauncestonMathematics is not available by distance
MicrobiologyMicrobiology is available in Hobart Microbiology is not available in LauncestonMicrobiology is not available by distance
Molecular BioscienceMolecular Bioscience is available in Hobart Molecular Bioscience is not available in LauncestonMolecular Bioscience is not available by distance
PhysicsPhysics is available in Hobart Physics is not available in LauncestonPhysics is not available by distance
Plant SciencePlant Science is available in Hobart Plant Science is not available in LauncestonPlant Science is not available by distance
Science and Industry
(A complementary major that may be taken alongside your primary major).		Science and Industry is available in Hobart Science and Industry is available in LauncestonScience and Industry is not available by distance
Statistics and Decision ScienceStatistics and Decision Science is available in Hobart Statistics and Decision Science is not available in LauncestonStatistics and Decision Science is not available by distance
SustainabilitySustainability is not available in Hobart Sustainability is not available in LauncestonSustainability is available by distance
ZoologyZoology is available in Hobart Zoology is not available in LauncestonZoology is not available by distance
  • First year units of the following majors are offered face-to-face in Launceston: Mathematics, Microbiology, Molecular Bioscience. Students will then need to study subsequent years from Hobart.
  • First year units of the following major are offered face-to-face in Hobart: Food Innovation and Safety. Students are advised to check second and third-year units for study location details (Launceston face-to-face attendance should be expected).
  • First year units of the following majors are offered online: Chemistry, Earth Science, Geography and Environment, Mathematics and Physics. Students, in most cases, will need to attend face-to-face, in subsequent years from the relevant campus.
  • If you choose to major in Earth Sciences, this course is delivered by staff in the world-renowned Centre for Ore Deposit and Earth Sciences (CODES), a global leader in geoscience research and innovation.
    • In 2026 we are trialling block-mode (2-3 week) delivery of units for immersive, practical learning and online semester-long units you can complete while working or managing family commitments
    • Ideal for those looking to upskill, reskill, or advance in Earth science and adjacent fields
    • Gain practical experience through fieldwork, lab sessions, and innovative teaching. Tasmania’s diverse geology becomes your classroom, with opportunities to explore iconic sites across Australia and the Southwest Pacific
Catalyst Program

Want to combine your degree with overseas trips, summer research programs, scholarships and special events? Our Catalyst Program offers domestic high achieving school leavers all this and more.

All domestic students with an ATAR of 90 or greater, enrolled in a range of STEM courses will be awarded a $3,000 Catalyst Scholarship. Across the program students can access scholarships of up to $14,500 in value, and gain experience that will make you stand out in your chosen field. Learn more about the Catalyst Program

Course information webinar

Tuesday  27 October,  5:00pm - 6:00pm (AEDT)

If you’re curious about how the world works, a Bachelor of Science could be the perfect place to begin. Explore your interests, develop practical and analytical skills, and prepare for a rewarding career across a wide range of industries.

With 14 exciting majors to choose from, you can tailor your degree by selecting one or two science majors, while also exploring subjects from across the University to create a study experience that reflects your interests and career goals.

Join this webinar to learn more about the Bachelor of Science, explore the majors available, hear about study and career opportunities, and ask any questions you may have.

Register here

Watch our past course information webinars
Bachelor of Science

Thinking of studying this course and want to learn more? This webinar explores course structures, career opportunities, and the student experience to support your study journey.

Watch now

Bachelor of Science and Master of Teaching

Discover how this double degree combines science with teaching in a streamlined course of study. You’ll graduate with both qualifications in less time than it would take to study them separately. This webinar explains what’s involved, including course structures, career opportunities, and the student experience.

Watch now

Ready to explore your study options?

Book an online one-on-one appointment with our course coordinator to discuss any course-related questions and explore how the Bachelor of Science can support your study and career goals.

Book now

This degree can be combined with another degree to form a double degree. Study what you want, explore your options and find out how you can accelerate your career.

  • 1 Explain the methodologies of science and the role and relevance of science in society.
  • 2 Apply in-depth knowledge and skills in one or more scientific disciplines to provide specialist advice and functions in a range of contexts.
  • 3 Design and implement scientific investigations, including quantitative analysis and critical evaluation of results.
  • 4 Communicate scientific results, information, and arguments, to a range of audiences, for a range of purposes, and using a variety of modes.
  • 5 Apply scientific methods and knowledge ethically, responsibly, respectfully and safely in research or workplace settings guided by relevant regulatory and professional frameworks

Our recently updated Bachelor of Science is built with practical experience in mind. We offer field trips, 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.

