
Bachelor of Science
This degree is part of the Year 12 Subject Spotlight Early Offer Program
Indicative annual fees are based on a full year full time load (80 units). Find out more about feesAUD 40,845 (indicative annual fee, 2023)
Indicative annual fees are based on a full year full time load (80 units). Find out more about fees
Admission to our undergraduate degree programs usually requires successful completion of a senior secondary school qualification similar to the Higher School Certificate (HSC), the highest educational award in New South Wales schools.
Currently enrolled, continuing students looking for the previous version of this program should refer back to the: Bachelor of Science (pre 2019)
Program handbook
Description
The University of Newcastle's Bachelor of Science is for those who are interested in understanding the world around us and how it works. This degree is for those that are inspired to build new knowledge and discover new things. You will learn from leading science researchers who will guide you through a tailored program, specifically designed to give you the skills that employers are seeking. You will be able to follow your passions, and customise your study with a wide range of disciplinary choices. Our guidance and mentoring give you the confidence to know you’re heading where you want to with your career in Science. You will begin the important process of establishing the professional networks that will be critical throughout your career. You will have authentic opportunities to work with industry and in research whilst you study. By the time you finish your studies, you will have the practical skills to make a difference in the world and contribute new solutions to the many scientific challenges we face.
Program learning outcomes
On successful completion of the program students will have:
- Tenacity: You will be a problem solver and an innovator who can identify, draw upon and manage resources to take a scientific project from concept to completion.
- Perception: You will be a critical thinker who has keen insight and a broad perspective of the world to find scientific solutions to complex problems.
- Knowledge: You will be a practitioner who has the ability to apply your learning and skills to create new understandings of the world and real world issues that lay at the intersection of many traditional and emerging science disciplines.
- Proficiency: You will be a keen scientific researcher and skilled technician who has the ability to think creatively, to plan, to evaluate, to reflect upon and apply your findings.
- Responsiveness: You will be a person who has the flexibility to work in many different environments, to harness collective knowledge within local and global professional networks, to communicate effectively, to work with people and have an appreciation of others.
- Integrity: You will be a professional who can apply your skills and knowledge of science to the highest ethical standards responsibly and honestly.
Details
Information correct as at | Feb 8, 2023 2:38 pm | ||||||
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Program code | 40165 | ||||||
AQF level | Level 7 Bachelor Degree | ||||||
Locations and UAC codes | |||||||
Mode of delivery |
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Duration |
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Selection Rank |
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Assumed knowledge | HSC Mathematics Advanced or equivalent | ||||||
Recommended studies | HSC Biology or equivalent, and/or HSC Chemistry or equivalent, and/or HSC Physics or equivalent, and/or HSC Earth and Environmental Science, would be a strong advantage in this program depending on the major/s you intend to complete. | ||||||
Term type | Semesters | ||||||
Fees |
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Relevant University rules and policies |
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CRICOS Code | 098539K |
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Admission information
Admission requirements
Admission to this program is available to Australian students, residents and international students. Admission information for Australian students and residents is available online here. Admission information for international students can be found here. During the admission process adjustment factors may be applied to your Selection Rank. Please visit our website to see if you are eligible.
Enrolling in mathematics - Maths placement test
Your degree includes either compulsory or optional courses in maths. To maximise your likelihood of academic success, it is recommended that you select the course which matches your existing knowledge and understanding of maths concepts.
Answer a few questions now to find out what mathematics you should enrol in.
Minimum English language proficiency requirements
All Applicants must demonstrate that they meet the University’s English proficiency requirement. Further information regarding English language proficiency requirements can be found at the English Language Proficiency for Admission Policy here.
Applicants for this program must satisfy a minimum English Language Proficiency Standard equivalent to an IELTS overall minimum of 6.0 with no subtest result below 6.0.
Credit transfer
If you wish to apply for credit for studies completed at another institution, or if you are changing programs within the University and wish to transfer your credit to the new program, visit the University's credit website for more information on applying for credit.
Academic requirements for program completion
Total units required
240 units
Program duration
3 years full-time or part-time equivalent up to 8 years maximum.
