Course information

In a rapidly changing world, there has never been a better time to expand your understanding of science and technology. UNE’s Bachelor of Scientific Studies is designed to provide you with broad scientific background to assist with future employment or to pursue further study. It is also a pathway to transition to a specialised science-based degree if you do not have an educational background in science. Our course encourages the development of critical thinking and problem-solving skills, as well as skills for communication and lifelong learning, allowing you to apply these skills to your specific field of interest.

With an adaptable skill set you will be ready to respond to the challenges and opportunities in any career.

Why study the Bachelor of Scientific Studies with UNE?

UNE’s Bachelor of Scientific Studies is a unique course that allows you to develop your theoretical understanding and laboratory experience in basic science and gain high level skills in a specialised study stream. Our course is ideal if you want to develop the knowledge required for admission to a specialised science-based degree, or you want to build on your skills in a particular discipline before commencing a specialised postgraduate course.

UNE’s course, delivered flexibly online and on campus, equips you with a solid academic foundation in the basic sciences and allows you to specialise in an area of interest to you.

Our structured study streams have been carefully tailored to each discipline to ensure that you attain the introductory applied skills and knowledge relevant to each field. Choose the direction that best suits your study plans, with streams in Agriculture, Computer Science, Exercise and Sports Science and Clinical Exercise Physiology, Health Science (Biomedical Science and Pharmacy) and Science (including Environmental Science, Geoscience and Zoology).

Start to future proof your career in the rapidly-changing world of science and technology, by honing transferrable skills in critical thinking, problem solving and communication.

What makes our course different?

If you do not have an educational background in science, for example you did not study science in high school, or you are considering changing careers, the course gives you the opportunity to:

• Gain the knowledge you need to succeed. Our Bachelor of Scientific Studies pathways are designed to give you a broad scientific background. The course allows you to design your own program of study, in consultation with academic staff, to suit your background knowledge and specific areas of interest. The program is highly flexible, allowing you to gain underpinning theoretical knowledge as well as practical laboratory experience in a range of discipline areas.

• Develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills, as well as skills in communication and lifelong learning, allowing you to apply these skills to your specific field of interest.

• Transition to one of UNE’s specialised science-based degrees after your first year of study, with advanced standing for units already completed.

• Get hands-on support. At UNE, our small class sizes allow you to interact directly with our experienced teaching staff during lectures and laboratory practical sessions in a friendly, engaging learning environment.

• Balance study with your existing commitments – our course is flexibly-delivered. Study in the way that best suits your learning needs, with intakes in all trimesters, and options to study online or on campus, full-time or part-time. If you choose to study online, some units include mandatory intensive schools on campus, which give you the opportunity to interact and engage face-to-face with your peers and academic staff, while developing essential laboratory and field skills.

• Gain practical skills that are relevant to different scientific disciplines, with access to UNE’s state-of-the-art teaching and research facilities. For example, get hands-on experience with current sports science training and testing in our clinical physiology laboratories, or be ready to adapt to changes in agricultural science by learning how smart technology is improving productivity at our innovative SMART Farms.

• We work with you to ensure that you attain the academic knowledge and skills you need, whether you are new to science and plan to pursue specialised study, or you wish to add value to your role with a university qualification. To ensure that the units that you chose best meet your needs, we strongly encourage you to consult with the Course Coordinator for advice on your planned program of study.

Course structure

To qualify for the award a candidate must pass units to the value of 144 credit points with not more than 60 credit points at 100-level; at least 36 credit points at 300-level and not more than 12 credit points at 400-level from units listed for this course.

Career outcomes

With UNE’s Bachelor of Scientific Studies, your understanding of scientific concepts, and analytical and communication skills will be of benefit in many sectors.

You could consider opportunities in a range of industries, depending on your discipline of interest. These could include roles in:

• environmental science
• agribusiness
• software design and development
• health and wellbeing
• biomedical research
• policy development.