Associate Degree in Science
Are you looking for a career where you can make a difference? If you are creative, enjoy solving problems, enjoy collecting and organising information, and love evaluating evidence, then a career in science is likely to suit you. This two-year program offers the perfect pathway to university to gain new skills, switch careers or simply learn more about a science field that interests you. This program provides students with an alternative pathway to the Bachelor of Science and related programs at USC.
In this program you will:
- Fast-track your science education and gain guaranteed entry into a degree at USC
- Gain the necessary skills needed to solve real-life problems related to many branches in science
- Learn core scientific principles such as biology and chemistry
- Choose to specialise in Biology; Biotechnology; Chemistry; Ecology or Mathematics
Location
CRICOS code
Entry threshold
ATAR/RankDuration
Full-time or equivalent part-time Only a full-time option is available to international students on a Student visa. Online programs are not available to Student visa holders.Indicative fees
Indicative 2026 fees (A$)
CSP Annual feeQTAC code
Start
- Semester 1
- Semester 2
- Start
-
- Semester 1
- Semester 2
- Delivery mode
-
- Blended Learning
- Total courses
- 16
- Total units
- 192
- Duration
- 2 years 2 years
- CRICOS code
- 064652A
- UniSC program code
- SC201
Introductory and Developing courses (6) 72 units
LFS100 Cell Biology
SCI102 Biodiversity and Ecology
SCI105 Introductory Chemistry
SCI110 Science Research Methods
SCI113 Discovering Science
PLUS select 1 course (12 units) from:
MTH103 Introduction to Applied Mathematics
MTH104 Introductory Calculus
Pathway courses (4) 48 units
Select 4 courses for ONE of the following pathways:
Biology
ENS221 Plant Diversity and Ecology
ENS222 Terrestrial Vertebrate Diversity and Ecology
LFS252 Molecular Biology
LFS261 Microbiology
Biotechnology
LFS251 Biochemistry
LFS252 Molecular Biology
LFS261 Microbiology
MBT254 Biotechnology: Research to Product
Chemistry
CHM202 Organic Chemistry
CHM210 Inorganic Chemistry
LFS251 Biochemistry
CHM310 Physical Chemistry
Ecology
ENS213 Invertebrate Biology and Ecology
ENS221 Plant Diversity and Ecology
ENS222 Terrestrial Vertebrate Diversity and Ecology
ENS282 Coastal and Marine Ecology
Mathematics
ANM203 Statistics with Teeth: Understanding Ecological Data
MTH201 Calculus II and Linear Algebra
MTH212 Discrete Mathematics
MTH302 Applied Mathematics
Elective courses (6) 72 units*
Select 6 elective courses from the undergraduate elective course options. Of these electives, 2 must be developing and graduate level (200/300 coded).
*Students undertaking the Mathematics pathway will substitute one of the electives for MTH103 or MTH104 .
Note: Program structures are subject to change. Not all UniSC courses are available on every UniSC campus.
In order to graduate you must:
- Successfully complete 192 units as outlined in the Program Structure
- Complete no more than 10 introductory level (100 coded).
Program notes
- It is highly recommended that students consider enrolling in relevant enabling courses
- Completing this program within the specified (full-time) duration is based on studying 48 unit points per semester (normally 4 courses)and following the recommended study sequence
- The unit value of all courses is 12 units unless otherwise specified
- It is each students responsibility to enrol correctly according to your course requisites, program rules and requirements and be aware of the academic calendar dates
- Courses within this program are assessed using a variety of assessment methods which may include essays, seminar presentations, reports, in-class tests and examinations
- As part of your UniSC program, you may apply to Study Overseas to undertake courses with an overseas higher education provider
- Only a full-time study option is available to international students on a Student Visa
- Refer to the Managing your progression page for help in understanding your program structure, reviewing your progress and planning remaining courses.
This study sequence reflects the current program structure. Continuing students must follow their commencing structure, which can be found in the previous student handbooks.
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| Applicant background | No. of students | % of all students |
|---|---|---|
Notes
<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 prevent calculation of numbers in cells with less than five students.
Adjusted ATARs are a calculation of a student's ATAR + eligible adjustment factors and are used to determine admission. The raw ATAR is the student's rank before any adjustments are applied.
Entry requirements
For entry into most UniSC undergraduate degree programs, you need to have completed a minimum level of education similar to successful completion of Australian Year 12 with good grades.
Further studies, for example, a semester or more at college or university, can also be considered for entry and may give you credit transfer towards a degree.
Some examples of upper secondary qualifications and a guide to the minimum grades that UniSC will consider are listed here. These are minimum requirements and do not guarantee entry. Some programs may require higher grades. Alternative qualifications may also be considered on a case by case basis.
If your qualification (grouped by country) is not listed, send the qualification transcripts with your application form to the International Office for assessment.
English language requirements
You will also need to meet the English language requirements for this program. If you do not meet the minimum requirements, you may be able to enrol in our English Language Programs to reach the required level for most of UniSC’s programs (exceptions apply to non-standard English requirement programs).
Minimum entry threshold
Applicants must meet the minimum ATAR/Rank.
| Location | ATAR/Rank |
|---|---|
| Sunshine Coast | 50.00 |
- Recommended prior study
- English; Maths Methods or Specialist Maths; at least one science subject (preferably Chemistry)
- CSP estimate
- A$11,710 - 2024 Fees
- Annual tuition fee (A$, 2026)
- A$28,600
Commonwealth supported places
Commonwealth supported places are substantially subsidised by the Australian Government so that students only pay 'student contribution" amounts. The student contribution amount will vary depending on the course you are studying and how much funding the Government provides.
If you accept a Commonwealth supported place you are a Commonwealth supported student. As a Commonwealth supported student you must make a contribution towards the cost of your education (unless you are enrolled in Enabling or Tertiary Preparation Pathway courses) with the majority of the cost met by the Commonwealth Government.
Commonwealth supported places are only available to domestic students. As a domestic student you are entitled to a Commonwealth supported place in an eligible program if you:
- meet the citizenship and residency requirements
- complete an electronic Commonwealth Assistance Form (eCAF)
- meet the University's entry requirements for your chosen program.
International fee-paying places
Annual tuition fees are based on 2025 rates and the equivalent full-time student load as per the recommended study sequence in the relevant program.
Actual fees payable are based on the actual enrolment load in a teaching period (excluding Study Abroad and Postgraduate Qualifying Pathway).
All prices quoted are in Australian Dollars (A$).