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.

Our expertise 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 and globally recognised research in a diverse range of disciplines including analytical and inorganic chemistry, biochemistry, ecology, environmental sciences and management, evolutionary biology, geology, geophysics, genetics, oceanography, plant biology, zoology, agriculture, fisheries science and horticulture, and neurosciences.

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.

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 rainforest 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!

Catalyst Program and Dean's Summer Research Scholarship

The Catalyst Program is available to high achieving domestic high school leavers studying a STEM course. It combines your bachelor's degree with scholarships, extracurricular experiences, special events, and networking opportunities. As a Catalyst scholarship recipient, you can participate in the Dean’s Summer Research Scholarship (DSRS) three times throughout your degree, with up to $9,000 in scholarships. Non-Catalyst students may also undertake the DSRS with a scholarship payment of $2,000 per experience.

As a Bachelor of Science student, you can take advantage of additional benefits such as access to work-integrated learning opportunities or research projects. Learn more about the Catalyst Program.

Become a Student Ambassador

Improve your communication, teamwork and leadership skills, meet new people, inspire and help others, and developing lasting friendships and networks as a student ambassador. Our ambassadors proudly represent the University throughout Tasmania in schools, at University and community events, and support a range of recruitment and engagement activities. Though the student ambassador program you will have many opportunities for training and professional development, experience in real-world community engagement and outreach, networking, and public speaking, plus end up with a key point of distinction on your CV.

Study overseas at one of our partner institutions

Our international exchange program offers opportunities to study at universities around the world, and it counts towards your degree. Exchange can allow you 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. You may also be eligible for OS-HELP Loans or scholarship funding to assist with airfares, accommodation and other expenses.

For more information please visit Student Exchange.

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."

Bun Fu Yu, Bachelor of Science with First Class Honours graduate

The modern economy relies heavily on skilled individuals in the fields of science, engineering and technology. As a result, a science degree is one of the most sought-after degrees at university and among the most respected by employers.

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.

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, conservation ecologist).
  • Careers where a broad understanding of science is essential (e.g., science teacher (with a Master of Teaching), journalist, 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, so follow your passion with our Bachelor of Science and we’ll help you find your future, wherever that may be.

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

The Bachelor of Science requires the completion of 300 credit points comprising:

  • 100 credit point Major
  • 100 credit points of Discipline Elective units
  • 100 credit points of Elective units

A Major is an area of focus in your degree. During your studies, you’ll choose an area that interests you, and then study a group of units related to that area. Find out more at What is a Major?

For your major, you can select from a wide-range of science disciplines as your primary study focus.

You may complete any unit in the majors listed in the schedule below as a discipline elective so long as you meet any pre-requisites.

In the elective component you can choose from any units marked as "Student Electives" which you meet the pre-requisites for, at any level, from across the university.  Your electives can be used to add breadth to your degree, by exploring a variety of different subject areas from within or outside the College of Sciences and Engineering. Alternatively, you can deepen your engagement with specific subject areas, for example, by completing additional units in the same discipline as your major or related fields.

You can also use this space to complete an optional second major which may be a (i) *second disciplinary major,  which includes the sustainability major, or (ii) *another major from across the institution, noting some exclusions apply. (*to enrol in a second disciplinary major, or a major outside your discipline, please contact a Student Advisor via Uconnect).

We have a team of Student Advisers available to help you structure your studies to meet your desired outcomes. For enrolment assistance please contact us via UniConnect today.

Entry requirements

We encourage you to apply for the courses you most want to study. If you are not eligible to enter your chosen course right now, the University’s admissions team will work with you to find the best pathway option.

Enquire online for more advice on the application process and the available pathways to enrol and study at the University of Tasmania.

Schools Recommendation Program

Australian year 12 students can apply for this course via our Schools Recommendation Program. Rather than an ATAR, your application is based on a recommendation by your school teachers. This can factor in your year 11 results, an assessment of your capabilities, and other considerations.

Through the program, you can receive and accept an offer prior to completing year 12. You will still need to finish your year 12 studies – including any exams – to commence your studies. In addition, some majors within this course require you to pass specific pre-requisite subjects in Year 12 (or equivalent), see below for details.

If you don’t receive an offer for this course through the Schools Recommendation Program, you will be re-assessed for a higher preference offer once your ATAR is released.

Domestic applicants who recently completed secondary education

Applicants are ranked by ATAR and offers are made based on the number of places available.  This course has a Guaranteed ATAR of 65.

