Bachelor of Science
at Deakin University, Victoria.
A three-year science degree at Burwood and Geelong Waurn Ponds (ranks shown are for Burwood; Waurn Ponds' 2026 figure was 60.30). The chemistry major is accredited by the Royal Australian Chemical Institute. VCE prerequisite is a study score of at least 20 in English other than EAL (or 25 in EAL).
Lowest selection rank
The lowest selection rank (LSR) is the lowest ATAR plus adjustment factors (equity, subject and regional bonuses) that received an offer to the Deakin Bachelor of Science for that intake. Universities publish it in their admissions student profiles. Only intakes with a published figure are listed.
| Intake | Lowest selection rank | Source |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 62.05 | delta.vtac.edu.au |
| 2025 | 62.20 | delta.vtac.edu.au |
| 2024 | 62.05 | delta.vtac.edu.au |
A lowest selection rank describes a past intake, not a guaranteed entry score. Check the current entry requirements on the official course page before you apply through VTAC.
Prerequisite Year 12 subjects
Brush up on each prerequisite with our state-syllabus explainers and dot points.
What you will study
First year builds a foundation across key scientific fields before a specialised major. Majors include animal biology, cell biology and genomics, chemistry, environmental science, food science, human biology, mathematical modelling, plant biology and science (microbiology, biology, mathematics); some are offered only at Burwood.
Placement and industry experience
Work-integrated learning is a core part of the course, with industry and community projects, fieldwork and credit-bearing placements.
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.
Professional accreditation
- Royal Australian Chemical Institute (chemistry major)
Typical first jobs
- Graduate scientist or research assistant at universities or institutes
- Environmental consultant at AECOM, GHD or ERM
- Laboratory technician in food, pharmaceutical or chemical industries
- Data analyst or junior data scientist
- Science communicator, museum educator or science journalist
- Government scientist at CSIRO, EPA, DELWP or DPI
- Pathway into Master of Teaching (Secondary Science) and high-school teaching
Graduate starting salary
$60,000 - $75,000 per year
Source: qilt.edu.au. Last reviewed 2026-05-21.
After graduation
High performers can continue to Honours or a coursework master's, then research degrees. Graduates work in laboratories, environmental management, food and health industries and government.
Is this the right degree for you?
You probably thrive here if
- Students who liked maths, biology, chemistry or physics in VCE
- Curious thinkers willing to delay specialisation until end of first year
- Patient lab workers and problem-solvers
- Students considering research, medicine or science teaching
- Self-starters who chase summer research scholarships
It is probably not for you if
- Students wanting a clear single-job outcome at graduation
- Those who dislike maths or final exams
- People who prefer humanities essay-driven study
- Students unwilling to consider Honours when targeting research roles
Sources
Course details are summarised by ExamExplained, not copied from the university. Confirm course content and selection ranks on the Deakin University website and on VTAC before applying.