Information on this page is for Australian residents
Course not available to international students
ATAR:
Not required*
*Offers made in 2022. More about ATAR
Duration: 
3 years full time or longer for part time
Location: 
Footscray Park
Delivery mode: 
In person
Start date:
31 July 2023
Application due dates:
Direct applications are due on 23 July 2023 for our next intake which starts on 31 July 2023.
Apply

Overview

Prepare for a science career contributing solutions to today’s biggest challenges, with Bachelor of Science at Victoria University.

You’ll gain a solid foundation in science, along with valuable skills that are transferable to many different sectors.

You can specialise in one of these areas:

  • biotechnology
  • ecology and environmental management.

These specialisations are aligned with industry need and opportunity – so you'll graduate with a qualification that is well-matched with current career opportunities.

You'll have the flexibility to customise your learning based on career interests. You will enhance your chosen speciality with minor studies in areas such as statistics, cell biology/microbiology, physics, or units from other disciplines. 

This degree offers hands-on learning in modern facilities and opportunities for work placements. You can progress from this course into an honours year or other postgraduate study (subject to academic performance).

Practical learning is a key part of all studies at Victoria University. Our Bachelor of Science features hands-on work in our state-of-the-art laboratories. You’ll also undertake practical fieldwork to enhance and demonstrate your theoretical knowledge.

You’ll learn in modern laboratories with the latest equipment. Our science facilities include:

  • Shimadzu Analytical Laboratory at Werribee Campus which features state-of-the-art chemical instrumentation.
  • A supercritical nuclear magnetic resonance spectrometer at Footscray Park Campus.

These two laboratories enable complete chemical analyses to be performed, such as:

  • pesticides in waste water
  • impurity profiling in pharmaceutical products
  • structure determination
  • heavy metal analysis.

Advanced food systems research laboratories offer you resources for advanced food research, including:

  • food processing
  • shelf-life enhancement
  • microbial and enzyme technology and engineering
  • functional foods and nutraceuticals.

As part of this course, you’ll have the opportunity to undertake industry projects and placements with VU industry partners.

We have partnerships with a range of organisations that will allow you to gain professional experience and up-to-date skills. We use these partnerships to inform our courses, share resources and give you the chance to learn in a workplace setting.

Your studies will be enhanced by our partnerships, which include:

  • Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning
  • Fosters
  • Clariant
  • Modern Olives Laboratories
  • National Measurement Institute.

We also collaborate with Greater Western Water on several projects, especially in the areas of water and sustainability.

At VU you can spend part of your degree studying overseas all while gaining credits towards your course.

Immerse yourself in a new culture and learn from a new perspective, while building experiences that will help you to stand out in the competitive job market.

Need some advice?

Request a call back from one of our experienced VUHQ course advisers to get your questions answered.

Request a call back

Careers in science

Science graduates are increasingly responsible for helping find technological solutions to global issues such as the impact of climate change and the use of stem cells in medical research.

Our Bachelor of Science will ensure you develop a broad range of skills (technical and otherwise) that will make you highly sought after upon graduation.  These skills can be used to pursue roles within the sciences, or associated with the sciences, such as science editors, educators or journalists. Skills and processes learnt as part of this course (e.g. mathematics) are also transferable to a wide range of sectors. This flexibility means you can adapt your career according to your interests and experience.

This course will ensure you have a thorough knowledge of contemporary science for careers in industry, government, community or education.

Depending on your specialisation, you’ll be able to pursue a career in the following areas:

Biotechnology specialisation

  • medical and pharmaceutical research
  • forensic science
  • agriculture and aquaculture
  • the food and beverage industry
  • education.

Ecology & environmental management specialisation

  • landcare/bushcare
  • environmental planning
  • restoration ecology and land management
  • marine and freshwater ecosystem management
  • environmental education
  • botany/zoology/ecology
  • ecological and resource assessment.

Salary

Career options with this qualification are varied. See average annual salaries in Australia for various professions via Labour Market Insights:

A pathway to PhD in science

A pathway to PhD in science

Ghofran Al-nasiri was given a chance to achieve her dreams of becoming a researcher through VU’s pathways program.