International students studying this program on campus are required to enrol full time to comply with their student visa requirements and complete their study in the standard minimum program duration. International students requiring enrolment advice should review the program plan corresponding to the semester and year of commencement and can contact their Program Advisor at ProgramAdvice@newcastle.edu.au
Program requirements
Students are required to complete a total of, but no more than, 240 units, comprised of the following:
All Majors except Physics
- 70 units of Core Courses
- 10 unit Mathematics Directed Course
- One 80 unit Major
- 80 units of Electives
Physics Major
- 70 units of Core Courses
- 10 unit Mathematics Directed Course
- 120 unit Physics Major
- 40 units of Electives
Notes
1) Students choose their Mathematics Directed Course based on previous mathematical background. See the Enrolling in mathematics - Maths placement test section of this page.
2) Students must only complete courses that form part of the program.
3) Electives include any unrestricted courses offered within the university.
4) In addition the program must include:
- No more than 100 units at 1000 level.
- At least 40 units at 2000 level.
- At least 60 units at 3000 level.
5) Students completing a major other than Physics can choose to use their electives to complete a second major. Each major must have at least 60 unique units that are not being counted towards the other major. The second major must be from a different discipline.
6) Students who commence in Semester 2 and are completing the Physics Major or the Chemistry (Advanced Materials) Major may not be able to complete in minimum duration (3 years), or may require completion of courses in the Winter Term prior to Semester 2. Please contact programadvice@newcastle.edu.au if you are commencing in Semester 2 and require completion in minimum time (3 years).
7) Majors by discipline
- Biology: Biological Sciences.
- Chemistry: Chemistry (Advanced Materials); Chemistry (Medicinal and Organic).
- Earth Sciences: Earth Sciences.
- Environmental Science: Biodiversity and Conservation.
- Geography: Geography.
- Mathematics and Statistics: Mathematics; Statistics.
- Psychology: Psychology.
- Physics: Physics.
Program plans
Current students can plan their program using Program Planner.
Elective pathways
These pathways have been created to provide guidance for Bachelor of Science students wishing to specialise in a study area with their elective courses.
- Callaghan Discipline Elective Pathways.pdf 115.1 KB
- Callaghan Professional Skills Elective Pathways.pdf 117.6 KB
- Ourimbah Discipline Elective Pathways.pdf 96.0 KB
- Ourimbah Professional Skills Elective Pathways.pdf 98.2 KB
Additional documents
- 2021 Transition Arrangements - Animal Biology Major, Biology Major, Plant Biology Major 189.7 KB
- 2021 Transition Arrangements - Biodiversity and Conservation Major; Biodiversity, Conservation and Ecological Sciences Major; Environmental Remediation Major; Marine and Coastal Science Major; Marine, Coastal and Ecological Sciences Major; Sustainable Res 235.7 KB
- 2021 Transition Arrangements - Chemistry Major, Environmental and Analytical Chemistry Major, Chemistry of Advanced Materials Major, Medicinal and Organic Chemistry Major 211.0 KB
- 2021 Transition Arrangements - Earth Science Major; Geology Major; Water, Climate and Soils Major 199.6 KB
- 2021 Transition Arrangements - Geography Major, Integrated Geography Major 185.8 KB
- 2021 Transition Arrangements - Mathematics Major, Statistics Major 222.3 KB
- 2021 Transition Arrangements - Physics Major 210.0 KB
- 2021 Transition Arrangements - Psychology Major 153.8 KB
- 2023 Transition Arrangements 249.4 KB
Transition arrangements
2023 Revision
From 2023 there are changes to the program structure. For students who commenced the program prior to 2023, please refer to the 2023 Transition Arrangements in the Additional Documents for more information.
2021 Revision
From 2021 there are changes to the program. For students who commenced the program prior to 2021, please refer to the 2021 Transition Arrangements in the Additional Documents section for more information.
Students can complete either a single 120 unit major, a single 80 unit major, or two 80 unit majors. Students who are completing two 80 unit majors must choose their majors from different disciplines.
80 unit majors listed by discipline
- Biology major: Biology.
- Chemistry majors: Chemistry of Advanced Materials; Environmental and Analytical Chemistry; Medicinal and Organic Chemistry.
