Environment and Sustainability
Bachelor of Science (Advanced)
- Domestic
- International
About Degree
Be a visionary
Love scientific enquiry and research? Aspire to be outstanding in your field? The Bachelor of Science (Advanced) is a distinctive vocational degree for high-achieving students who want to excel in their chosen career.
What will you do?
Our advanced degree challenges you to take your scientific training and research skills to the next level. You will:
- learn to drive scientific breakthroughs as you join a research-rich institution at the cutting edge of discovery
- dive straight into life as a researcher with early access to real-world research opportunities usually reserved for honours or postgraduate students
- link with academic mentors and staff in pioneering research areas, allowing you to establish networks before you graduate
- build a breadth of experience through lab placements and a semester-long research project
- work on further projects that can be developed for an honours year and postgraduate study (Masters or PhD).
You’ll design your own degree from a broad range of scientific Majors:
- Biochemistry
- Bioinformatics
- Chemistry
- Ecology
- Evolutionary Biology
- Genetics
- Geology
- Geophysics
- Microbiology and Immunology
- Palaeontology
- Physics
- Plant Biology
- Soil Science
- Theoretical Physics
You can also undertake a double major in:
- Chemistry (double)
- Ecology and Spatial Science
- Experimental and Theoretical Physics
- Palaeontology - Evolution
- Palaeontology - Geology
Where could it take you?
You’ll graduate with enhanced research and project management skills for further study or leadership roles in your chosen specialisation. You could solve global ecology challenges or win the Nobel Prize as a quantum physicist. You might spearhead an entirely new career in space entrepreneurship, genomic editing, or stem cell engineering. Perhaps you’ll communicate science as an educator, politician, or legislator. Whatever you choose, you’ll be prepared to lead the world.
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
- Admitted solely on the basis of ATAR
(regardless of whether this includes the consideration of adjustment factors) - Admitted where both ATAR and additional criteria were considered
(e.g. portfolio, audition, extra test, early offer conditional on minimum ATAR) - 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)
Domestic applicants
Admissions information
| SATAC Code | 324651 |
|---|---|
| 2022 CSP ATAR | 95.2 |
| 2022 CSP IB | 37 |
| Guaranteed Entry Score - ATAR | 95 |
| Guaranteed Entry Score - IB | 37 |
| Deferment | Yes - 2 year |
| Intake | February and July |
| Prerequisites | None, however Stage 2 Chemistry, Mathematical Methods, Physics or Specialist Mathematics are prerequisites for some first year courses. |
| Assumed Knowledge | Stage 2 Chemistry and Mathematical Methods and Physics IB: Mathematics: Applications and Interpretations (HL) or Mathematics: Analysis and Approaches (SL); Chemistry; Physics. |
| Additional Entry Requirements | Year 12 applicants must obtain an Australian Tertiary Admissions Rank (ATAR) of 95 or higher (or equivalent), including any applicable adjustment factors. |
Selection Criteria
| Recent Secondary Education | Applicants 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 Study | You 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. |
| Work and life experience | To 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 offer | 87.6 |
|---|---|---|
| Median ATAR to receive an offer | 96.18 | |
| Highest ATAR to receive an offer | 99.75 | |
| Selection Rank (ATAR plus any adjustment factors) | Lowest Selection Rank to receive an offer | 95.2 |
| Median Selection Rank to receive an offer | 99.08 | |
| Highest Selection Rank to receive an offer | 99.95 | |
| Minimum eligibility score | 90 | |
| Additional criteria considered | Selection rank only | |
Student Profile
| Applicant background | Semester one/Full year intake 2022 | |
|---|---|---|
| Number of students | Percentage of all students | |
| (A) Higher Education study (includes a bridging or enabling course) | <5 | N/A |
| (B) Vocational education and training (VET) study | n/a | N/A |
| (C) Work and life experience (admitted on the basis of previous achievement not in the other three categories) | <5 | N/A |
| (D) Recent secondary education: | ||
| 26 | 68.4% | |
| N/A | N/A | |
| 5 | 13.2% | |
| International students | <5 | N/A |
| All students | 38 | 100.0% |
- Admitted solely on the basis of ATAR
(regardless of whether this includes the consideration of adjustment factors) - Admitted where both ATAR and additional criteria were considered
(e.g. portfolio, audition, extra test, early offer conditional on minimum ATAR) - 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)
International applicants
| CRICOS | 072659E |
|---|---|
| Intake | February and July. *Not all disciplines have July entry. |
| Australian Year 12 | None, however Stage 2 Chemistry, Mathematical Methods, Physics or Specialist Mathematics are prerequisites for some first year courses. |
| International Qualifications | There are no prerequisites, however Chemistry, Physics and Advanced Mathematics are prerequisites for some majors |
| Assumed Knowledge | Chemistry, Mathematics and Physics |
Selection Criteria
English Language Requirements
| Australian Year 12 | Successful completion of an Australian year 12 qualification with a minimum pass in an accepted English language subject | ||||||||||||
