Faculty of Science
Study science with us
Studying science at the University of Newcastle is an opportunity to follow your passion and effect the change you want to see in the world. With a broad range of specialties and flexible study options, the Faculty of Science offers a first-rate learning experience that sees our graduates equipped to pursue a fulfilling career in any number of fields.
High achievers
Take a look at some of our degrees on offer for those who excel in the sciences.
Careers in science
What can you do and where can you go with a Faculty of Science degree? Really, the answer is anywhere!
We’ve built career pathways into our degree, so we can assist you in getting to where you want to go. Learn more about the 10 types of science careers as by the UK Science Council.
Hear from some of our current students
Scholarships
The University of Newcastle offers scholarships ranging in value from hundreds of dollars through to tens of thousands of dollars per year. Scholarships can help you with all kinds of costs including textbooks, fees, accommodation and living expenses.
While many consider academic performance, we also award scholarships for travel, sport, specific degrees, and to Indigenous students. Many also offer the opportunity to meet with the donor and undertake internships and vacation work.
Many scholarships are funded specifically for Faculty of Science students, so check back regularly to view new scholarship opportunities.
Study options
- All degrees
- Biodiversity and conservation
- Biology
- Biotechnology
- Chemistry
- Climate science
- Coastal and marine science
- Data science and statistics
- Development studies
- Environmental management
- Exercise and sports science
- Food science and human nutrition
- Geology
- Human and physical geography
- Hydrology and water resource management
- Mathematics
- Physics
- Psychology
- STEM
- Sustainability
- Combined degrees
All degrees
- Bachelor of Biotechnology
- Bachelor of Biotechnology (Honours)
- Bachelor of Climate Science and Adaptation
- Bachelor of Coastal and Marine Science
- Bachelor of Development Studies
- Bachelor of Development Studies / Bachelor of Business
- Bachelor of Development Studies / Bachelor of Communication
- Bachelor of Development Studies / Bachelor of Global Indigenous Studies
- Bachelor of Development Studies / Bachelor of Social Science
- Bachelor of Development Studies (Honours)
- Bachelor of Environmental Science and Management
- Bachelor of Environmental Science and Management / Bachelor of Business
- Bachelor of Environmental Science and Management (Honours)
- Bachelor of Exercise and Sport Science
- Bachelor of Exercise and Sport Science (Honours)
- Bachelor of Food Science and Human Nutrition
- Bachelor of Food Science and Human Nutrition / Bachelor of Business
- Bachelor of Food Science and Human Nutrition (Honours)
- Bachelor of Mathematics
- Bachelor of Mathematics (Advanced)
- Bachelor of Mathematics / Bachelor of Computer Science
- Bachelor of Mathematics / Bachelor of Science
- Bachelor of Mathematics (Honours)
- Bachelor of Psychological Science
- Bachelor of Psychological Science (Advanced)
- Bachelor of Psychological Science (Honours)
- Bachelor of Science
- Bachelor of Science (Advanced)
- Bachelor of Science / Bachelor of Innovation and Entrepreneurship
- Bachelor of Science (Honours)
- Graduate Certificate in Data Analytics
- Graduate Certificate in Data Science
- Graduate Certificate in Environmental and Business Management
- Graduate Certificate in Environmental Management and Sustainability
- Graduate Certificate in Spatial Science
- Graduate Certificate in Studies
- Graduate Diploma in Exercise and Chronic Disease Management
- Graduate Diploma in Psychological Science
- Graduate Diploma in Spatial Science
- Master of Business Psychology
- Master of Clinical Psychology
- Master of Data Science
- Master of Environmental and Business Management
- Master of Environmental Management and Sustainability
- Master of Exercise Physiology
- Master of Professional Psychology
- Master of Studies
Biodiversity and conservation
If you want to ensure the different species and organisms that inhabit our environment are protected for years to come, then Biodiversity and Conservation is for you. Biodiversity and Conservation students examine the impact of developments upon Australian biota and ecosystems, the management of natural systems and wildlife, and factors affecting the distribution and abundance of species.
