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 41 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.

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

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

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.

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.

Using single subjects to gain entry to the University