In 2026, the lowest ATAR to receive an offer into this course was 65.8. The lowest ATAR to receive an offer may change from year to year based on the number of applications we receive.

Applicants who have recently completed senior secondary studies but have not received an ATAR may still be eligible for admission. We will consider your individual subject results on a case-by-case basis when we assess your application.

Domestic applicants with higher education study

To be eligible for an offer, applicants must have:

  • Partially completed an undergraduate course at Diploma level or higher (or equivalent). Applicants must have completed at least two units of study (equivalent to 25 UTAS credit points at 100-level or above). If an applicant has failed any units, the application may be subject to further review before an offer is made; OR
  • Completed the University of Tasmania University Preparation Program (or an equivalent qualification offered by an Australian university).
Domestic applicants with VET / TAFE study

To be eligible for an offer, applicants must have completed a Certificate IV (or equivalent) in any discipline.  

Domestic applicants with work and life experience

Applicants without senior secondary, tertiary or VET / TAFE study can complete a personal competency statement.

Applicants may be eligible for an offer if they have relevant work and/or life experiences which demonstrate a capacity to succeed in this course.  

Subject Prerequisites

Note, some majors within the course require studies and experience equivalent to satisfactory performance in the following Tasmanian Senior Secondary subjects: These prerequisites apply to students from all educational backgrounds.

Major Prerequisite Senior Secondary Studies
Chemistry Chemistry
Molecular Bioscience Chemistry (recommended but not required)
Mathematics Mathematics Methods
Statistics and Decision Science General Mathematics
or Mathematics Methods
Physics Physics
and
Mathematics Methods
Food Innovation and Safety Chemistry (recommended but not required)
Microbiology Chemistry (recommended but not required)

You can enquire online for information on interstate and international equivalents to the Tasmanian senior secondary subject above. If you need assistance to meet the prerequisites, we offer foundation units that you can complete before you start your course.

Special Consideration

We believe university education should be an option for everyone, no matter your background. If your ability to access or participate in education has been affected by circumstances beyond your control, you can apply for special consideration as part of your application. We will consider a range of factors, including economic hardship, a serious medical condition, or disability.

We can only approve applications for special consideration if we are confident that you have the necessary skills and knowledge to succeed in your studies. If your application is not approved, the University admissions team will work with you to find the best alternative pathway to your chosen course. Special consideration is not available for international applicants.

Course participation requirements

This course includes compulsory Work Integrated Learning (professional experience placements). In order to participate in placements, all students must:

  • Complete a Safe to Practice Agreement declaring they have the medical, physical or psychological capacity to safely participate in professional experience practice. 

 

English Language Requirements

This degree requires an IELTS (Academic) of 6.0, with no individual band less than 5.5, or a PTE Academic score of 50, with no score lower than 42 or equivalent.

For students who do not meet the English Language Requirement through citizenship or prior studies in English in an approved country, evidence of an approved English language test completed within the last 2 years must be provided.

See the English Language Requirements page for more information.

General Entry Requirements

Admission to undergraduate courses at the University of Tasmania requires the completion of qualifications equivalent to a year 12 education in Australia.

Please review the equivalent undergraduate entry requirements to see the minimum requirement relevant to your country. The ATAR information for this course is located in the “For Domestic Students” section of the entry requirements on this page.

You can also meet the General Entry Requirement for this course with the following qualifications or prior studies:

  • Completion of an equivalent AQF Certificate IV or above
  • Complete or incomplete (minimum 25 credit points) of previous tertiary study at Diploma level or higher

Course Specific Requirements

Note, some majors within the course require studies and experience equivalent to satisfactory performance in the following Tasmanian Senior Secondary subjects: These prerequisites apply to students from all educational backgrounds.

Major Prerequisite Senior Secondary Studies
Chemistry Chemistry
Molecular Bioscience (formerly Biochemistry) Chemistry (recommended but not required)
Mathematics Mathematics Methods
Statistics and Decision Science General Mathematics
or Mathematics Methods
Physics Physics
and
Mathematics Methods
Food Innovation and Safety Chemistry (recommended but not required)
Microbiology Chemistry (recommended but not required)

You can enquire online for information on interstate and international equivalents to the Tasmanian senior secondary subject above. If you need assistance to meet the prerequisites, we offer foundation units that you can complete before you start your course.

COURSE PARTICIPATION REQUIREMENTS 

This course includes compulsory Work Integrated Learning (professional experience placements). In order to participate in placements, all students must:

  • Complete a Safe to Practice Agreement declaring they have the medical, physical or psychological capacity to safely participate in professional experience practice. 

