University of Southern Queensland

What you'll study

The Bachelor of Science provides a core foundation in scientific methods, quantitative techniques and professional skills in the first year, followed by increasing specialist study in your chosen major. Typical first-year topics include introductory biology, chemistry and physics principles, mathematics and statistics for science, laboratory skills and research methods. In later years you will study discipline-specific units that may cover:

• Biological sciences: cell and molecular biology, ecology, genetics, microbiology and lab techniques.
• Chemistry: organic and inorganic chemistry, analytical techniques, spectroscopy and practical laboratory work.
• Environmental science: ecosystems and biodiversity, environmental monitoring, natural resource management and field methods.
• Physics and mathematics: classical mechanics, electromagnetism, computational methods and applied mathematics for modelling.
• Data and computing-related streams: statistics for scientists, data analysis, geospatial science (GIS) and introductory programming focused on scientific applications.
• Psychology (where available as a major): cognitive and biological bases of behaviour, research design and applied psychology topics.

The degree typically culminates in advanced capstone units such as a research project, honours stream or industry-based internship where you apply scientific techniques to a substantive investigation under supervision.

Entry requirements

Entry is available to domestic and international applicants via standard undergraduate admission pathways. Typical entry routes include secondary school completion with an appropriate ATAR or equivalent, or alternative entry for mature-age applicants and those with recognised prior learning. Specific majors may require assumed knowledge in mathematics or a science subject (for example, senior biology, chemistry or physics) — check prerequisites for your intended specialisation. All applicants whose prior education has been in a language other than English will need to meet the University’s English language proficiency standards.

Career prospects

Graduates of the Bachelor of Science go into a wide range of roles across government, industry and research. Common career paths include laboratory technician, environmental consultant or officer, conservation and land management practitioner, quality assurance and regulatory roles, data analyst or GIS officer, and scientific research assistant. With further study or professional accreditation, graduates may progress to roles in teaching, clinical laboratory science, research scientist positions, or specialised industry roles in sectors such as agriculture, mining, water resources, and environmental management.

Why study at University of Southern Queensland

The University of Southern Queensland offers flexible delivery modes to suit on-campus and distance learners, with practical laboratory experiences and fieldwork opportunities supported by regional research facilities. The university emphasises applied, career-relevant training and partnerships with local industries and government agencies, benefiting students through work-integrated learning, industry projects and placement options. Smaller cohort sizes in many science units support more personalised supervision for research projects and practical classes, while pathways exist to honours and postgraduate research for students who wish to deepen specialist expertise.