Study Science at the University of Sydney
Our rankings
We're ranked 49th globally for natural sciences by the 2022 QS University Rankings by Subject.
Our graduates are ranked 1st in Australia and 4th globally for employability by the 2022 QS Graduate Employability Rankings.
In response to COVID-19, the University of Sydney has reviewed the availability of courses to be delivered remotely for students commencing their studies in 2021 and 2022.
Students commencing some subject areas in this course in 2021 and 2022 are required to commence their studies in-person on campus. Remote study is not available for the following subject areas:
Applicants will be eligible for admission for these subject areas only if they are able to demonstrate they are physically present in Australia on the date specified in the offer made to them by the University.
About this course
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.
In the final year of your degree, you have two options, Advanced Coursework OR Honours:
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 either from your faculty options or from our shared pool of majors.
Honours subject areas: Only available to students who meet the eligibility criteria for the honours pathway. Minimum WAM and additional entry requirements apply.
Depends on your qualification, citizenship status
Prospective domestic students apply through the Universities Admissions Centre (UAC) for a Commonwealth supported place. Refer to the UAC website for key dates. Separate scholarship deadlines apply, visit the scholarships website for details.
For other useful information, visit our How to apply page.
Current University of Sydney students applying to transfer from one bachelor's degree to another apply directly to the University. The exact process will depend on the course you are currently in and the course to which you wish to transfer. For more information visit the Change your course page.
Current students applying to transfer from a diploma to a bachelor's degree must apply through UAC.
Refer to the UAC website . Separate Scholarship deadlines apply - visit the scholarships webpage for details.
Semester 1 (February) and Semester 2 (August)
Visit the How to apply page for detailed information on if you need to apply directly to the University or through the Universities Admissions Centre (UAC). If you are a direct applicant, when you are ready to apply select the `Apply’ button on this course page.
Current University of Sydney students applying to transfer from one bachelor's degree to another apply directly to the University. The exact process will depend on the course you are currently in and the course to which you wish to transfer. For more information visit the Change your course page.
Direct applicants:
Semester 1 - 15 January of the commencing year.
Semester 2 - 25 June of the commencing year.
We strongly encourage international applicants to apply as early as possible to allow time for visa and travel arrangements. Separate scholarship deadlines apply - visit the scholarships webpage for details.
UAC Applicants: Refer to the UAC website
Semester 1 (February) and Semester 2 (August)
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 Advanced and/or higher (depending on units of study selected), other assumed knowledge depends on majors or units of study chosen.
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.
Mathematics Advanced (Band 4) or Mathematics Extension 1 or 2 (Band E3). For details on the prerequisite, and how it applies to you, visit: Mathematics course prerequisites.
For more information about the University’s credit policy, please see the Credit for Previous Studies page.
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).
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