Bachelor of Science
at The Australian National University, Australian Capital Territory.
A foundational science degree with majors in biology, chemistry, physics, mathematics, geology, computing or earth sciences. Most providers permit two majors plus a research project in third year.
ATAR cutoff history
Published cutoff data for the The Australian National University Bachelor of Science. We never invent figures; entries marked "not published" mean the university or admissions centre has not released a verified cutoff for that intake.
| Intake year | ATAR cutoff | Admissions centre |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | ATAR cutoff not published | UAC |
| 2023 | ATAR cutoff not published | UAC |
| 2022 | ATAR cutoff not published | UAC |
No verified cutoffs are available. Confirm the latest figure on the official UAC cutoff release.
Prerequisite Year 12 subjects
Brush up on each prerequisite with our state-syllabus explainers and dot points.
What you will study
The ANU Bachelor of Science is a three-year degree from the ANU College of Science. It follows the Plan structure: 48-unit major plus an optional 24-unit minor plus electives. Year one covers a science breadth core: choose three or four 1000-level units across biology (Foundations of Biology, Evolution Ecology and Genetics), chemistry (Chemistry 1, Chemical Principles), physics (Physics 1 - Foundations of Physics), mathematics (Mathematics and Applications 1) and earth sciences (The Blue Planet, Australia: an Earth System Perspective). Year two narrows to discipline core in the chosen major plus research methods. Year three runs advanced major units and a self-directed research-led project (a distinctive ANU feature - many students work in research-school labs in their third year). Available majors include Astronomy and Astrophysics (taught at the Research School of Astronomy and Astrophysics on Mt Stromlo and Siding Spring), Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Biology, Chemistry, Earth Science, Environmental and Sustainability Science, Mathematics, Physics, Plant Science, Quantitative Ecology and Theoretical Physics. ANU runs uniquely strong programs in physics, climate science, ecology and astronomy through dedicated research schools.
Example first-year subjects
- Foundations of Biology (Cells, Molecules and Genetics)
- Chemistry 1
- Physics 1 (Foundations of Physics)
- Mathematics and Applications 1
- The Blue Planet (Earth Sciences)
- Evolution, Ecology and Genetics
How you will be assessed
- Laboratory reports and pre-lab quizzes
- Mid-semester tests and final exams in maths-heavy science core units
- Problem sets in physics, mathematics and chemistry
- Field-trip reports in earth sciences, ecology and environmental units
- Oral presentations of project work in upper years
- Third-year independent research project with written report
Career outcomes
- Graduates work as laboratory scientists, environmental analysts and data scientists across industry and government.
- Many continue into Honours and PhD study, leading to research roles at CSIRO, universities and biotech firms.
- Common pathways include secondary teaching, science communication and graduate medicine programmes.
Typical first jobs
- Research assistant in ANU research schools (Physics, Astronomy, Earth Sciences, Biology)
- Graduate scientist at CSIRO Black Mountain (climate, agriculture, marine, manufacturing)
- Graduate at Geoscience Australia (Symonston) and Bureau of Meteorology
- Environmental officer at the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water
- Graduate at the Australian Antarctic Division and Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation (ANSTO)
- Science teacher (after Master of Teaching) in ACT public, Catholic and independent schools
Graduate starting salary
$60,000 - $75,000 per year
Source: https://www.qilt.edu.au/surveys/graduate-outcomes-survey-(gos). Last reviewed 2026-05-21.
After graduation
Honours (fourth year, 18,000 to 20,000 word thesis under a research-school supervisor) is the canonical ANU pathway and is famous for its quality - top science PhD students nationally are disproportionately ANU Honours graduates. The Bachelor of Philosophy (Honours) - Science (PhB Science) is the four-year research-intensive variant with mentored research from year one (the original ANU PhB). Combined bachelors include Science/Law (6 years), Science/Engineering (5 years), Science/Asia-Pacific Studies and Science/Arts. Graduate medicine progression runs through the ANU Doctor of Medicine and Surgery (MChD). Other masters include Master of Science (research and coursework), Master of Astronomy and Astrophysics (Advanced), Master of Climate Change, Master of Biological Anthropology and Master of Science Communication.
Is this the right degree for you?
You probably thrive here if
- Students with strong Year 12 Methods or Specialist Maths and one science prerequisite
- Those drawn to ANUs research-school model and the Honours pathway
- People considering academic research at the John Curtin School of Medical Research, the Research School of Physics or the Research School of Earth Sciences
- Students happy to do laboratory and field work alongside theory
- Those open to graduate medicine, PhD pathways or APS science roles
It is probably not for you if
- Students who avoid mathematics and quantitative reasoning
- Those who want a vocational degree with a guaranteed job at graduation
- Anyone uncomfortable with laboratory and field work
Careers this leads to
Australian career pathways that name this Bachelor of Science as an entry route. Each page shows uni, TAFE and apprenticeship alternatives.
Sources
Course details are summarised by ExamExplained, not copied from the university. Confirm course content and ATAR cutoffs on the The Australian National University handbook and on UAC before applying. Page generated at https://examexplained.com.au/uni/anu/bachelor-of-science.