Wayfinder

program guide

Wayfinder - Program Guide

Welcome to Science at UNSW

At UNSW Science, our mission is to positively impact society through Science. Our eight schools are home to award-winning educators who are passionate about equipping you with the skills, knowledge and experiences you need to achieve your goals.

Click “Let’s go!” to find your place in this diverse and exciting faculty!

Welcome to a new chapter of your life, and welcome to UNSW Science. Together, let's make your university experience not only educational, but also truly unforgettable.
- Scientia Professor Sven Rogge, Dean of UNSW Science

What's your Science Persona?

Welcome to the science faculty, a place as diverse as its students. Curious about where you fit in? You'll find your spot here!
Check out our Science Persona Quiz. It'll help you find clubs, societies, and study areas you'll love. Start your journey and discover your place in our science world!

How your Science degree works

Units of Credit (UoC)

A unit of credit (UoC) helps measure how much you learn in a course and program. Most courses are 6 UoC. As a full-time student, you'll usually do 12-18 UoC each term. For more info, check out this link: Unit of Credit Details.

Discipline core - Core courses and prescribed electives

These are courses you must pass to get your qualification. Core courses are mandatory and specific, while prescribed electives are mandatory but let you choose from a list. In the Bachelor of Science, there are core and prescribed electives that all students must take, and ones just for a given major or minor.

Your Science degree program is made up of several components, including:

Program Core

The program core provides crucial opportunities for professional development and engagement with industry.

Program core courses: You must complete a short (0 UoC) core courses for personal and professional development at the beginning (SCIF0000) and end (SCIF3001) of your program. You must also take the project based SCIF1000 course at the end of your first year.

Program prescribed electives: In your second and third years you must choose two courses (12UoC) from the list of Employability Experiences.

Science Major

All students must complete a major in the Bachelor of Science, this is your area of specialisation. Each major has a list of core courses and or prescribed electives consisting of 12-30 UoC at level 1 and 48 UoC at level 2/3. The structure of each major is listed in the Handbook and within this guide. You may complete up to two majors, if there is space in your program.
You must follow the structure of the major as it was published in the handbook the year you commenced your program.

Science Minor

(single degrees only)
Minors are a smaller body of study than a major but is still a recognized specialisation. In a single degree BSc, you may complete either one major and up to two minors, or two majors and one minor. Minors are an excellent way to make informed choices to group your electives to broaden your qualification and tailor it to your career pathway. Your program has an exciting list of minors to consider that you can explore in the program store.

Science Electives

To get your science degree, you need to complete at least 96 UoC of science courses. This includes your program core and your major's courses. If you need more UoC, you can pick science electives. But, some majors already meet the 96 UoC without extra electives.

General Electives

(single degrees only)
At UNSW, if you're in a single program, you need to take at least 12 UoC outside your faculty to broaden your education. Some courses from other faculties don't count as GEs for science students. These are courses starting with COMP, FOOD, NEUR, PATH, PHAR, SOMS, OPTM, VISN. You can use GE courses for a minor if they fit these rules.

Free Electives

(single degrees only)
These are courses that you can choose to take from any subject area, giving you the opportunity to explore topics outside of your Science major.


  • Throughout your Science degree program, you'll be assessed on your performance in your courses through a variety of methods, including exams, essays, presentations, and practical assessments.

  • Once you've completed your Science degree program, you'll graduate with a Bachelor of Science degree and be prepared to pursue a career in your chosen scientific field or continue on to further study.

  • You must follow the program structure as it was published in the handbook the year you commenced your program.

Your degree structure - 144 UoC

Single Degree
Dual Degree
Course Image
Course Image

It is important that you understand the structure and rules of your program. These are listed in detail in the Handbook. You are required to follow the structure of your program, including majors and minors, as published in the handbook for the year you commenced your program.

For your first-year important rules to be aware of are:

You must complete a minimum of 24 UoC (4 courses) in level 1 Science courses before you can enrol in a higher-level course. This is to ensure you are prepared for the more advanced level of study.

