Bachelor of Science
at Federation University Australia, Victoria.
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 Federation University Australia 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 | VTAC |
| 2023 | ATAR cutoff not published | VTAC |
| 2022 | ATAR cutoff not published | VTAC |
No verified cutoffs are available. Confirm the latest figure on the official VTAC cutoff release.
Prerequisite Year 12 subjects
Brush up on each prerequisite with our state-syllabus explainers and dot points.
What you will study
First year is a broad scientific foundation: you take introductory subjects in at least two science disciplines (biology, chemistry, physics, mathematics, computer science, geology, environment) plus a science breadth or communication subject. Most students delay locking in a major until end of first year. Second year you specialise into majors such as mathematics, physics, chemistry, ecology and environmental science, genetics, microbiology, neuroscience, statistics, computer science or earth science. Subjects become more rigorous, with weekly lab work of three to six hours and substantial problem sets. Third year features advanced major subjects, a research-methods capstone or summer research scholarship and electives. Strong students take an Honours year, which is the recommended pathway to research masters and PhDs and to roles at government science agencies, the CSIRO and major research institutes.
Example first-year subjects
- Biology of Cells and Organisms
- Foundations of Chemistry 1
- Calculus and Linear Algebra
- Physics 1
- Introduction to Computer Science
- Earth and Environmental Science
How you will be assessed
- Final exams worth 50 to 70 per cent in core science subjects
- Weekly lab reports and practical write-ups
- Problem sets in mathematics and physics
- Research-methods capstone or thesis
- Group field-work or data-analysis projects
- Mid-semester tests
- Honours research thesis (8 to 15 thousand words) for those continuing
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
- 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: https://www.qilt.edu.au/surveys/graduate-outcomes-survey-(gos). Last reviewed 2026-05-21.
After graduation
Honours is the standard pathway for research, government science and CSIRO roles. Postgrad options include the Master of Data Science, Master of Environment, Master of Public Health, Master of Teaching (Secondary), Master of Science (research) and PhD pathways through Federation's science research centres. Many graduates also enter graduate-entry medicine or dental degrees, or move into industry roles in pharmaceuticals, energy and resources, or tech.
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 ATAR cutoffs on the Federation University Australia handbook and on VTAC before applying. Page generated at https://examexplained.com.au/uni/federation/bachelor-of-science.