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 2019.
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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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, the three-year Bachelor of Science 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.
You can undertake the Bachelor of Science full-time over three years or part-time over six years. To complete the Bachelor of Science 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.
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.
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.
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.
