Key information
VIEWING DOMESTIC
Start dates
March
July
Delivery mode
In person
(Bedford Park)
High-achieving advanced science graduates shape the future.
This degree equips ambitious students for advanced research and leadership in science. With embedded research projects and the flexibility to specialise, you’ll be ready for honours, PhDs, or careers where innovation, analysis, and discovery take centre stage.
Research Scientist
Research scientists tackle fundamental questions and pressing global challenges, from designing renewable energy solutions to developing new medical therapies. They run experiments, interpret results, and publish findings that influence both science and society.
In Australia, research scientists are employed in universities, government agencies, medical institutes, and industry R&D teams. Many go on to lead their own labs, secure research grants, or direct scientific programs.
Physicist
Physicists explore the laws of the universe and apply them to real-world problems, from quantum technologies to nuclear energy and advanced materials. Their work ranges from theoretical modelling to hands-on experimentation with cutting-edge instruments.
Australia’s physics graduates contribute to national priorities in defence, renewable energy, medical physics, and space research. Many progress to doctoral study and take on roles as research leaders, consultants, or academics.
Study: Major in Physics
Sources: Jobs and Skills Australia, 2024 | Seek Australia, 2024
Epidemiologist
Study the patterns and causes of disease, often continuing through PhD and research fellowships before becoming global health advisors. Their evidence informs public health policy, pandemic response, and medical innovation.
Study: Major in Molecular Biology
Biotechnologist
Biotechnologists innovate in areas such as medicine, agriculture, and environmental sustainability. Many progress into honours and PhD pathways, leading research teams or driving biotech start-ups.
Study: Major in Biotechnology
University Lecturer / Academic Researcher
Academic researchers combine teaching with leading research projects, typically after completing a PhD and postdoctoral studies. This pathway provides opportunities to mentor future scientists and contribute to global knowledge.
Data Scientist
Data scientists use machine learning and computational methods to extract insights from large datasets in science, health, and finance. Many pursue higher degrees before advancing into specialist research roles or industry leadership.
Study: Major in Data Science
Majors
Chemistry
Mathematics
Molecular Biology
Nuclear Engineering
Physics
Sustainability
Wireless Systems Security
Minors
Explore the ecological and evolutionary drivers of animal behaviour. Gain practical field and lab skills to understand species interactions, preparing for conservation, research and wildlife management careers.
Study aquaculture biology, water quality, nutrition, and fisheries management. Learn applied techniques for sustainable food production and prepare for careers in aquaculture and fisheries industries.
Learn machine learning, intelligent systems and automation. Apply AI to biodiversity, health, forensics, geospatial data, and business, preparing for data-driven roles across science, government and industry.
Explore Earth's biodiversity, ecological processes and conservation strategies. Address threats like climate change and habitat loss through fieldwork and theory, preparing for careers in policy, consultancy and research.
Investigate genetic engineering, microbial biotechnology and bioinformatics. Gain laboratory and data analysis skills with applications in medicine, agriculture and environmental science. Prepare for biotech research and diagnostics careers.
Examine marine and coastal systems, integrating oceanography, ecology and environmental science. Gain field and analytical skills for roles in marine conservation, coastal management and environmental consultancy.
Understand climate systems and drivers of change. Study atmospheric science, oceanography and policy while developing modelling and communication skills for sustainability, adaptation and environmental advocacy roles.
Learn programming and computational thinking. Build coding skills that support innovation across science, health, business and government, enhancing employability in today's data-driven, technology-focused industries.
Learn data engineering, machine learning and computational analysis. Extract insights from complex datasets for careers in science, technology, business, research and government data-driven roles.
Develop statistical modelling, visualisation and data management skills. Gain hands-on experience with industry tools while exploring ethical data use, preparing for analytical roles across research, business and government.
Explore engineering design, ergonomics, and sustainable manufacture. Develop creativity, teamwork and problem-solving through practical design projects, preparing for careers in innovation, product development and applied engineering.
Study the science and practice of restoring degraded environments. Integrate hydrology, soil science and ecology with field-based approaches to address ecosystem degradation and rehabilitation.
Gain skills in GIS, remote sensing, cartography and spatial modelling. Collect, analyse and visualise spatial data for careers in planning, environmental management and resource monitoring.
