Study Science at the University of Sydney
Our rankings
We're ranked 62nd globally for natural sciences by the 2021 QS University Rankings by Subject.
Our graduates are ranked 1st in Australia and 4th globally for employability by the 2020 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 Semester 1, 2021.
This course will be available to study remotely for students commencing in Semester 1, 2021. Please note that some units of study that are not essential to completing the degree may not be available to be studied remotely.
Note: The University intends to offer as many units of study as possible in a remote as well as face-to-face learning method of delivery in Semester 1, 2021 and subject to ongoing border closures and public health orders impacting attendance on campus, in Semester 2, 2021. However, some units of study and courses require students to study in-person at the relevant University of Sydney campus/es and host locations for placements and will not be available remotely.
About this course
A Bachelor of Science opens up a world of opportunity. Whether you dream of joining the forefront of research, learning how to analyse and think critically or making the planet a better place, a Bachelor of Science will give you highly sought-after skills for a huge range of careers.
At Sydney you will be taught by dedicated scientific thinkers, including members of the Australian Academy of Science, Australian Research Council Fellows and prestigious prize winners. 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.
With more than 40 science majors, programs and streams to choose from (everything from biology and chemistry to computer science and physics) plus a pool of shared majors from across the University and a flexible degree plan, this three-year degree allows you to find your own path. In your first year, you'll gain essential knowledge in the fundamental sciences. In second and third years you will specialise in your chosen stream with the option to take elective subjects from across the University.
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.
Depends on your qualification, citizenship status
Every year, we provide hundreds of scholarships, awards and prizes to students of all backgrounds and levels.
Every year, we provide hundreds of scholarships, awards and prizes to students of all backgrounds and levels.
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.
Closing dates:
Refer to the UAC website . Separate Scholarship deadlines apply - visit the scholarships webpage for details.
Semester 1 (March) 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 - 31 January of the commencing year.
Semester 2 - 30 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 (March) and Semester 2 (August)
You can undertake the Bachelor of Science full-time over three years or part-time over six years. To complete the degree you must undertake 144 credit points (cp) worth of units (ie. Subjects).
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 at least one science major, and a minor, or you may choose to complete a second major.
You can find out which units constitute a major by reading the Science Undergraduate Handbook. In your course you will also need to complete 12 cp of mathematics degree core units of study, and a minimum of 12 cp of units of study in the Open Learning Environment.
Bachelor of Science
| 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 | |
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.
For more information about the University’s credit policy, please see the Credit for Previous Studies page.
Students with a high ATAR may be invited to be a Dalyell Scholar in this course, or you may wish to undertake a double degree by choosing one of the courses below:
There are many opportunities for Bachelor of Science graduates who wish to pursue further studies either by coursework or by research, subject to admission requirements. If you maintain a credit average during your Bachelor of Science course, you may be able to continue to an honours level course, which is an additional year of study and research in a specialised area. You may also undertake postgraduate studies by coursework in one of the many coursework programs offered by the University of Sydney. Postgraduate coursework programs are great for developing your knowledge and skills in a particular area of study, and most postgraduate programs offered by the Faculty of Science are available at the graduate certificate, graduate diploma, and master's level.
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.
