Bachelor of Science
Congratulations on receiving an offer for the Bachelor of Science for 2018! What now?
Why choose the Bachelor of Science?
Starting a BSc in 2018? Find out more about the orientation program.
At Melbourne, high academic standards and a focus on developing well-rounded individuals mean that Bachelor of Science graduates are equipped with the problem-solving, quantitative and collaborative skills prized by employers.
The Bachelor of Science is also an ideal pathway to graduate professional entry programs in health sciences, engineering, and information technology (IT), and the shortest pathway to the Doctor of Veterinary Medicine at Melbourne. These are just some of the reasons to choose the Bachelor of Science. Other reasons include:
Reputation
Science at Melbourne maintains the highest standards and quality of teaching and research in Australia, attracting the highest calibre of students to the course.
Scientific opportunities
With 40 majors, the Bachelor of Science offers the full range of science disciplines, from the fundamental and biological sciences to engineering systems and IT.
Flexibility & choice
A flexible course structure provides the opportunity to tailor a study program to suit individual strengths and career goals. Students can explore at least two different study areas before deciding on a major in the final year.
Mobility
Science is a global discipline. Studying abroad at one of our many partner institutions helps enrich the student experience by enabling our students to learn from and interact with the international science community.
A pathway to a career in research
Bachelor of Science graduates interested in a research career can progress to PhD studies via a research training Masters program, or by undertaking the Bachelor of Science honours year.
A pathway to a professional career
Science graduates can find rewarding careers in fields as diverse as the scientific industries, government, education, science communication, teaching, sales, marketing and the finance sector.
Find out more about the Bachelor of Science
Explore different fields of study in science, technology, engineering, mathematics and medical disciplines.
The Bachelor of Science requires the successful completion of 300 credit points undertaken over three years of full-time study (usually 4 subjects per semester), comprising:
1. Core subjects - 225 points of science subjects:
- At least 62.5 points at Level 1
- At least 62.5 points at Level 2
- At least 75 points at Level 3 (including 50 points of a prescribed science major at Level 3)
2. Breadth subjects - 50 points of breadth subjects, including at least 12.5 points at Level 2 or Level 3
3. Elective subjects - 25 points (either science subjects or breadth subjects) at Level 1, 2 or 3
Note: The following Bachelor of Science majors cannot be completed within six semesters if commenced mid-year (ie Semester 2): Animal Health and Disease; Climate and Weather; Microbiology and Immunology; Physics (Chemical).
Additional requirements
Additional requirements to the completion of the Bachelor of Science include:
- No more than 125 points at Level 1 may be included in the Bachelor of Science;
- No more than 37.5 points of breadth at Level 1 may be included in the Bachelor of Science;
- Progression: Students must normally complete 50 points of study at one subject year level before proceeding to the next subject year level;
- Diversity of Level 1 science study: Students must complete Level 1 subjects from at least two different areas of study. A maximum of 37.5 points at Level 1 from any single area of study may be completed. The areas of study available are: Biology; Chemistry; Earth Sciences; Engineering Systems; Geography and Environments; Computer Science; Mathematics and Statistics; Physics; Psychology.
Example course structure
First year | Semester 1 |
Biology of Cells and Organisms | Chemistry 1 | Physics 1 | Breadth |
Semester 2 | Genetics and the Evolution of Life | Chemistry 2 | Biology of Australian Flora and Fauna | Breadth | |
Second year | Semester 1 | Human Physiology | Principles of Human Structure | Animal Structure and Functions | Breadth |
Semester 2 | Research Based Physiology | Ecology | Comparative Animal Physiology | Breadth | |
Third year | Semester 1 | Cardiovascular Health: Genes and Hormones | Neurophysiology: Neurons and Circuits | Muscle & Exercise Physiology | Breadth |
Semester 2 | Frontiers in Physiology | Applied Ecology | Science Research Project | Breadth |
Note: a student can keep more than one major open to the end of second year.
Examples of majors matched with complementary science sequences could be:
- Genetics with Psychology
- Electrical Systems with Mathematics
- Chemistry with Physics
- Agricultural Science
- Animal Health and Disease
- Animal Science and Management
- Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
- Bioengineering Systems
- Biotechnology
- Cell and Developmental Biology
- Chemical Systems
- Chemistry
- Civil Systems
- Climate and Weather
- Computational Biology
- Computing and Software Systems
- Data Science
- Ecology and Evolutionary Biology
- Ecosystem Science
- Electrical Systems
- Environmental Engineering Systems
- Environmental Science
- Food Science
- Genetics
- Geography
- Geology
- Human Structure and Function
- Immunology
- Informatics
- Marine Biology
- Mathematical Physics
- Mathematics and Statistics
- Mechanical Systems
- Mechatronics Systems
- Microbiology and Immunology
- Neuroscience
- Pathology
- Pharmacology
- Physics
- Physiology
- Plant Science
- Psychology
- Spatial Systems
- Zoology
Information on how to apply for a Bachelor of Science degree at Melbourne.
There is a different application process for local, international, and study abroad and exchange students. Click on the relevant link below for more information.
For scholarship opportunities, please visit the Faculty of Science Scholarships, awards and prizes webpage.
- Local students
Local students are those who hold Australian or New Zealand citizenship, Australian permanent residency or an Australian permanent humanitarian visa.
- International students
International students are those who do not hold Australian or New Zealand citizenship, Australian permanent residency or an Australian permanent humanitarian visa.
- Study abroad & exchange
Study Abroad and Exchange students are those who are currently studying at an overseas institution and would like to study at the University of Melbourne for one or two semesters.
Using single subjects to gain entry to the University
Non-school leavers can use single subject study via the Community Access Program (CAP) as a means of meeting VCE subject prerequisites.
From maths to marine biology, chemistry to climate science, there are many reasons our students choose to study science at Melbourne. Here are some of their stories.

James Ha – Major in Chemistry
“I hope to be able to communicate science across disciplinary boundaries and to synthesise and distil the information down to the level where policy-makers can use it effectively.”

Nayana Khurana – Major in Human Structure and Function
“After attending the Open Day, I knew I wanted to study at the University of Melbourne. I loved the idea of being able to call this beautiful campus home, and knowing that I would be able to get a world class education during my time here made my decision very easy.”

Harriet Kulich – Major in Zoology
“I've really enjoyed the variety and scope that I’ve experienced with my subjects, as well as practical components such as field trips and camps to locations outside of Melbourne.”
For more information about the Bachelor of Science view the University's Future Students website or call the University Information Centre on 13MELB. Current students should visit Stop One or visit the Current Student website.