- Earth science major: Earth Sciences.
- Environmental science majors: Biodiversity and Conservation; Marine and Coastal Science; Sustainable Resource Management.
- Geography major: Geography.
- Mathematics and statistics majors: Mathematics; Statistics.
120 unit majors listed by discipline
- Biology majors: Animal Biology; Plant Biology.
- Chemistry major: Chemistry.
- Earth science majors: Water, Climate and Soils; Geology.
- Environmental science majors: Biodiversity, Conservation and Ecological Sciences; Environmental Remediation; Marine, Coastal and Ecological Sciences.
- Geography major: Integrated Geography.
- Physics major: Physics.
- Psychology major: Psychology
2020 Revision
Students commencing in 2020 are required to complete a minimum of 60 units at 3000 level. Students who commenced prior to 2020 are required to complete a minimum of 40 units at 3000 level.
Program structure
Students can plan their program using Program Planner. It is recommended students review the program handbook in conjunction with using Program Planner.
Advanced course filters
Courses that are currently unavailable are hidden by default. You can show them by adjusting the advanced course filters above, or clicking the 'show all' links below each section.
Core Courses
Core Courses | |||
Complete the following Core Courses to fulfil the requirements of this program. | |||
Code | Title | Term / Location | Units |
---|---|---|---|
SCIE1001 | Professional Scientific Thinking |
| 10 units |
SCIE1002 | Multidisciplinary Laboratories |
| 10 units |
STAT1070 | Statistics for the Sciences |
| 10 units |
SCIE2001 | Professional Employment Skills |
| 10 units |
SCIE2002 | Interdisciplinary Challenges |
| 10 units |
SCIE3001 | Transdisciplinary Capstone |
| 10 units |
SCIE3002 | WIL for the Sciences | Not currently offered | 10 units |
Mathematics Directed course. | |||
Complete 10 units from the following Directed Courses. Which course you should complete will depend on your previous mathematical background, please refer to each course Handbook for more information. Please note that some disciplines require a minimum level of mathematical knowledge. MATH1002 or higher is required for a Chemistry Major. MATH1110 is required for Physics or Mathematics Majors. | |||
Code | Title | Term / Location | Units |
---|---|---|---|
MATH1001 | Preparatory Studies in Mathematics |
| 10 units |
MATH1002 | Foundational Studies in Mathematics |
| 10 units |
MATH1110 | Mathematics for Engineering, Science and Technology 1 |
| 10 units |
Biodiversity and Conservation
Compulsory Courses | |||
Complete the following Compulsory Courses. | |||
Code | Title | Term / Location | Units |
---|---|---|---|
ENVS1001 | Environmental Science Concepts and Methods |
| 10 units |
ENVS1003 | Environmental Values and Ethics |
| 10 units |
ENVS3003 | Conservation Biology |
| 10 units |
ENVS3004 | Ecotoxicology |
| 10 units |
ENVS3005 | Animal Behaviour |
| 10 units |
2000 level Directed Courses | |||
Complete 20 units from the following Directed Courses. | |||
Code | Title | Term / Location | Units |
---|---|---|---|
ENVS2004 | Ecology |
| 10 units |
ENVS2005 | Management of Australian Flora |
| 10 units |
ENVS2006 | Ecology and Management of Wildlife |
| 10 units |
3000 level Directed courses | |||
Complete 10 units from the following Directed Courses. | |||
Code | Title | Term / Location | Units |
---|---|---|---|
ENVS3009 | Advanced Water Science and Resource Management |
| 10 units |
MARI3320 | Experimental Design and Analysis in Ecology | Not currently offered | 10 units |
SCIE3500 | Research Integrated Learning |
| 10 units |
SRMT3060 | Restoration Ecology |
| 10 units |
Chemistry (Advanced Materials)
Compulsory Courses | |||
Complete the following Compulsory Courses. | |||
