Bachelor of Science (BSc)
A Bachelor of Science (BSc) degree provides an opportunity to acquire specific knowledge and skills in an area of science. The focus at undergraduate level is on building a solid academic foundation in the sciences.
Subjects required at school?
- Compulsory Subjects: Mathematics and Physical Sciences
- Recommended: Life Sciences
Structure of the BSc
In a typical BSc degree you may take four subjects at first year level, three at second year level and two majors at third year level. You are required to choose two majors taken throughout first, second and third year. There will be specific compulsory subjects required for each major, however you may choose your your elective subjects.
|
First year |
Second year |
Third year |
|
Subject 1 (Major) |
Major |
Major |
|
Subject 2 (Major) |
Major |
Major |
|
Subject 3 (Elective) |
Elective |
|
|
Subject 4 (Elective) |
Example of major subjects in a BSc:
- Anatomy
- Applied Mathematics
- Archaeology
- Biology (including Genetics)
- Chemistry
- Computer Science
- Geographical Science (including Geology and Geographic Information Systems)
- Mathematics
- Marine Biology
- Microbiology
- Oceanography and Atmosphere Science
- Physics
- Zoology
- Entomology
- Statistics
Duration
An undergraduate is 3 years of full-time study.
What can I do with a BSc?
A BSc degree in the applied sciences can lead to careers in business (eg. BSc Actuarial Science), health science (eg. BSc Nursing), biology (eg. BSc Forestry) and other specialisations. The nature of a general BSc is such that it allows for some degree of flexibility when choosing subjects and opens up research opportunities for those prepared to study at masters or doctoral level. It is common for students to take subjects from outside of their core study area, a student doing a BSc may for example may take law related subjects leading to an LLB in order to qualify as a patent attorney. This can be an advantage in that an employer may seek graduates who are adaptable and bring unique skills and knowledge to the workplace.
Why a Bachelor of Science?
- You are a curious, independent thinker with a deep interest in the natural world
- You have a natural aptitude and interest in science, mathematics, geography, life science or computer science.
- You see yourself following a career in science
- You could see yourself studying at a postgraduate level for example, a Masters (MA) or Doctorate (PhD).
Careers relating a BSc (examples):