Challenge your thinking and develop scientific knowledge and skills.
Are you looking for a career where you can make a difference? If you are creative, enjoy solving problems, enjoy collecting and organising information, and love evaluating evidence, then a career in science is likely to suit you. 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 where you can gain the necessary skills needed to solve real-life problems related to many branches in science.
- 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 2023 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.
Are you looking for a career where you can make a difference? If you are creative, enjoy solving problems, enjoy collecting and organising information, and love evaluating evidence, then a career in science is likely to suit you. 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 where you can gain the necessary skills needed to solve real-life problems related to many branches in science.
Fast-track your science education and gain guaranteed entry into a degree at USC. This program provides students with an alternative pathway to the Bachelor of Science and related programs at USC.
The program aims to meet the needs of students who may have a limited background in science, thus during your first year you’ll learn core scientific principles such as biology and chemistry. You then have the flexibility to select an area to specialise in.
Areas you can specialise in include: Biology; Biotechnology; Chemistry; Ecology and Mathematics.
After you complete your Associate Degree, you’ll receive credit towards and direct entry into the Bachelor of Science or another degree in your chosen field of study.
Career opportunities
Depending on major chosen: research and education, industry / government.
Program structure
Introductory and Developing courses (6) 72 units
LFS100 Cell Biology
SCI102 Biodiversity and Ecology
SCI105 Introductory Chemistry
SCI110 Science Research Methods
SCI113 Discovering Science
PLUS select 1 course (12 units) from:
MTH103 Introduction to Applied Mathematics
MTH104 Introductory Calculus
Pathway courses (4) 48 units
Select 4 courses for ONE of the following pathways:
Biology
ENS221 Plant Diversity and Ecology
ENS222 Terrestrial Vertebrate Diversity and Ecology
LFS252 Molecular Biology
LFS261 Microbiology
Biotechnology
LFS251 Biochemistry
LFS252 Molecular Biology
LFS261 Microbiology
MBT254 Biotechnology: Research to Product
Chemistry
CHM202 Organic Chemistry
CHM210 Inorganic Chemistry
LFS251 Biochemistry
CHM310 Physical Chemistry
Ecology
ENS213 Invertebrate Biology and Ecology
ENS221 Plant Diversity and Ecology
ENS222 Terrestrial Vertebrate Diversity and Ecology
ENS282 Coastal and Marine Ecology
Mathematics
ANM203 Statistics with Teeth: Understanding Ecological Data
MTH201 Calculus II and Linear Algebra
MTH212 Discrete Mathematics
MTH302 Applied Mathematics
Elective courses (6) 72 units*
Select 6 elective courses from the undergraduate elective course options. Of these electives, 2 must be developing and graduate level (200/300 coded).
*Students undertaking the Mathematics pathway will substitute one of the electives for MTH103 or MTH104.
Note: Program structures are subject to change. Not all USC courses are available on every USC campus.
Total units: 192
Recommended study sequences
Program requirements and notes
Program requirements
In order to graduate you must:
- Successfully complete 192 units as outlined in the Program Structure
- Complete no more than 10 introductory level (100 coded).
Program notes
- It is highly recommended that students consider enrolling in relevant enabling courses
- Completing this program within the specified (full-time) duration is based on studying 48 unit points per semester (normally 4 courses)and following the recommended study sequence
- The unit value of all courses is 12 units unless otherwise specified
- It is each students responsibility to enrol correctly according to your course requisites, program rules and requirements and be aware of the academic calendar dates
- Courses within this program are assessed using a variety of assessment methods which may include essays, seminar presentations, reports, in-class tests and examinations
- As part of your USC program, you may apply to Study Overseas to undertake courses with an overseas higher education provider
- Only a full-time study option is available to international students on a Student Visa
- Refer to the Managing your progression page for help in understanding your program structure, reviewing your progress and planning remaining courses.