Bachelor of Science (Applied Sciences)

3 years full-time or part-time study may be available

Specialised streams

The 4 specialties are:

Applied sciences

With this stream you can major in environmental science, biotechnology or food science.

Applied chemistry

Whether it is nanotechnology (miniaturisation), agriculture (food production), industrial chemistry (catalysis), trace element analysis (toxic residues), polymers (specialty composites) or new energy sources (solar cells), chemistry provides us with the basis for understanding the nature of the materials we work with and the ability to control them.

Biological sciences

This stream covers ecology, ecotoxicology, marine biology and aquaculture, environmental biotechnology and molecular agriculture.

Physics

Physics is the study of the interaction of systems which aids advances in technology and covers the very smallest (nanoparticles) to the largest (galaxies and the universe itself).

Areas of physics include nuclear physics, astrophysics, particle physics, solid-state physics, cosmology, optical physics, mechanics, thermodynamics and magnetism.

Learning and teaching

Classes are taught through a combination of lectures, seminars, tutorials, online reading, workshop, practical and laboratory sessions. These are primarily in English.

You will have access to the Learning Hub and other online and digital resources through the myRMIT student portal.

Ongoing assessment throughout the semester includes examinations, essays, reports, oral classes, presentations, group projects, research projects, laboratory projects and practical assignments.

Program structure

The program offers a wide variety of learning experiences including laboratory and practical work, working in the field, formal lectures, and working with industry on self-directed projects..

Year 1

You'll gain a solid foundation across the sciences to help you choose your specialty.

You'll be introduced to topics like the methodical scientific approach, individual and group work, communication skills and awareness and understanding of the importance of safety in the scientific workplace.

Year 2

As well as focusing on your specialty, you'll be introduced to electives to expand your science knowledge. These might enhance your specialty or broaden your overall studies.

Year 3

You'll delve deeper into your specialist area and begin work-integrated learning courses (like the professional scientist and science project).

Note: The occupational health and safety (laboratory and fieldwork safety) elective offers credit towards the Certificate IV in Occupational Health and Safety. This is done after graduation and is considered a valuable add-on by employers.

Honours

An Honours year is available in applied sciences, applied chemistry, biological sciences and physics.

Depending on your choice of programs, you may be eligible for Honours in biotechnology, environmental science and food science.

The following program structure(s) is an example of what students are currently studying in this program.

The real-life education and hands-on skills you will develop are highly desired by employers. The specialist courses in third year ensure you are even more employable.

In all courses you receive invaluable hands-on skills from practical sessions.

Final year science projects based on industry-related problems give you insight into the industry and the roles in which you can work. You'll also get to make important contacts with people working in the industry.

RMIT University is committed to providing you with an education that strongly links formal learning with professional or vocational practice.

Our graduates enjoy national and international success. Many hold key positions in public and private industry, research organisations and government departments.

Biological sciences graduates work in nearly every area of biotechnology and biosciences—from gene manipulation in mammals to toxin testing in waterways and crop protection all over the world.

Applied chemistry graduates pursue careers in manufacturing; professional, scientific and technical services; education and training and electricity, gas, water and waste services.

Physics graduates will work in advanced coatings, surface engineering, acoustics, geophysics, optics, radiation, soft condensed matter, materials modelling and simulation, forensic/biomedical/scientific photography, etc.

Professional recognition and accreditation

Depending on your specialty, you'll be recognised by one or more of the following organisations:

• Safety Institute of Australia (SIA)
• Australian Institute of Biology (AIB)
• The Australian Society for Microbiology (ASM)
• The Australian Biochemical Society (ABS)
• The Australian Institute of Medical and Biological Illustration (AIMBI)
• Australian Institute of Food Science and Technology (AIFST)
• Environment Institute of Australia and New Zealand (EIANZ)
• Royal Australian Chemical Institute (RACI)
• Australian Institute of Physics (AIP)
• The Institute of Photographic Technology, Incorporated (IPT).

You can study 1 or more semesters at any of the 120 partner universities through the Education Abroad program.

You must meet the University entry requirements for this type of program.

Program entry requirements

Prerequisites

Current Year 12 prerequisite units 3 and 4—one of Mathematical Methods (CAS) or Specialist Mathematics and a study score of at least 30 in English (ESL) or at least 25 in any other English.

Selection tasks

Form: Non-Year 12 and international applicants must complete and submit a VTAC Personal History online or an applicant statement if they wish other information to be considered. Applicants should explain their reasons for wanting to study the course and include details of any relevant work or other experience.

1. Check program entry requirements and confirm you're eligible.

2. Check and complete the selection tasks (if applicable) by the relevant closing date - these tasks are listed in the program entry requirements.

3. Check the table below for how to apply.

4. Apply using the appropriate method by the closing date.

Application method

Equity access

If circumstances have interrupted or disadvantaged your access to education, RMIT offers equity access schemes that allow selection officers to give applicants extra consideration, which may improve your prospects of studying at RMIT.

Tuition fees vary according to program and are adjusted annually.

In a Commonwealth supported place (CSP) your tuition fee is shared between you and the Commonwealth Government - if you meet the eligibility criteria.

Fee assistance

As a Commonwealth supported student, you may be able to either:

• pay all or part of your student contribution up front and receive a 10% discount, or
• defer your tuition fees through the HECS-HELP loan scheme.

RMIT awards more than 2000 scholarships every year to recognise academic achievement and assist students from a variety of backgrounds. Learn more about RMIT Scholarships.

Other fees

Depending on your studies, you may have to buy a laboratory coat, safety glasses, a pipette filler, a range of specified textbooks and lecture notes.

In addition to tuition fees you will also pay the Student services and amenities fee (SSAF). You may be able to defer the fee through the SA-HELP loan scheme.

There may be other additional expenses and administrative fees associated with your studies.

Depending on the stream chosen, graduates of the Associate Degree in Applied Science who achieve a grade point average (GPA) of 2.0 or greater will be able to claim credit and are guaranteed entry into this program. Graduates with a GPA of less than 2.0 can still apply and may be eligible for exemptions if successful in gaining a place.

Learn more about pathways or if you are eligible for credit transfer and recognition of prior learning.

Applied Sciences

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