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Biotechnology sector in Australia

Australia has a thriving network of more than 470 biotechnology companies (Source: Australian Government | Australian Trade and Investment Commission, Biotechnology industry capabilities).

Course structure

To attain the Bachelor of Science students will be required to complete 288 credit points, consisting of:

  • 96 credit points of First Year Core units;
  • 96 credit points of Major studies; 

AND select 96 credit points of:

  • 96 credit points of Major studies

OR: 

  • 2 x 48 credit points of two Minor studies.

First Year Core Units

Majors

Minors

We are the first Australian university to use a 'block' model of learning, where you study one unit at a time rather than juggling several at once.

Introduced in 2018, the VU Block Model has improved our student results and achievements, and has won awards for innovation and excellence. Initially for first-year students, it now applies to all students studying at our Melbourne campuses.

You'll study in short bursts, called blocks, of three 2-3 hour face-to-face teaching sessions per week.

Each block focuses on one unit (subject) and is only four weeks long, with up to four days between. Our two semesters have four blocks each, and there are optional blocks over winter and summer where you can catch up on a missed unit.

Some courses have labs and pracs too, and these are generally scheduled on the same days as teaching sessions. There are also workshops where you'll develop your study skills and prepare for your future career.

Find out more about the VU Block Model.

On successful completion of this course, students will be able to:

  1. Locate, evaluate and apply scientific information efficiently and effectively;  
  2. Identify and solve problems with intellectual independence using scientific principles in a range of situations taking into consideration social, cultural, economic and environmental factors;  
  3. Exhibit high levels of numeracy skills in the analysis and interpretation of quantitative scientific data;  
  4. Communicate effectively in spoken and written forms on a range of scientific and mathematical topics to peers, professional and community groups;  
  5. Apply an evidence-based research approach, formulate and test hypotheses in a chosen scientific discipline;  
  6. Respond with social and cultural awareness within local and global environments;  
  7. Devise and apply scientific methodology, individually and with peers, to undertake laboratory exercises, scientific research and practical investigations, employing ethical principles and practice and industry and research protocols.  

What's a unit?

A unit or 'subject' is the actual class you'll attend in the process of completing a course.

Most courses have a mixture of compulsory 'core' units that you need to take and optional elective units that you can choose to take based on your area of interest, expertise or experience.

Credits

Each unit is worth a set amount of study credits based on the amount of time you study. Generally, 1 credit is equal to 1 hour of study per week.

Fees & scholarships

Fee type for this course: Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP)

Fee type definitions

The amount you pay for your course depends on whether you’re offered a Commonwealth supported place (CSP) or a full fee-paying place.

Students who enrol in a:

In addition to your tuition fees, you may also be charged a Student Services & Amenities Fee (SSAF).

Scholarships & assistance

Apply for a scholarship to help with your study costs.

We can help with fee assistance and advice.

Admissions

Victoria University is committed to providing a transparent admissions process. Find out more about how to apply for our courses, and our commitment to admissions transparency.

Applicants for this course will need to have met the academic requirements and prerequisites for this course outlined below.

Meeting the minimum admission criteria does not guarantee entry into this course. Past academic performance may be considered.

Admission criteria

The minimum criteria for admission varies depending on your education background. If you’re not sure which criteria applies to you, use the help tool on this page or make an enquiry and we can assist.

Applicants with recent secondary education (within the last 2 years)

  • Australian Senior Secondary Certificate (e.g. VCE) or
  • an Australian or overseas equivalent or
  • an International Baccalaureate (IB).

Importance of ATAR for this course

ATAR+

We consider both ATAR and other criteria

NA

ATAR is not a consideration. We use other criteria

Admission criteria

Completion of an Australian Senior Secondary Certificate (VCE or equivalent) including Units 3 and 4: a study score of at least 25 in English (EAL) or 20 in any other English.
PLUS:
A study score of at least 20 in Mathematics (any).

Why is ATAR not applicable?

You will not need an ATAR score to meet the admission requirements for this course. Only the successful completion of your secondary school studies, and any additional prerequisites. Our courses and support programs are designed to prepare students from diverse cultures for success, regardless of their prior experience, ATAR, age, socioeconomic or educational background.

