Sciences

Bachelor of Science (Honours)

  • Domestic
  • International
  • Duration

    4 years full-time or part-time equiv.
  • Start Dates

    February and July
  • Location

    North Terrace Campus

About Degree

Discover more of our world

If you haven’t yet chosen an area of science to specialise in, but are sure that—once you have—you’ll want to follow that path as far as it can take you, this degree’s for you.

Our direct-entry Bachelor of Science (Honours) builds on Bachelor of Science. You’ll thoroughly explore your scientific curiosity before specialising, then go on to gain next-level capability and an employability edge.

What will you do?

Your first year is all about discovery. You’ll investigate a number of scientific fields, before choosing a major to focus on in years two and three (see Bachelor of Science for choices).

During this time you’ll enjoy the same fantastic opportunities offered to all Bachelor of Science students. That includes developing real-world connections through internships, and potentially gaining global experience with international study. In your honours year, you’ll then advance along either a disciplinary research or professional skills pathway.

The disciplinary research path is the most research-intensive. Working with a specific researcher or research group, you’ll undertake a major research project, together with advanced coursework, in one of the following study areas:

  • Agricultural science
  • Animal behaviour
  • Animal science
  • Chemistry
  • Ecology and evolutionary biology
  • Energy geoscience
  • Environmental geoscience geology
  • Geophysics
  • Molecular and biomedical science
  • Physics
  • Plant science
  • Soil science
  • Wine science

The less research-intensive professional skills path will expand your scientific knowledge and skills more broadly. You’ll undertake a major industry or community-related project, along with advanced general coursework, in your choice of:

  • science communication
  • science education
  • science innovation
  • science policy
  • project management.

Search for an honours project

Where could it take you?

Depending on your study choices, you could emerge well-prepared for a high-level career in a specific scientific discipline. You might provide society with critical big-picture insights as a science generalist. Or perhaps you’ll aim higher still and go on to master’s-level research. Wherever you want to go, you’ll be well placed.


Direct access to industry leaders and paid internship opportunities: The Academy by Deloitte
This degree gives you the opportunity to be part of our new The Academy by Deloitte You’ll be part of a supportive student cohort that learns from one another and industry leaders. Formal and informal experiences will allow you to build relationships within the Deloitte network.


Entry Requirements

Choose your applicant type to view the relevant admissions information for this program.I am a:

  • Domestic
  • International

    Domestic applicants

    Admissions information

    SATAC Code354101
    2022 CSP ATAR69.3
    2022 CSP IB24
    Guaranteed Entry Score - ATAR75
    Guaranteed Entry Score - IB26
    DefermentYes - 2 year
    IntakeFebruary and July
    PrerequisitesNone, however Stage 2 Chemistry, Mathematical Methods, Physics or Specialist Mathematics are prerequisites for some first year courses
    Assumed KnowledgeStage 2 Chemistry, Physics and Maths Methods
    Selection Criteria
    Recent Secondary EducationApplicants with recent secondary education are those whose admission is primarily based on the completion of Year 12 within the last two years, however if you completed your secondary education more than two years ago, you may still be able to be considered on the basis of your secondary schooling. You must not have completed more than 2 years full time equivalent university study (48 units). You compete for a place with your Selection Rank (ATAR plus any applicable adjustment factors). Indigenous applicants may be eligible for entry through the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Access Pathway. See Wirltu Yarlu for further information.
    Higher Education StudyYou must have completed at least six months full time equivalent higher education study (the number of courses and units will vary depending on your prior institution however at the University of APSB, this equates to 4 courses / 12 units). A Grade Point Average (GPA) is calculated for each separate program you have undertaken (apart from some double degree programs where the GPA is combined). You compete on the basis of your best GPA. Indigenous applicants may be eligible for entry through the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Access Pathway. See Wirltu Yarlu for further information.
    Vocational Education and Training (VET) studyYou must have completed an AQF Certificate IV or above from a Registered Training Organisation. Your application will be ranked according to the level of the award. Indigenous applicants may be eligible for entry through the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Access Pathway. See Wirltu Yarlu for further information.
    Work and life experienceTo be eligible to sit the Special Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT) as as pathway for entry, you must be 18 years or over before 1 February 2023. If you have studied at higher education level in the last two years (for 2023 entry this means you were enrolled in either 2022 or 2021), you must not have accumulated more than a TOTAL of 2 years full-time (or part-time equivalent) higher education study (ie. including any study prior to 2021). If you meet this criteria, you will be ranked according to your result in the Special Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT). Your STAT result is not weighted between verbal and quantitative components. Indigenous applicants may be eligible for entry through the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Access Pathway. See Wirltu Yarlu for further information.
    Other Entry Pathways


