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Bachelor of Science (Advanced)

Designed specifically for high achieving students to accelerate through their degree, and to engage in research and work placement opportunities.

Next intake: 01 Mar 2027
Learn more

Course essentials

ATAR

90+

Minimum ATAR including selection adjustments: The minimum selection rank for this course, is equivalent to an ATAR of 90.00. If applicable, this includes adjustment factors related to subject adjustments and SEAS.

Entry requirements

Credit

360 credit points = 3.0 EFTSL

Study mode

On campus
Online

Duration

3 years full-time or part-time equivalent

Start dates

01 March 2027

Locations

Berwick (on campus)
Gippsland (on campus)
Mt Helen (on campus)
Online

Course overview

As a high achieving student you'll complete a specialised pathway which allows for a double major in your degree. You'll have an opportunity to include a semester long project in your third year which provides advanced skills in experimental design data collection and synthesis problem solving and critical analysis.Major options include; Behavioural science Biochemistry Biological science Chemistry Ecology Environmental restoration Exercise science Food science Health and nutrition Mathematics Microbiology Molecular biology Mineral processing.

The Federation University Co-operative Model will accelerate your career by putting you at the heart of education and industry.
Federation Co-op creates a direct connection between students and employers, via paid placements, career preparation and workplace skill development, supported by a leader in student support, skills development and social equity.
Our industry stakeholders are excited about Federation Co-op as it addresses skill shortages by inviting them to collaborate on our courses, to identify the real skills that our students need to succeed in their chosen industry.
Co-op means you can succeed wherever you start on your study journey.
Federation has the know-how to deliver Co-op through our award-winning relationships with industry, including our 25+ year partnership with IBM, and our extensive research into the co-op model’s success in the USA, Canada and Europe for generations of students.
•    Work and world ready graduates.  We prepare our students through mandatory career development units, so you will be ready to enter the workforce during your co-operative placements, and through transferable World Ready Skills, so you are workforce ready when you graduate, regardless of your background before going to uni.
•    Real experience in your chosen profession. Every Co-op student completes a minimum of 60 days’ paid placement relevant to their course – contributing directly to course credits – either full time over one semester, part time over an extended period or in blocks embedded into your subjects. Co-op offers flexibility to suit our students’ commitments and course.
•    Co-design, co-develop and co-delivered with industry. We work with employers, industry, students and alumni to co-design, co-develop and co-deliver a comprehensive set of structured, assessed Co-operative Experiential Learning activities.

IT requirements

To do this course you’ll need a fast and reliable computer and access to high-speed internet. Expect to use about 5GB of data per month for every unit you’re doing. Find out more about the minimum IT requirements for studying with us.

Got questions?

Call us on 1800 333 864, start a live chat or submit an enquiry.

Student support

The support we offer is second to none. Need academic help? No problem. Extra access or financial assistance? Let’s see what we can do. View our student services.

The fine print

The commencement of all courses is subject to available funding and enrolment quotas.

Everything in this course overview is correct at the time of being published. However, the University reserves the right to alter any course, procedure or fee. Please check for changes before you apply or enrol.

Federation University uses Victorian and Commonwealth Government funding (for eligible students) to deliver training.

School department

Science

Course co-ordinator

Alison Green

Federation University provides really good study assistance and has been extremely supportive of my commitments throughout my studies."
— Nicole Frain, Bachelor of Science

Career paths

Depending on the areas of specialisation, you may find government or private sector employment in: medical science, earth science, environmental management, analytical laboratories, computer support, health, environmental planning and sustainability, consultancy or research.

The specialised pathway offered by this degree is ideal for students wanting to progress to honours and post-graduate study.

Biological scientist
Chemist
Cytologist
Ethical advisor
Forensic scientist
Geneticist
Immunologist
Laboratory analyst
Microbiologist
Pathologist
Research scientist

Professional recognition

Depending on your majors, graduates may be eligible to join the following professional bodies:

Royal Australian Chemical Institute,

Australian Society for Microbiology,

Environment Institute of Australia and New Zealand, and others.