Special admission programs

Our special admission programs cover a range of access and equity schemes that allow applicants from participating schools or disadvantaged social, economic or cultural environments to receive additional consideration. These include:

Applicants with vocational education and training (VET/TAFE) study

This information is for people who have completed an accredited award at an Australian Registered Training Organisation.

Admission criteria

Completion of an Australian Advanced Diploma or Diploma (or equivalent).
OR:
Completion of the Certificate IV in Tertiary Preparation (or equivalent).
OR:
Completion of a Certificate IV in a related Science/Health discipline.

Special admission programs

Our special admission programs cover a range of access and equity schemes that allow applicants from participating schools or disadvantaged social, economic or cultural environments to receive additional consideration. These include:

Applicants with higher education study

This information is for people whose highest level of study since leaving secondary education is a higher education course.

Admission criteria

Full or partial completion of an Australian Higher Education award (or equivalent).
OR:
Completion of two units of Higher Education studies.
OR:
Completion of a bridging or enabling course eg. Foundation course or equivalent.

Special admission programs

Our special admission programs cover a range of access and equity schemes that allow applicants from participating schools or disadvantaged social, economic or cultural environments to receive additional consideration. These include:

Applicants with work & life experience

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.

Admission criteria

Five years (minimum) work/life experience in the Health Sciences or similar.
OR:
Applicants that completed an Australian Senior Secondary Certificate more than two years ago..
PLUS:
Units 3 and 4: a study score of at least 25 in English (EAL) or 20 in any other English (or equivalent).
PLUS:
A study score of at least 20 in Mathematics (any).

Special admission programs

Our special admission programs cover a range of access and equity schemes that allow applicants from participating schools or disadvantaged social, economic or cultural environments to receive additional consideration. These include:

Selection criteria assistance

Let us know which qualifications you have studied and we will help you find the admission information that most applies to you.

Which of the following qualifications have you studied, or are currently studying?

Still not sure? Make an enquiry and one of our advisors can assist.

Student profile

Take a look at a student profile to get an overview of students who have previously enrolled in this course.

Pathways & credits

There are many ways you can start your education journey at VU. Pathways offer an easy transition between courses at different levels, so that you can start with a certificate and progress right through to postgraduate study.

If you have completed any of the following course(s), you will be guaranteed a place in this course. In some cases you may receive credit for your previous study, reducing the time it takes to complete your course.

Foundations at VU JYAC

You will be guaranteed entry only.

Find out more about pathways and credits.

Use our credit calculator to find out how much credit you could get towards your course, based on your previous study.

If you have completed study with another university or institution and believe you are eligible to receive credit for skills and past study, you can apply for advanced standing.

Applications for advanced standing can be made after a discussion with your course chair or academic adviser.

Credit Calculator

Find out how much credit you could get towards your course, based on your previous study.

CALCULATE YOUR CREDIT

How to apply

Available start dates:
  • 31 July 2023

Before you apply

Before applying, you should consider whether you also want to apply for:

  • Special admission programs: Depending on your life circumstances you may be eligible for special consideration of your application.
  • Advanced standing: If you have significant experience or studies elsewhere you may be eligible for credit for some units of your course and not have to undertake them.

Find out more about applying for our courses.

Apply direct to VU

Direct applications are due on 23 July 2023 for our next intake which starts on 31 July 2023.

Apply direct to VU

Already a VU student?

If you are already a VU student, apply direct to VU using our Admissions centre to transfer into this course. Remember it’s best to be accepted into your new course before withdrawing from your current one.

After you apply

  • It’s important to check for emails from us (which may go to your spam/junk folder).
  • Complete any requests for information by the given dates, otherwise your application may not be considered

Enquire now

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Get help

At Victoria University, we aim to display accurate and complete course information online. However, we are unable to guarantee that every course change is currently displayed. You may contact the University directly on +61 3 9919 6100 to confirm the most up-to-date course fees, pathways and credit transfer, recognition of prior learning, admission and enrolment procedures, examinations and services available to our students.