Developing Your Potential

Science graduates are in demand and not just for purely scientific jobs. A science degree can be the foundation for further study towards a professional career as a research scientist; it can be the basis for specialist job skills, or it can be treated as the basis for a more general education. While you may specialise in a specific area, the same degree requirements permit in-depth study of more than one field of interest. The degree requirements also permit a portion of the degree to be selected from outside the College of Science.

From 2004, commencing undergraduate students will be required to complete at least one science major as part of their Bachelor of Science program. Continuing undergraduate students, from 2004, may apply to have a major registered on their academic transcript. Students should consult a Sub-Dean to ensure appropriate course selections are made.

Single Degree Programs

3 Year Programs:

The Bachelor of Science offers individually structured, specialised study in any of the wide range of scientific disciplines.

The Bachelor of Biotechnology degree involves the study of molecular biology, gene expression and microbiology with further specialised streams of medical, agricultural or chemical biotechnology.

The Bachelor of Computational Science degree includes mathematical modelling, analysis and numerical computation of mathematical equations, modern computing languages, programming techniques and high performance computing systems linked with a specified area of science.

The Bachelor of Medical Science degree is for students interested in how the human body works and involves the study of molecular biology, gene expression, microbiology, immunology and neuroscience.

The Bachelor of Photonics degree combines the requirements of a broadly based science degree with studies in optics, electronics, instrumentation and communication technology.

The Bachelor of Science (Psychology) degree allows students to specialise in the areas of abnormal, biological, cognitive, developmental and social psychology.

The Bachelor of Science (Resource and Environmental Management) offers students the opportunity to develop an individually structured program which best meets interests in the environmental sciences and resource management.

The Bachelor of Science (Science Communication) is a science degree which incorporates marketable communication skills.

The Bachelor of Science (Forestry) offers students a challenging education in forest science and forest resource management in Australia and abroad.

The Bachelor of Global and Ocean Sciences (Honours) is Australia's first Bachelor degree to link the study of oceans, climate, earth science and ecology. For more information, download the brochure (pdf - 158 KB).

The Bachelor of Interdisciplinary Studies (Sustainability) is a 3 year pass or 4 year direct entry Honours degree program. This program is structured around core knowledge, learning and research skills, and teamwork. It requires that you develop some knowledge of Asia-Pacific, natural and built environments, and the social sciences and humanities; it allows you to specialise in two majors relevant to sustainability, and you can progress to Honours on an agreed topic. Along the way, you’ll work with many of Australia’s leading researchers and connect with the nation’s policy-makers. For more information download the brochure (pdf - 139 KB).

The Bachelor of Psychology (Honours) is designed for those students who are seeking a four year sequence in Psychology. The degree offers concentrated study in Psychology for students who want a thorough exploration of the discipline and the opportunity for specialisation in their third year before conducting a major research project in the Honours year. It includes courses in the major substantive areas of Psychology, together with comprehensive training in the research design and data analysis techniques used in psychological science. Students are expected to maintain a high level of academic excellence in psychology courses. Note: this is a restricted entry program. Most students accepted into Honours psychology at ANU will continue to enter via other pathways, namely BSc (Psych), BSc and BArts. For more information download the brochure (pdf - 163 KB)

The Bachelor of Science (Honours) offers direct entry into advanced science courses from day one at university. Students will select from a wide range of Honurs pathway courses and, subject to maintaining academic standards, will be given Honours places in their fourth year of studies. For more information download the brochure (pdf - 139 KB).

Distinguished Scholar Program in Science

The Distinguished Scholar Program is an innovative program for outstanding science students. Admission is by invitation only to qualified and interested students. School leavers may apply for entry if they are in the top 2% in their State, or if they have a record of high achievement in science or mathematics (e.g. represented Australia in Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics, or Physics Olympiads). Students who demonstrate outstanding academic ability may also apply to join the Program at later stages in their degree. Students are encouraged to pursue an honours degree.

In consultation with the Head of the relevant Department/School, scholars select a member of the academic staff to be their mentor within the Program. The mentor will, in consultation with the scholar, plan a program tailored to the scholar's needs and interests to maximise academic potential. The mentor will also encourage and monitor the scholar's progress and development and facilitate the interaction and involvement of the scholar with the relevant Department. The program can consist of existing courses, special lecture courses, reading courses and/or special research projects from both the College and the Research Schools.

4 Year Programs:

The Bachelor of Philosophy (Honours), or PhB, or the joint degree program with the National University of Singapore (Bachelor of Philosophy (Hons) (ANU)/Bachelor of Science (Hons) (NUS)) prepares high-performing students for a research higher degree while still equipping them with the full range of academic and generic skills obtained through a BSc degree. Every student receives intensive individual attention from an academic supervisor.

If you would like to apply for either the PhB or joint ANU-NUS PhB/BSc(Hons) program, you need to list either of these PhB degrees as first preference through the University Admission Centre. You also need to submit an application form directly to the College of Science. This form (including two referee reports) is due by 30 November in the year of application, although late applications might still be considered. A quota applies and interviews and school recommendations may also be used in the selection of students. Twelve PhB scholarships ($5000 p.a.) were awarded to students new to the program in 2006. Further scholarships will be available for new students applying in 2006 for commencement in 2007. A PhB scholarship application form is not required, although prospective PhB applicants are strongly encouraged to apply separately for the other scholarships, particularly the National Undergraduate and National Achievement Scholarships offered by ANU.

Useful administrative documents for existing PhB students, their mentors and their Advanced Studies instructors are the PhB Guidelines for Students, PhB Guidelines for Mentors and PhB Guidelines for Advanced Studies Instructors.

Download the proceedings for the 2007 student-run PhB Conference here to get an idea of the kinds of research projects PhB students undertake.

Combined Degree Programs (Four Years)

For students who desire to extend their fields of study, combined programs leading to two degrees are available:

Applicants for combined programs must meet the admission requirements and prerequisites for both degrees and admission into these programs needs the approval of the faculties involved. Detailed information about combined programs is published in the Undergraduate Handbook. Interested students should discuss these programs with College advisers.

Prerequisites

For most science courses there are no formal program prerequisites and most first year science courses rely on a general rather than a specific science background.

The following courses have specific prerequisites:

* PHYS1101 Advanced Physics. There are no formally stated prerequisites but it is assumed that students have physics knowledge equivalent to a high standard in ACT Multistrand Science or NSW HSC 2-unit physics or equivalent. MATH1014 is a co-requisite and that entry level prerequisite is applicable.

For further information please contact:

College of Science:
E: science.enquiries@anu.edu.au
T: +61 2 6125 2809