Science

Curious minds shape the future. With a Bachelor of Science, you’ll explore new ideas, solve global problems, and lead climate action.

If you’re curious about the world around you, then studying science is for you.

If you’re driven by a passion for climate action, discovery, problem-solving, or innovation, studying Science at the University of Tasmania provides the perfect pathway to transform your curiosity into a rewarding career.

Whether you’re fascinated by evolution, the origins of life, Earth’s history, or the mysteries of the universe, this degree provides the critical and analytical thinking skills to make a real impact.

Discover study options to match your interests

Already know you want to study the Bachelor of Science and have a specific area of interest in mind? Visit the course page to explore how this degree can help you achieve your goals.

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Still deciding? Where does your curiosity lead you?

We’ve curated examples to help you align your interests and curiosity with the perfect study path.

Passionate about protecting and sustaining the environment?

Discover how the Bachelor of Science equips you to make a difference in addressing climate challenges. While all science majors contribute to a sustainable future, studying Sustainability, Ecology, Geography and Environment, Plant Science or Zoology offers focused pathways to conserve ecosystems, develop innovative solutions, and drive meaningful environmental change.

#1 in Australia in climate action

The University of Tasmania is the leading university globally on SDG 13: Climate Action

Learn from our expert staff

Gain practical expertise and industry connections

A future-focused career

Combine climate passion with science
for an exciting future

Students working through their Geography repertoire on Bruny Island

Study options for protecting and sustaining the environment

The Bachelor of Science helps you turn curiosity into real-world impact, building skills in science, analysis, and critical thinking. With a focus on climate action and sustainability, you can contribute to solutions for some of the world’s most pressing challenges.

We’ve curated a list of majors to help you connect your interests in the foundations of life, the science behind how things work, and the strategies needed to create a sustainable future. This will help you get started, and as your learning journey progresses, you’ll be free to explore units of your choice from across the University.

If you’re a high-achieving school leaver, you could also be eligible for the Catalyst Program, which offers scholarships, research opportunities, overseas travel, and more, helping you get even more from your science degree.

Each of these study options is available through the majors listed below, with career pathways outlined for each to help you plan your future.

Learn about the ways in which living things interact with their environment, and develop strategies to support and conserve populations and communities in the natural world. You’ll study climate, soil, flora, fauna and geology, and have many opportunities to do fieldwork. You'll gain critical cultural perspectives from Aboriginal Tasmanians and learn about environmental management practices that have been used for centuries.

The ecology major has field trips across Tasmania in all stages of your study, ranging from the coast to the mountain tops and from agricultural landscapes to the south-west wilderness.

Careers in Ecology include:

  • Ecologist
  • Environmental Consultant
  • Natural Resource Manager

Understanding the interaction between natural environments, places and societies is critical to addressing issues such as climate change, economic inequality, biodiversity loss, resource scarcity and more.

Throughout your studies in this major, you will engage directly with the subject matter, participating in field experiences that feature Tasmania's unique environment. These include an 8 day field study trip where you will learn environmental data recording techniques; and a 3 day field study experience within a protected area of the Tasmanian Midlands. You can go on your first field trip within your first 3 weeks of study.

You will develop specialist skills across physical, spatial and social science; gaining the knowledge needed to tackle environmental challenges, both locally and globally.

Careers in Geography and Environment include:

  • Land Management
  • Policy and Planning
  • Sustainability Planning
  • Environmental Regulation and Assessment

This major is for those with an interest in investigating plants and their impact on human life. You’ll study how plants function and develop, and how they’ve evolved through time. With pristine ecosystems accessible directly from campus, we offer not only unparalleled access but also a distinctive breadth and depth of flora and fauna to give you a truly holistic education.

From captivating excursions to Tasmania's beautiful and significant natural systems to conducting experiments using cutting-edge research facilities, you'll have the chance to delve into the latest theories shared by world-leading researchers. One exciting highlight is a weekend excursion, where you'll explore the breathtaking diversity of Tasmania's east coast. During this trip, you'll witness firsthand the remarkable adaptations of plant species to diverse environments, deepening your knowledge of plant biology and their intricate relationship with their surroundings.

