Study Science at the University of Sydney
Why study with us
The University is ranked first in Australia and fifth in the world for graduate employability in the QS Graduate Employability Rankings 2020.
Find out moreWith a broad range of flexible and dynamic career options, science graduates are in high demand across many industries.
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The Bachelor of Science and Bachelor of Advanced Studies (Advanced) combined degree offers exceptional opportunities to budding scientists who relish a challenge. From lectures to independent research and in-depth problem solving, our Advanced stream will give you the skills to embark on a rewarding career or join the forefront of scientific research.
You will be taught by dedicated scientific thinkers, including members of the Australian Academy of Science, Australian Research Council Fellows and winners of prestigious prizes. You will study in world-class facilities including the multimillion-dollar Sydney Nanoscience Hub and the Charles Perkins Centre, with its focus on diabetes, obesity and cardiovascular disease.
In this course, you will take 'advanced' units of study in science which will provide you with high-level challenges, special projects and accelerated learning.
With more than 40 science majors, programs and streams to choose from, plus a pool of shared majors from across the University and a flexible degree plan, the four-year Bachelor of Science and Bachelor of Advanced Studies (Advanced) allows you to find your own path.
In your first year, you'll gain essential knowledge in the fundamental sciences with broad subjects, including mathematics, and the option to choose units outside of the sciences. In second and third years you'll specialise in your chosen area and complete a major at an 'advanced' level. Throughout the four years, you'll complete a second major and get involved in cross-disciplinary, community, professional, research or entrepreneurial project work. You'll graduate armed with the skills to embark on a huge range of careers.
You can choose your subjects from our academic schools:
You are required to choose one major from the faculty listing below and a second major or minor either from your faculty options or from our shared pool of majors and minors.
The Bachelor of Advanced Studies, taken in conjunction with a three year Bachelor of Science degree, will provide you with the opportunity to combine studies from a wider range of disciplines, undertake advanced coursework, get involved in a cross-disciplinary community, professional, research or entrepreneurial project, and complete a second major. By completing the Bachelor of Advanced Studies in combination with your Bachelor of Science degree, you will not only attain greater depth and breadth of learning but also gain invaluable experience of utilising your knowledge and skills in authentic and challenging settings.
You must meet minimum progression requirements to continue to study in the Bachelor of Science (Advanced)/Bachelor of Advanced Studies. Students must maintain a Weighted Average Mark (WAM) of 65 to continue in the stream, and a WAM of 70 to transfer into the stream. In the Advanced stream, students must complete a major containing at least 24 credit points at the Advanced level. Advanced units are either units designated “Adv” in the list of units for the major in Table A or units taken at a level higher level than the unit specified for the major in Table A.
You can undertake the Bachelor of Science/Bachelor of Advanced Studies full-time over four years or part-time over eight years. To complete the Bachelor of Science/ Bachelor of Advanced Studies you must complete a total 192 credit points (cp) worth of units of study. A typical unit of study has a value of 6cp. Full-time students normally enrol in 48 cp worth of units each year. Each student is required to complete two majors, at least one from Science Table A. The combined degree with the Bachelor of Advanced Studies incorporates either an embedded Honours program of study for those who qualify or 4x4000-level coursework and project units that deepen your knowledge of your discipline area(s), and provide further experiential opportunities such as research.
Bachelor of Science and Bachelor of Advanced Studies (Advanced)
| Year | Sem | Unit of study | |||
| 1 | 1 | Science major | Science | Mathematics | Major 2 |
| 2 | Science major | Science | Mathematics | Major 2 | |
| 2 | 1 | Science major | Elective | Open Learning Environment unit | Major 2 |
| 2 | Science major* | Elective | Open Learning Environment unit | Major 2 | |
| 3 | 1 | Science major* | Science major* | Major 2 | Major 2 |
| 2 | Science major* | Science major | Major 2 | Major 2 | |
| 4 | 1 | Advanced coursework | Advanced coursework | Project | Project |
| 2 | Advanced coursework | Advanced coursework | Project | Project | |
* An advanced unit is either a unit that is coded advanced or a third-year unit completed in place of a second-year unit.
Mathematics or HSC Mathematics Extension 1. All students undertake some study in mathematics.
