Bachelor of Science
Student type:
Quick facts
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Duration
Full-time 3 years -
Location
Melbourne City -
Fees
Next intake
February, July Duration
Full-time 3 years Location
Melbourne City
Overview
The Bachelor of Science is a flexible degree. There are currently four plans of study that allow you to major in biological sciences, applied chemistry, or physics. Alternatively, you can remain in the general plan which is more flexible in content.
Options:
- General Science plan (BP229P7)
- Biological Sciences plan (BP229BISC)
- Applied Chemistry plan (BP229APCH)
- Physics plan (BP229PHYS)
It is also possible to obtain a minor in biotechnology or mathematics, which is required for students wanting to pursing science teaching, but is also good to extend the depth of your knowledge. The degree allows for specialisation, generalisation and some cross-disciplinary combinations of studies.
By tailoring your degree through the elective courses, you have the flexibility to combine your major with a variety of other science courses. To obtain a minor, students need to complete four courses in that field (e.g. four courses in mathematics)
Practical experiences are fundamental to the degree, and you will get the opportunity to apply your knowledge and skills to projects. You will also have access to leading equipment to ensure you are job-ready when you graduate.
Why study science at RMIT?
- RMIT’s applied science degrees give you the freedom to shape your own path and a chance to explore a range of scientific disciplines.
- Studying with leading researchers in state-of-the-art facilities means the skills you gain can take you anywhere in the world.
- A focus on experiential learning means you will consolidate your skills and knowledge through field trips and excursions, locally and internationally.
Details
At RMIT you will go beyond the classroom and apply what you’ve learned to real-life problems. You will gain hands-on experience working in teams during field studies and excursions, locally and internationally.
Your final year includes a science project that may be linked to industry or involve community groups, allowing you to put your skills into action and make an impact before you graduate.
Depending on your major, you will have the opportunity to undertake field trips to Lakes Entrance, map the environment at Camp Jungai, or head to Far North Queensland to explore the aquatic environment at Lizard Island.
You may attend a science camp or head overseas to investigate an environmental challenge.
You will have the opportunity to work on research projects and practical activities, often undertaken in collaboration with industry.
The final year project will also give you the opportunity to develop an independent research project which can involve an industry partner.
Fiji tour project
Science at RMIT is all about hands-on experiences 'in the field'. Hear from Professor Jeff Shimeta as he talks about the importance of Science study tours such as the Self-sufficiency and Sustainability in the Remote Islands project in Fiji.
RMIT has connections far and wide - from campuses in Melbourne and Vietnam to more than 120 partner universities and industry connections across Europe, Asia and North America.
Bachelor of Science students have the ability to study at an overseas university through the Global Exchange Program. This program includes:
- Cross-campus study to RMIT’s campuses in Vietnam
- Semester exchanges to more than 120 partner institutions in more than 31 cities in three continents
- Short-term study tours and programs to Europe, Asia and the Americas
- International work experience with global companies in Europe, Asia and the USA, as part of RMIT’s International Industry Experience and Research Program (RIIERP).
The degree offers a variety of learning experiences, including laboratory and practical work, working in the field, formal lectures, and working with industry on self-directed projects.
Year 1
You will gain a solid foundation across the sciences to help you choose your specialty or your major field of study.
You will be introduced to topics like the scientific method of investigation, individual and group work, communication skills and awareness, and the importance of safety in the scientific workplace.
Year 2
As well as focusing on your specialty, you will be introduced to electives to expand your science knowledge. These might enhance your specialty or broaden your overall studies.
Year 3
You will delve deeper into your specialist area and engage in work-integrated learning courses, such as "The Professional Scientist" and a science project.
Honours
An honours year is available in any of the major study areas of applied sciences, applied chemistry, biological sciences and physics.
Choose a program structure
Choose a program structure
Program code: BP229
Career
Scientists use observation and analytical skills to research the world around us. They have strong problem-solving skills that are used to identify solutions to complex problems and communicate their findings to others.
With this broad range of transferable proficiencies and technical skills, RMIT graduates are in demand.
You may choose to enter the commercial sector, pursue a career in teaching, or opt to continue your academic career.
Your journey in science could lead you to become the next molecular gastronomist, a materials chemist, a nuclear physicist, or perhaps even the next Nobel Laureate.