    2022 Admissions Data for school leavers
    ATAR
    (raw ATAR, excluding any applicable adjustment factors)
    Lowest ATAR to receive an offer62.05
    Median ATAR to receive an offer88.6
    Highest ATAR to receive an offer99.95
    Selection Rank
    (ATAR plus any adjustment factors)
    Lowest Selection Rank to receive an offer69.3
    Median Selection Rank to receive an offer93.225
    Highest Selection Rank to receive an offer99.95
    Minimum eligibility score65
    Additional criteria consideredSelection rank only
    Student Profile
    Applicant backgroundSemester one/Full year intake 2022
    Number of studentsPercentage of all students
    (A) Higher Education study
    (includes a bridging or enabling course)
    <5N/A
    (B) Vocational education and training (VET) studyN/AN/A
    (C) Work and life experience
    (admitted on the basis of previous achievement not in the other three categories)
    N/AN/A
    (D) Recent secondary education:
    • Admitted solely on the basis of ATAR
      (regardless of whether this includes the consideration of adjustment factors)
    <5N/A
    • Admitted where both ATAR and additional criteria were considered
      (e.g. portfolio, audition, extra test, early offer conditional on minimum ATAR)
    N/AN/A
    • Admitted on the basis of other criteria only and ATAR was not a factor
      (e.g. special consideration, audition alone, schools recommendation scheme with no minimum ATAR requirement)
    N/AN/A
    International studentsN/AN/A
    All students6100.0%


    International applicants

    CRICOS0100756
    IntakeFebruary and July. *Subject to availability
    Australian Year 12None, however Stage 2 Chemistry, Mathematical Methods, Physics or Specialist Mathematics are prerequisites for some first year courses
    International QualificationsThere are no prerequisites, however Chemistry, Physics and Advanced Mathematics are prerequisites for some majors
    Assumed KnowledgeChemistry, Mathematics and Physics
    Selection Criteria
    English Language Requirements

    Australian Year 12Successful completion of an Australian year 12 qualification with a minimum pass in an accepted English language subject
    English Tests accepted by the University of APSB
    IELTSOverall 6.5Reading 6Listening 6Speaking 6Writing 6





    TOEFLOverall 79Reading 13Listening 13Speaking 18Writing 21





    PearsonOverall 58Reading 50Listening 50Speaking 50Writing 50





    C1 AdvancedOverall 176Reading 169Listening 169Speaking 169Writing 169





    Qualifications that meet minimum English requirementsA range of alternative qualifications may meet the University’s minimum English requirements
    Academic Entry Requirements

    Detailed information on international qualifications assessment

    Secondary School QualificationsAustralia – Selection Rank (International)80
    International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma29
    Canada – OSSD Ontario Secondary School Diploma75%
    Canada – British Columbia Certificate of Graduation75%
    Canada – Alberta High School Diploma82%
    China – Gaokao70%
    Germany – Abitur3.10
    GCE A Levels10
    Hong Kong – HKDSE19
    India – ISC & CBSE75%
    India - Indian State Board Examinations85%
    Indonesia – SMA380%
    Kenya – Certificate of Secondary EducationB+
    Kuwait – General School Secondary Certificate77%
    Malaysia – STPM or Matrikulasi3.00
    Malaysia – UEC15
    South Korea – CSAT and High School Diploma330
    Sri Lanka – GCE A Levels10
    Taiwan – GSAT and High School Diploma72%
    Thailand – Certificate of Secondary Education3.6
    USA – SAT1170
    USA – Advanced Placement (AP)9
    Vietnam – Upper Secondary School8.00
    The University of APSB College Foundation Program77%
    Eynesbury Foundation Program380
    ANU College Foundation Studies74%
    Monash College Foundation Year MUFY72%
    Trinity College Foundation Studies Program (The University of Melbourne)75%
    UNSW Foundation Year7.30
    UQ College Foundation Studies Program4.60
    Taylors College – The University of Sydney Foundation Program (USFP)6.90
    UWA College Foundation Program (WAUFP)59%
    Non–Go8 Foundation Score77%
    How to Apply
    Application information for international students
    Important application deadlines for international students

