The Bachelor of Science is a three-year program at pass level. A separate fourth-year program at Honours level (Program Code 4513) is also available for eligible applicants.

Science is the understanding of the physical universe (from sub-atomic particles and microbes through to the planet’s environment and the origin of the universe itself), and human interactions with it. Just as important is the scientific process by which this understanding is gained. In turn, Science is the foundation of the modern technologies that enhance the quality of lives and provide ever more sophisticated means of applying the scientific process. In addition, Science is crucial in control of disease, biotechnology, new sustainable energy sources, information technology, and management of precious natural resources.

Pass-level students in Science should complete their programs within three years. Honours students who are RAN midshipmen or RAAF officer cadets continue with their programs at UNSW Canberra at ADFA and complete their programs at the end of the fourth year. Army officer cadets, however, at the end of the third year transfer to the Royal Military College, Duntroon. After completing a year of military training they are commissioned as lieutenants and those who are continuing with Honours return to the Academy to complete their program.

A Bachelor of Science program will develop students’ lifetime skills including creativity, problem-solving ability, critical thinking and communication skills that will be useful not only in a scientific environment but in all professions. It will prepare students to deal with technical and management issues that will often require scientific knowledge and the intellectual and practical problem-solving skills developed through studies in physical, environmental and mathematical sciences, and information technology.

The Bachelor of Science program rules allow students to include a mix of Science courses with courses from Business, Engineering and Arts.

The following Science discipline areas are available as majors in the Bachelor of Science:

Please refer to the Recommended Double-Major Combinations in the BSc program for the discipline area combinations on offer and corresponding study plans.

The program structure should be read in conjunction with the program rules:

1. Faculty Regulations for Undergraduate Students

A student must comply with the Faculty Regulations for Undergraduate Students. In the event of a conflict, the rules for the Bachelor of Science take precedence over the Faculty Regulations for Undergraduate Students.

2. Program Rules Dictionary

“Major” means an approved combination of 48 or more units of credit in the one discipline area, with at least 18 UOC at each of Level 2 and Level 3.

“Level 1” means courses at an introductory level, normally taken at Stage 1.

“Level 2” means courses at an upper level, normally taken at Stage 2.

“Level 3” means courses at an upper level, normally taken at Stage 3.
Undergraduate courses are classified by Level e.g. Level 1 courses are usually undertaken in the first stage of a program, Level 2 in the second stage etc. In many cases the first digit of the four-digit numeric suffix of the course code indicates the level of the course e.g. ZPEM1101 is a Level 1 course whereas ZPEM3054 is a Level 3 course, usually undertaken in stage 3.

3. Program Rules

3.1 The degree of Bachelor of Science shall be conferred as a 'Pass with Distinction' when a Distinction level performance based on a weighted average mark (WAM) of at least 75% has been achieved in all courses completed.

3.2 The BSc program must include courses totalling no less than 144 UOC.

3.3 Students must select two Science discipline areas in which they will major. Each major consists of courses totalling 48 UOC with at least 36 UoC from Level 2 and 3 courses, and with at least 18 UOC at Level 3.

3.4 Students must complete two prescribed elective courses ZPEM2312 Fundamentals of Data Analysis and ZINT2100 Introduction to Cyber-security: Policy and Operations. These two courses do not count towards the students’ 96 UOC for their Science discipline area.

Exclusion: Students who complete ZPEM1301 Mathematics 1A or ZPEM1303 Engineering Mathematics 1A will be exempt from ZPEM2312.

3.5 Students are able to include courses from Business, Engineering and Arts in the program, subject to timetabling constraints and prerequisites.

3.6 Students are required to include 12 UOC of General Education courses, normally taken in the second or third year of study.
Students must select one General Education course from each of the following groups:

Group 1: ZGEN2222 Introduction to Strategic Studies, OR ZGEN2801 Strategy, Management and Leadership;

AND

Group 2: ZGEN2240 Introduction to Military Ethics, OR ZGEN2215 Law, Force and Legitimacy


3.7 No more than 48 UOC may be gained for Level I courses.

3.8 At least 96 UOC must be taken from Upper-Level courses.

For information regarding fees for UNSW programs, please refer to the following website:  UNSW Fee Website.

These regulations apply to all undergraduate degrees and are to be used in conjunction with Academic Rules and Program Information. All rules in this Handbook apply to each student who enters an undergraduate program in 2018. The rules remain applicable until the student exits their program, either by discontinuation or graduation. Students who entered a program in another year should consult the rules and regulations for that year.

Please refer to Faculty Regulations information.