Depending on your area of study and your interests, you could end up working in:
- analytical laboratories
- medical and research laboratories
- renewable energy organisations
- chemical processing plants
- educational institutions
- government organisations
- not-for-profit organisations
- environmental consultancies.
Organisations our graduates are now working with include the Australian Defence Science and Technology Group, and the Victorian Fisheries Authority
The Bachelor of Science (Applied Chemistry) is accredited by the Royal Australian Chemical Institute (RACI), and the Bachelor of Science (Physics) is accredited by the Australian Institute of Physics (AIP). On completion of the program, you may be eligible for membership of one or more of the following professional organisations:
- The Australian Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (ASBMB)
- Royal Australian Chemical Institute (RACI)
- Australian Institute of Physics (AIP)
- The Australian Society for Microbiology (ASM)
As a student, you may be eligible for student membership of a number of professional membership associations including:
- Australian Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
- Australian Science Communicators
- Australian Water Association
- Nutrition Australia
- Royal Australian Chemical Institute
- Australian Institute of Physics
Admissions
RMIT is committed to providing transparency to the admissions process. In line with this commitment, we provide you with information that will help in making informed choices about your undergraduate study options. Find out more about RMIT’s commitment to admissions transparency.
You must meet the minimum academic entry requirements for this program. Meeting these requirements does not guarantee you entry due to the competitive nature of this program. Overseas qualifications will be assessed for Australian equivalence.
*ATAR refers to the lowest selection rank to which an offer was made (including consideration of any adjustments) for current and recent Year 12 applicants.
RMIT's selection criteria, outlined below according to your highest completed level of education, will provide you with a better understanding of the minimum admissions requirements needed for this program.
Selection criteria
This information is for applicants who are currently undertaking an Australian Year 12 or equivalent or whose highest qualification is a completed secondary education within the last two years (2017, 2018).
Selection criteria
You are required to meet the following minimum academic requirements:
- successful completion of an Australian Year 12 (or equivalent) including units 3 and 4 with a study score of at least 30 in English (EAL) or at least 25 in English other than EAL and units 3 and 4 with a study score of at least 20 in one of Mathematical Methods or Specialist Mathematics
You may be eligible for adjustment factors which will be applied to your selection rank. You can find more information under the heading 'Adjustment factors'.
ATAR profile
View the ATAR profile and selection rank from students offered a place into this program wholly or partly on the basis of ATAR in 2019.
This information is for applicants who have completed an accredited award at an Australian Registered Training Organisation.
Selection criteria
You are required to meet the following minimum academic requirements:
- successful completion of an Australian certificate IV or above (or equivalent)
- demonstrated proficiency equivalent to Year 12 subject prerequisites of units 3 and 4 with a study score of at least 30 in English (EAL) or at least 25 in English other than EAL and units 3 and 4 with a study score of at least 20 in one of Mathematical Methods or Specialist Mathematics
You may satisfy the required academic requirements by completing the STAT multiple choice. You can find more information under the heading 'Additional information'.
You may be eligible for adjustment factors which will be applied to your selection rank. You can find more information under the heading 'Adjustment factors'.
This information is for applicants whose highest level of study since leaving secondary education is a higher education program.
Selection criteria
You are required to meet the following minimum academic requirements:
- successful completion of at least four courses (subjects) at an Australian undergraduate level (or equivalent)
- demonstrated proficiency equivalent to Year 12 subject prerequisites of units 3 and 4 with a study score of at least 30 in English (EAL) or at least 25 in English other than EAL and units 3 and 4 with a study score of at least 20 in one of Mathematical Methods or Specialist Mathematics
You may satisfy the academic requirements by completing the STAT multiple choice. You can find more information under the heading 'Additional information'.
You may be eligible for adjustment factors which will be applied to your selection rank. You can find more information under the heading 'Adjustment factors'.
This information is for applicants who left secondary school more than two years ago and who have not undertaken VET or higher education study since then.
Selection criteria
You are required to meet the following minimum academic requirements:
- successful completion of an Australian Year 12 (or equivalent) more than two years ago, including units 3 and 4 with a study score of at least 30 in English (EAL) or at least 25 in English other than EAL and units 3 and 4 with a study score of at least 20 in one of Mathematical Methods or Specialist Mathematics
You may satisfy the academic requirements by completing the STAT multiple choice. For more details see 'Additional Information' below.
