Bachelor of Advanced Science (Honours)
Overview
Challenge and develop your critical thinking and analytical skills in this elite 4-year program, and prepare yourself for a rewarding career in science research and industry.
The Bachelor of Advanced Science (Honours) will challenge you and develop your deep interest in science to create the foundation for a high-achieving career in scientific research and industry.
Throughout the program, you’ll learn interdisciplinary approaches to problem-solving and build networks with other high-achieving students and research scientists through the completion of at least 1 major and 1 field of study.
You'll also have the option of completing a second major and/or minors across a broad range of scientific fields, with a choice from 24 majors and 32 minors. Alternatively, diversify your skill set by studying a minor in languages, communications, design, economics or humanities.
In your fourth and final year, you’ll choose from 1 of 38 fields of study to focus on during an extensive full-year independent research project.
You'll find expanding career possibilities in diverse roles within the government, health, corporate, environmental, and financial sectors and in research organisations globally. Advanced Science is also an excellent pathway into medicine or a research higher degree such as a PhD.
Students who commenced in the program prior to 2021 should refer to the program information for the Bachelor of Advanced Science (Honours) - program code 2341.
Program highlights
- From the very beginning of your degree you’ll work alongside distinguished researchers and contribute to scientific research - essentially giving you a research apprenticeship.
- Embark on an excellent pathway to further studies in medicine or a higher degree by research, such as a PhD.
- Graduate with a respected honours qualification, with advanced knowledge and skills that will set you apart in a competitive job market, prove your leadership potential and provide a pathway into future research and learning.
Majors
Tailor your studies to suit your goals. This program offers these options:
- Anatomy
- Archaeological Science
- Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
- Bioinformatics
How you'll learn
Your learning experiences are designed to best suit the learning outcomes of the courses you choose.
- Lectures
- Tutorials
- Work placements
- Overseas study
- Research experience
- Laboratory work
- Fieldwork
- Seminars
- Workshops
What you'll study
At UQ, degrees are called 'programs' and subjects are called 'courses'. Here's a sample of the courses you could study in this program:
- Advanced Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
- Advanced Genetics
- Condensed Matter Physics: Electronic Properties of Crystals
- Advanced Organic Chemistry
Career possibilities
Our programs prepare you for your first job and beyond. Depending on which major you choose, here are some of the careers you could be on your way to:
- Biochemist
- Embryologist
- Palaeo-environmental scientist
- Biodiversity project officer
- Exploration technician
- Biomedical scientist
- Wildlife management officer
- Mine geologist
- Quantitative researcher
- Materials scientist
Graduate salary
Science and mathematics (undergraduate)
compared.edu.au
Next steps after graduation
You will find expanding career possibilities in diverse roles within the government, health, corporate, environmental and financial sectors, and in research organisations globally.
Advanced science is also an excellent pathway into medicine or a higher degree by research, such as a PhD.
You can apply your skills in a range of industries, including:
- research organisations
- government agencies
- industrial organisations
- universities
- hospitals and the healthcare system
- marine preservation authorities
- secondary schools (with further study)
- environmental organisations including planning and site assessment
- operations research and logistics consultancies and corporations
- financial enterprises.
I really enjoyed the hands-on research experience in interesting areas of physics that I was able to take part in. It is really exciting to be able to work with professional researchers as an undergraduate student.
I love understanding how the world works. Studying Advanced Science has been really satisfying as it's challenged me to learn and apply complex mathematical techniques to understand concepts in physics.
The advanced science program has helped me develop a well-rounded knowledge base in chemistry, mathematics and programming that I've been able to apply to a surprisingly large portion of my life – including a business I co-created at the end of my second year.
This program challenged me to develop in depth research, critical thinking and problem-solving skills. I was equipped with the most recent content knowledge by my world-class teachers, and the research experiences involved in my program enabled me to become a confident idea creator and synthesiser.
I really enjoyed the hands-on research experience in interesting areas of physics that I was able to take part in. It is really exciting to be able to work with professional researchers as an undergraduate student.
I love understanding how the world works. Studying Advanced Science has been really satisfying as it's challenged me to learn and apply complex mathematical techniques to understand concepts in physics.
The advanced science program has helped me develop a well-rounded knowledge base in chemistry, mathematics and programming that I've been able to apply to a surprisingly large portion of my life – including a business I co-created at the end of my second year.
This program challenged me to develop in depth research, critical thinking and problem-solving skills. I was equipped with the most recent content knowledge by my world-class teachers, and the research experiences involved in my program enabled me to become a confident idea creator and synthesiser.
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Entry requirements
Prerequisites
- General English subject (Units 3 & 4, C)
- Mathematical Methods (Units 3 & 4, C)
- Two of Agricultural Science, Biology, Chemistry, Earth and Environmental Science, Specialist Mathematics or Physics (Units 3 & 4, C), at least one of which must be Biology, Chemistry or Physics.
