Bachelor of Science

School of Arts & Sciences

Do you want to be at the forefront of global challenges? The University of Notre Dame Australia’s three-year Bachelor of Science degree has been designed to prepare you to take on the challenges facing our world today and in the future. You will gain knowledge and skills across several science areas, increase job possibilities, and build depth of learning through a specialist Science Stream aligned to your specific interests. Get in contact today to find out more about this exciting degree.

• Why study this degree?

  If you want to make a career in the field of science, this degree is a perfect choice. You will study core interdisciplinary Science courses, including experimental design, maths, biology, chemistry, and ecology. These courses provide the basis for strong skills in scientific investigation, including data collection and analysis, critical thinking, problem-solving, teamwork, and effective communication and ensure versatile graduates. These skills are highly sought after by employers and applicable to many workplaces both within and outside the field of Science.

  Building on these core Science courses, you will deepen your study of Science by selecting a Science Stream that matches your interests: Biology & Environment, Environment & Heritage, Human & Medical Science, or Multidisciplinary Science. Each Stream ensures in-depth knowledge and skill development through practical hands-on experience in the classroom, the laboratory, and the field.

  Science Streams

  • Biology & Environment
  • Environment & Heritage
  • Human & Medical Science
  • Multidisciplinary Science

  Majors

  • Archaeology
  • Biology
  • Environmental Management

  Minors

  You may incorporate greater breadth of perspective and experience by studying courses from one or more areas of secondary interest, such as Journalism, Screen Arts (formerly, Politics and International Relations, Social Justice, Business Studies or Behavioural Science.

• Program summary

  Required Core Science courses

  Eight (8) courses at introductory, intermediate and advanced levels create an interdisciplinary Science core.

  1. SCIE1001 Fundamentals of Science Research and Communication
  2. SCEI1000 Introduction to Chemistry
  3. SCIE1150 Introduction to Biological Science
  4. MATH1000 Applied Mathematics for Science
  5. ENVR2330 Australian Ecology: from Theory to Practice
  6. HLTH2270 Data Analysis and Experimental Design
  7. SCIE3350 Directed Science Research
  8. SCIE3900 Science Internship

  Plus a Science Stream

  Each Science Stream is made up of a minimum of seven (7) courses to deepen your learning. You are required to select one of the following streams:

  • Biology & Environment
  • Environment & Heritage
  • Human & Medical Science
  • Multidisciplinary Science

  Plus six (6) Elective courses – Majors

  Students can use elective courses to build a Major in Archaeology, Biology or Environmental Management, OR complete a Minor in a non-science area.

  Minors

  You may incorporate greater breadth of perspective and experience by studying courses from one or more areas of secondary interest, such as Journalism, Film & Screen Production, Politics and International Relations, Social Justice, Business Studies, Behavioural Science or Preventative Health.

  Core Curriculum

  • CORE I: Foundations of Wisdom
  • CORE II: Elective
    • Electives in philosophy and\or theology
    • Professional embedded electives that integrate studies in a profession with philosophy and\or theology
    • An option to undertake a pilgrimage embedded in the study of the philosophy and theology of pilgrimage, e.g., World Youth Day
    • An option to undertake a course that integrates philosophy & theology with community service and charity work
    • An option to undertake an elective in philosophy, theology, and the liberal arts contained within an international experience

  Full details of the Bachelor of Science program requirements are contained in the Program Requirements.

  More information regarding courses can be found at the course descriptions page.

  Please note: the availability of these courses is indicative only and may be subject to change.

• Entry requirements

  Entry requirements WA

  Academic requirements for this program are outlined below. In addition, to be eligible for admission, all applicants need to satisfy the Minimum University Admission Requirements outlined. These include those relating to minimum age and English Language Proficiency. We also consider your application more broadly – your non-academic achievements (such as any previous leadership roles, volunteering, work, church and/or community involvement) as well as personal qualities - your aspirations and interests and your capacity to complete your chosen program. See Individual Factors for further details regarding this.

  Applicants with recent Secondary Education

  • Indicative ATAR/Selection Rank* of 70

  OR

  • International Baccalaureate (IB) score of 25

  *Selection Ranks include ATAR plus Adjustment Factors.

  Applicants with Higher Education

  • Successful completion of 2 subjects at an undergraduate level or higher*

  OR

  • Successful completion of the Notre Dame Tertiary Pathway Program (TPP), or a tertiary preparation program from another institution that is deemed to be of a similar academic rigour to the Notre Dame TPP

  * Applicants who have successfully completed subjects at another University, which are relevant to the selected program of study, may be eligible for credit (Advanced Standing).

  Applicants with Vocational Education and Training (VET) study

  • Successful completion of AQF Certificate IV or higher from an accredited provider such as TAFE or a Registered Training Organisation (RTO)

  Applicants with Work and Life Experience

  Applicants who left secondary education more than two years previously and who have not undertaken VET or higher education study since may be considered for direct entry. This includes applicants who have completed Steiner, Montessori or home school curriculums. To qualify, applicants must be 20 years of age as at 1 March in the year of intake and meet one or more of the following:

  • Applicants who have completed at least two years of relevant work experience may be considered for direct entry. Applicants must provide evidence of their work experience, including duties undertaken and years of experience, and they must demonstrate that they have the academic capability to undertake undergraduate studies. The Special Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT) may be required*.