Work and life experience does not provide any additional consideration for entry to this program.
You may be eligible for adjustment factors which will be applied to your selection rank. You can find more information under the heading 'Adjustment factors'.
Available only to recent Year 12 applicants
Subject adjustments
Satisfactory completion in Biology, Chemistry, Maths: Specialist Mathematics or Physics is considered. Overall maximum of 6 points.
Regional adjustments
RMIT automatically allocates adjustment factors to Year 12 applicants from a low socio-economic status area for all certificate IV, diploma, advanced diploma, associate degree and degree level programs that select primarily on ATAR. Low socio-economic status areas are determined by applying the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) Socio-Economic Index for Areas (SEIFA) Index of Education and Occupation.
School Network Access Program (SNAP)
The SNAP access scheme is designed to increase tertiary participation by giving priority access to RMIT diploma and degree programs to eligible applicants currently studying Year 12 at a SNAP partner school.
Available to all applicants
Equity access schemes
Equity access schemes take into account personal information and location, difficult circumstances, disadvantaged financial background and disability or medical condition that may have impacted on an applicant’s most recent academic performance.
Find out more about the eligibility requirements for each Special Entry Access Scheme and RMIT access categories.
If you are applying through VTAC you should apply for the Special Entry Access Scheme.
If you are applying directly to RMIT you should apply for RMIT Access. The system will prompt you to do this during your application.
Elite Athlete Program
The RMIT Elite Athlete Program supports eligible elite and emerging athletes to achieve sporting and academic excellence.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples
The Indigenous Access Program supports your application to RMIT through an informal interview process where you will receive help from the Ngarara Willim Centre. Additional consideration will be given if you have relevant life, work, education or training experience.
Special Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT)
If you are applying to RMIT as an applicant with vocational education training, higher education study or work or life experience, you may sit the STAT multiple choice if you:
- are 19 years of age or over as of 1 January in the year in which you will start your studies and
- have not been enrolled in secondary studies for at least two years and
- have no prior secondary school (Year 12), VET studies, HE studies or relevant work experience that can be considered for entry, or these do not meet the minimum academic requirements for the program
The STAT overall score will be competitively ranked for selection.
STAT results are valid for two years prior to the commencement of study and can be used to meet Year 12 English and Year 11 Mathematics prerequisites. You must meet all other program prerequisites or equivalents.
Learn more about RMIT STAT results including minimum STAT scores required to meet prerequisites.
Personal statement
If you have been excluded from a program due to academic progress you are encouraged to submit a personal statement outlining the strategies you will adopt to ensure academic success.
If you are applying to RMIT through VTAC you can complete and submit the VTAC personal statement via your online VTAC account.
If you are applying direct to RMIT you can upload your completed personal statement via your online direct application.
You must have successfully completed an Australian Year 12 or an equivalent senior secondary school qualification with a minimum average of 65% (check calculator below).
Equivalent qualifications may also include completion of the RMIT Foundation Studies program or a recognised post secondary diploma in the relevant discipline with the required grades.
Meeting the minimum academic requirements does not guarantee entry. Your application will still need to be assessed and accepted.
If you don't meet the entry requirements, there may be other RMIT programs you are eligible for that can lead you to your preferred program. Explore pathway options.
Higher Mathematics; or
VCE Units 3 and 4 in Mathematical Methods (CAS) or Specialist Mathematics, with a study score of at least 20.
To study this program you will need to complete one of the following English proficiency tests:
- IELTS (Academic): minimum overall band of 6.5 (with no individual band below 6.0)
- TOEFL (Internet Based Test - IBT): minimum overall score of 79 (with minimum of 13 in Reading, 12 in Listening, 18 in Speaking and 21 in Writing)
- Pearson Test of English (Academic) (PTE (A)): minimum score of 58 (with no communication band less than 50)
- Cambridge English: Advanced (CAE): minimum of 176 with no less than 169 in any component.
For detailed information on English language requirements and other proficiency tests recognised by RMIT, visit English language requirements and equivalency information.
Don't meet the English language test scores? Complete an English for Academic Purposes (EAP) Advanced Plus Certificate at RMIT English Worldwide.
Pathways
The Biotechnology, Applied Sciences or Biological Sciences streams of this course offer pathway options.
Recognised pathways provide opportunities for you to transfer from one RMIT course to another. Most pathways will provide credit, reducing the duration of the combined qualifications.