Prerequisites
- General English subject (Units 3 & 4, C)
- Mathematical Methods (Units 3 & 4, C)
- Two of Agricultural Science, Biology, Chemistry, Earth and Environmental Science, Specialist Mathematics or Physics (Units 3 & 4, C), at least one of which must be Biology, Chemistry or Physics.
Entry score threshold
| ATAR / Rank | IB |
|---|---|
| 94 | 36.75 |
These are the lowest adjusted scores we made an offer to in Semester 1, 2023. Entry scores are based on the most recent Semester 1 intake and are updated in April each year. Meeting the entry score threshold doesn't guarantee admission.
Guarantee your place at UQ: If you meet our guaranteed minimum ATAR you could secure an offer for your preferred program.
English language requirements
IELTS overall 6.5; reading 6; writing 6; speaking 6; listening 6. For other English Language Proficiency Tests and Scores approved for UQ
TOEFL iBT (including Paper Edition) - Overall 87, listening 19, reading 19, writing 21 and speaking 19.
PTE Academic - Overall Score of 64 and 60 in all sub bands.
BE - A minimum overall grade of 4 plus a minimum grade of C in all macro skills.
CES - Overall 176 and 169 in all sub bands.
OET is not accepted.
There are other ways to meet the English language requirements. For some programs, additional conditions apply.
Student visas
International students who are accepted into full-time study in the Bachelor of Advanced Science (Honours) are eligible to apply for an Australian student visa (subclass 500).
There are a number of requirements you must satisfy before a visa is granted, including the genuine temporary entrant (GTE) requirement.
Entry score range
This table shows the range of entry scores for recent secondary students offered a place in the B Advanced Science (Hons) for Semester 1, 2023
| Without adjustments | With adjustments | |
|---|---|---|
| Highest | 99.95 | 99.95 |
| Median | 97.075 | 98.9 |
| Lowest | 90.75 | 94.05 |
Who you'll study with
Here's a snapshot of our student intake for this program in Semester 1, 2023:
| Applicant background | Number of students | Percentage of all students |
|---|---|---|
(A) Higher education study | 14 | 8.4% |
(B) Vocational Education and Training (VET) study | <5 | <5 |
(C) Work and life experience | 0 | 0% |
| (D) Recent secondary education | ||
| 143 | 85.6% |
| 0 | 0% |
| 0 | 0% |
International students | N/P | N/P |
Total | 167 | 100% |
"<5" — The number of students is less than 5.
N/A — Students not accepted in this category.
N/P — Not published. The number is hidden to protect the privacy of students in other cells.
Need help meeting the entry requirements?
Majors
Majors
Tailor your studies to suit your goals. This program offers these options:
You’ll develop and apply your knowledge through a combination of theory-based and practical learning – including lab and field-based research projects. By completing these projects, you'll gain experience in surveying, excavation and scientific analysis.
Combine core archaeology courses with electives and expand your knowledge of geography, earth sciences, biology and psychology.
Future work includes positions in museums, consultancies, government departments, cultural centres, law enforcement, and educational and research institutions.
In this major, you'll develop an advanced understanding of the chemical basis of life and its relevance to research and development in areas like medicine, proteomics, genomics, bioinformatics, biotechnology and genetic engineering.
Learn how molecular events can go wrong in certain diseased states and how this contributes to the development of new drugs.
You’ll develop and apply your knowledge through practical laboratory experience, structured tutorials and specialised seminars.
Career paths lead to some of the most exciting and challenging roles in science and medicine, from laboratories, hospitals or government agencies to specific positions in research.
Gain specialised knowledge in statistics, data management, computer programming, genomics and molecular biology.
You’ll apply your scientific expertise and technical skills to translate complex biological data into meaningful information. Your insights may lead to new innovations or discoveries.
Studying bioinformatics will prepare you for a career as a bioinformatician, clinical data manager, geneticist, research scientist or biomedical computer scientist.
Study molecular biology, genetics, physiology, anatomy and immunology – then apply your knowledge in laboratories where medical breakthroughs are taking place.
You’ll put theory into practice and work alongside researchers and healthcare professionals to conduct medical research and test the effectiveness of treatments.
Studying biomedical science can prepare you for a research-based honours program, or employment within the healthcare industry, government, not-for-profit organisations or universities.
Study a major in cell biology to deepen your understanding of how cellular, genetic, and evolutionary processes affect everyday life.
Examine key concepts and techniques to understand genetic information and investigate cellular processes and cell development in a range of organisms. You’ll apply microscopic techniques to observe how cells function in healthy and diseased states.
The growing availability of biological data is allowing unprecedented discoveries in areas as diverse as human medicine, agriculture, conservation biology and biotechnology. You'll learn from leading scientists who have contributed to breakthroughs across biotechnology, and animal, plant and medical sciences.
