Science

If you’re curious about the world around you, then studying science is for you.

Explore our courses

Bachelor of Science

Our island is your campus

Immerse yourself in the pristine lands and marine ecosystems of Tasmania's living laboratory.

Specialist facilities and field equipment

Hands-on learning in specialist facilities used by our industry partners, like the CSIRO, SpaceX, and NASA

Go beyond the classroom

Experience summer research projects, field trips in natural and wild places, and more.

Study options in this degree

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?

Chemistry is the study of things at the molecular level. It allows for a deeper knowledge of the world around us, the development of methods to identify chemicals in our environment, and the creation of ways to make useful materials. You’ll learn analytical and synthetic chemistry, as well as areas related to biological and industrial chemistry. You’ll also receive a solid foundation to support specialist studies in pharmacy, biotechnology, biochemistry and microbiology.

Computer Science will equip you with a broad understanding of science technologies including graphical programming, virtual technology and data manipulation. Pairing Computer Science with another specialisation also allows you to tailor your degree to various job opportunities.

Big Data is at the core of government, commerce, and science. This major lets you explore new kinds of data and tools for processing it. You'll learn how to capture, manipulate and process huge volumes of digital data and transform it into usable information.

Earth scientists look at volcanic eruptions and earthquakes, the generation of minerals, petroleum, and water in the Earth's crust, and are fundamental to understanding and fighting climate change. Learn about our dynamic planet through field trips, research experiences and access to Australia's best mineral analysis facilities right from day one.

Learn about the ways in which living things interact with their environment. You'll study climate, soil, flora, fauna and geology, and have many opportunities to do fieldwork. Our staff include Aboriginal Tasmanians who can give us a deep perspective of place and value that is important for managing our environment.

Gain skills in land-based environmental monitoring, as well as the chemistry behind industry and agriculture. Understand and plan the rehabilitation of degraded environments, such as mine sites, and help ensure businesses operate in a sustainable manner.

This major focuses on post-farm gate value adding (for example, fermentation science), as well as the quality of food products. It takes advantage of our close links with the thriving food industry sector in Tasmania. Graduate with practical skills in food analysis, production, new product development and processing technologies.

Understanding the interactions between environments, places, and societies is important to addressing climate change, economic inequality, biodiversity loss, resource scarcity and more. Your learning will take you outside the classroom and into the field. Graduates are able to work in a range of environmental and social professions.

This major combines Geographic Information Systems, Global Navigation Satellite Systems and remotely sensed data (satellites, drones, etc.) to solve real-world problems. These skills are highly relevant across disciplines such as Environmental Management, Geography, Geoscience, Computing and Information Systems, Biological Sciences, Agricultural Science, Marine Science and Antarctic Science.

This major takes a deep dive into supply chain management and international trade. You’ll gain specialist knowledge across key industry issues with the skills to implement complex systems. Graduates pursue careers across manufacturing, transport and logistics, mining, defence, agriculture, retail, and government.

(This major has been suspended for 2023 and is not available for commencing students.  Please refer to P3E instead)

Learn the role that plants and animals play in marine ecosystems. Offered at our world-class specialist research and teaching institute, your classroom will include everything from Tasmania’s giant kelp forests and thriving aquaculture industry to the entire Southern Ocean.

Mathematics underpins all aspects of the natural and built worlds. It’s at the centre of fast-growing industries across the globe and is key to all technological innovation. Through industry partners such as NASA and Google, our graduates learn how to apply their skills to real problems.

From bacteria and viruses to fungi, single-celled animals and algae, microorganisms are fundamental to the cycles that underpin life on Earth. You’ll investigate infectious diseases, explore the production of foods and chemicals, and gain practical skills that are applicable around the world.

Explore how living organisms function from both a molecular and cellular perspective. Focus on the role these molecules have in health and disease, and cover issues that are globally relevant. You’ll apply your knowledge and skills to real-world problems in collaboration with business, natural science, and medicine.

Physics is the foundation of engineering and technology, providing a basis for understanding biology, chemistry, geology and biomedical sciences. You’ll work alongside global industry partners like the Australian Antarctic Division, NASA and CSIRO.

Investigate all aspects of plants and their impact on human life. You’ll study how plants function and develop, and how they’ve evolved through time. With pristine ecosystems accessible directly from campus, we offer not only unparalleled access but also a distinctive breadth and depth of flora and fauna to give you a truly holistic education.

Available in Hobart.

Studying psychology, you’ll understand the science behind human behaviour, and learn how this can solve problems in all sorts of situations. This major can pave the way for a range of careers. We provide insight into how psychological science benefits Antarctic expeditions, remote communities, the recovery of brain injuries, addiction, and more.

The interpretation and application of data is an important science. Our research and industry connections will connect your studies to real-world applications. Your lecturers bring examples from live projects such as improving patient flow through hospitals, implementing maintenance schedules for infrastructure – even using machine learning to identify bird species from bush recordings.

In this new major, gain skills and techniques to help create sustainable societies. You’ll learn to identify sustainability-oriented impacts of decisions, as well as come up with effective solutions. This new major can be applied to a variety of study areas, including economics, arts, agricultural science and ICT. It is also a great option to combine with another major, complementing specialist skills in an area such as Environmental Remediation, or Geography and Environment.

Find out more about the new sustainability major

Zoology looks at the relationships between the structure and function in animals, and how these traits evolved over time. There is no better place to immerse yourself in the study of animals than Tasmania’s living laboratory. We offer unparalleled access to our distinctive range of ecosystems, flora and fauna, coastal landscapes, and the Southern Ocean.

Further study options

For honours course information, please visit the Bachelor of Science with Honours.

Find out more about what you'll study, entry requirements, fees and scholarships - and to apply.

Visit the course page

Career opportunities

Science gives you the opportunity to focus on one or more study areas, with career options typically falling into three main categories:

  • Specialist application of knowledge
    Careers include geologists, marine biologists, plant scientists, forensic scientists, meteorologists and more.
  • Broad application of knowledge
    In careers such as bio-security, STEM teachers and environmental policy advisors, a broad understanding of science is essential.
  • Generalist core skills
    Careers using core skills obtained during your degree include public relations and marketing, as well as government and local council roles.

12.5%

Environmental Scientist roles

Projected increase by 2024^

14.7%

Professional, scientific and technical service roles

Projected increase by 2024^

16.5%

Market research and statistical service roles

Projected increase by 2024^

^ ABS Labour Force Survey, National Skills Commission trend data to May 2019 and projections to 2024.

Graduate story

Passion for animals takes alumnus around the world

"My biggest passions are both conservation and behaviour welfare. They’re my two biggest goals in life. Improving the behaviour welfare for any animal."

Jade Fountain, Bachelor of Science graduate, Zoology major.

Jade's story

Sustainability major

Students diving in kelp forest
  • Our Sustainability major gives you the skills and techniques to help create sustainable societies. You’ll learn to identify sustainability-oriented impacts of decisions, as well as come up with effective solutions.
  • This major is a great option to combine with another major in the Bachelor of Science, complementing the specialist skills you’ll learn in areas like Environmental Remediation or Geography and Environment.
  • You can also undertake this major as part of any other bachelor’s degree which offers space for a second major. Examples include Arts, Economics, Agricultural Science, or Information and Communication Technology.

Visit the Bachelor of Science course page to explore the full list of units available within the Sustainability major.