Degrees
- Bachelor of Biotechnology
- Bachelor of Biotechnology (Honours)
- Bachelor of Coastal and Marine Science
- Bachelor of Environmental Engineering (Honours) / Bachelor of Science
- Bachelor of Environmental Science and Management
- Bachelor of Environmental Science and Management (Honours)
- Bachelor of Science
- Bachelor of Science (Advanced)
- Bachelor of Science (Honours)
- Graduate Certificate in Environmental and Business Management
- Graduate Certificate in Environmental Management and Sustainability
- Master of Environmental and Business Management
Biology
Studying Biology you will learn about living organisms, their life cycles and adaptations. You will use the latest tools and techniques with exposure to the discipline of biological science’s strong research focus, both in and out of the laboratory. At the University we have specialists in Animal Biology, Cell and Molecular Biology, Microbiology and Plant Biology.
Career examples
- Animal Biologist
- Biochemist
- Biologist
- Plant Scientist
Degrees
- Bachelor of Biotechnology
- Bachelor of Biotechnology (Honours)
- Bachelor of Coastal and Marine Science
- Bachelor of Environmental Science and Management
- Bachelor of Exercise and Sport Science
- Bachelor of Food Science and Human Nutrition
- Bachelor of Psychological Science
- Bachelor of Science
- Bachelor of Science (Advanced)
- Bachelor of Science (Honours)
- Master of Environmental Management and Sustainability
Biotechnology
Biotechnology harnesses the natural biochemical and genetic processes of living organisms for our own use. The products of biotechnology are all around us and impact on our daily lives more and more as we learn to make living cells perform useful and specific tasks in a predictable and controlled way. Biotechnology is used to modify human health and the human environment and is currently used in genetic engineering; health and pharmaceuticals; plant and animal agriculture; food production; fuels; and waste management. Your study will see you learn about human and animal diseases, climate change, fuel alternatives and food security.
Career examples
- Biochemist
- Forensic Biologist
- Geneticist
- Reproductive Medicine / IVF Specialist
Degrees
Chemistry
Almost everything you touch in the modern world will have a chemist’s input. Chemistry students study the manipulation of atoms and molecules for real-world applications and it plays a key role in virtually all sciences. Through studying chemistry, students help solve problems and shape the world we live in. Chemistry graduates are involved with developing new drugs, new computing devices and better energy storage materials. Specialisations are available in Chemistry of Advanced Materials, Environmental and Analytical Chemistry, and Medicinal and Organic Chemistry.
Career examples
- Environmental Chemist
- Forensic Chemist
- Geochemist
- Pharmaceutical Scientist
Degrees
- Bachelor of Chemical Engineering (Honours) / Bachelor of Science
- Bachelor of Coastal and Marine Science
- Bachelor of Environmental Science and Management
- Bachelor of Exercise and Sport Science
- Bachelor of Food Science and Human Nutrition
- Bachelor of Science
- Bachelor of Science (Advanced)
- Bachelor of Science (Honours)
Climate science
Climate scientists address the impact of and response to climate change. As a transdisciplinary problem, expertise and knowledge from many different fields are being applied to solve the climate challenges we are facing. By studying Climate Science, you will use critical and lateral thinking to examine data, find creative ideas for mitigating impact, and explore how human perspectives can influence the progress made combating this crisis.
Degrees
- Bachelor of Climate Science and Adaptation
- Bachelor of Coastal and Marine Science
- Bachelor of Development Studies
- Bachelor of Development Studies (Honours)
- Bachelor of Environmental Science and Management
- Bachelor of Environmental Science and Management (Honours)
- Bachelor of Science
- Bachelor of Science (Advanced)
- Bachelor of Science (Honours)
- Graduate Certificate in Environmental and Business Management
- Graduate Certificate in Environmental Management and Sustainability
- Master of Environmental and Business Management
- Master of Environmental Management and Sustainability
Coastal and marine science
Australia has some of the most unique and diverse coastlines and marine ecosystems in the world. When you study Coastal and Marine Science, you will learn about the interaction between humans and marine ecosystems within the approximately 16.1 million square kilometres of coastal shallows and ocean floor for which Australia is responsible. This specialisation produces graduates prepared for a range of challenges including the conservation of resources, control of pollution and management of species in these areas.