    Student Profile
    Applicant backgroundSemester one/Full year intake 2022
    Number of studentsPercentage of all students
    (A) Higher Education study
    (includes a bridging or enabling course)
    <5N/A
    (B) Vocational education and training (VET) studyN/AN/A
    (C) Work and life experience
    (admitted on the basis of previous achievement not in the other three categories)
    N/AN/A
    (D) Recent secondary education:
    • Admitted solely on the basis of ATAR
      (regardless of whether this includes the consideration of adjustment factors)
    <5N/A
    • Admitted where both ATAR and additional criteria were considered
      (e.g. portfolio, audition, extra test, early offer conditional on minimum ATAR)
    N/AN/A
    • Admitted on the basis of other criteria only and ATAR was not a factor
      (e.g. special consideration, audition alone, schools recommendation scheme with no minimum ATAR requirement)
    N/AN/A
    International studentsN/AN/A
    All students6100.0%


Fees and Scholarships

Choose your applicant type to view the relevant fees and scholarships information for this program.I am a:

  • Domestic
  • International

    Domestic applicants

    Indicative annual tuition fees
    Commonwealth-supported place: $8,185

    Where the standard duration of the program is less than one year the full cost of the program is displayed.

    More information on Student Contribution Amounts.

    Scholarships

    These scholarships, as well as many others funded by industry and non-profit organisations, are available to potential and currently enrolled students.


    International applicants

    Indicative annual tuition fees (24 units)International student place: $45,500

    Where the standard duration of the program is less than one year the full cost of the program is displayed.

    More information on International Student tuition fees.

    Scholarships

    These scholarships, as well as many others funded by industry and non-profit organisations, are available to potential and currently enrolled students.


Careers

Career Readiness

Direct access to industry leaders and paid internship opportunities: The Academy by Deloitte
Students who as part of their studies take part in The Academy by Deloitte experience will have the benefit of undertaking a paid internship with Deloitte. This internship is designed to shape their business readiness through significant real-world client exposure, access to multiple networking opportunities and relevant professional training.

The University of APSB Careers Service prepares, inspires and empowers students to achieve successful career transitions and connect with industry.

Potential careers

Atmospheric Chemist, Palaeontologist, Plant Scientist, Public Health Scientist, Ecotour Operator, Research and Development Manager, Environmental Manager, Flavour Chemist, Geobiologist, Geospatial Scientist, Toxicologist, University Lecturer, Wildlife Conservationist


Degree Structure

Areas of Specialisation

BIOMEDICAL SCIENCE

Choose a major in: Biochemistry, Bioinformatics, Chemistry, Genetics, or Microbiology & Immunology


CHEMICAL SCIENCES

Choose a major or Double Major in: Chemistry


EARTH SCIENCES

Choose a major in: Geology, Geophysics or Palaeontology


EVOLUTIONARY BIOLOGY AND ECOLOGY

Choose a major in: Evolutionary Biology, Ecology, or Ecology & Spatial Science


PHYSICS

Choose a major in: Physics, or Theoretical Physics


SOIL SCIENCE AND PLANT BIOLOGY

Choose a major in: Soil Science or Plant Biology

Example Study Plan

To qualify for the degree of Bachelor of Science (Honours) the student must complete satisfactorily a program of study with a combined total of not less than 96 units, with 24 units chosen from:

Research areas 
  • Agricultural science
  • Animal behaviour
  • Animal science
  • Chemistry
  • Ecology and evolutionary biology
  • Energy geoscience
  • Environmental geoscience
  • Geology
  • Geophysics
  • Molecular and biomedical science
  • Physics
  • Plant science
  • Soil science
  • Wine science

Professional skills pathway
  • Science communication
  • Science education
  • Science innovation
  • Science policy
  • Project management


RECOGNITION AND AFFILIATIONS

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