There is a maximum of 72 UoC (12 courses) of level 1 courses (any level one, not just science) that can be attributed to your degree.

Right click to save and print the table above to add courses and explore your options.


Review the Science Progression Plans for structure templates.


Make an appointment through The Nucleus Student Hub for further advice on program planning.

First Year - 48 UoC

Studying a full load means you will complete 8 courses = 48 UoC this year. Full time study is classified as completing 2 or 3 courses in a term. 

To get started you need to enrol in SCIF0000 plus two or three other courses for your first term. SCIF0000 is an introduction to university short course to make sure you have the tools and information you need for success at university.

To know what other courses to enrol in you can use this guide to help choose a major or, if you’re not sure yet – an area of study.

Finally, you must enrol in SCIF1000 (this is completed after you have completed a minimum of 24 UoC of first year courses). This course is an essential transition to your higher years of study and all students in the Bachelor of Science should complete it in their first year.

Single program students: You may find after selecting your core courses, and courses for your major, that you still have a few courses to fill with electives. We recommend taking the time now to review the minor options in the program store and consider what minors might compliment your area of study, to direct your choice of electives.

Single Degree
Dual Degree
Course Image
Course Image

How to use the Program Store

Here's some flexible options for you to choose from:

UNSW Science courses can be categorised into the following general study areas, Biological, Biomedical, Environmental, Mathematics and Physical Sciences. Click the general areas below to see which majors are part of that study area. Click “View courses for this flexible option” to see which courses to enrol in to keep your options open within that study area. Food Science and Psychology are specialist majors so they are not listed here but you can find their specific course profiles on the program store.

Biological
Biomedical
Environmental
Mathematics
Physical
Neuroscience

School of Biomedical Sciences

78 UoC

Neuroscience is the study of the nervous system, the brain, and how it relates to human behaviour. Explore nerve cells and circuits and how brain activity is linked to cognition and behaviour. This major is not available for students enrolled in 4076 Science/Education (Secondary).

Food Science

ENG School of Chemical Engineering

78 UoC

Food Science focuses on understanding food processes, food commodities, food composition and food quality. Study food production, handling, processing, preservation, distribution and marketing, right through to consumption and use by consumers.  This major is not available for students enrolled in 4076 Science/Education (Secondary).

Mathematics

School of Mathematics & Statistics

60 UoC

Mathematics is the science of patterns and problem-solving and underpins all of science and technology. This major is not available for students enrolled in 4076 Science/Education (Secondary), see instead the Mathematics for Education major.

Physiology

School of Biomedical Sciences

72 UoC

Physiology is the study of how the human body functions. Explore how molecules and cells work in an organ, how organs communicate to sustain bodily functions in normal and extreme situations, and what happens to these processes during disease and ageing.

Pharmacology

School of Biomedical Sciences

72 UoC

Pharmacology is the science that develops new drugs, improves our understanding of how drugs work, and ensures drugs are effective and safe. This major is not available for students enrolled in 4076 Science/Education (Secondary).

Pathology

School of Biomedical Sciences

72 UoC

Examine how and why diseases develop, what happens to our bodies when we’re ill. Pathology involves the study of diseases, such as infections and cancers, at the genetic, molecular, cellular and organ levels.

Marine and Coastal Science

School of Biological, Earth & Environmental Sciences

78 UoC

Marine and coastal science is a multidisciplinary Science major including biology, geology and ecology in coastal and marine environments. This major is not available for students enrolled in 4076 Science/Education (Secondary).

Immunology

School of Biomedical Sciences

72 UoC

Immunology is the study of the immune system, encompassing how the body's defences protect against diseases, as well as the development of therapies and vaccines to enhance immune responses or modulate immune-related disorders.This major is not available for students enrolled in 4076 Science/Education (Secondary).

Microbiology

School of Biotechnology & Biomolecular Sciences

78 UoC

Microbiology is the scientific study of the smallest forms of life namely, bacteria, viruses, archaea, fungi and protozoa that are responsible for the sustainability of life.  This major is not available for students enrolled in 4076 Science/Education (Secondary).