Admission to this course is on the basis of the following criteria:
Admission pathways are open to domestic applicants on the basis of equity or other adjustment factors, including for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander applicants. For details, visit admission pathways.
This course has a mathematics course prerequisite. For details on the prerequisite, and how it applies to you, visit: Mathematics course prerequisites.
If you've already completed university-level or equivalent subjects, you may be able to apply for credit for previous study.
The advanced stream is only available in the Bachelor of Science/Bachelor of Advanced Studies (Advanced).
If you have a high ATAR may be invited to join the Dalyell Scholars program.
Most majors are recognised by the relevant professional association. For example, if you complete a major in chemistry you are eligible for graduate membership of the Royal Australian Chemical Institute (RACI).
We’ve reimagined the Sydney Undergraduate Experience – the way we teach and the way you’ll learn – to prepare you for a future full of possibilities.
Indicative Undergraduate Student Contribution Amount
The student contribution amount for a Commonwealth Supported Place is an indication only of the amount payable in Year 1 for a standard full time load of 48 credit points (1.0 EFTSL). The exact student contribution that you pay will depend on the calendar year in which you undertake your study in the course, and the specific units of study in which you enrol. For further information about how to calculate your specific total student contribution, please refer to the University's Tuition Fees website.
Annual review and fee increases
Importantly, student contribution amounts are subject to annual review by the University, and will increase each year of your period of study (subject to a Commonwealth specified cap), effective at the start of each calendar year.
Additional incidental costs
Please note that for some courses there are additional costs in addition to the student contribution. Some of these additional costs are significant, for example, course-specific materials, tools, protective clothing, and equipment. Please consult the University's web page for more information: https://sydney.edu.au/students/materials-and-equipment.html.
Visa/MasterCard/American Express/JCB surcharge
Please note that a surcharge of 1.53% will apply for payments made by Visa, MasterCard, American Express or JCB. The surcharge is subject to review and may change. Information about payment methods and the surcharge is set out at: http://sydney.edu.au/study/finances-fees-costs/fees-and-loans/paying-your-fees.html.
Potential for inaccuracy
Whilst every reasonable effort has been made to include correct and up to date information here, you are also advised to consult directly with the Student Centre so that they can provide you with specific and up to date information about fees.
Indicative International Tuition Fees for Undergraduate Students
The tuition fee for international undergraduate students is an indication of the fees payable in Year 1 for a standard full time load of 48 credit points (1.0 EFTSL). Depending on the calendar year in which you undertake your study, and if your study load is more or less than the 1.0 EFTSL, your tuition fee will differ from the indicative amount. For further information about how to calculate your specific total tuition fees, please refer to the University's Tuition Fees website
Annual review and fee increases
Importantly, tuition fees are subject to annual review, and will increase each year of your period of study, effective at the start of each calendar year.
Combined undergraduate degree tuition fees
For international students, for combined undergraduate degrees, a single indicative course tuition fee applies for the duration of your study in the combined degree, regardless of the units of study that are undertaken as part of your combined degree. Importantly, the single indicative course tuition fee is subject to annual review, and will increase each year of your study in the combined degree.
Additional incidental costs and health insurance
For some courses there are incidental costs additional to the tuition fees. Some of these incidental costs are significant, for example, course-specific materials, tools, protective clothing, and equipment. Further information about these costs is available from https://sydney.edu.au/students/materials-and-equipment.html. In addition to the fees indicated here for the course of study, International Students studying on an Australian Student Visa must have appropriate health insurance for the duration of their studies on a Student Visa through a government approved provider of the Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) scheme. This is a requirement of the Australian Government, unless otherwise exempted by the Government. Further information is available from https://sydney.edu.au/study/finances-fees-costs/living-costs/health-insurance.html.
Visa/MasterCard/American Express/JCB surcharge
Please note that a surcharge of 1.53% will apply for payments made by Visa, MasterCard, American Express or JCB. The surcharge is subject to review and may change. Information about payment methods and the surcharge is set out at: http://sydney.edu.au/study/finances-fees-costs/fees-and-loans/paying-your-fees.html.
Potential for inaccuracy
Whilst every reasonable effort has been made to include correct and up to date information here, you are also advised to consult directly with the Student Centre so that they can provide you with specific and up to date information about fees.