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| English Tests accepted by the University of APSB |
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| Qualifications that meet minimum English requirements | A range of alternative qualifications may meet the University’s minimum English requirements | ||||||||||||
Academic Entry Requirements
Detailed information on international qualifications assessment
| Secondary School Qualifications | Australia – Selection Rank (International) | 95 |
|---|---|---|
| International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma | 37 | |
| Canada – OSSD Ontario Secondary School Diploma | 90% | |
| Canada – British Columbia Certificate of Graduation | 90% | |
| Canada – Alberta High School Diploma | 96% | |
| China – Gaokao | 85% | |
| Germany – Abitur | 1.60 | |
| GCE A Levels | 14 | |
| Hong Kong – HKDSE | 23 | |
| India – ISC & CBSE | 90% | |
| India - Indian State Board Examinations | 95% | |
| Indonesia – SMA3 | Not accepted | |
| Kenya – Certificate of Secondary Education | A | |
| Kuwait – General School Secondary Certificate | 88% | |
| Malaysia – STPM or Matrikulasi | 3.55 | |
| Malaysia – UEC | 6 | |
| South Korea – CSAT and High School Diploma | 368 | |
| Sri Lanka – GCE A Levels | 14 | |
| Taiwan – GSAT and High School Diploma | 90% | |
| Thailand – Certificate of Secondary Education | Not accepted | |
| USA – SAT | 1360 | |
| USA – Advanced Placement (AP) | 13 | |
| Vietnam – Upper Secondary School | 9.50 | |
| The University of APSB College Foundation Program | 88% | |
| Eynesbury Foundation Program | 430 | |
| ANU College Foundation Studies | 93% | |
| Monash College Foundation Year MUFY | 85% | |
| Trinity College Foundation Studies Program (The University of Melbourne) | 86% | |
| UNSW Foundation Year | 9.00 | |
| UQ College Foundation Studies Program | 6.00 | |
| Taylors College – The University of Sydney Foundation Program (USFP) | 8.00 | |
| UWA College Foundation Program (WAUFP) | 75% | |
| Non–Go8 Foundation Score | 88% | |
| Other Qualifications | Students who don't meet the academic requirements or who have other qualifications from the South Pacific Islands, Japan, Korea, Philippines or Taiwan may be eligible to apply for a Pre-University Pathway to prepare for or gain entry into the University's undergraduate academic programs. For additional information see Pathway Programs | |
How to Apply
Student Profile
| Applicant background | Semester one/Full year intake 2022 | |
|---|---|---|
| Number of students | Percentage of all students | |
| (A) Higher Education study (includes a bridging or enabling course) | <5 | N/A |
| (B) Vocational education and training (VET) study | n/a | N/A |
| (C) Work and life experience (admitted on the basis of previous achievement not in the other three categories) | <5 | N/A |
| (D) Recent secondary education: | ||
| 26 | 68.4% | |
| N/A | N/A | |
| 5 | 13.2% | |
| International students | <5 | N/A |
| All students | 38 | 100.0% |
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: $7,855 |
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 Bachelor of Science (Advanced) is designed to give you the best chance of becoming a professional scientist. As such, there’s a strong emphasis on advanced research training.
The University of APSB Careers Service prepares, inspires and empowers students to achieve successful career transitions and connect with industry.
Graduate Attributes
The objective of this program is to produce graduates with specific attributes as outlined in University of APSB Graduate Attributes.
- Deep discipline knowledge and intellectual breadth
- Creative and critical thinking, and problem solving
- Teamwork and communication skills
- Professionalism and leadership readiness
- Intercultural and ethical competency
- Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultural competency
- Digital capabilities
- Self-awareness and emotional intelligence
Industry Placement
Due to the flexible nature of this degree, there’s an enormous choice of opportunities which you can tailored to your study and career interests.
Your third year practical work experience takes place in an active research laboratory.
Potential careers
Merchant Banker, Atmospheric Chemist, Palaeontologist, Plant Scientist, Public Health Scientist, Ecotour Operator, Research and Development Manager, Environmental Manager, Flavour Chemist, Geobiologist, Geospatial Scientist, Toxicologist, Hedge Fund Manager, Wildlife Conservationist, Land Resources and Land Care, Aerospace Scientist, Laser and Photonics Scientist / Engineer, Air-Traffic Controller, Analytical Chemist, Life Scientist, Animal Behaviourist, Aquaculture, ...
Degree Structure
The BSc (Advanced) has a strong emphasis on advanced research training to give students the best chance of becoming a professional scientist.
Like the Bachelor of Science, students in the BSc (Advanced) design their own degree from a broad range of study options and have flexibility to select areas of specific interest. In first year, students enrol in a combination of courses that prepare them to follow pathways through to major study areas. In third year, students choose at least one area of science in which to specialise and undertake a research placement. Exposure to research culture will be explored through the BSc (Advanced) specific courses Principles and Practice of Research (Advanced) II and Principle and Practice of Research (Advanced) III.