Materials Science

School of Materials Science & Engineering

78 UoC

Embark on an exciting journey of discovery in Materials Science as you delve into the creation of new polymeric, metallic, ceramic, and composite materials that offer significant benefits to society. This major is not available for students enrolled in 4076 Science/Education (Secondary).

Mathematics for Education

School of Mathematics & Statistics

66 UoC

Delve into the study of pure mathematics, applied mathematics, statistics and computing as you prepare for a career in education. This major is only open to students enrolled concurrently in both a Bachelor of Science and Bachelor of Education program.

Statistics

School of Mathematics & Statistics

60 UoC

This major provides comprehensive training in how to collect, process and analyse data in order to answer research questions across all scientific fields, and the theoretical underpinnings of these techniques. This major is not available for students enrolled in 4076 Science/Education (Secondary).

Physical oceanography

School of Mathematics & Statistics

72 UoC

Study the physical conditions and physical processes within the ocean such as waves, currents and tides, the interaction of the ocean with the atmosphere and the ocean’s role in climate. Through this major, you’ll explore ocean measurements, and gain an understanding of the mathematical equations that describe the dynamics of the ocean. This major is not available for students enrolled in 4076 Science/Education (Secondary).

Earth Science

School of Biological, Earth & Environmental Sciences

78 UoC

Earth Scientists study the nature and evolution of our planet, from natural crystals and fossils to the powerful forces that drive earthquakes and volcanoes.  This major is not available for students enrolled in 4076 Science/Education (Secondary).

Geography

School of Biological, Earth & Environmental Sciences

78 UoC

Study the Earth’s landscapes, peoples, places and environments. This major explores how natural and built environments function and change over time. Discover how these environments enhance or constrain human activity.  

Physics

School of Physics

72 UoC

Physics is the study of the laws of nature that govern the behaviour of the universe, from the smallest sub-atomic particles to the universe itself. 

Psychology

School of Psychology

78 UoC

Psychology is the study of behaviour and mental processes. This major is not available for students enrolled in 4076 Science/Education (Secondary).

Vision Science

School of Optometry & Vision Science

78 UoC

Study the sensory processes that underlie vision and vision-related technologies.  This major is not available for students enrolled in 4076 Science/Education (Secondary).

Climate Systems Science

School of Biological, Earth & Environmental Sciences

78 UoC

The Climate Systems Science stream is focused on a broad introduction to the science of the Earth's climate system, including atmospheric science, oceanography, terrestrial and sea-ice processes.

Biotechnology

School of Biotechnology & Biomolecular Sciences

78 UoC

Biotechnology is a multidisciplinary field that studies how biological processes of living cells and macro-molecules can be used to develop products and technology to benefit humankind. This major is not available for students enrolled in 4076 Science/Education (Secondary).

Ecology and Conservation

School of Biological, Earth & Environmental Sciences

78 UoC

Ecology is the study of relationships between organisms and interact with one another and with their environment.  

Molecular and Cell Biology

School of Biotechnology & Biomolecular Sciences

78 UoC

Molecular cell biology explores the structure, function, development, behaviour and interactions of cells and molecules within living organisms. This major is not available for students enrolled in 4076 Science/Education (Secondary).

Genetics

School of Biotechnology & Biomolecular Sciences

78 UoC

Genetics is the study of genes, heredity, and variations that occur in all living organisms. It explores how genes influence every characteristic, from appearance to behaviour to disease. This major is not available for students enrolled in 4076 Science/Education (Secondary).

Bioinformatics

School of Biotechnology & Biomolecular Sciences

78 UoC

Bioinformatics is an interdisciplinary study between biology, computing algorithms, machine learning, mathematics and statistics.  This major explores technologies for analysing and interpreting genetic information. 

Chemistry

School of Chemistry

78 UoC

Chemistry is science at the molecular level. Study the world from the ground up - from the sub-atomic, atomic and molecular to the spectacular.

