Bachelor of Science (B-SCI) // Entry and participation requirements

Entry requirements

1. In order to be considered for entry, applicants must have completed one of:

(a) the Victorian Certificate of Education including

• VCE Units 3 and 4 – either a study score of at least 25 in one of English, English Language or Literature or a study score of at least 30 in English as an Additional Language, and
• VCE Units 3 and 4 – a study score of at least 25 in either one of Mathematical Methods or Specialist Mathematics and one of Biology, Chemistry or Physics; or both of Mathematical Methods and Specialist Mathematics

(b) the International Baccalaureate Diploma including

• a minimum grade of 4 in either Applications and interpretations HL, Analysis and approaches SL, or Analysis and approaches HL;
• a minimum grade of 4 in either English or English B (Standard Level or Higher Level); and
• a minimum grade of 4 in one of Biology, Chemistry or Physics.

(c) a senior secondary program, foundation studies program or equivalent approved by the Academic Board including appropriate studies in English and Mathematics, and in at least one of Biology, Chemistry or Physics.

Except for applicants eligible for Access Melbourne, minimum ATAR or equivalent overall performance rankings apply.

Meeting these requirements does not guarantee selection.

2. In ranking applications, the Selection Committee will consider:

• prior academic performance.

3. The Selection Committee may seek further information to clarify any aspect of an application in accordance with the Academic Board ruleson the use of selection instruments.

Note

• For applications through the Victorian Tertiary Admission Centre, “middle-band” selection adjustments are made only on the basis of eligibility for Access Melbourne.
• An alternative pathway is available for applicants eligible for advanced standing of a least 100 points towards the science component of the B.Sc. including at least 25 points at second year level in a discipline area available in the BSc as a major study area. To be considered under this pathway, applicants must meet the University’s undergraduate English standards and have completed VCE Mathematical Methods (CAS) Units 3 and 4 with a study score of at least 25, or equivalent.

Inherent requirements (core participation requirements)

The Bachelor of Science welcomes applications from students with disabilities. It is University and degree policy to take all reasonable steps to minimise the impact of disability upon academic study, and reasonable adjustments will be made to enhance a student’s participation in the degree.

The Bachelor of Science requires all students to enrol in subjects where they will require:

1. the ability to comprehend complex science, technology and/or engineering systems related information;
2. the ability to clearly and independently communicate a knowledge and application of science, technology and engineering systems principles and practices during assessment tasks; and in some areas of study
3. the ability to actively and safely contribute in clinical, laboratory, and fieldwork/excursion activities.

Students must possess behavioural and social attributes that enable them to participate in a complex learning environment. Students are required to take responsibility for their own participation and learning. They also contribute to the learning of other students in collaborative learning environments, demonstrating interpersonal skills and an understanding of the needs of other students. Assessment may include the outcomes of tasks completed in collaboration with other students. There are additional inherent academic requirements for some major studies and subjects, and these requirements are listed within the description of the requirements for each of these majors and subjects. Students who feel their disability will impact on meeting this requirement are encouraged to discuss this matter with the relevant Subject Coordinator and the Disability Liaison Unit: http://www.services.unimelb.edu.au/disability/

Major‐specific core participation requirements

Agricultural Science Major Specific Core Participation requirements: Fieldwork and Practicals The sites essential to this fieldwork are not wheelchair accessible and require students to traverse broken ground. Visual observation and interpretation of the sites is also an essential component, as is specimen and microscope work.

Veterinary Bioscience Major Specific Core Participation requirements: Practical classes This major requires all students to actively, independently and safely participate in all practical classes, utilising a range of observational, communication, motor, intellectual, and behavioural and social skills. Visual acuity, muscle coordination, balance, and sensory tactile perception are essential for participation. Details of the participation requirements can be found at https://handbook.unimelb.edu.au/view/current/MC-DVETMED

Animal Health and Disease Major Specific Core Participation requirements: Practical classes This major requires all students to actively, independently and safely participate in all practical classes, utilising a range of observational, communication, motor, intellectual, and behavioural and social skills. Visual acuity, muscle coordination and balance are essential for participation.

Animal Science and Management Major Specific Core Participation requirements: Fieldwork, practicals and laboratory experiments The sites essential to this fieldwork are not wheel chair accessible and may require students to traverse broken ground. Students are also required to undertake experiments including specimen and microscope work with assessment reliant on careful observation and visual interpretation of results. Practicals may also involve handling and working with animals.

Chemical Systems Specific Core Participation requirements: Laboratory experiments This major requires students to undertake experiments using specialist software with assessment reliant on careful observation and visual interpretation of results.

Ecology and Evolutionary Biology Major Specific Core Participation requirements: Fieldwork The sites essential to this fieldwork are not wheelchair accessible and require students to traverse broken ground. Visual observation and interpretation of the sites is also an essential component.

Food Science Major Specific Core Participation requirements: Laboratory experiments This major requires students to undertake experiments using specialist software with assessment reliant on careful observation and visual interpretation of results.

Geology and Geoscience Majors Specific Core Participation requirements: Fieldwork The sites essential to this fieldwork are not wheelchair accessible and require students to traverse broken ground. Visual observation and interpretation of the sites is also an essential component, as is specimen and microscope work.

Last updated: 26 April 2024