Code | Title | Term / Location | Units |
---|---|---|---|
CHEM1010 | Introductory Chemistry I |
| 10 units |
CHEM1020 | Introductory Chemistry II |
| 10 units |
CHEM2110 | Applied Analytical Chemistry |
| 10 units |
CHEM2210 | Materials Chemistry |
| 10 units |
CHEM2410 | Physical Chemistry |
| 10 units |
CHEM3110 | Instrumental Chemical Analysis |
| 10 units |
3000 level Directed Courses | |||
Complete 20 units from the following Directed Courses. | |||
Code | Title | Term / Location | Units |
---|---|---|---|
CHEM3210 | Functional Materials |
| 10 units |
CHEM3410 | Energy and Materials |
| 10 units |
CHEM3580 | Colloids, Interfaces and Soft Matter |
| 10 units |
Earth Sciences
Compulsory Courses | |||
Complete the following Compulsory Courses. | |||
Code | Title | Term / Location | Units |
---|---|---|---|
GEOS1040 | Earth: Our Dynamic Planet |
| 10 units |
GEOS1050 | Earth Processes and Products |
| 10 units |
GEOS2080 | Earth Sciences Fieldwork |
| 10 units |
GEOS2161 | Spatial Science |
| 10 units |
GEOS3250 | Advanced Spatial Science |
| 10 units |
2000 Level Directed Courses | |||
Complete 10 units from the following Directed Courses. | |||
Code | Title | Term / Location | Units |
---|---|---|---|
ENVS2009 | Catchment and Water Resource Management |
| 10 units |
GEOS2050 | Catchments and Climate |
| 10 units |
GEOS2060 | Soil Properties and Processes |
| 10 units |
SCIE2223 | Weather and Waves |
| 10 units |
3000 Level Directed Courses | |||
Complete 20 units from the following Directed Courses. | |||
Code | Title | Term / Location | Units |
---|---|---|---|
ECON3006 | Environmental Economics |
| 10 units |
ENVS3007 | Environmental Remediation |
| 10 units |
ENVS3009 | Advanced Water Science and Resource Management |
| 10 units |
GEOS3220 | Coastal Environments and Processes |
| 10 units |
GEOS3280 | Global Change and the Rise of Modern Environments | Not currently offered | 10 units |
GEOS3340 | Climate Change and Resource Management |
| 10 units |
Geography
Compulsory Courses | |||
Complete the following Compulsory Courses. | |||
Code | Title | Term / Location | Units |
---|---|---|---|
GEOG1020 | Introduction to Human Geography |
| 10 units |
GEOS1040 | Earth: Our Dynamic Planet |
| 10 units |
GEOS2161 | Spatial Science |
| 10 units |
GEOS3250 | Advanced Spatial Science |
| 10 units |
2000 Level Directed Courses | |||
Complete 10 units from the following Directed Courses. | |||
Code | Title | Term / Location | Units |
---|---|---|---|
ENVS2002 | Environmental Legislation and Planning |
| 10 units |
ENVS2008 | The Sustainable Society |
| 10 units |
GEOG2080 | Cities and Regions |
| 10 units |
GEOG2130 | Geographies of Development |
| 10 units |
GEOS2050 | Catchments and Climate |
| 10 units |
GEOS2080 | Earth Sciences Fieldwork |
| 10 units |
SOCS2400 | Surveying the Social: Applied Quantitative Research |
| 10 units |
3000 Level Directed Courses | |||
Complete 30 units from the following Directed Courses. | |||
Code | Title | Term / Location | Units |
---|---|---|---|
ENVS3001 | Integrated Impact Assessment |
| 10 units |
ENVS3006 | Surviving the Anthropocene: Sustainability in the 21st Century |
| 10 units |
ENVS3007 | Environmental Remediation |
| 10 units |
ENVS3008 | Work Integrated Learning in the Environmental and Development Sectors |
| 10 units |
GEOG3090 | Society and Space |
| 10 units |
GEOG3300 | Rethinking Development |
| 10 units |
GEOS3220 | Coastal Environments and Processes |
| 10 units |
GEOS3280 | Global Change and the Rise of Modern Environments | Not currently offered | 10 units |
GEOS3340 | Climate Change and Resource Management |
| 10 units |
Biological Sciences
To complete the Biological Sciences major, complete the compulsory courses as well as 30 units from one pathway.