Biology and biodiversity

School of Biological, Earth & Environmental Sciences

78 UoC

Study life and living organisms and how living organisms function, grow, evolve and relate to one another and the environment in which they live. 

Anatomy

School of Biomedical Sciences

72 UoC

Anatomy is the study of the structure and function of the human body. Explore the many subdisciplines of Anatomy including gross anatomy, histology, embryology, neuroanatomy, forensic science and biological anthropology. This major is not available for students enrolled in 4076 Science/Education (Secondary).

Select your major:

Neuroscience

School of Biomedical Sciences

78 UOC

Neuroscience is the study of the nervous system, the brain, and how it relates to human behaviour. Explore nerve cells and circuits and how brain activity is linked to cognition and behaviour. This major is not available for students enrolled in 4076 Science/Education (Secondary).

Food Science

ENG School of Chemical Engineering

78 UOC

Food Science focuses on understanding food processes, food commodities, food composition and food quality. Study food production, handling, processing, preservation, distribution and marketing, right through to consumption and use by consumers.  This major is not available for students enrolled in 4076 Science/Education (Secondary).

Mathematics

School of Mathematics & Statistics

60 UOC

Mathematics is the science of patterns and problem-solving and underpins all of science and technology. This major is not available for students enrolled in 4076 Science/Education (Secondary), see instead the Mathematics for Education major.

Physiology

School of Biomedical Sciences

72 UOC

Physiology is the study of how the human body functions. Explore how molecules and cells work in an organ, how organs communicate to sustain bodily functions in normal and extreme situations, and what happens to these processes during disease and ageing.

Pharmacology

School of Biomedical Sciences

72 UOC

Pharmacology is the science that develops new drugs, improves our understanding of how drugs work, and ensures drugs are effective and safe. This major is not available for students enrolled in 4076 Science/Education (Secondary).

Pathology

School of Biomedical Sciences

72 UOC

Examine how and why diseases develop, what happens to our bodies when we’re ill. Pathology involves the study of diseases, such as infections and cancers, at the genetic, molecular, cellular and organ levels.

Marine and Coastal Science

School of Biological, Earth & Environmental Sciences

78 UOC

Marine and coastal science is a multidisciplinary Science major including biology, geology and ecology in coastal and marine environments. This major is not available for students enrolled in 4076 Science/Education (Secondary).

Immunology

School of Biomedical Sciences

72 UOC

Immunology is the study of the immune system, encompassing how the body's defences protect against diseases, as well as the development of therapies and vaccines to enhance immune responses or modulate immune-related disorders.This major is not available for students enrolled in 4076 Science/Education (Secondary).

Microbiology

School of Biotechnology & Biomolecular Sciences

78 UOC

Microbiology is the scientific study of the smallest forms of life namely, bacteria, viruses, archaea, fungi and protozoa that are responsible for the sustainability of life.  This major is not available for students enrolled in 4076 Science/Education (Secondary).

Materials Science

School of Materials Science & Engineering

78 UOC

Embark on an exciting journey of discovery in Materials Science as you delve into the creation of new polymeric, metallic, ceramic, and composite materials that offer significant benefits to society. This major is not available for students enrolled in 4076 Science/Education (Secondary).

Mathematics for Education

School of Mathematics & Statistics

66 UOC

Delve into the study of pure mathematics, applied mathematics, statistics and computing as you prepare for a career in education. This major is only open to students enrolled concurrently in both a Bachelor of Science and Bachelor of Education program.

Statistics

School of Mathematics & Statistics

60 UOC

This major provides comprehensive training in how to collect, process and analyse data in order to answer research questions across all scientific fields, and the theoretical underpinnings of these techniques. This major is not available for students enrolled in 4076 Science/Education (Secondary).

Physical oceanography

School of Mathematics & Statistics

72 UOC

Study the physical conditions and physical processes within the ocean such as waves, currents and tides, the interaction of the ocean with the atmosphere and the ocean’s role in climate. Through this major, you’ll explore ocean measurements, and gain an understanding of the mathematical equations that describe the dynamics of the ocean. This major is not available for students enrolled in 4076 Science/Education (Secondary).