Degrees
- Bachelor of Coastal and Marine Science
- Bachelor of Environmental Science and Management
- Bachelor of Environmental Science and Management (Honours)
- Bachelor of Science
- Bachelor of Science (Advanced)
- Graduate Certificate in Environmental and Business Management
- Graduate Certificate in Environmental Management and Sustainability
- Master of Environmental and Business Management
- Master of Environmental Management and Sustainability
Data science and statistics
Data science and statistics is about describing, summarising and modelling the world around us. You’ll study statistical methodology and learn how historical data generated by real-world systems can forecast the future of these systems in industries like statistics, economics and finance, science, engineering, and quantitative social sciences.
Degrees
- Bachelor of Chemical Engineering (Honours) / Bachelor of Mathematics
- Bachelor of Civil Engineering (Honours) / Bachelor of Mathematics
- Bachelor of Computer Systems Engineering (Honours) / Bachelor of Mathematics
- Bachelor of Mathematics
- Bachelor of Mathematics (Advanced)
- Bachelor of Mathematics (Honours)
- Bachelor of Psychological Science
- Bachelor of Science
- Bachelor of Science (Advanced)
- Graduate Certificate in Data Analytics
- Graduate Certificate in Data Science
- Master of Data Science
Development studies
Development Studies is a transdisciplinary branch of science that explores issues involving urban and regional development, poverty, water security, systemic inequalities and environmental sustainability. Students explore the political and social factors that either enhance or limit development, and work on creating solutions that focus on improving living conditions for those who need it most.
Degrees
- Bachelor of Development Studies
- Bachelor of Development Studies / Bachelor of Business
- Bachelor of Development Studies / Bachelor of Communication
- Bachelor of Development Studies / Bachelor of Global Indigenous Studies
- Bachelor of Development Studies / Bachelor of Social Science
- Bachelor of Development Studies (Honours)
- Bachelor of Environmental Science and Management
- Bachelor of Science
Environmental management
Studying Environmental Management will empower you with the knowledge required to play a role in solving environmental problems. You will develop specialised management skills and the ability to determine environmental impact assessments against legislation and policy.
Degrees
- Bachelor of Coastal and Marine Science
- Bachelor of Development Studies
- Bachelor of Development Studies (Honours)
- Bachelor of Environmental Science and Management
- Bachelor of Environmental Science and Management (Honours)
- Bachelor of Science
- Bachelor of Science (Advanced)
- Bachelor of Science (Honours)
- Graduate Certificate in Environmental and Business Management
- Graduate Certificate in Environmental Management and Sustainability
- Master of Environmental and Business Management
- Master of Environmental Management and Sustainability
Exercise and sports science
Exercise Science explores the complex nature of human movement and how the body reacts to acute and chronic physical activity pursuits such as general fitness regimes, recreational activities and elite sports. With the increase of health problems due to lifestyle and inactivity and the high profile of elite sport, there is an increasing need for specialists with an understanding of the relationship between exercise and health.
Career examples
- Biomechanist
- Exercise Physiologist
- Strength and Conditioning Coach
- Sports Scientist
Degrees
Food science and human nutrition
Food Science and Human Nutrition (FSHN) is the study of the physical, biological, and chemical makeup of food and its impacts on the human body. It includes natural changes that occur in foods, the concepts underlying food processing, quality management and development, food choices and health impacts. FSHN degrees draw from many disciplines such as biology, chemistry, consumer science, and biochemistry to help you learn about the science of food from production to the consumer. Your study covers a wide range of topics, which prepare you for leading roles as a food and nutrition professional and give you a competitive edge in the job market. FSHN graduates can work in different areas in the food industry, do Honours or higher research degrees in food science.