Careers in Plant Science include:

  • Crop Consultant
  • Soil Scientist
  • Botanist
  • Ecologist
  • Plant Pathologist
  • Biosecurity Officer

Place yourself at the forefront of a sustainable future. This major draws on international and local research, theory and practice, and spans the physical and social sciences as well as the humanities. You'll build specialist expertise to identify sustainability-related impacts and develop effective, real-world solutions.

Sustainability is a growing field that supports meeting the needs of the present without compromising future generations. It plays a vital role across industries and sectors, with opportunities rapidly expanding.

Careers in Sustainability include:

  • Sustainability Officer
  • Environmental Policy Advisor
  • Renewable Energy Analyst
  • Circular Economy Specialist
  • Climate Change Consultant
  • Environmental Educator
  • Sustainable Design Advisor
  • Community Engagement Officer
  • Green Building Consultant
  • Eco-Tourism Operator

Unleash your animal curiosity, and delve into the behaviours, distribution, physiology and conservation of wildlife. Zoology looks at the structure and function of animals, and how these traits have evolved over time. There is no better place to immerse yourself in the study of animals than Tasmania’s living laboratory. We offer unparalleled access to our distinctive range of ecosystems, flora and fauna, coastal landscapes, and the Southern Ocean.

One of the highlights is the unparalleled access to the unique fauna of Tasmania, providing you with extraordinary opportunities to explore and study diverse animal species found nowhere else in the world.

Experiences include a weekend excursion to the breathtaking Tasman Peninsula, where you'll witness firsthand the astounding diversity of animals and their habitats. You'll have the opportunity to design and conduct experiments focused on animal behaviour, allowing you to master professional and career-relevant skills.

Careers in Zoology include:

  • Environmental Consultant
  • Animal Nutritionist
  • Research Scientist
  • Biomedical Scientist
  • Field Trials Officer
  • Toxicologist

Course options

The Bachelor of Science is a degree for the curious—those who want to ask questions, explore possibilities, and uncover solutions to real-world challenges. With the flexibility to follow your interests or discover entirely new fields, you'll develop critical skills and knowledge that open doors to a wide range of careers. Whether you're passionate about the natural world, technology, or the unknown, this degree empowers you to turn curiosity into impact.

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Other study options

Diploma of Science

The Diploma of Applied Science is your pathway to a specialised career in science. Build a strong foundation with four core units and tailor your studies with a wide range of electives. Whether you're new to science or looking to develop industry-specific skills, this diploma opens doors to fields like biotechnology, environmental science, and more.

For those interested in food and beverage innovation, the optional Fermentation focus explores cheesemaking, brewing, winemaking, and fermentation science. With practical, industry-aligned learning, this course equips you with the skills and confidence to succeed.

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Accelerate your journey with our integrated Bachelor of Science/Master of Teaching (Primary/Secondary) double degree, becoming a fully qualified teacher while pursuing a Bachelor of Science, with two professional qualifications in just 4 years.

Channel your passion for STEM into the classroom and inspire future generations. In the Bachelor of Science, you'll develop core skills in science, analysis, and rational thinking. You have options to focus your study in one or more scientific disciplines and learn the methods to apply your skills and knowledge to the practical needs of industry, business, and government in both scientific and non-scientific roles.

The Master of Teaching is accredited through the Tasmanian Teachers Registration Board and is recognised in all Australian states and territories. You'll be able to choose whether to teach at a primary or secondary school level. The specialisations you teach will depend on the major you complete in the Bachelor of Science.

Graduates of this course have met the expected standard of performance for the Australian Professional Standards for Teachers (APST) set by Australian Institute for Teaching and School Leadership and will meet the qualification required to apply for teacher registration in all states and territories of Australia.

Visit the education courses page to learn more

The Bachelor of Science combines with a wide range of courses like Law, Music, Economics, and many more. By studying a double degree, you can deepen your knowledge and expertise within two separate study areas. It's also your chance to pursue a career and follow your passion at the same time.

