Bachelor of Science (Biochemistry and Molecular Biology) / Journalism

4 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

University of Queensland

Program Overview

The Bachelor of Science and Bachelor of Journalism at The University of Queensland offers a powerful blend of analytical scientific training and cutting‑edge media communication skills, ideal for students who want to tell important science‑informed stories with impact. Over four years you’ll develop scientific expertise across a wide range of fields while training in journalism — from reporting and storytelling to multimedia production and audience engagement — preparing you for dynamic roles in media, communication, science policy or public outreach.

Curriculum structure

Year 1:
In your first year, you’ll build a strong foundation in both scientific fundamentals and journalism basics. Science study typically begins with approved introductory science courses, while journalism units focus on the core skills of news reporting, writing, media ethics, communication theory and understanding how information flows across modern media platforms.

Year 2:
During the second year, you’ll dive deeper into your chosen science major — such as ecology, genetics, environmental science or data‑focused fields — while continuing your journalism training with media production, multimedia storytelling, field reporting and analysis units. This stage strengthens your ability to communicate complex scientific topics to diverse audiences.

Year 3:
In the third year, your science studies advance into specialised coursework relevant to your chosen major, including laboratory work, data analysis and fieldwork, alongside journalism units that develop technical skills in broadcast, digital media production, audio recording, visual story creation and ethical communications practice.

Year 4:
The final year brings both science electives or capstone options and advanced journalism practice, encouraging you to synthesise your dual expertise through real‑world projects, internships or industry placements and comprehensive storytelling work. By the end of the degree you’ll be ready to produce compelling content that bridges scientific knowledge and public understanding.

Focus areas: Scientific inquiry, research skills, analytical reasoning, environmental and life sciences, data interpretation, journalism reporting, broadcast and digital storytelling, media ethics, communication theory and audience engagement.

Learning outcomes: Graduates of this program are skilled in scientific analysis, critical thinking, evidence‑based communication, multimedia journalism production, ethical reporting, and the ability to translate scientific knowledge for public audiences, policymakers and industry partners.

Professional alignment (accreditation): UQ’s dual‑degree qualification is recognised as an AQF Level 7 bachelor’s degree for both science and journalism, giving you an academically robust grounding in both fields. While it does not lead to a specific professional licence, it equips you with accredited training sought by employers in communications, media, government, research institutions and science‑related industries.

Reputation (employability & rankings): The University of Queensland is consistently ranked among the world’s leading universities and is well respected in both scientific and media disciplines — with UQ ranked particularly highly in environmental sciences and arts/humanities — positioning you competitively for future careers with international reach.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

The Bachelor of Science and Bachelor of Journalism at UQ is designed so that you don’t just learn in lectures — you get home‑base practice in real science environments, fieldwork and authentic journalism production settings. On the journalism side, UQ’s journalism training includes professional‑grade media production facilities and units that immerse you in reporting, audio recording, camera work and multimedia content creation. On the science side, practical laboratory work, fieldwork opportunities and research experiences anchor your scientific knowledge.

You’ll also benefit from internship, placement and global learning opportunities that help you build a professional portfolio while you study:

• Journalism production practice: Through UQ’s journalism units, you gain hands‑on experience writing, recording, editing and publishing content across platforms, helping you build a strong media portfolio.
• Science laboratory and fieldwork: Depending on your science major, you’ll undertake real lab experiments, fieldwork, data modelling and research methodologies that develop practical scientific skills.
• Industry placements: UQ encourages professional experience opportunities where you can work with media outlets, research organisations or science communicators — giving you real‑world insights and networks.
• Overseas study opportunities: Like other UQ dual degrees, there are options for global study experiences that broaden your international perspective — valuable for journalists and scientists alike.
• Collaborative projects: Many units include group projects that mirror real editorial or research team environments, helping build teamwork and project management skills.
• Communication and media facilities: UQ journalism students use up‑to‑date media production equipment and support services as part of their coursework.

Facilities / experiential learning reference: Study at UQ’s Bachelor of Science and Bachelor of Journalism includes hands‑on lab work, science research projects, journalism production training and professional experience opportunities outlined by the university.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates from the Bachelor of Science and Bachelor of Journalism at UQ are exceptionally well placed for careers at the intersection of science, media and communication — roles where it matters how scientific knowledge is shared, understood and acted upon. Typical roles include science communicator, environmental journalist, multimedia reporter, science editor, podcast producer, policy communications officer, media analyst, research communicator and public information specialist.

• UQ Careers and Employability: UQ offers dedicated career services that help you prepare CVs, build portfolios, connect with media organisations and research institutions, and find internships or graduate roles aligned with your dual skill set.
• Graduate employability: UQ’s strong global reputation and practical training help graduates stand out in media, research, communication, government, NGOs and industry roles that value scientific literacy and storytelling.
• Industry partnerships: Through internship pathways and media production units, UQ connects students with professionals in journalism, digital media, science communication, research institutes and public communication teams.
• Long‑term degree value: With a combined science and journalism qualification, you bring both technical knowledge and communication expertise — a combination sought by employers in science advocacy, health communication, environmental policy, public affairs and digital media.

Further Academic Progression:
After completing the degree, you can progress into postgraduate study such as a Master of Journalism, Master of Communication, Master of Science Communication, Master of Public Policy, research degrees (MPhil or PhD) or specialised science and media research pathways, deepening either your scientific expertise or your media communication practice.