Earth Science

School of Biological, Earth & Environmental Sciences

78 UOC

Earth Scientists study the nature and evolution of our planet, from natural crystals and fossils to the powerful forces that drive earthquakes and volcanoes.  This major is not available for students enrolled in 4076 Science/Education (Secondary).

Geography

School of Biological, Earth & Environmental Sciences

78 UOC

Study the Earth’s landscapes, peoples, places and environments. This major explores how natural and built environments function and change over time. Discover how these environments enhance or constrain human activity.  

Physics

School of Physics

72 UOC

Physics is the study of the laws of nature that govern the behaviour of the universe, from the smallest sub-atomic particles to the universe itself. 

Psychology

School of Psychology

78 UOC

Psychology is the study of behaviour and mental processes. This major is not available for students enrolled in 4076 Science/Education (Secondary).

Vision Science

School of Optometry & Vision Science

78 UOC

Study the sensory processes that underlie vision and vision-related technologies.  This major is not available for students enrolled in 4076 Science/Education (Secondary).

Climate Systems Science

School of Biological, Earth & Environmental Sciences

78 UOC

The Climate Systems Science stream is focused on a broad introduction to the science of the Earth's climate system, including atmospheric science, oceanography, terrestrial and sea-ice processes.

Biotechnology

School of Biotechnology & Biomolecular Sciences

78 UOC

Biotechnology is a multidisciplinary field that studies how biological processes of living cells and macro-molecules can be used to develop products and technology to benefit humankind. This major is not available for students enrolled in 4076 Science/Education (Secondary).

Ecology and Conservation

School of Biological, Earth & Environmental Sciences

78 UOC

Ecology is the study of relationships between organisms and interact with one another and with their environment.  

Molecular and Cell Biology

School of Biotechnology & Biomolecular Sciences

78 UOC

Molecular cell biology explores the structure, function, development, behaviour and interactions of cells and molecules within living organisms. This major is not available for students enrolled in 4076 Science/Education (Secondary).

Genetics

School of Biotechnology & Biomolecular Sciences

78 UOC

Genetics is the study of genes, heredity, and variations that occur in all living organisms. It explores how genes influence every characteristic, from appearance to behaviour to disease. This major is not available for students enrolled in 4076 Science/Education (Secondary).

Bioinformatics

School of Biotechnology & Biomolecular Sciences

78 UOC

Bioinformatics is an interdisciplinary study between biology, computing algorithms, machine learning, mathematics and statistics.  This major explores technologies for analysing and interpreting genetic information. 

Chemistry

School of Chemistry

78 UOC

Chemistry is science at the molecular level. Study the world from the ground up - from the sub-atomic, atomic and molecular to the spectacular.

Biology and biodiversity

School of Biological, Earth & Environmental Sciences

78 UOC

Study life and living organisms and how living organisms function, grow, evolve and relate to one another and the environment in which they live. 

Anatomy

School of Biomedical Sciences

72 UOC

Anatomy is the study of the structure and function of the human body. Explore the many subdisciplines of Anatomy including gross anatomy, histology, embryology, neuroanatomy, forensic science and biological anthropology. This major is not available for students enrolled in 4076 Science/Education (Secondary).

  • Neuroscience
  • Food Science
  • Mathematics
  • Physiology
  • Pharmacology
  • Pathology
  • Marine and Coastal Science
  • Immunology
  • Microbiology
  • Materials Science
  • Mathematics for Education
  • Statistics
  • Physical oceanography
  • Earth Science
  • Geography
  • Physics
  • Psychology
  • Vision Science
  • Climate Systems Science
  • Biotechnology
  • Ecology and Conservation
  • Molecular and Cell Biology
  • Genetics
  • Bioinformatics
  • Chemistry
  • Biology and biodiversity
  • Anatomy

These are your courses:

Single Degree
Dual Degree

Single Degree - Course Name

Course Image
This is intended as a guide only. Courses do not need to be studied in the exact structure that they appear here.

