Bachelor of Science
at James Cook University, Queensland.
A three-year science degree at Townsville (ranks shown) and Cairns (68.90 in 2026), with fieldwork in rainforests, mangroves, savannah and the Great Barrier Reef. No prerequisites; English, Chemistry and General Mathematics or Mathematical Methods are recommended.
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 JCU 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 | 66.60 | qtac.edu.au |
| 2025 | 66.60 | qtac.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 QTAC.
Prerequisite Year 12 subjects
No formal Year 12 subject prerequisites; assumed knowledge may still apply.
What you will study
Students start their major in first year. Townsville majors include aquaculture science and technology, bioinformatics, chemistry, data science, environmental earth science, geology, marine biology, mathematics, molecular and cell biology, physics, and zoology and ecology; Cairns offers data science, environmental earth science, and zoology and ecology. The physics major is accredited by the Australian Institute of Physics and the chemistry major by the Royal Australian Chemical Institute.
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
- Australian Institute of Physics (physics major)
- Royal Australian Chemical Institute (chemistry major)
Typical first jobs
- Graduate scientist or research assistant at universities or institutes
- Marine or environmental scientist at AIMS, CSIRO or reef-management bodies
- Environmental consultant at firms such as GHD, AECOM or ERM
- Laboratory technician in food, mining or chemical industries
- Data analyst or junior data scientist
- Aquaculture or fisheries technical officer in north Queensland
- Pathway into Master of Teaching (Secondary Science)
Graduate starting salary
$60,000 - $70,000 per year
Source: qilt.edu.au. Last reviewed 2026-05-24.
After graduation
Graduates work in environmental management, marine and fisheries science, laboratories and data roles, or continue to Honours and research degrees.
Is this the right degree for you?
You probably thrive here if
- Students who liked biology, chemistry, maths or physics in senior school
- People drawn to marine, environmental or tropical science fieldwork
- Patient lab workers and methodical problem-solvers
- Curious learners willing to delay specialisation until end of first year
- Self-starters who chase summer research and field placements
It is probably not for you if
- Students wanting a single, clear job outcome at graduation
- Those who dislike maths, lab work or final exams
- People who prefer humanities essay-driven study
- Students unwilling to consider Honours when targeting research roles
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 selection ranks on the James Cook University website and on QTAC before applying.