Strengthen quantitative reasoning with calculus and linear algebra. Develop analytical and problem-solving skills that complement science, engineering, economics, and policy, preparing for data-driven careers and further study.
Investigate microbial physiology, genetics and pathogenesis. Gain lab skills in microbiological techniques while exploring roles of microbes in biotechnology, ecosystems, public health and research.
Study DNA, RNA and proteins through genetics, cell biology and biochemistry. Develop lab, communication and teamwork skills for careers in biomedical research, diagnostics and molecular innovation.
Explore the structure, reactivity and synthesis of carbon-based compounds. Study reaction mechanisms and stereochemistry with applications in pharmaceuticals, materials, and synthetic chemistry careers.
Examine fossils, ancient ecosystems and evolutionary history. Combine fieldwork, lab analysis and theory to prepare for careers in museums, heritage, research and science communication.
Study mechanics, quantum physics, thermodynamics and energy systems. Gain lab and computational experience while developing transferable skills for careers in science, technology, research and education.
Explore plant biology, ecology and physiology. Gain field and lab experience in plant diversity and adaptation, preparing for careers in conservation, agriculture, environmental management and research.
Study renewable energy, waste management, climate change, biodiversity and policy. Develop practical sustainability skills for careers in planning, advocacy, corporate sustainability and environmental consultancy.
Learn hydrology, groundwater, water quality and ecohydrology. Explore Australia's water challenges while developing skills for careers in water management, sustainability planning and environmental consultancy.
Learn from the experts.
Our incredible teaching and professional staff are experts in their fields and well-connected to the industry.
Frequently asked questions.
Over the years, many questions have been asked by students before. For the quickest answers view our frequently asked questions or browse the full list @ Ask Flinders.
It’s tailored for high-achieving students and includes dedicated research projects in Years 2 and 3, giving you deeper skills than a standard science degree.
Yes. You’ll combine a major, a minor, and electives, giving you flexibility to explore across scientific disciplines while focusing on your interests.
Whilst there are no prerequisites or assumed knowledge, you’ll need a strong foundation in Year 12 sciences or equivalent. This ensures you’re ready for advanced-level study and research.
Yes. The degree is designed to prepare you for honours-level research and postgraduate programs.
Graduates who complete a Physics major automatically qualify for admission to the Australian Institute of Physics (AIP) with the grade of Member.
Graduates work in research, environmental science, biotechnology, data science, physics, and more, or continue to honours, postgraduate study, and beyond.
The program uses facilities at Bedford Park, Tonsley, Flinders City Campus, and online. Availability depends on your chosen major and minor.
Yes, the degree can be completed over three years full-time or the equivalent part-time.
- Applications are completed via SATAC
- Visit: satac.edu.au
The table below shows ATAR and Selection Rank data for students offered a place wholly or partly on the basis of ATAR commencing in Semester 1, 2025. It is limited to applicants that have recently completed secondary education (within the last two years). Data may reflect multiple courses available within a suite of courses.
Notes:
<5 – less than 5 ATAR based offers made
N/A – This course uses additional selection criteria and therefore Selection Rank is not published
| ATAR-based offers only across all offer rounds | ATAR - Excluding adjustment factors | Selection Rank - ATAR plus any adjustment factors |
|---|---|---|
| Highest rank to receive an offer | 95.20 | 99.95 |
| Median rank to receive an offer | 76.17 | 80.42 |
| Lowest rank to receive an offer | 57.75 | 61.00 |
| Applicant background (Semester 1, 2025) | Number of students | Percentage of all students |
|---|---|---|
| Higher education study (includes a bridging or enabling course) | 44 | 37% |
| Vocational education and training (VET) study | 5 | 4% |
| Work and life experience | <5 | <5 |
| Recent secondary education - Admitted solely on the basis of ATAR (regardless of whether this includes the consideration of adjustment factors such as equity or subject bonus points) | 28 | 24% |
| Recent secondary education - Admitted where both ATAR and additional criteria were considered (e.g. portfolio, audition, extra test) | <5 | <5 |
| Recent secondary education - Admitted on the basis of other criteria only and ATAR was not a factor (e.g. special consideration pathways) | 17 | 14% |
| International Students | 18 | 15% |
| All students | 118 | 100% |
Sturt Rd, Bedford Park
South Australia 5042
South Australia | Northern Territory
Global | Online
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