The Bachelor of Science from the University of Queensland is a dynamic, flexible degree where you build a solid scientific foundation with the freedom to follow your interests in an wide range of fields. Ideal for those with a passion for combining technical rigour and interdisciplinary learning, you'll gain specialist knowledge and practical experience in preparation to make a difference in the world around you.
Curriculum Structure
Year 1: In your first year, you'll take core subjects like Theory & Practice in Science, Analysis of Scientific Data, Genes, Cells and Evolution and Calculus & Linear Algebra I. The foundation units introduce scientific thought, data analysis and biological and mathematical bases, while allowing you to begin exploring majors and optional electives.
Year 2: During the second year, you’ll deepen your knowledge with intermediate courses such as Global Challenges in Biology, Cells to Organisms, and Planet Earth: The Big Picture. These units tackle real-world scientific issues and broaden your environmental and biological understanding while reinforcing analytical techniques.
Year 3: In your last year, you'll focus typically on higher-level major-related courses and elective honours-level projects or caps in the core science, building specialist skills relevant to your own area of study and on to graduate prospects or further degrees.
Focus areas: Streamable major combinations across 16 broad majors, 25 majors and 34 minors—from molecular biology and environmental sciences to computation, languages, economics and design.
Learning outcomes: Develop critical scientific thinking, technical skill in research and data methodology, interdisciplinary adaptability and the ability to apply knowledge to diverse challenges.
Professional alignment (accreditation): This AQF Level 7 qualification is recognized in Australia and internationally as scientifically literate and research-capable, with many disciplines leading the way in environmental and life sciences.
Reputation (employability league tables): UQ is ranked globally: 17th Environmental Sciences, 50th Biological Sciences, and 32nd Life Sciences and Medicine (QS World University Rankings by subject 2025).
You’ll gain practical skills from day one through a variety of labs, field experiences and industry‑linked opportunities that bring your learning to life—plus access to world-class research stations and research‑grade facilities across all years of your degree.
You’ll develop hands‑on experience using:
UQ Bachelor of Science graduates become research scientist, data analyst, environmental consultant or science policy advisor: these are due to great professional guidance and strong employability rates.
Career Services & Employability Award: UQ's Employability Award scheme particularly develops leadership, teamwork, problem-solving and cultural awareness skills highly valued by employers.
Employment statistics & salary: 81.3% of UQ undergraduate graduates were employed full-time within four months of graduating, according to the 2023 Graduate Outcomes Survey.
University–industry partnerships: UQ works significantly with industry in environmental and health research, with placements and research experience through institutes and research centres as well as UQ Ventures for entrepreneurial experience.
Accreditation value: This AQF Level 7 award is highly valued internationally and offers scientific literacy, research readiness and interdisciplinarity adaptability highly valued throughout industry.
Graduate outcomes: UQ graduates achieve full-time employment rates significantly higher than national averages, with more than 86% employer satisfaction and exceptional placement into professional and research careers.
Further Academic Progression: Once you complete your Bachelor of Science, you can choose to develop your field of interest further by pursuing UQ's one-year honours program in your area of study. There you'll work closely with researchers, conduct advanced experiments or fieldwork, present your results in a professional manner, and gain strong credentials for PhD study or research career opportunities
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