Challenge your thinking and develop scientific knowledge and skills.
This two-year program offers the perfect pathway to university to gain new skills, switch careers or simply learn more about a science field that interests you.
- Only a full-time option is available to international students on a Student visa. Online programs are not available to Student visa holders.
- * Estimated tuition fees are based on 2025 rates. Refer to international fees for more information.
- Not all majors/minors and elective options are available at every campus. You should refer to the What Can I Study tab, and the proposed study sequence for your chosen campus and intake for further information.
This two-year program offers the perfect pathway to university to gain new skills, switch careers or simply learn more about a science field that interests you.
Fast-track your science education and gain guaranteed entry into a degree at USC. You’ll learn core scientific principles and you select an area to specialise in.
Areas you can specialise in are: animal ecology, biology, biomedical science, chemistry, public and environmental health, environmental science, health promotion, nutrition, and sustainability.
After you complete your Associate Degree, you’ll receive full credit towards a Bachelor of Science or another degree in your chosen field of study. USC also offers Associate Degrees in Business and Medical Laboratory Science.
Career opportunities
Science-related fields, refer to separate entry for Bachelor of Science.
Program structure
For students commencing 2016. All other students please refer to previous handbooks.
Introductory courses (6)
COR109 Introduction to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Education
LFS100 Communication and Thought
SCI105 Cell Biology
SCI110 Chemistry
Plus choose one (1) of the following:
MTH100 Science Research Methods
MTH102 Introduction to Mathematics
Plus choose one (1) of the following:
SET111 Mathematics Foundations
or one (1) introductory course from the Faculty of Science, Health, Education and Engineering
Elective courses (2)
Select two (2) elective courses from either faculty (Arts and Business or Science, Health, Education and Engineering).
Pathway courses
Select one (1) pathway (8 courses) from the links below, for course selection and enrolment information:
- Animal Ecology
- Biology
- Biomedical Science
- Chemistry
- Public and Environmental Health
- Environmental Science
- Health Promotion
- Nutrition
- Sustainability
Note: Not all USC courses are available on every USC campus.
Total units: 192
Recommended study sequences
- Animal Ecology pathway Study Plan - Semester 2 (mid-year) commencement
- Biology pathway Study Plan - Semester 2 (mid year) commencement
- Biomedical Science pathway Study Plan - Semester 2 (mid-year) commencement
- Chemistry pathway Study Plan - Semester 2 (mid-year) commencement
- Public and Environmental Health pathway Study Plan - Semester 2 (mid-year) commencement
- Environmental Science pathway Study Plan - Semester 2 (mid-year) commencement
- Health Promotion pathway Study Plan - Semester 2 (mid-year) commencement
- Nutrition pathway Study Plan - Semester 2 (mid-year) commencement
- Sustainability pathway Study Plan - Semester 2 (mid-year) commencement
- Animal Ecology pathway Study Plan - Semester 1 commencement
- Biology pathway Study Plan - Semester 1 commencement
- Biomedical Science pathway Study Plan - Semester 1 commencement
- Chemistry pathway Study Plan - Semester 1 commencement
- Public and Environmental Health pathway Study Plan - Semester 1 commencement
- Environmental Science pathway Study Plan - Semester 1
- Health Promotion pathway Study Plan - Semester 1 commencement
- Nutrition pathway Study Plan - Semester 1 commencement
- Sustainability pathway Study Plan - Semester 1 commencement
Program requirements and notes
Program requirements
In order to graduate you must complete the courses as listed below in the Program Structure:
- 6 required introductory courses
- 2 elective courses
- 8-course science pathway
Program notes
- MTH100 does not assume you have successfully completed Years 11-12 Mathematics B (or equivalent). MTH100 does not meet the prerequisite necessary to enrol in advanced level mathematics courses. Should you wish to proceed to 200 or 300 level mathematics courses, you would first need to successfully complete MTH100 and then MTH102 .
- MTH102 assumes you have successfully completed Years 11-12 Mathematics B (or equivalent). Note that MTH102 is a prerequisite for advanced level (200 and 300 level) mathematics courses.
- Completing this program within the specified (full-time) duration is based on studying 48 unit points per semester (normally 4 courses).
- Students must ensure that no more than 10 courses at 100 level are undertaken within this program.
- It is highly recommended that students consider enrolling in relevant enabling courses.
- Courses within this program are assessed using a variety of assessment methods including essays, seminar presentations, reports, in-class tests and examinations. Not all courses will necessarily include all methods.
- As part of your USC program, you may apply to Study Overseas to undertake courses with an overseas higher education provider. It is advisable to contact your Program Advisor to discuss timing and course issues.
- Only a full-time study option is available to international students on a Student Visa.