Bachelor of Science
at University of Canberra, 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 University of Canberra 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 UC Bachelor of Science is a three-year degree from the Faculty of Science and Technology. Year one builds a science breadth core: students choose units across Biology (Concepts in Biology, Biodiversity), Chemistry (Chemistry 1, Chemical Principles), Physics (Physics for the Life Sciences), Mathematics (Mathematics for Science), Environmental Science (Introduction to Environmental Science) and Data Science (Introduction to Data Science). Year two narrows to discipline core in the chosen major plus research methods units. Year three runs advanced major units and a research-led capstone or a work-integrated learning placement. Available majors include Applied Ecology and Conservation, Biomedical Science, Environmental Science, Forensic Studies (a UC strength linked to ACT Policing and the Australian Federal Police), Mathematics and Statistics, Computational Science and Data Analytics. UC environmental science benefits from the campus arboretum and proximity to the Brindabella Ranges. Forensic Studies students learn alongside ACT Policing forensic teams.
Example first-year subjects
- Concepts in Biology
- Chemistry 1
- Physics for the Life Sciences
- Mathematics for Science
- Introduction to Environmental Science
- Introduction to Data Science
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 and environmental units (Brindabella Ranges, Tidbinbilla)
- Oral presentations of project work in upper years
- Third-year independent research project or work-integrated learning placement
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
- Forensic officer or analyst at ACT Policing and the Australian Federal Police (AFP)
- Environmental officer at the ACT Environment, Planning and Sustainable Development Directorate
- Graduate scientist at CSIRO Black Mountain
- Graduate at Geoscience Australia (Symonston), the Bureau of Meteorology and ANSTO
- Data analyst graduate at APS digital teams and Canberra-based tech firms
- 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
Strong students continue into the one-year Bachelor of Science (Honours) with a research thesis under a Faculty of Science and Technology supervisor. Common combined degrees include Science/Education (5 years, leading directly to TQI registration as a secondary science teacher), Science/Law and Science/Business. Graduate medicine progression runs through the ANU Doctor of Medicine and Surgery pathway for top-performing graduates. Other masters include Master of Forensic Studies, Master of Data Science, Master of Environmental Science and the Master of Science Communication. Many graduates take APS scientific support roles before further study or PhD.
Is this the right degree for you?
You probably thrive here if
- Students with strong Year 12 Methods and at least one science prerequisite
- Those drawn to applied science and a hands-on research culture
- People considering forensic-science careers in policing and national security
- Students happy to do laboratory and field work alongside theory
- Those open to graduate medicine via the ANU MChD pathway 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
Sources
Course details are summarised by ExamExplained, not copied from the university. Confirm course content and ATAR cutoffs on the University of Canberra handbook and on UAC before applying. Page generated at https://examexplained.com.au/uni/canberra/bachelor-of-science.