Bachelor of Science

3 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

University of Notre Dame Sydney

Program Overview

Program Overview
The Bachelor of Science at the University of Notre Dame Australia is a three-year degree that helps you build strong, practical scientific skills while exploring what truly interests you. You’ll study core subjects such as chemistry, biology, mathematics, and ecology, and then choose a specialist stream to focus on. This program is perfect for students who are curious about how the world works, enjoy hands-on learning, and want a flexible foundation for future careers or postgraduate study in science.

Curriculum Structure

Year 1:
Your first year focuses on the fundamentals. You’ll study courses like Fundamentals of Science Research and Communication, Introduction to Chemistry, and Applied Mathematics for Science. These subjects build your core skills in data analysis, critical thinking, and scientific communication—skills that every scientist needs.
Year 2:
In your second year, you’ll move into more advanced study, taking subjects such as Introduction to Biological Science and Australian Ecology: from Theory to Practice. This is also when you’ll start to specialise in your chosen Science Stream and spend more time in laboratories and fieldwork, connecting what you learn in class to real-world science.
Year 3:
Your final year is all about applying your knowledge. You’ll complete advanced courses like Data Analysis and Experimental Design and Directed Science Research, along with the capstone Science Internship that includes at least 225 hours of industry placement. This experience prepares you to transition confidently into the workforce or further study.

Focus Areas
You can tailor your degree to your interests by choosing from four streams:

Biology & Environment
Environment & Heritage
Human & Medical Science
Multidisciplinary Science

Learning Outcomes
By the end of the degree, you’ll be able to:

Understand the methods and philosophy of science and explain its role in society.
Apply broad technical knowledge with depth in your chosen discipline.
Design and carry out investigations, analyse data, and draw sound conclusions.
Communicate scientific results effectively in written and oral forms.
Work independently and collaboratively while maintaining professional and ethical standards.
Reflect on your learning and continue to grow as a self-directed scientist.

Professional Alignment
While the degree doesn’t have a specific professional accreditation, it is fully recognised as an Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) Level 7 Bachelor’s qualification, ensuring its credibility for both employment and further education.

Reputation
The University of Notre Dame Australia is consistently recognised for its quality education. In the Good Universities Guide 2025, Notre Dame earned 5-star ratings for Learner Engagement, Skills Development, Full-Time Employment, and Graduate Salary—a testament to the university’s strong reputation for student satisfaction and career readiness.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

If you’re looking to gain real, hands-on scientific experience while you study, the Bachelor of Science at The University of Notre Dame Australia is an excellent choice. From your very first year, you’ll be actively involved in practical learning — whether that’s experimenting in the lab, conducting fieldwork, or working within a professional science setting. The degree is all about learning by doing: you’ll design experiments, collect and analyse data, and communicate your findings just like a real scientist. You’ll also benefit from Notre Dame’s strong research culture, access to advanced facilities, and the chance to take part in global learning experiences.

Here’s what that looks like in action:

Industry experience: You’ll complete at least 225 hours of professional placement through the Science Internship (SCIE3900) course, giving you real-world exposure and the chance to apply your skills in authentic science workplaces.
Hands-on core learning: Core courses such as Fundamentals of Science Research and Communication, Data Analysis and Experimental Design, and Directed Science Research are designed around practical, investigative learning — not just theory.
Specialised science streams: You’ll tailor your studies by choosing a Science Stream such as Biology & Environment, Environment & Heritage, Human & Medical Science, or Multidisciplinary Science. Each stream builds your practical and technical expertise in your chosen field.
Fieldwork and laboratory learning: Whether you’re studying ecology, human biology, or environmental science, you’ll have access to modern laboratories and opportunities for field-based learning — like the course Australian Ecology: From Theory to Practice, which takes you from classroom concepts to real-world application.
Global and community engagement: The program also encourages you to take your science learning beyond the classroom, with options for study abroad, overseas placements, and cross-cultural initiatives that let you apply your skills in diverse international settings.
Research culture and mentorship: With support from active research hubs such as the Institute for Health Research and the Institute for Ethics & Society, you’ll be surrounded by researchers making real scientific impact — and you’ll have the chance to get involved yourself.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Here’s how your future could take shape when you study the Bachelor of Science at the University of Notre Dame Australia.

Graduates from this program stand out for their strong grounding in scientific principles, combined with hands-on experience and skills that employers value. You could build a career as a scientist or research officer, environmental consultant, health science analyst, or laboratory technologist—among many other possibilities.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Notre Dame’s Career Planning & Resources team is here to help you every step of the way—from perfecting your résumé and practising interviews to connecting with employers and finding the right work placements.

The University has consistently received 5-star ratings in the Good Universities Guide for graduate salary and full-time employment, reflecting the real-world success of its graduates. In fact, around 91% of Notre Dame graduates find employment, with an average salary of approximately AUD 68,900 per year.

Practical experience is also built directly into your degree through the SCIE3900 Science Internship, which involves a minimum of 225 hours of industry placement. This gives you the opportunity to apply your learning in real workplaces and gain professional experience before you graduate.

You can also choose to specialise in one of four key science streams—Biology & Environment, Environment & Heritage, Human & Medical Science, or Multidisciplinary Science—allowing you to tailor your studies to your interests and future career goals.

Your qualification will be an AQF Level 7 Bachelor’s degree, recognised across Australia and internationally, ensuring long-term value for both employment and further study.

Further Academic Progression

Completing this Bachelor of Science sets you up perfectly for postgraduate study. You might continue with a Master’s degree in a specialist field, progress to Honours and research programs, or even pursue doctoral studies. Depending on your chosen stream, you could also move into related disciplines such as education or medicine, expanding your career options even further.