  OR

  • Completion of STAT with scores of at least 135 in the Multiple Choice section and 140 in the Written English section*.

  OR

  • Completion of two Year 12 WACE, HSC or equivalent exams, with a result equivalent to the Indicative ATAR/Selection Rank listed under Secondary Education section above.

  *STAT results must have been obtained within the last three calendar years in order to be considered (e.g. for 2024 admission, STAT results obtained in 2023, 2022 or 2021 can be considered).

• Learning outcomes

  Upon successful completion of the Bachelor of Science graduates will be able to;

  1. Articulate the methods and philosophy of Science and explain why current scientific knowledge is both contestable and testable
  2. Explain the role and relevance of Science in society
  3. Apply broad and coherent theoretical and technical knowledge with depth in one or more disciplines
  4. Synthesise and critically evaluate information from a range of sources
  5. Design scientific investigations, collect, and interpret data and draw conclusions showing creativity in problem solving
  6. Conduct investigations using practical and theoretical approaches
  7. Communicate results, information, and arguments to audiences for a range of purposes and in a variety of modes
  8. Apply current regulatory frameworks and exercise high personal and professional ethical standards; and
  9. Work independently as a reflective, self-directed learner and, where appropriate, in collaboration with others.

• Practical component

  You will be required to complete SCIE3900 Science Internship that includes an industry placement of at least 225 hours.

• Career opportunities

  Career opportunities are diverse and depend on the Science Stream you choose. Combining complementary study areas can strengthen career prospects and provide greater flexibility in your options for graduate employment. The Bachelor of Science is excellent preparation for further postgraduate study in Science and other areas such as Education and Medicine. See individual Science Streams for more career and study information.

• Real-world experience

  You will learn from our academics, who are leaders in their field. You will also be required to complete the SCIE3900 Science Internship, which includes an industry placement of at least 225 hours to enable you to gain valuable workplace experience.

• Honours

  An Honours award is available for this program. Further information can be found in the Bachelor of Science (Honours) regulations, or by contacting the School of Arts & Sciences.

• Opportunities and experiences

  At the University of Notre Dame, we believe that gaining a global perspective is an important part of your university education. We offer various opportunities for students to study abroad and become active global citizens. These opportunities include exchange programs, professional placements, study tours, and volunteer opportunities. Visit Opportunities and experiences to find out more.

• Scholarships

  Scholarships provide financial support to students while they are completing their studies. There are various scholarships available to prospective and current students, across all study levels and campuses.

  These can be funded by Notre Dame, industry, individuals and non-profit organisations, to provide financial assistance to students to support costs associated with study. This could include buying food, paying rent, transport, and household bills, raising children as single parents, being a single-income household, becoming unemployed or caring for a sick loved one.

  Please visit the Scholarships Finder to see which scholarships are available to Undergraduate students.

• Fees and costs

  This Program has the following loan scheme(s) available for eligible students:

  Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP)
  A Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP) is a place at a university where the Australian Government pays part of your fees. This part is a subsidy, not a loan, and you don’t have to pay it back. However, this subsidy does not cover the entire cost of your study. Students must pay the rest, which is called the ‘student contribution amount’.

  In a Commonwealth Supported Place, your fees are subsidised by the Australian Government. Your fees will be split into two portions:

  The Commonwealth contribution, which is the portion paid by the Australian Government.

  The student contribution, which is the portion you pay. You may choose to pay upfront or defer your student contribution with a HECS-HELP Loan. The HECS-HELP loan scheme assists eligible students with the payment of all, or part, of their tuition fees, not including additional study costs such as accommodation or textbooks. Your HECS-HELP debt will be indexed each year in line with the Consumer Price Index.

  Eligible students will be offered a CSP – you do not need to apply.

  International Full-Fee Paying
  Tuition costs depend on an international student’s study load and discipline. Fees are payable each semester at least four weeks prior to the commencement of your program.

  For indicative fees and information on how to pay, including Government loan schemes and our online calculator, visit our Fees, costs and scholarships page.

• Student profile data

  ATAR and selection rank profile

  The University of Notre Dame Australia offers clear and transparent information regarding ATAR and selection rank for domestic students beginning in Semester 1. This data includes the highest, median and lowest ranks required for admission to assist you in making informed study decisions.

  Explore our detailed overview of ATAR offers and student profiles to find the ideal degree that matches your interests and aspirations.

  View our ATAR and selection rank profile data.

• More information

  Considering your uni options?
  Our advisors provide support while choosing a program of study and completing our application process.

  If you need advice about studying at Notre Dame, the Prospective Students Office can help. Talk to one of our career advisors for a personalised advice session.

  Phone: 1800 878 916
  Email: future@nd.edu.au
  Address: 23 High St, Fremantle, WA 6160

  International students
  If you need advice about studying at Notre Dame, fill out our Make an Enquiry form, and you can book a session with one of our friendly International Student Advisors.

  Fremantle and Broome International Office
  Phone: +61 8 9433 0873
  Address: 19 Mouat St, Fremantle, WA 6160
  Postal address: PO Box 1225, Fremantle WA 6959

  Sydney and Melbourne International Office
  Phone: +61 2 8204 4229
  Address: 140 Broadway, Chippendale, NSW 2008
  Postal address: PO Box 944, Broadway NSW 2007