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Dual Degree - Course Name

Course Image
This is intended as a guide only. Courses do not need to be studied in the exact structure that they appear here.

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You're good to go!

Congratulations! You are all set to enrol into your first year courses and embark on your study journey.
Make sure you have enrolled in all your courses correctly on Moodle.

If you need any support remember to contact The Nucleus: Student Hub.

The full SciConnect platform will be available in the new year. On the platform, you can read important information about university life, set up your profile and join the community groups. Login using your zPASS from the 12th January 2024, and have a safe and happy holiday season!

Suggested courses - term 1-2:
Single Degree - Biological Generalist


Make sure your course choices adhere to the program rules that appear in the Handbook for the year you commenced your program. Check out the program store to explore minor and elective options to help you make informed and strategic decisions about which courses to take as your Science/Free electives.

With these you are eligible for the following majors:

Suggested courses - term 1-2:
Single Degree - Biomedical Generalist


Make sure your course choices adhere to the program rules that appear in the Handbook for the year you commenced your program. Check out the program store to explore minor and elective options to help you make informed and strategic decisions about which courses to take as your Science/Free electives.

With these you are eligible for the following majors:
To be eligible for additional Majors, enrol in the following:
  • Genetics (BIOCC1) requires BABS1202 (T2) (it does not require BIOS1101)
  • Neuroscience (NEURS1) requires specialty courses unique to major, early decision needed.
  • Vision Science (VISNS1) requires specialty courses unique to major, early decision needed.

Suggested courses - term 1-2:
Single Degree - Environmental Generalist


Make sure your course choices adhere to the program rules that appear in the Handbook for the year you commenced your program. Check out the program store to explore minor and elective options to help you make informed and strategic decisions about which courses to take as your Science/Free electives.

With these you are eligible for the following majors: NOTE: All Environmental majors require you to take BEES1041 in third term.
To be eligible for additional Majors, enrol in the following:

Suggested courses - term 1-2:
Single Degree - Mathematics Generalist


Make sure your course choices adhere to the program rules that appear in the Handbook for the year you commenced your program. Check out the program store to explore minor and elective options to help you make informed and strategic decisions about which courses to take as your Science/Free electives.

With these you are eligible for the following majors:
To be eligible for additional Majors, enrol in the following:

Suggested courses - term 1-2:
Single Degree - Physical Sciences Generalist


Make sure your course choices adhere to the program rules that appear in the Handbook for the year you commenced your program. Check out the program store to explore minor and elective options to help you make informed and strategic decisions about which courses to take as your Science/Free electives.

With these you are eligible for the following majors:
To be eligible for additional Majors, enrol in the following:
  • Chemistry(CHEMA1) requires (CHEM1011 or CHEM1031) and (CHEM1021 or CHEM1041)
  • Climate Systems Science (CLIME1) requires (CHEM1011 or CHEM1031) and CLIM1001 and GEOS1701. It does not require MATH1231 or MATH1241
  • Materials Science (MATSB1) requires (CHEM1011 or CHEM1031) and MATS1192
  • Physics (PHYSL1) requires MATH2069 and (PHYS1221 or PHYS1231 or PHYS1241)

Make an appointment through The Nucleus Student Hub for further advice on program planning.


You're good to go!

Congratulations! You are all set to enrol into your first year courses and embark on your study journey.
Make sure you have enrolled in all your courses correctly on Moodle.

If you need any support remember to contact The Nucleus: Student Hub.

The full SciConnect platform will be available in the new year. On the platform, you can read important information about university life, set up your profile and join the community groups. Login using your zPASS from the 12th January 2024, and have a safe and happy holiday season!

Nucleus Student hub

It’s hard making decisions in your first year that will determine the rest of your studies. For support and guidance speak to a staff member at The Nucleus: Student Hub.
If you’d like to find out about other students’ experiences visit the SciConnect Communities page or talk to a mentor online through Peer Mentor Connect.