Developing Your Potential

Science graduates are in demand and not just for purely scientific jobs. A science degree can be the foundation for further study towards a professional career as a research scientist; it can be the basis for specialist job skills, or it can be treated as the basis for a more general education. While you may specialise in a specific area, the same degree requirements permit in-depth study of more than one field of interest. The degree requirements also permit a portion of the degree to be selected from outside the ANU College of Medicine, Biology and Environment.

From 2004, commencing undergraduate students will be required to complete at least one science major as part of their Bachelor of Science program. Continuing undergraduate students, from 2004, may apply to have a major registered on their academic transcript. Students should consult a Sub-Dean to ensure appropriate course selections are made.

Single Degree Programs

3 Year Programs:

The Bachelor of Science offers individually structured, specialised study in any of the wide range of scientific disciplines.

The Bachelor of Biotechnology degree involves the study of molecular biology, gene expression and microbiology with further streams of medical, agricultural or chemical biotechnology.

The Bachelor of Genetics degree will give students a solid grounding in all aspects of the field, including the traditional areas of Mendelian Genetics, Population Genetics, Evolutionary Genetics, and more recent developments in Molecular Genetics, Medical Genetics and Bioinformatics.

The Bachelor of Medical Science degree is for students interested in how the human body works and involves the study of molecular biology, gene expression, microbiology, immunology and neuroscience.

The Bachelor of Science (Psychology) degree allows students to specialise in the areas of abnormal, biological, cognitive, developmental and social psychology.

The Bachelor of Science (Resource and Environmental Management) offers students the opportunity to develop an individually structured program which best meets interests in the environmental sciences and resource management.

The Bachelor of Science (Science Communication) is a science degree which incorporates marketable communication skills.

The Bachelor of Science (Forestry) offers students a challenging education in forest science and forest resource management in Australia and abroad.

The Bachelor of Global and Ocean Sciences (Honours) is Australia's first Bachelor degree to link the study of oceans, climate, earth science and ecology. For more information, download the brochure(pdf - 158 KB).

The Bachelor of Interdisciplinary Studies (Sustainability) is a 3 year pass or 4 year direct entry Honours degree program. This program is structured around core knowledge, learning and research skills, and teamwork. It requires that you develop some knowledge of Asia-Pacific, natural and built environments, and the social sciences and humanities; it allows you to specialise in two majors relevant to sustainability, and you can progress to Honours on an agreed topic. Along the way, you’ll work with many of Australia’s leading researchers and connect with the nation’s policy-makers.

The Bachelor of Psychology (Honours) is designed for those students who are seeking a four year sequence in Psychology. The degree offers concentrated study in Psychology for students who want a thorough exploration of the discipline and the opportunity for specialisation in their third year before conducting a major research project in the Honours year. It includes courses in the major substantive areas of Psychology, together with comprehensive training in the research design and data analysis techniques used in psychological science. Students are expected to maintain a high level of academic excellence in psychology courses. Note: this is a restricted entry program. Most students accepted into Honours psychology at ANU will continue to enter via other pathways, namely BSc (Psych), BSc and BArts.

The Bachelor of Science (Honours) offers direct entry into advanced science courses from day one at university. Students will select from a wide range of Honours pathway courses and, subject to maintaining academic standards, will be given Honours places in their fourth year of studies.

4 Year Programs:

The Bachelor of Philosophy (Honours), or PhB, or the joint degree program with the National University of Singapore (Bachelor of Philosophy (Hons) (ANU)/Bachelor of Science (Hons) (NUS)) prepares high-performing students for a research higher degree while still equipping them with the full range of academic and generic skills obtained through a BSc degree. Every student receives intensive individual attention from an academic supervisor.

If you would like to apply for either the PhB or joint ANU-NUS PhB/BSc(Hons) program, you need to list either of these PhB degrees as first preference through the University Admission Centre. You also need to submit an application form directly to the ANU College of Medicine, Biology and Environment. This form (including two referee reports) is due by 30 November in the year of application, although late applications might still be considered. A quota applies and interviews and school recommendations may also be used in the selection of students. Prospective PhB applicants are strongly encouraged to check the ANU scholarships web page for eligibility for any available scholarships. Domestic applicants are automatically considered for the National Undergraduate and National Merit Scholarships offered by ANU.

Useful administrative documents for existing PhB students, their mentors and their Advanced Studies instructors are the PhB Guidelines for Students, PhB Guidelines for Mentors and PhB Guidelines for Advanced Studies Instructors.

Download the proceedings for the 2007 student-run PhB Conference here to get an idea of the kinds of research projects PhB students undertake.

Combined Degree Programs (Four Years)

For students who desire to extend their fields of study, combined programs leading to two degrees are available:

Applicants for combined programs must meet the admission requirements and prerequisites for both degrees and admission into these programs needs the approval of the faculties involved. Detailed information about combined programs is published in the Undergraduate Handbook. Interested students should discuss these programs with College advisers.

Prerequisites

For most science courses there are no formal program prerequisites and most first year science courses rely on a general rather than a specific science background.

Enquiries

For further information please contact the ANU College of Medicine, Biology and Environment.