Career examples
- Flavourist
- Food Chemist
- Food Technologist
- Research Scientist
Degrees
Geology
Geological knowledge and understanding underpins our capacity to ensure a sustainable supply and responsible use of the world’s natural resources. Through practical fieldwork, you’ll build a detailed understanding of the Earth’s rocks and minerals, environmental mapping and the use of natural resources, preparing you to work across the energy, resources and environmental sectors.
Degrees
- Bachelor of Coastal and Marine Science
- Bachelor of Environmental Science and Management
- Bachelor of Environmental Science and Management (Honours)
- Bachelor of Science
- Bachelor of Science (Advanced)
- Bachelor of Science (Honours)
- Graduate Certificate in Environmental and Business Management
- Graduate Certificate in Environmental Management and Sustainability
- Master of Environmental and Business Management
- Master of Environmental Management and Sustainability
Human and physical geography
Geography is a diverse discipline that explains the relationships between people and places in the world we live in. When you study Physical Geography, you will investigate earth and water, coastal environments, globalisation and climate change. As a human geographer, you will explore issues involving development, poverty, inequality and environmental sustainability. Together this discipline leads to new ideas and solutions to some of our most complex societal issues.
Career examples
- Development Compliance Officer
- Demographer
- Environmental Geographer
- Transport Geographer
Degrees
Hydrology and water resource management
There is no future on our planet without water. Water security, hydrology (the study of the movement, distribution and quality of water) and water resource management are at the heart of the preservation of life on Earth. Our Faculty leads a multidisciplinary approach to address these issues, with our Earth scientists, Environmental Sciences and Geographers working individually and collectively to find solutions to protecting our water sources.
Degrees
- Bachelor of Development Studies
- Bachelor of Development Studies (Honours)
- Bachelor of Environmental Science and Management
- Bachelor of Environmental Science and Management (Honours)
- Bachelor of Science
- Bachelor of Science (Honours)
- Graduate Certificate in Environmental and Business Management
- Graduate Certificate in Environmental Management and Sustainability
- Master of Environmental and Business Management
- Master of Environmental Management and Sustainability
Mathematics
Mathematics is the science and study of number, quantity, and space, either as abstract concepts as pure mathematics, or applied to other disciplines such as physics and engineering. When you study mathematics in the Faculty of Science, you will learn how mathematics underpins most technological advances that we rely on every day.
Career examples
- Data Scientist
- Logistics Officer
- Mathematical Modeller
- Investment Banker
Degrees
- Bachelor of Chemical Engineering (Honours) / Bachelor of Mathematics
- Bachelor of Civil Engineering (Honours) / Bachelor of Mathematics
- Bachelor of Computer Systems Engineering (Honours) / Bachelor of Mathematics
- Bachelor of Electrical and Electronic Engineering (Honours) / Bachelor of Mathematics
- Bachelor of Mathematics
- Bachelor of Mathematics (Advanced)
- Bachelor of Mathematics (Honours)
- Bachelor of Mechanical Engineering (Honours) / Bachelor of Mathematics
- Bachelor of Mechatronics Engineering (Honours) / Bachelor of Mathematics
- Bachelor of Science
- Bachelor of Science (Advanced)
Physics
Physics is one of the oldest natural sciences, dedicated to the study of how the universe works. Majors in this branch are concerned with the nature and properties of matter and energy. Students will learn how physics explains the fundamental mechanisms of the other sciences, underpins the technologies that are the focus of engineering, and opens up new areas of research.