Studying cell biology will equip you for a range of career opportunities within research, biotechnology, agriculture, medicine, conservation or government agencies.
Chemistry encompasses the synthesis and study of molecules and materials, the exploration of their properties and the development of ways to use them in real life.
Gain advanced level knowledge and technical capabilities in general, physical, organic and inorganic chemistry, which you can apply to deepen your understanding of nanoscience, medicinal chemistry, computational chemistry or synthetic chemistry.
Studying advanced chemistry will strengthen your problem-solving, analytical and critical thinking capabilities, which are essential skills for future work.
You will be equipped to pursue a diverse range of career opportunities. These include roles as a research scientist, pharmaceutical scientist, laboratory manager, toxicologist, quality-assurance specialist, environmental chemist, forensic chemist, science communicator or teacher.
Alternatively, continue into a PhD or other higher degree by research and kickstart your career in research.
This major is accredited by the Royal Australian Chemical Institute.
In this major, you'll dive into the scientific study of coastal processes, oceanography, ecology, marine geology and marine conservation.
You’ll learn to apply a wide range of evidence-based environmental and conservation strategies to protect vital coastal habitats and marine ecosystems across the globe.
Guided by Australia’s leading marine researchers, you’ll gain extensive fieldwork experience at UQ’s Heron Island Research Station on the southern Great Barrier Reef and UQ’s Moreton Bay Research Station on North Stradbroke Island.
Enhance your employability by combining your speciality with a minor in a broad range of complementary fields, including ecology and conversation biology, earth science, genetics, microbiology or computational science.
Demand for highly skilled coastal and marine scientists is on the rise. You’ll find opportunities in various fields including:
- teaching and universities
- fisheries laboratories
- environmental consultancies
- marine parks
- coastal management
- government departments.
Gain technical skills in programming to create or optimise programs, systems or applications that are used across multiple devices.
Programming skills are essential for information management, data analysis, predictive modelling, cyber security, artificial intelligence, gaming, e-commerce and communications.
These transferable skills apply to many industries, including health, science, technology, business and government.
You’ll be equipped for roles such as a web, gaming or app developer, software engineer, information security specialist, data analyst or computer systems expert.
You’ll learn how remote-sensing technologies and geographic information systems (GIS) are used to analyse geological processes and monitor changes in the Earth’s environment.
Dig deeper into our mineral and energy sources by exploring topics such as mineral and rock analysis, mining geology, environmental geology or geochemistry. Develop and apply your knowledge through practical laboratory experience, fieldwork, and specialised seminars.
You may choose to study electives in coastal and ocean science to deepen your understanding of oceanography and help create a sustainable future for marine environments.
You’ll be equipped to pursue a career in the natural resource, energy or environmental sectors. Alternatively, help contribute to new scientific knowledge by progressing into a research-based honours degree.
Ecology and conservation biology are vital for solving the environmental challenges our society is facing today.
You’ll be taught by internationally renowned conservation experts and can choose to specialise in conservation biology, marine ecology or evolutionary ecology.
Gain real-world experience in solving ecological problems by conducting fieldwork in a range of rainforest, outback and marine environments.
You’ll be equipped to tackle global issues such as biodiversity loss, climate change, diminishing natural resources and the environmental impacts of human activity.
Employment demand has risen strongly over the past 5 years with roles available in government departments and agencies, private industry and environmental organisations.
Take a scientific approach to the study of food and its consumption. You'll study all aspects of the food system from farming, processing and distribution to how food is selected and consumed, and how it affects our health.
Food is one of largest industries in the world and offers a diverse range of career opportunities in the fields of nutrition, food science and technology, education, and research and development.
We integrate theory with practice. Learn about the scientific composition of foods and the chemical reactions that take place during processing.
Study key aspects in the development of food products and develop your expertise in food preservation, processing operations, quality assurance and consumer product testing.
In your final year, you’ll undertake your own independent research project under the guidance of an academic supervisor and present your findings to the scientific community.
You'll then have the opportunity to apply your knowledge and build your industry connections with work placements at leading food manufacturing organisations.
You'll be prepared to work in areas such as product development, quality assurance and food safety, food microbiology, research and development, food standards and policy or sales and marketing.
You’ll advance your knowledge in genetic structure, genetic interaction and the genetic basis of traits.
We'll expand your critical thinking and teach you to analyse complex biological data using the latest genetic technologies.
You’ll learn to translate genetic information into meaningful insights that may lead to new discoveries.
Studying genetics will prepare you for a broad range of opportunities across ecology, research, medicine and agriculture.
Blending theory with real-world experience, you’ll learn to apply geographical information science (GIS) software and remote-sensing technologies for data analysis, data modelling and developing map visualisations.
We broaden your critical thinking and teach you how to apply GIS to solve key environmental, societal or planning issues facing today’s modern world.
