Bachelor of Science

What will I do in this course?

The Faculty of Science has designed the general Bachelor of Science (BSc) course to allow you the choice of over 30 specialist majors in one course using one UAC choice. The extensive list of majors offered within this course encompasses all types of scientific endeavours, from the fundamental sciences of physics, chemistry, biology and mathematics in all their wonderful variety, through to psychology, life sciences, sciences of the natural environment, interdisciplinary sciences, and history and philosophy of science.

You will take at least one major in the BSc, and many students complete two. Advice is available when you enrol to help you select your individual units of study and the options appropriate to your interests, career aspirations and abilities. By the end of your course you will have specialist knowledge in one particular field as well as a broad understanding of at least three different areas of science.

You are free to take up to one third of your BSc in areas outside science, and are also encouraged to consider the possibility of spending a semester on exchange at an overseas partner university after your first year.

When you graduate from the BSc your major areas of study in science are printed on your testamur, identifying your expertise in a particular science discipline. The flexibility of the BSc course also makes it possible for you to transfer into a specialist science course after your first year in the BSc, gaining maximum credit possible.

BSc students have told us that they value their approachable and enthusiastic lecturers, the opportunity to develop communication and teamwork skills in practical classes, and the ability to choose non-science electives.

The Sydney Advantage

• over 30 areas of study in one degree using just one UAC choice
• nominate your major now or later
• have your area of expertise printed on your testamur

You can also choose from our advanced BSc courses including:

• BSc (Advanced)
• BSc (Advanced Mathematics)

Course structure

The BSc requires three years of full-time study. Part-time study is also available, although most classes are held only during the day.

If you are studying full-time, you enrol in 48 credit points of junior units of study in your first year (a typical junior semester length subject is worth six credit points). You have to complete at least 12 credit points of mathematics during your course and these are generally taken in your first year.

After completing this general first year, you begin to focus on your special areas of interest. In second year you will select 48 credit points of intermediate units. In third year, you complete your major in one or two areas of study, by taking a total of 48 credit points of senior units. Having two majors in your course is an asset when applying for jobs in a competitive job market.

If you have a Credit average during your BSc, you may be able to continue on to Honours level, which is an additional year of study and research. If you do not gain entry to the Honours year in your discipline, you might consider the Graduate Diploma in Science, which is an Honours-equivalent year.

Career Opportunities

Science graduates from the University of Sydney have distinguished themselves in many areas of endeavour. Some have won prestigious prizes and scholarships such as the Nobel Prize or the Rhodes Scholarship. Others have gone on to occupy positions in the world’s best research institutions and many have established successful careers in education, business, banking and government.

You may decide to pursue a career closely linked to your specialist field of study, particularly if you have taken an Honours year - or you may choose to consider a career in management and administration or teaching.

One reason science graduates are especially in demand is because employers recognise that the course provides graduates with adaptable skills and the ability to think creatively about difficult issues.

The course also forms an ideal base for graduate research in science or for professional coursework programs such as the University’s graduate medical and dental programs.

Career preparation advice from our scientists and graduates.

Professional Recognition

Most majors in the BSc are recognised by the relevant professional association. For example, if you major in chemistry you are eligible for graduate membership of the Royal Australian Chemical Institute (RACI).