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Bachelor of Science

The University of Newcastle

CRICOS provider number: 00109J TEQSA provider ID: PRV12056

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About

The University of Newcastle's Bachelor of Science is for those who are interested in understanding the world around us and how it works. Science underpins technology, industry, business, agriculture, environmental management, research and development, health, and information technology. Discover a new way of learning and develop practical skills that will enhance your science knowledge and make you a highly employable science graduate.

Learning from leading science researchers who will guide you through a tailored program, specifically designed to give you the skills that employers are seeking. You’ll be able to follow your passions and customise your study the option for a double major or extended studies with a wide range of disciplinary choices.

Areas of study

Newcastle Majors: Biodiversity and conservation, biological sciences; chemistry of advanced materials; earth sciences; geography; mathematics; medicinal and organic chemistry; physics; psychology; statistics. Central Coast Majors: Biodiversity and conservation; psychology. Core courses: professional scientific thinking, communicating as a scientist, lab and fieldwork skills, career planning, problem solving, project planning and implementation.

Career opportunities

Animal biologist, botanist, chemist, climatologist, conservationist/ecologist, geographer, geologist, mathematician, marine biologist, microbiologist, neuroscientist, oceanographer, physicist, statistician.

Professional recognition

Graduates who complete the accredited Physics major are eligible for accreditation through The Australian Institute of Physics (AIP). Graduates who complete the accredited Statistics major are eligible for accreditation on becoming a member of the Statistical Society of Australia.

Graduates who complete the Geology major will be eligible for entry into the graduate category of the Australasian Institute of Minerals and Metallurgy.

To prepare you for engagement with the wider scientific community, you’ll have the opportunity to attend seminars, present research and build a diverse network of professional relationships.

  • The Bachelor of Science (Physics major) is currently seeking reaccreditation by the Australian Institute of Physics (AIP). Students will be able to become an associate member of the institute while studying, and a full member upon graduation.
  • The Bachelor of Science (Statistics major) is currently seeking reaccreditation by the Statistical Society of Australia. Students will be able to become an associate member of the institute while studying, and a full member upon graduation.

Practical experience

Students will have access to world-class facilities including our nanoscience and chemistry laboratories and mathematics grid room. Throughout your degree you’ll
participate in lab work to help develop your analytical, research and communication
skills. From the first week of your degree, you will be in the field as we use the campus as our personal living laboratory. You will also take part in field trips, seminar presentations and workshops to enhance classroom theory and apply it to real-life situations.

As a student progresses, laboratory work becomes more complex and advanced.
By third year, students will have the opportunity to undertake individual research or
industry experiences. They also take part in problem-based learning, seminar presentations and workshops. Work integrated learning opportunities may include volunteer work with Oakvale Wildlife Park and the Central Coast Marine Discovery Centre (CCMDC).

Honours

Available as an additional year (or part-time equivalent)  to students based on merit.

Fees and charges

Refer to University of Newcastle current fee information.

Admission criteria

Applicants with recent secondary education

Assumed knowledge: Mathematics Advanced.

Recommended studies: One or more of Biology, Chemistry, Earth and Environmental Science, Physics (depending on the major).

If you have not previously studied one or more of these subjects or your knowledge is limited, we encourage you to undertake bridging courses. NUPrep Bridging offers academic preparation and support short courses, which are free and can be completed on campus or online before you start your degree.

Explore NUPrep Bridging Courses

Applicants with higher education study

If you completed or partially completed higher education studies, your grade point average can be converted to a selection rank for admission purposes.

Applicants with vocational education and training (VET) study

If you completed or partially completed competency-based vocational education and training (such as TAFE, a private Registered Training Provider, or vocational studies undertaken in high school), this can be used to determine your eligibility for admission.

Studies completed at an AQF Level 4 (Cert IV) or higher provide Guaranteed Entry into many of our undergraduate programs.

Applicants with work and life experience

If you do not have an ATAR (or equivalent) or formal qualification, Newcastle University offers a range of pathways toward your dream degree. No matter what your age or experience, there is a place for you.

Explore University of Newcastle entry options.

Advanced standing

If you have undertaken previous studies at another higher education institution or registered training organisation, you may be awarded credit towards your undergraduate degree. You must apply for admission before applying for credit.

Further information

View all details of this course on the University of Newcastle website.

ATAR profile

ATAR-based offers only (semester 1, 2023)

Use all ATAR profile data as a guide only; it provides a broad overview of the ATARs and selection ranks of previous Year 12 students admitted into that course. ATARs and selection ranks required for entry in 2024 may be different. If you are unsure about including a course among your preferences, contact the relevant institution.

  1. This ATAR profile table is in line with Commonwealth Government transparency requirements. It is based on offers to recent school leavers (ie completed Year 12 in the last 2 years) who were selected solely or partly on their ATAR. Note that some institutions further differentiate this information on their websites.
  2. The ATAR values exclude any adjustment factors.
  3. The selection ranks include the ATAR and any adjustment factors.

Abbreviations

– = data is not available.
<5 = less than 5 ATAR-based offers were made.
N/A = no offers were made on the basis of ATAR.
NC = new course
NP = Not provided by institution
NR = No reportable profile
NS = No Semester 1 offers
NN = Unavailable (other)
NO = Entry on other criteria

Student profile

Course updates
Courses are added and cancelled throughout the admissions year and course details are subject to change. Check the UAC course search regularly.

Review of programs
The academic content of all programs is subject to routine review. For up-to-date details, visit University of Newcastle degrees.

Honours
Applicants should note that under the revised Australian Qualifications Framework some programs are four-year programs available with direct entry. Other programs are three-year Bachelor degree programs. Meritorious students have the option to apply for an additional one-year end-on component after graduation. Check the course descriptions carefully.