You’ll be equipped to pursue a broad range of career opportunities, including roles in natural resource management, national parks and wildlife conservation.
Guided by Australia’s leading marine researchers, you’ll be exposed to a variety of marine habitats and environmental conditions.
You'll gain extensive fieldwork experience at UQ’s Heron Island Research Station on the southern Great Barrier Reef and UQ’s Moreton Bay Research Station on North Stradbroke Island.
We'll show you how to apply a wide range of evidence-based ecological and environmental strategies to protect and sustainably manage vital marine organisms and ecosystems across the globe.
You'll be prepared for a broad range of career opportunities within research and education, aquaculture, wildlife conservation and ecotourism.
In this major you'll gain quantitative and analytical skills, along with a foundation of calculus, linear algebra, probability, discrete mathematics, mathematical analysis and modelling.
You’ll develop and apply your knowledge through practical experience, structured tutorials and specialised lectures.
Our comprehensive mathematical training equips you for a broad range of opportunities in banking, finance, insurance, business, engineering, science, information technology and risk management.
Studying mathematics also gives you a strong foundation to continue into a higher degree by research and excel in research positions within universities, government agencies and private companies.
In this major, you'll study the diversity of microorganisms, the immune system, microbial virulence, disease states and the ways in which organisms respond to infection.
You'll learn how vaccines protect animals and humans from infectious diseases, and discover the latest advances in vaccine development from lecturers who are globally recognised experts.
Focusing on the key areas of immunology, virology, parasitology, environmental microbiology, microbial biotechnology and microbial genomics, you'll study bacterial, fungal and viral infections and apply your knowledge in weekly laboratory practicals.
You'll confidently use the specialist biomedical and molecular techniques required to diagnose and characterise infectious microbes and to develop new diagnostics. Problem-based scenarios will enhance your analytical, research and communication skills.
This major can lead to challenging and rewarding career opportunities within universities and biotechnology companies, and medical and veterinary institutes, along with roles in forensics, biosecurity and quarantine.
Alternatively, kickstart your career in research by progressing into a research-based honours degree.
Led by internationally recognised researchers, you’ll study the laws of physics and explore how these principles are applied in our everyday life – from understanding the nature of time to developing new technologies.
You'll be able to combine your scientific and mathematical knowledge with skills in computer programming and statistics to understand theories relating to quantum mechanics, biophotonics, astronomy or astrophysics. Or apply your knowledge to develop advanced materials, electronic and optical devices.
Your high-level technical, analytical and problem-solving skills will lead you to a wide range of rewarding opportunities in sectors such as education, finance, engineering, computing and management.
Alternatively, continue into a higher degree by research to uncover new scientific knowledge or apply your findings to develop new devices, products or processes.
In this major, you’ll learn and apply the science behind breeding high-yielding, pest-resistant crops to help farmers increase their productivity.
You'll study ecology, plant pathology, plant physiology and plant biotechnology, and apply your knowledge to use plant-based sources to develop biofuels, medicines or healthier food products.
Studying plant science can lead to rewarding career opportunities as a researcher, consultant or teacher with multinational companies, universities or government departments.
In this major, you'll explore topics like brain function, memory, conscious experience, lifespan development and social behaviour, together with the full spectrum of functional and dysfunctional behaviours.
Graduates undertake careers in human resources, mental health services, youth and child support work, or fields as diverse as marketing, aged care and corrective services.
Public health is founded on a multidisciplinary understanding of health that allows you to explore and examine the basis of disease and wellbeing by considering human behaviour, physical environments, socio-economic and cultural factors, and systems of healthcare management.
This major provides a broad overview of public health and the critical issues it confronts. To establish core understanding of this field, you will examine the foundational disciplines of public health, including epidemiology, biostatistics, health systems, environmental health and social sciences.
Studying public health can lead to a variety of roles within public and global health, health research or public health policy.
In this major, we combine theory with practical experience to expand your critical thinking, enhance your analytical capabilities and develop your technical skills.
You'll discover how statistics are used to help solve real-world problems, such as improving medical treatments through data-driven experimental design, or using meteorological and spatial data to assess drought conditions in local communities.
You'll learn and apply statistical techniques to analyse and interpret complex data, and transform it into meaningful insights.
Statisticians and data analysts are in high demand across business, industry, research and government to forecast, analyse and solve a variety of complex issues.
Through this major, you’ll investigate animal morphology, development and genetics, behaviour, ecology, physiology, biochemistry and molecular biology.
We'll expand your knowledge of climate change biology, wildlife and conservation biology, entomology, environmental physiology, marine biology, fisheries biology and aquaculture, terrestrial ecology, molecular ecology, and mathematical applications in biology.
You can combine your study of animals with biostatistics, ecology, evolution, genetics and insect science, and gain practical experience through field courses offered in the Australian outback, rainforests, Stradbroke Island and the Great Barrier Reef.
