Planning your BSc prior to 2019

We're making some changes to the Bachelor of Science from 2019. The information on this page is for students who started a BSc before 2019.

Degree planners

Degree planners can be found on the undergraduate subject pages. You can also talk to one of our academic advisers about how to structure your BSc, and work out which courses you need to take for your major(s). Visit the Student Hubs to find out more.

Structuring a BSc

To complete a BSc degree you need to pass courses totalling 360 points. Each course is worth 15 points and you will need to complete courses from at least three different subjects.

In doing so, you need to satisfy the requirements of either one or two majors. The following is a sample structure for a full-time student completing the programme over three years.

Year One

  • Most students enrol in eight courses for up to three different majors to discover their interests and strengths. In later years they will choose up to two subjects on which to concentrate. These will then become their major(s).

Year Two

  • You will enrol in a range of more advanced courses relating to your choice of major(s), as well as other related areas within the science schedule to add depth to your knowledge.

Year Three

  • In your third year you must complete at least 75 points (five courses) at Stage III, of which 60 points (four courses) must be in your majoring subject.
  • Each major usually has a range of core and elective courses.
  • Your degree must also include at least 30 points (two courses) from the General Education Schedule.
  • You may include 30 points (two courses) from subjects outside of the Science schedule – Arts, Business, Economics and so forth – in addition to your two General Education courses.

Majors available in the BSc prior to 2019

You can complete a BSc by majoring in one or more subjects. The BSc is flexible so it's easy to take a double major if you want to. This means that you complete the requirements for two Science subjects.

BSc majors

Available courses

Explore: Undergraduate Science courses  

Workload

Life at university can be a juggling act between study, work, social activities and family life. If you know what commitment is required for full or part-time study, you can have a strategy to fit everything into your schedule.

Enrolment

BSc enrolment

The normal and recommended full-time enrolment in your first year of study as a Bachelor of Science student is eight courses per year (120 points). As a BSc student, it is not usually necessary to take a heavier workload.

Conjoint enrolment

If you are taking a conjoint degree you will need to take 9 courses (135 points) each year to complete in the minimum time. Typically students will enrol in four courses in Semester 1 of their first year, and five in Semester 2. Taking courses in Summer School to spread the workload is a good idea.

Full-time vs part-time

To be a full-time student, a minimum of 100 points over two semesters, 50 points in any one semester, or 25 points at Summer School must be taken. Fewer points than this will classify you as a part-time student.
Being a part-time student will have implications on your student loan if you have one.

Your weekly timetable

You should expect to spend about 10 hours per week on each 15-point science course you are studying. This includes class hours and personal study time.

Lectures

Most first-year science courses involve three to four hours worth of lectures each week.

Tutorials

Some courses include tutorials (usually one hour per week).

Laboratories

These may range from one to three hours, either weekly or fortnightly.

Field Trips

A number of subjects also involve field trips. Depending on the subject (and level) these can range from a single day to a week-long trip.

Assessments

Science courses typically have some written work or tests during the semester, including lab assignments and reports, and a two or three hour examination at the end. All courses will require regular self-directed study (i.e. outside of the lab or lecture theatre).

Capstones in BSc

Often taken in the final year, a Capstone course is a student-led project providing you with an opportunity to integrate and apply your previous learning to a real-world problem in your subject area.

You’ll demonstrate your learning by engaging in an independent research project under the guidance of an academic mentor.

Typical programme for a BSc student

There are usually eight courses over Semesters One and Two. Use Summer School to take additional courses or to spread the workload.

Note: The actual number of courses at any level in any subject may vary.

Year One

  • Eight courses from four to five subjects

Year Two

  • Eight courses
  • Advance two to three subjects to Stage Two
  • Take one General Education course.

Year Three

  • Eight courses
  • Take at least five Stage Three courses, including four in your major
  • Take one General Education course
  • For a double major, take four Stage Three courses in your first major and three Stage Three courses in your second major.

Related links