Career examples
- Nanotechnologist
- Astrophysicist
- Space Scientist
- Optical Physicist
Degrees
- Bachelor of Computer Systems Engineering (Honours) / Bachelor of Science
- Bachelor of Electrical and Electronic Engineering (Honours) / Bachelor of Mathematics
- Bachelor of Electrical and Electronic Engineering (Honours) / Bachelor of Science
- Bachelor of Mathematics
- Bachelor of Mechanical Engineering (Honours) / Bachelor of Science
- Bachelor of Mechatronics Engineering (Honours) / Bachelor of Science
- Bachelor of Science
- Bachelor of Science (Advanced)
- Bachelor of Science (Honours)
Psychology
The study of Psychology is the scientific study of human behaviour. It is exciting and will help you understand yourself and others. The knowledge you gain in a Psychology degree will open your mind, make you more competitive in the job-market, and make a positive impact on the lives of others. It will help you understand why people behave the way that they do and will help save the planet by understanding the link between consumption, identity and fostering environmentally sustainable behaviours. You will participate in and help drive cutting-edge research; everything from autonomous vehicles to the impact of trauma on people, to understanding how the brain works. Research and career opportunities are as broad as your imagination.
Career examples
- Clinical Psychologist
- Market Researcher
- Neuroscientist
- Human Resources Consultant
Degrees
- Bachelor of Arts
- Bachelor of Arts / Bachelor of Innovation and Entrepreneurship
- Bachelor of Arts / Bachelor of Science
- Bachelor of Music / Bachelor of Arts
- Bachelor of Psychological Science
- Bachelor of Psychological Science (Advanced)
- Bachelor of Psychological Science (Honours)
- Bachelor of Social Science
- Bachelor of Social Science (Honours)
- Graduate Diploma in Psychological Science
- Master of Business Psychology
- Master of Clinical Psychology
- Master of Professional Psychology
STEM
The world’s most complex issues, such as climate change, natural resource management, and food and water security, need to be addressed by those with transdisciplinary skills. By studying STEM, you will learn skills in creative and innovative thinking, ethical and sustainable practice, and communication – becoming a more-than-disciplinary practitioner.
Degrees
- Bachelor of Mathematics
- Bachelor of Mathematics (Advanced)
- Bachelor of Mathematics / Bachelor of Science
- Bachelor of Mathematics (Honours)
- Bachelor of Science
- Bachelor of Science (Advanced)
- Bachelor of Science / Bachelor of Innovation and Entrepreneurship
- Bachelor of Science (Honours)
- Master of Data Science
- Master of Studies
Sustainability
Sustainability studies focuses on how to balance using and conserving natural resources. You will learn about how humans use and manage natural resources and environments, and assess the impact of implementing sustainable practices upon communities as well as natural environments.
Career examples
- Biodiversity Conservation Officer
- Environmental Officer
- Sustainability Educator
- National Park Ranger
Degrees
- Bachelor of Coastal and Marine Science
- Bachelor of Development Studies
- Bachelor of Development Studies (Honours)
- Bachelor of Environmental Science and Management
- Bachelor of Environmental Science and Management (Honours)
- Bachelor of Science
- Bachelor of Science (Advanced)
- Bachelor of Science (Honours)
- Graduate Certificate in Environmental and Business Management
- Graduate Certificate in Environmental Management and Sustainability
- Master of Environmental and Business Management
- Master of Environmental Management and Sustainability
Combined degrees
Interested in more than one area or want to keep your employment options flexible? Studying a combined degree gives you two qualifications at once, allowing you to graduate in less time than completing them separately. You may also gain a competitive edge in the employment market as employers are increasingly looking for staff with diverse skillsets.
- Bachelor of Development Studies / Bachelor of Business
- Bachelor of Development Studies / Bachelor of Communication
- Bachelor of Development Studies / Bachelor of Global Indigenous Studies
- Bachelor of Development Studies / Bachelor of Social Science
- Bachelor of Environmental Science and Management / Bachelor of Business
- Bachelor of Food Science and Human Nutrition / Bachelor of Business
- Bachelor of Mathematics / Bachelor of Computer Science
- Bachelor of Mathematics / Bachelor of Science
- Bachelor of Science / Bachelor of Innovation and Entrepreneurship
Teaching and Learning Unit
- Hollie Tose
Quality Assurance Teaching and Learning Officer - Teegan Roberston
Teaching and Learning Admin Officer - Erin Micali
Teaching and Learning Project Assistant
Enquiries
-
Faculty administration
FSCI-FTLC@newcastle.edu.au