Zoology offers a large number of career options, ranging from field-based conservation work to biomedical research with medical laboratories and education institutions.
Alternatively, kickstart your career in research by progressing into a higher degree by research.
Fields of study
Tailor your studies to suit your goals. This program offers these options:
Design, implement and present your research project, with emphasis on defining the research issue, establishing methodology, undertaking appropriate collection and analysis of data and drawing defensible conclusions.
Supporting workshops and courses will further add to your research training.
Students will be able to identify key questions, plan experiments, acquire new techniques and interpret results.
Students will be able to identify key questions, plan experiments, acquire new techniques and interpret results.
Students will be able to identify key questions, plan experiments, acquire new techniques and interpret results.
Take on an independent research project under the guidance of leading environmental researchers.
You'll design, implement and present your research project, with emphasis on defining the research issue, establishing methodology, undertaking appropriate collection and analysis of data, and drawing defensible conclusions.
Depending on your project, you'll also undertake fieldwork in diverse subtropical and tropical ecosystems including World Heritage rainforests, the Great Barrier Reef, North Stradbroke Island and outback Australia.
Supporting workshops and courses will further add to your research training.
Students will be able to identify key questions, plan experiments, acquire new techniques and interpret results.
It involves the sequencing, assembly and annotation of genomes for comparative, evolutionary and ecological studies.
Take on an independent research project under the guidance of leading researchers who work in laboratories where current medical breakthroughs are taking place.
You'll design, implement and present your research project – with emphasis on defining the research issue, establishing methodology, undertaking appropriate collection and analysis of data, and drawing defensible conclusions.
Supporting workshops and courses will further add to your research training.
As a new frontier of science, it is receiving worldwide attention.
Students will be able to identify key questions, plan experiments, acquire new techniques and interpret results.
Students will be able to identify key questions, plan experiments, acquire new techniques and interpret results.
Students will be able to identify key questions, plan experiments, acquire new techniques and interpret results.
Undertake your own original research project under the guidance of an academic supervisor.
Design, implement and present your research project, with emphasis on defining the research issue, establishing methodology, undertaking appropriate collection and analysis of data, and drawing defensible conclusions.
Throughout your honours year, you will gather the knowledge and skills required to kickstart your career as a researcher and/or professional in the field of physiology.
Students will be able to identify key questions, plan experiments, acquire new techniques and interpret results.
Majors
Tailor your studies to suit your goals. This program offers these options:
You’ll develop and apply your knowledge through a combination of theory-based and practical learning – including lab and field-based research projects. By completing these projects, you'll gain experience in surveying, excavation and scientific analysis.
Combine core archaeology courses with electives and expand your knowledge of geography, earth sciences, biology and psychology.
Future work includes positions in museums, consultancies, government departments, cultural centres, law enforcement, and educational and research institutions.
In this major, you'll develop an advanced understanding of the chemical basis of life and its relevance to research and development in areas like medicine, proteomics, genomics, bioinformatics, biotechnology and genetic engineering.
Learn how molecular events can go wrong in certain diseased states and how this contributes to the development of new drugs.
You’ll develop and apply your knowledge through practical laboratory experience, structured tutorials and specialised seminars.
Career paths lead to some of the most exciting and challenging roles in science and medicine, from laboratories, hospitals or government agencies to specific positions in research.
Gain specialised knowledge in statistics, data management, computer programming, genomics and molecular biology.
You’ll apply your scientific expertise and technical skills to translate complex biological data into meaningful information. Your insights may lead to new innovations or discoveries.
Studying bioinformatics will prepare you for a career as a bioinformatician, clinical data manager, geneticist, research scientist or biomedical computer scientist.
Study molecular biology, genetics, physiology, anatomy and immunology – then apply your knowledge in laboratories where medical breakthroughs are taking place.
You’ll put theory into practice and work alongside researchers and healthcare professionals to conduct medical research and test the effectiveness of treatments.
Studying biomedical science can prepare you for a research-based honours program, or employment within the healthcare industry, government, not-for-profit organisations or universities.
Study a major in cell biology to deepen your understanding of how cellular, genetic, and evolutionary processes affect everyday life.
Examine key concepts and techniques to understand genetic information and investigate cellular processes and cell development in a range of organisms. You’ll apply microscopic techniques to observe how cells function in healthy and diseased states.
The growing availability of biological data is allowing unprecedented discoveries in areas as diverse as human medicine, agriculture, conservation biology and biotechnology. You'll learn from leading scientists who have contributed to breakthroughs across biotechnology, and animal, plant and medical sciences.
Studying cell biology will equip you for a range of career opportunities within research, biotechnology, agriculture, medicine, conservation or government agencies.
Chemistry encompasses the synthesis and study of molecules and materials, the exploration of their properties and the development of ways to use them in real life.