The below information is for double degrees that have specific entry requirements due to this course being combined with a postgraduate degree. To read more about all the double degree options for this course, please visit the double degree webpage.

Bachelor of Science and Master of Teaching (Double Degree)

General entry requirements are the same as for the Bachelor of Science, with the following additional requirements:

Literacy and Numeracy Test for Initial Teaching Education.

Students must attempt the LANTITE in their first year of Masters-level study and are required to successfully complete the LANTITE prior to undertaking their final Professional Experience Placement.  

Progression to Master of Teaching

To progress into the Master of Teaching component of the course you must attain a Grade Point Average (GPA) of 5 or above (Credit average) in the first 100 credit points of undergraduate study in the Bachelor of Science.

If you do not meet this GPA requirement you will be able to remain in the Bachelor of Science and complete the single degree. On completion of the Bachelor of Science you may apply to return and complete the Master of Teaching.

Course Participation Requirements

This course includes compulsory Work Integrated Learning (professional experience placements). In order to participate in placements, all students must:

  • Complete a Safe to Practice Agreement declaring they have the medical, physical or psychological capacity to safely participate in professional experience practice. 

How to apply for a credit transfer

Applications for credit can be made in your course application. Find out more information about how to apply for a credit transfer/advanced standing at Recognition of Prior Learning.

Talk to us on 13 8827 or enquire online about your credit transfer.

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. 

If you haven't completed the required pre-requisite unit(s), we offer foundation units to help you bridge the gap. Many run in spring and summer school so you can meet a prerequisite and not delay the start of your Bachelor level studies. HECS scholarships may also be available for domestic students.

If you aren’t eligible for an offer to this course, you should consider enrolment in the Diploma of University Studies (Science Specialisation) or the University Preparation Program.

In all cases, contact us to discuss an option best suited to your needs.

Detailed admissions information and advice for all undergraduate courses, including comprehensive, course-level student profiles, is available from UTAS Admissions.

Fees & scholarships

Domestic students

Commonwealth supported places (CSP) are available for this course. For eligible domestic students, this means your fees will be subsidised by the Australian Government. You’ll only need to pay the student contribution amount for each unit you study within the course.

Commonwealth Supported Place indicative annual fee: $9,146

How is this calculated?

This is an estimate. The calculation is based on the average full-time enrolment for this course in 2026. All figures are indicative only for 2027. Actual tuition fees will depend on specific unit enrolment, and are subject to annual increases each year. You can find the complete fee details for each unit of study on the individual unit pages. The units for this course are found in the course structure section of this page.

These figures do not include other costs such as the Student Services and Amenities Fee (SSAF). For further information, please visit Scholarships, fees and costs.

HECS-HELP loans

You may be able to defer payment of the student contribution amount by accessing a HECS-HELP loan from the Government. If eligible, you’ll only have to pay your tuition fees once you start earning above a specific amount.

Further information on student loans and a CSP eligibility checker can be found at Australian Government Study Assist.

International students

2027 annual international student tuition fee: $44,950 AUD

The standard year of study for this course is 100 credit points.

Indicative total tuition fee for international students: $ 141,705 AUD.

This total tuition fee is indicative only. Please visit fees and costs for further information on how this is calculated.

International students are charged the Student Services and Amenities Fee but this fee is incorporated in the annual rate. International students do not have to make any additional SSAF payments.

Domestic 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.

For information on all scholarships available at the University of Tasmania, please refer to scholarships.

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.

Catalyst Program

Want to combine your degree with overseas trips, summer research programs, scholarships and special events? Our Catalyst Program offers domestic high achieving school leavers all this and more.

All domestic students with an ATAR of 90 or greater, enrolled in a range of STEM courses will be awarded a $3,000 Catalyst Scholarship. Across the program students can access scholarships of up to $14,500 in value, and gain experience that will make you stand out in your chosen field. Learn more about the Catalyst Program

International scholarships

The University of Tasmania offers a range of scholarships for full fee-paying international students, designed to recognise academic merit and support access to university study.

For many of our international scholarships you will be automatically assessed when you submit your International Student Application, meaning no separate scholarship application is required. Some scholarships may require additional application steps. Explore our International Scholarships to learn more about available opportunities and application requirements.

Course year 2027

View 2026 course information

View previous years course information

Useful links

Share this page

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

Email

Course.Info@utas.edu.au

Online

Online enquiries

Next steps

Enquire How to apply Scholarships