Bachelor of Scientific Studies

In a rapidly changing world, there has never been a better time to expand your understanding of science and technology. UNE’s Bachelor of Scientific Studies is designed to provide you with broad scientific background to assist with future employment or to pursue further study. It is also a pathway to transition to a specialised science-based degree if you do not have an educational background in science. Our course encourages the development of critical thinking and problem-solving skills, as well as skills for communication and lifelong learning, allowing you to apply these skills to your specific field of interest.

With an adaptable skill set you will be ready to respond to the challenges and opportunities in any career.

Why study the Bachelor of Scientific Studies with UNE?
UNE’s Bachelor of Scientific Studies is a unique course that allows you to develop your theoretical understanding and laboratory experience in basic science and gain high level skills in a specialised pathway. Our course is ideal if you want to develop the knowledge required for admission to a specialised science-based degree, or you want to build on your skills in a particular discipline before commencing a specialised postgraduate course.

UNE’s course, delivered flexibly online and on campus, equips you with a solid academic foundation in the basic sciences and allows you to specialise in an area of interest to you.

Our structured pathways have been carefully tailored to each discipline to ensure that you attain the introductory applied skills and knowledge relevant to each field. Choose the direction that best suits your study plans, with streams in Agriculture, Computer Science, Exercise and Sports Science and Clinical Exercise Physiology, Health Science (Biomedical Science and Pharmacy) and Science (including Environmental Science, Geoscience and Zoology).

We’re highly rated – year after year, students award UNE 5-star ratings in The Good Universities Guide for Overall Experience and Student Support, so when you study with us, you know you are in good hands.

What makes our course different?
If you do not have an educational background in science, for example you did not study science in high school, or you are considering changing careers, the course gives you the opportunity to:

• Gain the knowledge you need to succeed. Our Bachelor of Scientific Studies pathways are designed to give you a broad scientific background. The course allows you to design your own program of study, in consultation with academic staff, to suit your background knowledge and specific areas of interest. The program is highly flexible, allowing you to gain underpinning theoretical knowledge as well as practical laboratory experience in a range of discipline areas.
• Develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills, as well as skills in communication and lifelong learning, allowing you to apply these skills to your specific field of interest.
• Transition to one of UNE’s specialised science-based degrees after your first year of study, with advanced standing for units already completed.
• Get hands-on support. At UNE, our small class sizes allow you to interact directly with our experienced teaching staff during lectures and laboratory practical sessions in a friendly, engaging learning environment.
• Gain practical skills that are relevant to different scientific disciplines, with access to UNE’s state-of-the-art teaching and research facilities. For example, get hands-on experience with current sports science training and testing in our clinical physiology laboratories, or be ready to adapt to changes in agricultural science by learning how smart technology is improving productivity at our innovative SMART Farms.
• Balance study with your existing commitments – our course is flexibly-delivered. Study in the way that best suits your learning needs, with intakes in all trimesters, and options to study online or on campus, full-time or part-time. If you choose to study online, some units include mandatory intensive schools on campus, which give you the opportunity to interact and engage face-to-face with your peers and academic staff, while developing essential laboratory and field skills.

We work with you to ensure that you attain the academic knowledge and skills you need, whether you are new to science and plan to pursue specialised study, or you wish to add value to your role with a university qualification. To ensure that the units that you chose best meet your needs, we strongly encourage you to consult with the Course Coordinator for advice on your planned program of study.

Pathways

• Agriculture
• Computer Science
• Exercise and Sports Science and Clinical Exercise Physiology
• Health Science (Biomedical Science and Pharmacy)
• Science (including Environmental Science, Geoscience and Zoology)

Study online
Most of our students choose to study online across three study periods with 24/7 tutor support* and fit study around work and family commitments. Uniquely, our online students are mostly over 30 and bring valuable experience with them. They form a community of adults juggling the same challenges and priorities and who bring their life and work experience together at UNE in order to become future-fit and better respond to a rapidly changing world.

Study on campus
Many of our students choose to take advantage of the on-campus lifestyle in Armidale, in the beautiful New England region, with access to unparalleled support, accommodation and sporting facilities. These students are often starting their first degree and have left school recently. Through access to academic and career support they get a fantastic start to their careers.

* 24/7 tutor support includes: essay feedback (within 24 hours); live chat 24/7 for generic feedback on academic writing; and subject-specific help at a foundation or first-year level for subjects including mathematics, chemistry, biology, physics, business, accounting, microeconomics, macroeconomics and statistics. There are also a wide range of workshops, resources and courses available in academic skills support to assist you and help you to succeed.