Gain advanced level knowledge and technical capabilities in general, physical, organic and inorganic chemistry, which you can apply to deepen your understanding of nanoscience, medicinal chemistry, computational chemistry or synthetic chemistry.
Studying advanced chemistry will strengthen your problem-solving, analytical and critical thinking capabilities, which are essential skills for future work.
You will be equipped to pursue a diverse range of career opportunities. These include roles as a research scientist, pharmaceutical scientist, laboratory manager, toxicologist, quality-assurance specialist, environmental chemist, forensic chemist, science communicator or teacher.
Alternatively, continue into a PhD or other higher degree by research and kickstart your career in research.
This major is accredited by the Royal Australian Chemical Institute.
In this major, you'll dive into the scientific study of coastal processes, oceanography, ecology, marine geology and marine conservation.
You’ll learn to apply a wide range of evidence-based environmental and conservation strategies to protect vital coastal habitats and marine ecosystems across the globe.
Guided by Australia’s leading marine researchers, you’ll gain extensive fieldwork experience at UQ’s Heron Island Research Station on the southern Great Barrier Reef and UQ’s Moreton Bay Research Station on North Stradbroke Island.
Enhance your employability by combining your speciality with a minor in a broad range of complementary fields, including ecology and conversation biology, earth science, genetics, microbiology or computational science.
Demand for highly skilled coastal and marine scientists is on the rise. You’ll find opportunities in various fields including:
- teaching and universities
- fisheries laboratories
- environmental consultancies
- marine parks
- coastal management
- government departments.
Gain technical skills in programming to create or optimise programs, systems or applications that are used across multiple devices.
Programming skills are essential for information management, data analysis, predictive modelling, cyber security, artificial intelligence, gaming, e-commerce and communications.
These transferable skills apply to many industries, including health, science, technology, business and government.
You’ll be equipped for roles such as a web, gaming or app developer, software engineer, information security specialist, data analyst or computer systems expert.
You’ll learn how remote-sensing technologies and geographic information systems (GIS) are used to analyse geological processes and monitor changes in the Earth’s environment.
Dig deeper into our mineral and energy sources by exploring topics such as mineral and rock analysis, mining geology, environmental geology or geochemistry. Develop and apply your knowledge through practical laboratory experience, fieldwork, and specialised seminars.
You may choose to study electives in coastal and ocean science to deepen your understanding of oceanography and help create a sustainable future for marine environments.
You’ll be equipped to pursue a career in the natural resource, energy or environmental sectors. Alternatively, help contribute to new scientific knowledge by progressing into a research-based honours degree.
Ecology and conservation biology are vital for solving the environmental challenges our society is facing today.
You’ll be taught by internationally renowned conservation experts and can choose to specialise in conservation biology, marine ecology or evolutionary ecology.
Gain real-world experience in solving ecological problems by conducting fieldwork in a range of rainforest, outback and marine environments.
You’ll be equipped to tackle global issues such as biodiversity loss, climate change, diminishing natural resources and the environmental impacts of human activity.
Employment demand has risen strongly over the past 5 years with roles available in government departments and agencies, private industry and environmental organisations.
Take a scientific approach to the study of food and its consumption. You'll study all aspects of the food system from farming, processing and distribution to how food is selected and consumed, and how it affects our health.
Food is one of largest industries in the world and offers a diverse range of career opportunities in the fields of nutrition, food science and technology, education, and research and development.
We integrate theory with practice. Learn about the scientific composition of foods and the chemical reactions that take place during processing.
Study key aspects in the development of food products and develop your expertise in food preservation, processing operations, quality assurance and consumer product testing.
In your final year, you’ll undertake your own independent research project under the guidance of an academic supervisor and present your findings to the scientific community.
You'll then have the opportunity to apply your knowledge and build your industry connections with work placements at leading food manufacturing organisations.
You'll be prepared to work in areas such as product development, quality assurance and food safety, food microbiology, research and development, food standards and policy or sales and marketing.
You’ll advance your knowledge in genetic structure, genetic interaction and the genetic basis of traits.
We'll expand your critical thinking and teach you to analyse complex biological data using the latest genetic technologies.
You’ll learn to translate genetic information into meaningful insights that may lead to new discoveries.
Studying genetics will prepare you for a broad range of opportunities across ecology, research, medicine and agriculture.
Blending theory with real-world experience, you’ll learn to apply geographical information science (GIS) software and remote-sensing technologies for data analysis, data modelling and developing map visualisations.
We broaden your critical thinking and teach you how to apply GIS to solve key environmental, societal or planning issues facing today’s modern world.
You’ll be equipped to pursue a broad range of career opportunities, including roles in natural resource management, national parks and wildlife conservation.
Guided by Australia’s leading marine researchers, you’ll be exposed to a variety of marine habitats and environmental conditions.
You'll gain extensive fieldwork experience at UQ’s Heron Island Research Station on the southern Great Barrier Reef and UQ’s Moreton Bay Research Station on North Stradbroke Island.
