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Undergraduate

Bachelor of Science Major Physical Sciences

Domestic students International students
Bachelor of Science Major Physical Sciences (BSCI)
Entry requirements
ATAR (2021) 65.60
Rank (2020) 68
OP (2020) 15
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Study mode
  • External
Campus
  • -
Duration
  • 3 year(s) (or part-time equivalent)
Start
  • Feb, Jul, Nov
Note: The Physical Sciences major is available via external study only. Therefore, this major is not available to international students who wish to study on-campus.

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Overview

  • Would you like to learn more about the universe? Physics reveals the natural laws at work in our everyday world and across the cosmos, and teaches us the fundamental principles underpinning modern science and technology.
  • Within USQ’s Bachelor of Science (Physical Sciences) survey classical and modern physics, develop professional knowledge and skills in optics, photonics, modern physics and quantum mechanics, apply physics in different areas including astronomical and space sciences, obtain research project experience, and graduate with widely useful scientific, numerical and critical analysis skills.
  • USQ’s Mt Kent Observatory near Toowoomba, solar UV monitoring equipment at the USQ Toowoomba campus, and a remotely accessible High-Performance Computing cluster are all available to support student research training.
 

Career outcomes

  • As a graduate you may find career opportunities as a scientist working for industry or government, technician working in a laboratory or in the field, teacher (in combination with appropriate education studies), meteorologist (subject to appropriate government training), researcher or academic (subject to appropriate postgraduate qualifications), or self-employment providing scientific and/or technical services.

Entry requirements

Find the entry requirements most relevant to you.

Recent secondary education

Adjusted Entry score including adjustment factors (additional points given in certain circumstances). Unadjusted Entry score not including adjustment factors.
ATAR The Australian Tertiary Admission Rank (ATAR) is a percentile rank used to assess the results of high-school applicants for undergraduate entry into university. 65.60 -
Rank Non school-leavers can have qualifications and work experience assessed to form a Selection Rank. 68 62
OP The Overall Position (OP) is a QLD tertiary entrance rank (1-25) for high-school applicants, replaced by ATAR in 2021. 15 17

Starting uni in 2021?

If you want to start your studies in 2021, the format of subject pre-requisites will change slightly from previous years. ATAR will also replace OP for Queensland students who graduate from high school from 2020. Find out more about these changes to ensure you are prepared to apply.

Pre-requisites

Subject pre-requisite: Mathematical Methods (Units 3 & 4, C) or equivalent.

To study this degree we also assume you have sound knowledge in:

  • English (Units 3 & 4, C)

We assume that your knowledge is equivalent to a grade C or higher in Units 3 and 4 at high school level (typically studied in Year 12). Find out more about assumed knowledge.

In addition, it is also recommended that you have studied one of Biology, Chemistry, or Physics (Units 3 & 4, C) or equivalent. 

Further admission information

Adjustments are additional points given in certain circumstances that may increase your Rank. Find out if you qualify for any adjustment factor pathways such as educational disadvantage where you live, and subjects you passed.

USQ is committed to greater admissions transparency. Learn more about the education and work experience, as well as average OP/Ranks for this degrees' student cohort for Semester 1 from the previous year.

Tafe (VET) qualification

If you have completed a qualification from a TAFE or qualified private provider, you may be able to use these qualifications to meet USQ's entry requirements.

Work and life experience

You may be able to use your work experience and other adjustment factors to increase your selection rank and meet USQ's entry requirements.

English language requirements

You are required to satisfy the applicable English language requirements and this degree requires a minimum of IELTS 6.0 or equivalent. If you do not meet the English language requirements you may apply to study a University-approved English language program.

Recognition of prior learning or work experience

You may be eligible for recognition of prior learning if you have previously studied or have relevant work experience. This will help to reduce the number of courses that you need to study to finish your program.

Pathways

If you don't meet the entry requirements, we have pathway options available to you.

If you identify as being of Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander descent you may be eligible to enter the Indigenous Higher Education Pathways Program (IHEPP).

Degree structure

To complete this degree students must complete 24 units. Most courses (similar to ‘subjects’) are valued at 1 unit. To study full-time you would usually complete 4 units per semester.

Courses to be studied Units
Core courses 4
1 x first 8-unit major 8
1 x second 8-unit major plus 4 x approved courses
or 12 x approved courses
 12
Total 24

Refer to the USQ Handbook for courses to be studied and recommended enrolment patterns.

Other majors

Double degrees

You may like to study the Bachelor of Science as part of a double degree to give you the flexibility tailor your degree to your ambition.

Fees and scholarships

Your actual fees may vary depending on the courses you select. We review our fees annually so these may be subject to change.

Approximate annual costs1 for your first year of study (8 units) in this degree are:

Study Mode Cost
Commonwealth supported

The Federal Government contributes to the cost of your course and you need to pay a student contribution.

AUD 7950
Domestic full fee paying

You are responsible for the full cost of your course and are charged a tuition fee.

AUD 26560

1 These are indicative annual fees for 2021. 

Student services and amenities fees

You may need to pay student services and amenities (SA) fees as part of your course costs.

Loan to help you pay your fees

You may not have to pay your course (subject) fees upfront. HECS-HELP and FEE-HELP allows you to defer your fees until your income reaches a certain level. Find out if you are eligible for HECS-HELP or FEE-HELP.

You may also be eligible to receive financial support from Centrelink.

Scholarships

At USQ, we offer a range of scholarships to support your success at university. Find a scholarship that works for you.

How to apply

Apply via QTAC

Apply via QTAC (Queensland Tertiary Admissions Centre) if you:

  • have never studied with USQ before, or
  • are a Year 12 student, or
  • want to transfer to USQ from another university.
Mode QTAC Codes
External 906125

Copy your QTAC code and continue through to the QTAC website to complete your application.

Apply through QTAC

If you are applying via QTAC, please check the QTAC closing dates.

Apply directly to USQ

You may be able to apply directly to USQ if you:

  • are a current or previous USQ student returning to study with complete or incomplete qualifications (excluding Head Start students), or
  • have recently graduated from TAFE.
Apply direct to USQ

The closing dates for applying directly to USQ are:

  • Semester 1, 2021 - applications close Friday 5 March, with semester 1 commencing on Monday 22 February, 2021.
  • Semester 2, 2021 - applications close Monday 19 July, with semester 2 commencing on Monday 12 July, 2021.
  • Semester 3, 2021 - applications close Monday 15 November, with semester 3 commencing on Monday 15 November, 2021.

More information on applying key dates is available.

Further information

Discover further information on applying to study at USQ that is relevant to you.

Students receiving computer assistance.

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Begin your study journey today with Queensland's #1 University for graduate starting salary* and start the degree that’s right for you.

*Good Universities Guide, 2021

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