Why Study Science at the ANU

The Australian National University's (ANU) College of Science offers you the opportunity for a sensational education in science. Any university can offer you a science degree – ANU can offer you a prestigious science degree.

The campus is a hive of activity, with world-leading scientific research.

Recently, ANU researchers in the College of Science have developed a laser beam using super-cold atoms, discovered that oil and water can be made to mix, demonstrated the quantum teleportation of a beam of laser light and are unlocking some of the secrets of the spectacular deep-sea Murray Canyons just off the Australian coast. Other ANU researchers are busy cracking mathematical problems, digitally mapping the Southern Sky and have led the world in medical research. The ANU is also home to Australia’s most powerful supercomputer, vital for research across a spectrum of disciplines.

We take teaching quality as seriously as our research with our staff committed to not just striving for excellence, but achieving excellence. As a result our students rank their experience here highly.

If you enrol in the College of Science you will benefit from exposure to world-renowned research, and study and learn from lecturers who are involved at the cutting-edge of science.

The College of Science offers many avenues for prospective students with an active interest in pursuing careers in which a scientific background will give the all-important competitive edge. Whatever your plan for your career, we offer a range of opportunities through focused degrees. These include biotechnology, medical science, psychology, photonics, resource and environmental management, forestry, global and ocean sciences, sustainability, science communication and computational science. There is also a broad range of opportunities through the Bachelor of Science, and Australia's most prestigious undergraduate science degree the Bachelor of Philosophy (Honours) degree or PhB.

A 5-day bridging course in chemistry is available for those students who have a minimal background in high school or college chemistry. The course aims to lay a good theoretical and practical foundation for first year chemistry studies (required for the Bachelor of Medical Science for example).

There are a range of scholarship opportunities on offer for you to explore and the ANU Student Exchange Program could see you in any one of 40 institutions around the world for up to a year broadening both your scientific endeavours and personal experiences.

So whether you’re planning to become a professional scientist or specialist or just wanting a solid educational base, the College of Science at the ANU has what you need. The mix between student life and learning makes the ANU an excellent location for your studies and in particular the pursuit of scientific excellence.

Distinguished Scholar Program

High achieving students commencing an undergraduate degree or part-way through an undergraduate program are welcome to apply to the ANU Distinguished Scholars program in the College of Science. This program is designed to support those students who wish to gain some research experience, including small projects outside the academic curriculum. Distinguished Scholars are assigned a member of the academic staff as a mentor to help guide and extend their experience through their undergraduate program. More information.

Summer Session Courses

A number of undergraduate courses are available for enrolment over the summer session in 2008. In brief, the courses are:

More details on these courses can be found at http://studyat.anu.edu.au/acad_orgs/195/courses/undergrad.html.