We'll show you how to apply a wide range of evidence-based ecological and environmental strategies to protect and sustainably manage vital marine organisms and ecosystems across the globe.
You'll be prepared for a broad range of career opportunities within research and education, aquaculture, wildlife conservation and ecotourism.
In this major you'll gain quantitative and analytical skills, along with a foundation of calculus, linear algebra, probability, discrete mathematics, mathematical analysis and modelling.
You’ll develop and apply your knowledge through practical experience, structured tutorials and specialised lectures.
Our comprehensive mathematical training equips you for a broad range of opportunities in banking, finance, insurance, business, engineering, science, information technology and risk management.
Studying mathematics also gives you a strong foundation to continue into a higher degree by research and excel in research positions within universities, government agencies and private companies.
In this major, you'll study the diversity of microorganisms, the immune system, microbial virulence, disease states and the ways in which organisms respond to infection.
You'll learn how vaccines protect animals and humans from infectious diseases, and discover the latest advances in vaccine development from lecturers who are globally recognised experts.
Focusing on the key areas of immunology, virology, parasitology, environmental microbiology, microbial biotechnology and microbial genomics, you'll study bacterial, fungal and viral infections and apply your knowledge in weekly laboratory practicals.
You'll confidently use the specialist biomedical and molecular techniques required to diagnose and characterise infectious microbes and to develop new diagnostics. Problem-based scenarios will enhance your analytical, research and communication skills.
This major can lead to challenging and rewarding career opportunities within universities and biotechnology companies, and medical and veterinary institutes, along with roles in forensics, biosecurity and quarantine.
Alternatively, kickstart your career in research by progressing into a research-based honours degree.
Led by internationally recognised researchers, you’ll study the laws of physics and explore how these principles are applied in our everyday life – from understanding the nature of time to developing new technologies.
You'll be able to combine your scientific and mathematical knowledge with skills in computer programming and statistics to understand theories relating to quantum mechanics, biophotonics, astronomy or astrophysics. Or apply your knowledge to develop advanced materials, electronic and optical devices.
Your high-level technical, analytical and problem-solving skills will lead you to a wide range of rewarding opportunities in sectors such as education, finance, engineering, computing and management.
Alternatively, continue into a higher degree by research to uncover new scientific knowledge or apply your findings to develop new devices, products or processes.
In this major, you’ll learn and apply the science behind breeding high-yielding, pest-resistant crops to help farmers increase their productivity.
You'll study ecology, plant pathology, plant physiology and plant biotechnology, and apply your knowledge to use plant-based sources to develop biofuels, medicines or healthier food products.
Studying plant science can lead to rewarding career opportunities as a researcher, consultant or teacher with multinational companies, universities or government departments.
In this major, you'll explore topics like brain function, memory, conscious experience, lifespan development and social behaviour, together with the full spectrum of functional and dysfunctional behaviours.
Graduates undertake careers in human resources, mental health services, youth and child support work, or fields as diverse as marketing, aged care and corrective services.
Public health is founded on a multidisciplinary understanding of health that allows you to explore and examine the basis of disease and wellbeing by considering human behaviour, physical environments, socio-economic and cultural factors, and systems of healthcare management.
This major provides a broad overview of public health and the critical issues it confronts. To establish core understanding of this field, you will examine the foundational disciplines of public health, including epidemiology, biostatistics, health systems, environmental health and social sciences.
Studying public health can lead to a variety of roles within public and global health, health research or public health policy.
In this major, we combine theory with practical experience to expand your critical thinking, enhance your analytical capabilities and develop your technical skills.
You'll discover how statistics are used to help solve real-world problems, such as improving medical treatments through data-driven experimental design, or using meteorological and spatial data to assess drought conditions in local communities.
You'll learn and apply statistical techniques to analyse and interpret complex data, and transform it into meaningful insights.
Statisticians and data analysts are in high demand across business, industry, research and government to forecast, analyse and solve a variety of complex issues.
Through this major, you’ll investigate animal morphology, development and genetics, behaviour, ecology, physiology, biochemistry and molecular biology.
We'll expand your knowledge of climate change biology, wildlife and conservation biology, entomology, environmental physiology, marine biology, fisheries biology and aquaculture, terrestrial ecology, molecular ecology, and mathematical applications in biology.
You can combine your study of animals with biostatistics, ecology, evolution, genetics and insect science, and gain practical experience through field courses offered in the Australian outback, rainforests, Stradbroke Island and the Great Barrier Reef.
Zoology offers a large number of career options, ranging from field-based conservation work to biomedical research with medical laboratories and education institutions.
Alternatively, kickstart your career in research by progressing into a higher degree by research.
Fields of study
Tailor your studies to suit your goals. This program offers these options:
Design, implement and present your research project, with emphasis on defining the research issue, establishing methodology, undertaking appropriate collection and analysis of data and drawing defensible conclusions.
