Bachelor of Science
Student type:
Quick facts
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Entry score
ATAR 71.10
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Duration
Full-time 3 years
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Location
Melbourne city campus
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Fees
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Next intake
February, July
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Entry score
IELTS 6.5
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Duration
Full-time 3 years
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Location
Melbourne city campus
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Fees
AU$32,640 (2018 annual)
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Next intake
February, July
Program brochure
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Overview
The Bachelor of Science is a flexible program allowing you to major in biology, biotechnology, chemistry, environmental science, food science or physics.
This program allows specialisation and/or generalisation and cross-disciplinary combinations of studies.
You can study an undergraduate qualification in science with a major in one of the following areas:
- biology
- biotechnology
- chemistry
- environmental science
- food science
- physics
By tailoring your program through the elective courses you have the flexibility to combine your major field of study with a variety of other science courses.
You will be studying with leading researchers and industry leaders in state-of-the-art facilities allowing you to gain skills that are readily transferable to industry.
Practical experiences are fundamental to the program and you’ll get the opportunity to apply your knowledge and skills to projects. You’ll also have access to state-of-the-art equipment to ensure you are job-ready when you graduate.
Why study science at RMIT?
- RMIT’s applied science degrees give you the flexibility and freedom to shape your own path and a chance to explore a broad range of scientific disciplines at all levels of study.
- Studying with leading researchers in state-of-the-art facilities means the skills you gain can take you anywhere in the world.
- At RMIT you’ll go beyond the classroom and apply what you’ve learned to real-life problems. You’ll gain hands-on experience working in teams during field studies and excursions, locally and internationally.
Details
At RMIT you’ll go beyond the classroom and apply what you’ve learned to real-life problems. You’ll 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 Science Project will also provide you with the opportunity to develop an independent research project which can involve an industry partner.
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 program offers a wide 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'll gain a solid foundation across the sciences to help you choose your specialty.
You'll be introduced to topics like the methodical scientific approach, individual and group work, communication skills and awareness and understanding of the importance of safety in the scientific workplace.
Year 2
As well as focusing on your specialty, you'll be introduced to electives to expand your science knowledge. These might enhance your specialty or broaden your overall studies.
Year 3
You'll delve deeper into your specialist area and engage in work-integrated learning courses (like the professional scientist and 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
| Title | Location | Duration | Plan code | CRICOS | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bachelor of Science (Applied Chemistry) | City Campus |
Six semesters full time
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Six semesters full time
|
BP229APCH | 074349C | |
| Bachelor of Science (Biological Sciences) | City Campus |
Three years full time
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Three years full time
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BP229BISC | 074352G | |
| Bachelor of Science (Applied Sciences) | City Campus |
Six semesters full time
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Six semesters full time
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BP229P7 | 056444J | |
| Bachelor of Science (Physics) | City Campus |
3 years Full Time
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3 years Full Time
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BP229PHYS | 074351J |
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 with others.
With this broad range of transferable proficiencies and technical skills, RMIT science graduates are highly sought after.
You may choose to enter the commercial sector, pursue a career in teaching, or you might opt to continue your academic career in research at a master or PhD level.
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.
There are very few organisations that do not employ science graduates. 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
This course is accredited by the following professional organisations:
- Australian Institute of Food Science and Technology (AIFST)
- Australian Institute of Physics (AIP)
- Environment Institute of Australia and New Zealand (EIANZ)
- Royal Australian Chemical Institute (RACI)
As a student, you may be eligible for student membership of number of professional membership associations including:
- Australian Biotechnology Association
- Australian Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
- Australian Institute of Environmental Health
- Australian Institute of Food Science and Technology (AIFST)
- Australian Science Communicators
- Australian Water Association
- Environment Institute of Australia and New Zealand
- Nutrition Australia
- Royal Australian Chemical Institute Australian Institute of Physics
Admissions
Successful completion of an Australian Year 12 senior secondary certificate of education or equivalent.
RMIT is committed to admissions transparency. View the 2018 ATAR distribution information for our degrees and information about how admissions work at RMIT.
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.
Entry requirements
Higher Mathematics; or
VCE Units 3 and 4 in Mathematical Methods (CAS) or Specialist Mathematics, with a study score of at least 20.
Form: Non-Year 12 applicants may submit additional information if they would like it to be considered.
- For semester 1 intake, this can be completed through the VTAC Personal Statement online.
- For semester 2 intake, this can be completed through the personal statement in the Apply Direct application.
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 (Paper based): TOEFL (Paper based): minimum score of 580 (TWE 4.5)
- TOEFL (Internet Based Test - IBT): minimum overall score of 92 (with minimum of 20 in all sections)
- Pearson Test of English (Academic) (PTE (A)): minimum score of 58 (with no communication band less than 50)
- Cambridge English: Advanced (CAE) 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 Advanced Plus Certificate at RMIT English Worldwide.
Pathways
Fees
All undergraduate and honours degrees have Commonwealth supported places (CSP) available.
In a Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP), your tuition fees are subsidised by the Australian Government. Your share of the fee (student contribution) is set each year by the government and is determined by the discipline areas (bands) of your individual enrolled courses, not the overall program.
As a CSP student, you may be eligible to apply for a HECS-HELP loan, which allows you to defer payment of up to 100% of your student contribution.
Learn more about fees for undergraduate study.
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 2018
| Student contribution band by course (subject) | Maximum annual student contribution amount in 2018 |
|---|---|
| Band 1: humanities, behavioural science, social studies, clinical psychology, foreign languages, visual and performing arts, education, nursing | $6,444 per standard year $805 per standard (12 credit point) course |
| Band 2: mathematics, statistics, computing, built environment, other health, allied health, science, engineering, surveying, agriculture | $9,185 per standard year $1,148 per standard (12 credit point) course |
Band 3: law, accounting, administration, economics, commerce, dentistry, medicine, veterinary science |
$10,754 per standard year $1,344 per standard (12 credit point) course |
HECS-HELP
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 100% of their student contribution.
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 100% 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 2018 is $298.
You may be eligible to apply to defer payment of the SSAF through the SA-HELP loan scheme. If you use SA‑HELP, the amount will be added to your accumulated HELP debt.
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 2018 is AU$32,640.
The total indicative tuition fee for 2018 commencement is AU$103,680.
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.