Use our tool to explore your study options with RMIT.
Credit and recognition of prior learning
Credit, recognition of prior learning, professional experience and accreditation from a professional body can reduce the duration of your study by acknowledging your earlier, relevant experience. Find out if you might be eligible.
Fees
2020 indicative fees
In 2020, the annual student contribution amount (tuition fee) you will pay for a standard year of full-time study is between AU$6,684 to AU$11,155*.
Additional expenses
- Student services and amenities fee (SSAF): AU$308 maximum fee for 2020.
- Other items related to your program, including field trips, textbooks and equipment.
Annual fee adjustment
Amounts quoted are indicative fees per annum, and are based on a standard year of full-time study (96 credit points). A proportionate fee applies for more or less than the full-time study load.
Fees are adjusted on an annual basis and these fees should only be used as a guide.
Defer your payment
You may be eligible to apply for a HECS-HELP loan, which can be used to defer payment of up to the full amount of your student contribution fees. You may also be eligible to apply to defer payment of your SSAF through the SA-HELP loan scheme.
Learn more about fees for undergraduate study.
All undergraduate and honours degrees have Commonwealth supported places (CSP) available. In 2020, the annual student contribution amount (tuition fee) you will pay for a standard year of full-time study is between AU$6,684 to AU$11,155.
In a CSP, your tuition fees are subsidised by the Australian Government. Your share of the fee (student contribution) is set each year by the Australian Government and is determined by the discipline areas (bands) of the courses in which you enrol, not the overall program.
How much can I expect to pay for my Commonwealth supported place?
Courses (subjects) fall into one of three bands. The band determines the student contribution amount for the course.
Amounts listed in the table below are based on a standard, full-time study load (96 credit points per year) with all courses in the same band. A proportionate fee applies for more or less than the full-time study load or for enrolment in courses (subjects) from a combination of bands.
You can learn how to calculate your exact tuition fees for units from different bands at fees for Commonwealth supported students.
Maximum student contribution amount for Commonwealth supported places in 2020
Student contribution band by course (subject) |
Maximum annual student contribution amount in 2020 |
Band 1: humanities, behavioural science, social studies, clinical psychology, foreign languages, visual and performing arts, education, nursing |
$6,684 per standard year $835 per standard (12 credit point) course |
Band 2: mathematics, statistics, computing, built environment, other health, allied health, science, engineering, surveying, agriculture |
$9,527 per standard year |
|
$11,155 per standard year |
HECS-HELP Loans
The Australian Government provides financial assistance via the HECS-HELP loan scheme, which allows eligible students (such as Australian citizens or holders of an Australian permanent humanitarian visa) to defer payment of up to the full amount of their student contribution.
SA-HELP Loans
You may be eligible to apply to defer payment of the Student services and amenities fee (SSAF) through the SA-HELP loan scheme. If you use SA-HELP, the amount will be added to your accumulated HELP debt.
How does a HELP loan work?
If your HECS-HELP and/or SA-HELP loan application is successful, the Australian Government will pay RMIT, on your behalf, up to the full amount of your fees. This amount will become part of your accumulated HELP debt.
You will only start repaying your accumulated HELP debt to the Australian Government once you earn above the minimum income threshold for repayment, which is set each year by the Australian Government (this also applies if you are still studying).
The Australian Taxation Office (ATO) will calculate your compulsory repayment for the year and include this on your income tax notice.
For more information about loan repayment options see Commonwealth assistance (HELP loans) or Study Assist.
In addition to tuition fees, you will be charged an annual student services and amenities fee (SSAF), which is used to maintain and enhance services and amenities that improve your experience as an RMIT student.
The SSAF is calculated based on your enrolment load and the maximum fee for 2020 is $308.
For more information about calculating your actual SSAF see Paying SSAF.
You may also be required to purchase other items related to your program, including field trips, textbooks and equipment. These additional fees and expenses vary from program to program.
The annual tuition fee for 2020 is AU$35,520.
The total indicative tuition fee for 2020 commencement is AU$109,440.
In addition to tuition fees you also need to pay for:
- Student services and amenities fee (SSAF) in each calendar year.
- Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) - Student visa holders must have cover for the total duration of their visa.
- Some programs incur additional expenses.
You also need to account for your living expenses. Estimate the cost of living ;in Melbourne.