Fees and scholarships

Tuition fee information

Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP)
2026 indicative full-time fee: $9,537

Commonwealth Supported Places are subsidised by the Australian Government. The tuition fee is called the student contribution amount. The indicative fee above is based on a typical first-year enrolment for this course and should be used as a guide only. For 0.5 EFTSL (60 credit point) courses the certificate fee is displayed. Your fee will depend on the units you chose, your study load, the time it takes to complete your course and any approved credit you receive. 

How it's calculated

The government sets the fee each year. The amount depends on the discipline area and band of each unit. 2026 annual student contribution amounts for 1 EFTSL (equivalent full-time student load) range from $4,738 (Band 1) to $17,399 (Band 4).  The sample course structure below link to the EFTSL, Band and fee for each unit or you can use our unit search to find these details.

Other fees

You will also need to pay the Student Services and Amenities Fee (SSAF).

Fee assistance

If you're eligible for a HECS-HELP loan,  you can defer the payment of all or part of your student contribution fee. If you’re also eligible for a SA-HELP loan, you can defer your SSAF payment too. You won’t have to start paying either loan back until your income reaches the compulsory repayment threshold.

Scholarships

There’s a range of scholarships and grants available. Find out what you can apply for.

Course details

Start dates

Semester 1, 2027

1 March 2027

Locations

Berwick (on campus)

Gippsland (on campus)

Mt Helen (on campus)

Online

Information

  • Our Mt Helen, SMB, Camp St and Gillies St campuses are located in Ballarat. Testing.
  • Online learning is only an option if you’re not studying on an international student visa. Testing

Contact hours

16 - 20 hours per week

Work integrated learning

Students will complete 60 days of co-operative industry placement.

Sample course structure

Here’s what the course structure could look like. It’s just an example (so don’t use it for enrolment). Interested in the details? You can find current course structure or select a single unit name below to find out what it’s about and how much it costs.

Semester 2
Semester 1

Semester 2
  • Elective

Semester 1
  • Elective

Semester 2
  • Elective

Semester 1
  • Elective

Meet us at Open Day

Open Day is your chance to explore all that Federation has to offer. Meet current lecturers and students, ask course questions, learn about our support services and explore campus spaces.

 

We’ve got heaps of activities, tours and presentations planned. Basically, we want you to get a real feel for Federation. The atmosphere. The opportunities. The community. 

 

Oh – and there’s no need to pack a sandwich. Lunch is on us.

Entry requirements

Entry requirements (year 12)

Admissions Criteria for applicants with recent secondary education (year 12 students from the past two years)

Prerequisites Units 3 and 4: a study score of at least 30 in  two units(any study combination) of Specialist Maths or Maths Methods, or at least 30 in one of Biology, Chemistry, Environmental Science, Geography, Physics or Psychology.

Units 3 and 4:  a study score of at least 30 in any English

This course uses the ATAR as part of its selection considerations.

Guaranteed ATAR

This program has a guaranteed ATAR.
If you meet the program pre-requisites and any ‘Essential Requirements for Admission’, we will guarantee you a place in this program with this ATAR. We use the adjusted ATAR, factoring in subject adjustments and SEAS as detailed below.

Subject Adjustments

A study score of 40 in Biology, Chemistry or Physics equals 3 aggregate points per study. Overall maximum of 5 points. SEAS (Special Entry Access Scheme)
Applicants who have experienced educational disadvantage are encouraged to apply for the Special Entry Access Schemes (SEAS). Depending on eligibility and your circumstances, this may provide support for your course application. Entry requirements (non year 12)
This category of applicants is not eligible to apply for this course.

Entry requirements (non year 12)

N/A

How you apply will depend on your current situation – school leaver, tertiary background or life experience – and whether you’re also applying for courses at other institutions. Visit our how to apply page to find out more.

Ready to fill out your application? You might need these codes:

VTAC application
Yes
VTAC code
3701811351 - Berwick (on campus)
3700711351 - Gippsland (on campus)
3700511351 - Mt Helen (on campus)
3700811351 - Online
Direct application
Yes
Federation University code
SC5

Graduates of the Bachelor of Science (Advanced) will be well placed for Honours and post-graduate study

Credit for previous study

Your previous studies might count towards this course (which means you could finish it sooner). Check your eligibility to find out if that’s the case.

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