Bachelor of Science Majoring in Microbiology

3 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

University of Tasmania

Program Overview

The Bachelor of Science at the University of Tasmania is all about curiosity and discovery. It’s your chance to explore how the world works — from tiny molecules to vast ecosystems — while gaining hands-on skills you can use in real life. This degree is perfect if you love asking big questions, solving problems, and shaping a future that matters. You can tailor your study with majors like Ecology, Physics, or Sustainability, unlocking practical science skills along the way.

Curriculum Structure:

First Year:
You’ll begin with foundational science units designed to make complex ideas clear and exciting — think Foundations of Science, Data and Society, and Introduction to Ecology. Through labs and fieldwork, you’ll get practical experience observing, measuring, and testing concepts in real environments and technologies. By the end of the year, you’ll already be thinking like a scientist, confident in exploring the questions that intrigue you most.

Second Year:
Now the adventure deepens. Depending on your major, you might explore Cell and Molecular Biology, Earth and Climate Science, or Statistical Methods. You’ll tackle real-world challenges, connecting classroom theory with field trips, collaborative projects, and more advanced lab work. By this stage, you’ll be seeing how scientific research addresses everything from climate change to biological networks and physical phenomena.

Third Year:
In your final year, it’s all about applying what you’ve learned. You’ll take advanced units like Research Methods in Science, Environmental Data Analysis, or Physics in Action, and design your own investigations. You’ll communicate your findings confidently — through reports, presentations, or projects with industry partners. By graduation, you’ll be ready to step into research, policy, industry, or further study, thinking and working like a professional scientist.

Focus Areas:
Ecology, Physics, Chemistry, Earth Science, Sustainability, Zoology, Plant Science, Molecular Bioscience, Mathematics and Statistics — with plenty of flexibility to explore and combine different areas as your interests evolve.

Learning Outcomes:
You’ll leave the program able to design and run scientific investigations, analyze data critically, communicate results clearly, and apply science ethically and creatively to real-world problems.

Professional Alignment:
This degree emphasizes hands-on, ethical scientific practice. You’ll get real lab and field experience, engage in research projects, and receive mentorship from passionate researchers — all within Australia’s quality assurance frameworks that connect your learning to both industry and academia.

Reputation:
The University of Tasmania is recognised globally, ranked around #314 in the QS World University Rankings, and celebrated for its impact on climate action and sustainability. Employers know that graduates from this program are equipped to make meaningful contributions in science and beyond.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

Here’s how the Bachelor of Science at the University of Tasmania really builds career‑ready skills through hands‑on, real‑world experiences: right from first year you’re not just memorising theory — you’re trying things out, exploring real data, and testing ideas in real places. The degree is designed so your learning moves beyond lectures into laboratories, fieldwork, specialist facilities, and projects guided by research‑active scientists who are leaders in their fields. Depending on your path, you might drive real radio telescopes, analyse biological samples in industry‑linked labs, or trek into Tasmania’s remarkable environments to collect data yourself. All this practical exposure means you graduate confident not just in “knowing” science, but in doing science in professional and community settings.

Here’s a snapshot of the genuine experiential learning opportunities built into the program:

Hands‑on lab work in specialist facilities, including industry‑linked labs like the Molecular Genetics Laboratory where real projects connect you with partners such as CSIRO and the Australian Antarctic Division.
Field trips and field‑based units that take your studies out of the classroom and into diverse Tasmanian ecosystems, helping you collect and interpret real environmental data.
Access to world‑class scientific infrastructure, including UTAS’s continental‑scale array of radio telescopes for students in relevant areas to operate and explore astronomical data.
Work‑integrated learning and industry experience options woven into the degree so you can apply your skills to workplace challenges before you graduate.
Opportunities to join research projects with academic supervisors, benefiting from the same cutting‑edge research that drives the university’s science strengths.
Catalyst Program and Summer Research Scholarships, which give high‑achieving students supported, structured pathways into summer research experiences that expand skills and networks.
Proximity to “living laboratory” environments, with six distinct ecosystems minutes from campus and Tasmania’s remarkable natural diversity as your classroom for ecology, geology, and environmental science learning.

If you want a science degree that tackles doing science — learning by making, exploring, experimenting, and solving — this program is built for exactly that.

Progression & Future Opportunities

The Bachelor of Science at the University of Tasmania is more than just a degree — it’s a launchpad into a world of exciting careers. Graduates often step straight into roles where they can put real scientific thinking and hands-on skills to work. You might find yourself working as an ecologist, laboratory technician, environmental scientist, data analyst, or forensic scientist. What makes this degree stand out is its focus on clear thinking, problem-solving, and applying knowledge in real-world settings — so you can feel confident as you move into professional life.

Here’s what this could mean for you:

Support tailored to your career goals: UTAS offers dedicated career services designed for science students. From CV and interview workshops to job boards and professional placements, you’ll have plenty of support to graduate with skills that employers are really looking for.

Hands-on, real-world learning: Many science majors at UTAS include opportunities to work in labs, conduct fieldwork, get involved in research projects, or complete placements with industry and organisations. This isn’t just theory — it’s learning that connects you directly with the scientific world.

Industry connections that matter: The university partners with research and scientific bodies like the Institute for Marine and Antarctic Studies, meaning your studies are rooted in real research environments and collaborative projects.

Graduate outcomes you can count on: UTAS students are known to find meaningful work after graduation. The campus culture emphasizes practical skills and workplace readiness, helping you step confidently into your first role.

Scholarships and support to focus on success: Various scholarships, like the Tasmanian International Scholarship, and student services help ease your financial or logistical pressures so you can concentrate on learning and building your career.

Pathways for further study: Your Bachelor of Science is just the beginning. If you want to dig deeper, you can continue with an Honours year to specialise in a particular area and strengthen your research skills — perfect if you’re thinking about research roles, advanced technical positions, or higher degrees. Beyond that, there are postgraduate options, including specialised master’s degrees or research-focused pathways like a Masters by Research or PhD. These pathways let you build on your knowledge, open doors to leadership or academic careers, and really tailor your expertise to the direction you want to go.