Associate Degree in Science | UniSC | University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland, Australia

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Associate Degree in Science

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. This program provides students with an alternative pathway to the Bachelor of Science and related programs at USC.

In this program you will:

  • Fast-track your science education and gain guaranteed entry into a degree at USC
  • Gain the necessary skills needed to solve real-life problems related to many branches in science
  • Learn core scientific principles such as biology and chemistry
  • Choose to specialise in Biology; Biotechnology; Chemistry; Ecology or Mathematics

Location

CRICOS code

064652A

Entry threshold

50.00 ATAR/Rank
ATAR/Rank

Duration

2 years 2 years Full-time or equivalent part-time Only a full-time option is available to international students on a Student visa. Online programs are not available to Student visa holders.
Full-time or equivalent part-time Only a full-time option is available to international students on a Student visa. Online programs are not available to Student visa holders.

Indicative fees

Indicative 2025 fees (A$)

A$9,668 CSP
CSP
A$28,000 / A$56,000 Annual fee / Estimated total fee
Annual fee / Estimated total fee

QTAC code

013101

Start

  • Semester 1
  • Semester 2

Start
  • Semester 1
  • Semester 2
Delivery mode
  • Blended Learning
Total courses
16
Total units
192
Duration
2 years 2 years
CRICOS code
064652A
UniSC program code
SC201
Program structure
Introductory and Developing courses (6) 72 units

LFS100 Ethical Professional Practice of Psychology
SCI102 Clinical Health Psychology and Psychopharmacology
SCI105 Cell Biology
SCI110 Biodiversity and Ecology
SCI113 Introductory Chemistry

PLUS select 1 course (12 units) from:
MTH103 Science Research Methods
MTH104 Discovering Science

Pathway courses (4) 48 units

Select 4 courses for ONE of the following pathways:

Biology

ENS221 Introduction to Applied Mathematics
ENS222 Introductory Calculus
LFS252 Plant Diversity and Ecology
LFS261 Terrestrial Vertebrate Diversity and Ecology

Biotechnology

LFS251 Molecular Biology
LFS252 Microbiology
LFS261 Biochemistry
MBT254 Molecular Biology

Chemistry

CHM202 Microbiology
CHM210 Biotechnology: Research to Product
LFS251 Organic Chemistry
CHM310 Inorganic Chemistry

Ecology

ENS213 Biochemistry
ENS221 Physical Chemistry
ENS222 Invertebrate Biology and Ecology
ENS282 Plant Diversity and Ecology

Mathematics

ANM203 Terrestrial Vertebrate Diversity and Ecology
MTH201 Coastal and Marine Ecology
MTH212 Statistics with Teeth: Understanding Ecological Data
MTH302 Calculus II and Linear Algebra

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.

Study sequences

Entry requirements

For entry into most USC undergraduate degree programs, you need to have completed a minimum level of education similar to successful completion of Australian Year 12 with good grades.

Further studies, for example, a semester or more at college or university, can also be considered for entry and may give you credit transfer towards a degree.

Some examples of upper secondary qualifications and a guide to the minimum grades that USC will consider are listed here. These are minimum requirements and do not guarantee entry. Some programs may require higher grades. Alternative qualifications may also be considered on a case by case basis.

If your qualification (grouped by country) is not listed, send the qualification transcripts with your application form to the International Office for assessment.

English language requirements

You will also need to meet the English language requirements for this program. If you do not meet the minimum requirements, you may be able to enrol in our English Language Programs to reach the required level for most of UniSC’s programs (exceptions apply to non-standard English requirement programs).

Minimum entry threshold

Applicants must meet the minimum ATAR/Rank.

Location ATAR/Rank
Sunshine Coast 50.00
Recommended prior study
English; Maths Methods or Specialist Maths; at least one science subject (preferably Chemistry)
Program requirements
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.

CSP estimate
A$9,668
Annual tuition fee (A$, 2025)
A$28,000
Estimated total tuition fee (A$, 2025)
A$56,000