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Further study options

Once you've completed your Bachelor of Science, you may have the option to take on an Honours year. This is an additional year of study where you can focus on a particular area of interest and develop advanced skills in research and scientific thinking.

Honours gives you the chance to work closely with researchers, explore complex scientific questions, and prepare for a future in research, industry, or postgraduate study.

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If you're thinking about where your science degree could take you next, these specialised postgraduate options can help you build advanced knowledge and prepare for a career in research or industry.

Master of Chemistry

The Master of Chemistry allows you to acquire advanced current knowledge in the Chemistry discipline. In addition, students will develop a capacity for independent research and problem-solving that can lead to relevant industry employment and/or a higher degree by research (Master's or PhD).

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Master of Economic Geology

The Master of Economic Geology is designed for geologists working in industry or government who want to deepen their expertise and gain specialist skills in ore deposit studies. Delivered through the ARC Centre of Excellence in Ore Deposits (CODES), this course forms the core of Australia's National Minerals Geoscience Master's Program.

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Career opportunities

Science gives you the opportunity to focus on one or more study areas, with career options typically falling into three main categories:

  • Specialist application of knowledge
    Careers include geologists, marine biologists, plant scientists, forensic scientists, meteorologists and more.
  • Broad application of knowledge
    In careers such as bio-security, STEM teachers and environmental policy advisors, a broad understanding of science is essential.
  • Generalist core skills
    Careers using core skills obtained during your degree include public relations and marketing, as well as government and local council roles.

In addition to specialised scientific knowledge and skills, our focus is on giving you the practical and professional skills that are highly sought after by all employers – creative problem-solving, working in a team environment, and flexibility of thinking. We teach you how to think, not what to think.

A career in science can be found in any industry on Earth. Follow your passion, and we’ll help you find your future wherever your major may lead. Career information for each major can be found under the specific major descriptions above.

10.2%

Life Scientists

Projected increase by 2028^

5.2%

Science Technicians

Projected increase by 2028^

14.2%

Research and
Development Managers

Projected increase by 2028^

Physics students Morgan Febey and Euan Hamdorf inspecting the facilities at the University of Tasmania's Greenhill Observatory.

Follow your curiosity - find where you’re meant to be

All Morgan ever wanted to do was use science and maths to explore the world around her.

“It’s just so much fun here, I think it’s one of the best faculties at the University. I get such incredible support from my mentors and teachers."

Read more about Morgan

Dr Matthew Fielding , Teaching Fellow, University of Tasmania

See where a Bachelor of Science can take you

Matt's role as an educator at the University of Tasmania shows how embracing a non-traditional path can lead to a fulfilling and impactful career.

Matt’s journey took him through a Bachelor of Science, a first-class Honours degree, and a PhD in Zoology. His research on forest ravens on the Bass Strait Islands was intensive but incredibly rewarding.

Read more about Matt

A frog is held in blue surgical gloved hands and swabbed for signs of the deadly fungal disease chytridiomycosis

Study science, save species

How research is protecting Australia’s frogs.

Scientists are using innovative, spa-like shelters to help frogs battle a fatal fungal disease. This research is just one example of how studying science can make a real impact on conservation and the environment.

A Bachelor of Science could be your first step towards discoveries that protect our planet’s wildlife.

Read more about saving frogs

Sustainability major

Students diving in kelp forest
  • Our Sustainability major gives you the skills and techniques to help create sustainable societies. You’ll learn to identify sustainability-oriented impacts of decisions, as well as come up with effective solutions.
  • This major is a great option to combine with another major in the Bachelor of Science, complementing the specialist skills you’ll learn in areas like Environmental Remediation or Geography and Environment.
  • You can also undertake this major as part of any other bachelor’s degree which offers space for a second major. Examples include Arts, Economics, Agricultural Science, or Information and Communication Technology.

Visit the Bachelor of Science course page to explore the full list of units available within the Sustainability major.