Biological Sciences | |||
Complete the following Compulsory Courses. | |||
Code | Title | Term / Location | Units |
---|---|---|---|
BIOL1001 | Molecules, Cells and Organisms |
| 10 units |
BIOL1002 | Organisms to Ecosystems |
| 10 units |
BIOL2001 | Molecular Laboratory Skills for Biological Sciences |
| 10 units |
BIOL2002 | Laboratory Skills in Biological Systems |
| 10 units |
BIOL3001 | Advanced Laboratory Skills in Biological Sciences |
| 10 units |
Microbiology Pathway | |||
Complete the following Compulsory Courses. | |||
Code | Title | Term / Location | Units |
---|---|---|---|
BIOL2090 | Microbial Biology |
| 10 units |
BIOL3090 | Molecular Biology |
| 10 units |
BIOL3100 | Microbiology |
| 10 units |
Animal and Plant Biology Pathway | |||
Complete the following Compulsory Courses. | |||
Code | Title | Term / Location | Units |
---|---|---|---|
BIOL2220 | Plant Adaptation to Climate Change |
| 10 units |
BIOL3020 | Animal Physiology, Reproduction and Development |
| 10 units |
BIOL3090 | Molecular Biology |
| 10 units |
Mathematics
Please note that students must complete MATH1110 in order to complete the Mathematics Major as MATH1110 is a prerequisite for enrolling in MATH1120.
Compulsory Courses | |||
Complete the following Compulsory Courses. | |||
Code | Title | Term / Location | Units |
---|---|---|---|
MATH1120 | Mathematics for Engineering, Science and Technology 2 |
| 10 units |
MATH2242 | Complex Analysis |
| 10 units |
MATH2310 | Calculus of Science and Engineering |
| 10 units |
MATH2340 | Linearity and Continuity 1 |
| 10 units |
MATH2800 | Ordinary Differential Equations |
| 10 units |
Directed Courses | |||
Complete 30 units from the following Directed Courses. | |||
Code | Title | Term / Location | Units |
---|---|---|---|
MATH3120 | Algebra |
| 10 units |
MATH3170 | Number Theory |
| 10 units |
MATH3205 | Fourier Analysis |
| 10 units |
MATH3700 | Partial Differential Equations |
| 10 units |
MATH3820 | Numerical Methods |
| 10 units |
SCIE3500 | Research Integrated Learning |
| 10 units |
STAT3800 | Deterministic and Stochastic Optimisation |
| 10 units |
Chemistry (Medicinal and Organic)
Compulsory Courses | |||
Complete the following Compulsory Courses. | |||
Code | Title | Term / Location | Units |
---|---|---|---|
CHEM1010 | Introductory Chemistry I |
| 10 units |
CHEM1020 | Introductory Chemistry II |
| 10 units |
CHEM2110 | Applied Analytical Chemistry |
| 10 units |
CHEM2310 | Organic Chemistry |
| 10 units |
CHEM2410 | Physical Chemistry |
| 10 units |
CHEM3110 | Instrumental Chemical Analysis |
| 10 units |
Directed Courses | |||
Complete 20 units from the following Directed Courses. | |||
Code | Title | Term / Location | Units |
---|---|---|---|
CHEM3210 | Functional Materials |
| 10 units |
CHEM3310 | Molecular Organic Synthesis |
| 10 units |
CHEM3550 | Medicinal and Biological Chemistry |
| 10 units |
Physics
Compulsory Courses | |||
Complete the following Compulsory Courses. | |||
Code | Title | Term / Location | Units |
---|---|---|---|
MATH1110 | Mathematics for Engineering, Science and Technology 1 |
| 10 units |
MATH1120 | Mathematics for Engineering, Science and Technology 2 |
| 10 units |
PHYS1210 | Advanced Physics I |
| 10 units |
PHYS1220 | Advanced Physics II |
| 10 units |
MATH2310 | Calculus of Science and Engineering |
| 10 units |
PHYS2111 | Classical Physics 1 |
| 10 units |
PHYS2112 | Classical Physics 2 |
| 10 units |
PHYS2211 | Modern Physics 1 |
| 10 units |
PHYS3111 | Biophysics |
| 10 units |
PHYS3112 | Photonics |
| 10 units |
PHYS3211 | Quantum Information Science |
| 10 units |
Directed Courses | |||
Complete 10 units from the following Directed Courses. | |||
Code | Title | Term / Location | Units |
---|---|---|---|
MATH2242 | Complex Analysis |
| 10 units |
MATH3820 | Numerical Methods |
| 10 units |
Psychology
Compulsory Courses | |||
Complete the following Compulsory Courses. | |||
Code | Title | Term / Location | Units |
---|---|---|---|
PSYC1010 | Psychology Introduction 1 |