Supporting workshops and courses will further add to your research training.
Students will be able to identify key questions, plan experiments, acquire new techniques and interpret results.
Students will be able to identify key questions, plan experiments, acquire new techniques and interpret results.
Students will be able to identify key questions, plan experiments, acquire new techniques and interpret results.
Take on an independent research project under the guidance of leading environmental researchers.
You'll design, implement and present your research project, with emphasis on defining the research issue, establishing methodology, undertaking appropriate collection and analysis of data, and drawing defensible conclusions.
Depending on your project, you'll also undertake fieldwork in diverse subtropical and tropical ecosystems including World Heritage rainforests, the Great Barrier Reef, North Stradbroke Island and outback Australia.
Supporting workshops and courses will further add to your research training.
Students will be able to identify key questions, plan experiments, acquire new techniques and interpret results.
It involves the sequencing, assembly and annotation of genomes for comparative, evolutionary and ecological studies.
Take on an independent research project under the guidance of leading researchers who work in laboratories where current medical breakthroughs are taking place.
You'll design, implement and present your research project – with emphasis on defining the research issue, establishing methodology, undertaking appropriate collection and analysis of data, and drawing defensible conclusions.
Supporting workshops and courses will further add to your research training.
As a new frontier of science, it is receiving worldwide attention.
Students will be able to identify key questions, plan experiments, acquire new techniques and interpret results.
Students will be able to identify key questions, plan experiments, acquire new techniques and interpret results.
Students will be able to identify key questions, plan experiments, acquire new techniques and interpret results.
Undertake your own original research project under the guidance of an academic supervisor.
Design, implement and present your research project, with emphasis on defining the research issue, establishing methodology, undertaking appropriate collection and analysis of data, and drawing defensible conclusions.
Throughout your honours year, you will gather the knowledge and skills required to kickstart your career as a researcher and/or professional in the field of physiology.
Students will be able to identify key questions, plan experiments, acquire new techniques and interpret results.
Fees and Scholarships
Indicative annual fee
Approximate yearly cost of tuition (16 units). Your fees will vary according to your selected courses and study load. Fees are reviewed each year and may increase.
$7,340
2023
$7,340
2023
Approximate yearly cost of tuition (16 units). Your fees will vary according to your selected courses and study load. Fees are reviewed each year and may increase.
AUD $45,568
2023
AUD $45,568
2023
Government assistance
Financial aid
As an international student, you might be eligible for financial aid – either from your home country, or from the Australian Government.
HECS-HELP
Domestic places in the Bachelor of Advanced Science (Honours) are Commonwealth Supported. This means the cost of your education is shared between you and the Australian Government.
Instead of tuition fees, Commonwealth Supported students pay what are called student contribution amounts.
HECS-HELP is an Australian Government loan scheme to assist eligible students with the cost of their student contribution amounts.
Centrelink support
The Australian Government offers a number of income-support payments to eligible Australian university students.
Scholarships
You may be eligible for more than 100 scholarships, including:
How to apply
Applying online
If your senior schooling is from outside Australia, you can submit your application to UQ. Or, if you prefer, you can use an approved UQ agent in your country.
The program code for the Bachelor of Advanced Science (Honours) is 2516.
Find out more about applying for undergraduate study
If your senior schooling is from Australia
Submit your application to the Queensland Tertiary Admissions Centre if you're an international student who is currently studying:
- Australian Year 12 (in Australia or another country), or
- the International Baccalaureate in Australia.
The QTAC code for the Bachelor of Advanced Science (Honours) is 731901.
Applying through QTAC
All domestic applications should be submitted to the Queensland Tertiary Admissions Centre (QTAC).
The QTAC code for the Bachelor of Advanced Science (Honours) is 731901.
Important dates
If you’re studying Year 12 in Australia, go to the QTAC website to check the closing date for this program.
If you’re applying to UQ, the closing date for this program is:
- To commence study in semester 2 - May 31 of the year of commencement.
- To commence study in semester 1 - November 30 of the previous year.
To learn more about UQ dates, including semester start dates, view the Academic Calendar.
Important dates
To check the closing date for this program, go to the QTAC website.
To learn more about UQ dates, including semester start dates, view the Academic Calendar.
Admissions schemes
Applying to university can be both exciting and daunting, which is why we’ve tried to make the process as simple as we can.
We have several schemes in place to improve your chances of getting a place at UQ.
Pathway options
A rank or score doesn’t determine your potential.
If you're not offered a place in your first-choice program – or if you don't meet the entry requirements – you still have a number of options.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander applicants
For support with applying - or if you have any questions about Uni - get in touch with our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Studies Unit.
Explore other programs
Express yourself. And your interest.
They say choosing a degree is hard, which is why we've made it easy. Register your interest and we'll send you everything you need to know about applying to UQ.