Bachelor of Science
at The University of Newcastle, New South Wales.
A three-year science degree at Callaghan and Central Coast (ranks shown are for Callaghan; Central Coast's 2026 figure was 67.60). The assumed knowledge is Mathematics Standard 2. The physics major is accredited by the Australian Institute of Physics and the statistics major by the Statistical Society of Australia.
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 UoN 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 | 67.35 | uac.edu.au |
| 2024 | 57.95 | uac.edu.au |
| 2023 | 65.40 | uac.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 UAC.
Prerequisite Year 12 subjects
No formal Year 12 subject prerequisites; assumed knowledge may still apply.
What you will study
Newcastle majors are biodiversity and conservation, biological sciences, chemistry, communication, earth sciences, geography, mathematics, physics, psychology and statistics. The Central Coast campus offers biodiversity and conservation and psychology. Lab work, field trips (depending on majors) and career-ready placement opportunities are part of the degree. Honours is available as an additional year.
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)
- Statistical Society of Australia (statistics major)
Typical first jobs
- Laboratory analyst or technician in commercial or government labs
- Research assistant in university, hospital or CSIRO settings
- Environmental scientist or consultant
- Data analyst in finance, government and tech
- Quality assurance officer in food, pharma and manufacturing
- Field officer with NSW National Parks, Local Land Services and councils
Graduate starting salary
$60,000 - $75,000 per year
Source: qilt.edu.au. Last reviewed 2026-05-21.
After graduation
The physics major is accredited by the Australian Institute of Physics and the statistics major by the Statistical Society of Australia. Graduates add Honours and research degrees, take a Master of Teaching, or work in laboratory, environmental and data roles.
Is this the right degree for you?
You probably thrive here if
- Students who enjoyed Year 12 science and want laboratory work
- Those happy to do long experiments and write structured lab reports
- People considering research, medicine or postgraduate STEM
- Students with strong maths foundations who enjoy quantitative problem solving
- Those willing to switch majors after year one if a stream clicks better
It is probably not for you if
- Students who dislike laboratory work or fieldwork
- Those wanting a single clear vocational outcome from day one (consider engineering, health)
- Anyone who struggled with senior maths and chemistry foundations
Sources
Course details are summarised by ExamExplained, not copied from the university. Confirm course content and selection ranks on the University of Newcastle website and on UAC before applying.