| 10 units |
PSYC1020 | Psychology Introduction 2 |
| 10 units |
PSYC2300 | Cognitive Psychology |
| 10 units |
PSYC2400 | Biological Psychology |
| 10 units |
PSYC3000 | Advanced Research Methods and Statistics in Psychology |
| 10 units |
PSYC3800 | Advanced Special Topics in Psychology 2 |
| 10 units |
Directed Courses | |||
Complete 20 units from the following Directed Courses. | |||
Code | Title | Term / Location | Units |
---|---|---|---|
ENVS3005 | Animal Behaviour |
| 10 units |
PSYC3001 | Advanced Psychological Measurement |
| 10 units |
PSYC3301 | Advanced Perception and Learning in Psychology |
| 10 units |
Statistics
Compulsory Courses | |||
Complete the following Compulsory Courses. | |||
Code | Title | Term / Location | Units |
---|---|---|---|
MATH1120 | Mathematics for Engineering, Science and Technology 2 |
| 10 units |
STAT1300 | Fundamentals of Statistics |
| 10 units |
STAT2000 | Applied Statistics and Research Methods |
| 10 units |
STAT3030 | Generalised Linear Models |
| 10 units |
STAT3040 | Forecasting with Linear Time Series Models |
| 10 units |
STAT3100 | Systems Thinking for an Integrated Workforce |
| 10 units |
STAT3800 | Deterministic and Stochastic Optimisation |
| 10 units |
Directed Courses | |||
Complete 10 units from the following Directed Courses. | |||
Code | Title | Term / Location | Units |
---|---|---|---|
STAT2020 | Predictive Analytics |
| 10 units |
STAT2300 | Statistical Inference |
| 10 units |
Suggested electives
Electives can be chosen from all courses available at the University that do not have any other conditions (such as a course requisite) applied to them. However, the Faculty suggests the following course options that may complement your program or major.
A full list of courses that are available to study as an elective can be found in the course handbook.
Honours
An Honours year is available to students as a separate program in the form of an additional year to those who meet the entry requirements. Please refer to the Bachelor of Science (Honours) Program Handbook for further information.
Additional information
Through the Pathways and Academic Learning Support Centre, students can access a free suite of NUPrep preparation courses as well as Academic Learning Support.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students can draw on the assistance and support provided by the Indigenous Student Support and Development service through the Wollotuka Institute.
International students
All International Students enrolled in the program will be provided with an orientation to familiarise them with the rules, expectations, facilities and services offered by the University. Please visit our International Students website to find out more about the support services available to international students.
Students commencing in Semester 2 are unable to complete the following majors:
- Animal Biology
- Chemistry
- Chemistry of Advanced Materials
- Physics
Additional support
AccessAbility provides advice and reasonable adjustments to Students with a medical or health condition or disability. If you require adjustments to undertake your program, contact the Student Support Advisors - AccessAbility before semester or early in the semester. They will work with the College or School to ensure that this happens in a timely manner.
Please note: All students must fulfil the inherent requirements of the programs and courses they are undertaking. While reasonable adjustments can be made, these adjustments cannot compromise academic integrity. It is the student's responsibility to check all the requirements of courses, and consider the effects of any medical condition or disability on their ability to complete course requirements. More information is available online.
The University of Newcastle acknowledges the traditional custodians of the lands within our footprint areas: Awabakal, Darkinjung, Biripai, Worimi, Wonnarua, and Eora Nations. We also pay respect to the wisdom of our Elders past and present.