Bachelor of Science
Choose your specialisation in Biochemistry, Cell Biology, Chemistry, Ecology, Environmental Restoration, Laboratory Bioscience or Microbiology through our comprehensive science degree. Tailor your career path by selecting a major and minor study area.
Course essentials
ATAR
Guaranteed ATAR Score 60
Entry requirements
Credit
Study mode
Online
Duration
Start dates
01 March 2027
19 July 2027
Locations
Gippsland (on campus)
Mt Helen (on campus)
Online
Course overview
This course provides you with a wide variety of major and minor study areas to choose from based on your interests and career aspirations. Apply for our Bachelor of Science and study a generalised first year, with the flexibility to choose from a wide range of major and minor options:
Biochemistry
Explores the chemical processes that underpin life, linking molecular biology and chemistry. Ideal for students interested in medical research, pharmaceuticals, and biotechnology
Cell Biology
If you’re interested in learning more about human health and diagnosis of disease, genetics and inheritance, cancer therapies and the gut microbiome.
Chemistry
Combines the study of chemical processes with advanced analytical techniques to solve real world problems. Prepares you for roles in research, industry and environmental monitoring.
Ecology
Focuses on the interactions between organisms and their environments, including biodiversity, conservation, and ecosystem dynamics. Prepares you for careers in environmental management, research, and sustainability planning.
Environmental Restoration
Examines strategies to rehabilitate degraded ecosystems and restore natural habitats. Combines ecological principles with practical techniques for land rehabilitation, conservation, and sustainable resource use.
Laboratory Bioscience
Provides hands-on training in advanced laboratory techniques. Develop practical skills in sample analysis, quality control, and data interpretation, preparing you for technical roles in healthcare, industry, and scientific research.
Microbiology
Understand the role of microbes in natural and industrial applications. Gain knowledge of pathogens in human and animal health. Appreciate the role of microbes in the food industry. Develop laboratory skills applicable in industry and research.
This course also provides you with real experience in your chosen profession through our Co-operative Model. Please see the work integrated learning section below for more details.
Please note: All online-enrolled students are required to attend a limited number of on-campus intensive labs and compulsory fieldtrips as part of their course.
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
Berwick (on campus) - Alison Green
Gippsland (on campus) - David Smith
Mt Helen (on campus) - Alison Green
Online - David Smith
Career paths
Biochemistry
• Laboratory analyst
• Product sales
Cell Biology
• Pharmaceutical sales
• Medical science liaison
• Genetic counselling
Chemisty
• Laboratory analysis
• Environmental chemistry
• Quality assurance
• Lab equipment specialist
Ecology
• Catchment & land management authorities
• Local councils
• Government agencies
• Environmental consultants
Environmental Restoration
• Catchment & land management authorities
• Local councils
• Government agencies
•Environmental consultants
Laboratory Bioscience
• Biotechnology research
• Laboratory technician
• Lab equipment specialist
• Product representative
Microbiology
• Food quality and safety
• Regulatory compliance
Fees and scholarships
Tuition fee information
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 2, 2026
20 July 2026
Locations
Berwick (on campus)
Gippsland (on campus)
Mt Helen (on campus)
Online
Semester 1, 2027
1 March 2027
Locations
Berwick (on campus)
Gippsland (on campus)
Mt Helen (on campus)
Online
Semester 2, 2027
19 July 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
You’d be looking at about 25-30 hours per week (if you’re full time), but this includes on-campus classes and self-directed study (i.e. homework).
Work integrated learning
This course provides you with real experience in your chosen profession, through our Co-operative Industry Placement model.
You will undertake a minimum of 60 days (450 hours) paid placement relevant to your studies - contributing directly to course credits.
This can be completed full time over one semester, part time over an extended period or in blocks embedded into your subjects. Federation University Co-op offers flexibility to suit your existing work, personal and study commitments.
Learn more at https://federation.edu.au/co-op
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.
- Principles of Biology15 credit pointsSCBIO1001
- Chemistry 115 credit pointsSCCHM1001
- Scientific Communication15 credit pointsSCCOR1200
Major
- Scientific Practice15 credit pointsSCCOR1300
- Professional Identity (Science)15 credit pointsCOOPS1001
Minor
Major
Major
Minor
Electives
- Co-operative Placement 1 (Science)30 credit pointsCOOPS2011
Major
Minor
- Co-operative Placement 2 (Science)30 credit pointsCOOPS2012
Major
Major
Elective
Electives
Entry requirements
Entry requirements (year 12)
Units 3 and 4: a study score of at least 20 in any English;
Units 3 and 4: a study score of at least 20 in one of any Mathematics or any Science.
Entry requirements (non year 12)
Admission criteria for applicants with a Higher Education Study
Previous higher education studies with results at a pass level, including any 'single subjects of study', or successful completion of a tertiary preparatory course such as the Federation Access Studies Program (FAST).
Admission criteria for applications with a Vocational Education and Training study
Successful completion of a VET qualification at Certificate III level or higher.
Admission criteria for applications with work and life experience
Applicants who have not completed secondary education, or undertaken any TAFE or university studies will not be eligible for entry into this course. Applicants in this category should consider a pathway course such as Federation Access Studies (FAST) Program
English language requirements
Overall Academic IELTS band score of 6.0, with no band less than 6.0, or equivalent
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
- 3701837001 - Berwick (on campus)
3700737001 - Gippsland (on campus)
3700537001 - Mt Helen (on campus)
3700837001 - Online - Direct application
- Yes
- Federation University code
- SI5