Bachelor of Science

Flexible pathways

The new BSc offers two pathways of study: a Major and a Specialisation.

If you’d like to study science more broadly, the Major Pathway is the best choice for you. It allows you to study a particular science discipline, for example Chemistry, alongside a wider range of science subjects within the BSc and electives from other areas. In this way you can build a study plan according to your particular interests. The Major is reported in your academic transcript but not on your degree certificate. When you graduate you receive a Bachelor of Science.

If you prefer to focus on a specific discipline of science, for example Animal Behaviour, the Specialisation Pathway is your best option. In a Specialisation most of the subjects within your course are in your discipline area and you study them to an advanced level. The Specialisation is reported on your degree certificate as well as your transcript. When you graduate you receive, for example, the Bachelor of Science (Animal Behaviour).

Further options

In the BSc you can transfer from a Major to a Specialisation if you meet the entry requirements. This is an option if, for example, you begin studying a Major pathway but discover you are passionate about a particular discipline and want to pursue a Specialisation in it. Similarly it is easy to transfer from a Specialisation to a Major.

On the other hand if you know what you want to do, you can choose more challenging subjects that will lead straight into your Major or Specialisation. If you’ve got a good foundation in science before you embark on your course, you may be able to skip the introductory science subjects that are offered in first year.

Flinders also has a new BSc for High Achievers in which you work with an academic staff to develop a study plan that is tailored for your particular interests and prepares you for scientific research.

Combined degrees

Not content with providing the most flexible science degree, we also enable you to combine your science degree with other degrees to able you to complete two awards.  Common combinations are with:

• Arts
• Business
• Design and Technology Innovation
• Engineering
• Law

Flinders also offers a three-year Bachelor of Arts and Sciences that allow you to take a science major and an arts major together.

A new approach to learning

Our staff are continually developing innovative new approaches to science teaching and learning that support your preferred method of study, whether that is self-directed learning in your own time or participation in lectures and tutorials. Whatever the approach, we strive to add value to the learning process with an increased focus on working with you on science challenges, problems and projects through interactive forums with staff and other students. These forums allows you to strengthen your knowledge and skills in science, alongside your professional skills, in a way that is relevant to your future career.

Another important part of the new BSc is the availability of work placements both within Australia and internationally. Placements aim to broaden your professional and personal experience by giving you the opportunity to put your learning into practice in a real work environment. In some cases, placements can result in employment opportunities. In other cases they offer an interesting practical component to your studies. For example, in 2016 a number of science students have taken up short term placements in Singapore and Malaysia, while others have gone on field trips to Fiji and South Africa. These overseas trips are very popular and in some cases scholarship funding is available.

Career opportunities

Flinders science graduates take up a wide range of careers and are well regarded among prospective employers. Employers that offer placements attest to the value that Flinders students have in their organisations.

Careers that recent graduates have pursued include working with companies in mining, infrastructure services such as water and energy, scientific instrumentation, hospitals and medical facilities, government departments and agencies, CSIRO, and university research. See below for testimonials from our recent graduates, and career options.