To remain in this highly competitive program, students must maintain a high Grade Point Average (GPA) throughout their candidature. Similarly, students who attain a predetermined GPA will automatically be eligible for a place in the BSc (Hons) program upon completion of the BSc (Advanced).
Study Plan
Level 1
Core course: SCIENCE 1300 Principles & Practice of Research (Advanced) I
Non core courses chosen from a range of science offerings that complement a student's interests and build towards two science majors listed below.
Level 2
Core course: SCIENCE 2300 Principles and Practice of Research (Advanced) II;
Non core courses chosen from a range of science offerings and that maintain study in the area of two science majors listed below.
Level 3
Core course: SCIENCE 3100 Principles and Practice of Research (Advanced) III
Non core courses chosen from a range of science offerings that complete the study required to achieve at least one science major as listed below.
Academic Program Rules
The Calendar is a comprehensive handbook of the University's academic program rules.
Bachelor of Science (Advanced)
Areas of Specialisation
BIOMEDICAL SCIENCE
Majors: Biochemistry, Bioinformatics, Chemistry, Genetics, Microbiology & Immunology
Biomedical Science involves the biomedical aspects of biology,and focuses on understanding both the normal functions and diseases of the human body. Emphasis is placed on the interface between modern biomedical knowledge and experimental approaches. Students are taught by world-class biomedical researchers and experienced educators. Graduates gain employment in medical or research laboratories, hospitals, private industries, the pharmaceutical industry, sports clinics, the biotechnology industry, forensic science, food science and nutrition, cardiac technology, rehabilitation, chiropractic and teaching.
CHEMICAL SCIENCES
Major or Double Major: Chemistry
Chemical Sciences involves the study of the structure, physical and chemical properties and reactions of elements and compounds. Students learn how to apply this knowledge to develop new and useful chemicals such as plastics, fuels and pharmaceuticals, for use in manufacture, medicine and the environment. A wide range of professional careers may be sought by graduates including environmental monitoring and control, mining, forensic science, nanotechnology, the pharmaceutical industry, medical and agricultural laboratories, manufacturing, food technology, the chemical industry, research and teaching.
EARTH SCIENCES
Majors: Geology, Geophysics and Palaeontology
Earth Sciences involves the study of how our planet is built, how it works, its turbulent 4.5 billion year history and how its precious resources can be located and used. It also investigates how the fragile landscape and often hazardous natural events must be studied and understood to allow them to be adequately managed. Earth Science is one of the most diverse of the sciences covering everything from meteorites to dinosaurs and from gold deposits to volcanoes. Graduates may seek a wide range of professional careers in areas including resource management, environmental geology, mineral exploration, organic geochemistry, seismology, geomorphology, palaeontology, industry and fundamental research.
EVOLUTIONARY BIOLOGY AND ECOLOGY
Majors: Evolutionary Biology, Ecology, Ecology/Spatial Science
Evolutionary Biology and Ecology allows students to investigate the diversity of life on earth and the relationships between organisms and their environments. Students will learn about plants and animals, their ecology, conservation and management, physiology and evolution, including those in terrestrial, freshwater and marine systems. Fieldwork and the study of South Australian ecosystems are important components of many later year courses. Exciting careers exist in environmental consultancy, environmental monitoring and management, marine science, aquaculture, community education, ecotourism, wildlife parks, catchment management, research and teaching.
Fieldwork and the study of South Australian ecosystems are important components of many later year courses. Spatial Science allows students to assess, map and monitor the Australian landscapes using the latest technology in geographical information systems, remote sensing, and spatial modelling.
PHYSICS
Majors: Physics and Theoretical Physics
Physics provides an understanding of the structure of matter and the nature of the universe. You will develop a detailed knowledge of areas which can include astrophysics, atmospheric and environmental physics, computational physics, optics and lasers, photonics and nuclear/particle physics. Mathematical and computer science courses are often taken along with physics. Employment opportunities exist for graduates in electronics, optics and laser industries, scientific computing, telecommunications, space and astronomy programs, forensic science, defence, health and environmental industries, medical physics or in research.
SOIL SCIENCE AND SPATIAL INFORMATION SCIENCE
Major: Soil Science and Plant Biology
Soil Science explores the biological, chemical and physical properties of soils in Australian landscapes and uses the latest technology in geographical information systems, remote sensing, and spatial modelling to monitor distributions of landscape properties. Graduates are keenly sought after by a wide range of government agencies, regional bodies, private enterprise and universities in the fields of oil surveying, environmental planning, soil conservation, environmental impact assessment, environmental engineering, land assessment and mapping, research and biodiversity survey and assessment.
Assessment
Varies according to chosen major but may include assignments, practicals, field reports and exams.
