Study the Bachelor of Science (Honours) (Plant Science)

Study Plant Science at Flinders

Branch Out. Study Plant Science.

Immerse yourself in the fascinating world of plant adaptation and survival. Learn how we can optimize plant productivity in response to global change — and earn an Honours degree!

Uniquely, part of the course will be devoted to authentic input from Indigenous people and their cultural use, understanding and relationship with local plants found in the Bedford Park campus.

Get hands-on experience with a diverse range of plant species, including oceanic algae, vital crops, and precious indigenous flora. Gain honours-level knowledge in plant physiology, molecular biology, and ecology, equipping you with the skills necessary for a rewarding career in agriculture, horticulture, biotechnology, environmental science, or conservation.

Fast facts

Course facts at a glance.

Domestic

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Domestic Student

I am an Australian or New Zealand Citizen.

I'm an Australian Permanent Resident
(including Humanitarian Visa holders).

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Prerequisites

None

Assumed knowledge

None

2024 selection rank

80.00

Guaranteed selection rank

80.00

TAFElink

Certificate IV or above

Adjustment factors available

Yes

SATAC code

244801

Delivery mode

In person:

– Bedford Park

Online: No

Duration

4 years full-time
(or part-time equivalent)
Deferrable: Yes

Annual indicative fee

2023: $8,301

How are these fees calculated?

Start dates

– March
– July

Student and ATAR profile

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Student and ATAR profile

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Why study Plant Science at Flinders?

You will benefit from the genuine input of Indigenous communities regarding their cultural use, understanding, and connection with local plants. Given the profusion of native plants at the Bedford Park campus, you will have the opportunity to gain a distinctive understanding of how plants influence both our surroundings and ourselves.
Due to the University’s unique and threatened natural surroundings, students will have the opportunity to help repair and explore the natural plant world through more than just the classroom, laboratory or greenhouse.
Study in an environment that gives you the real lived experience of being a plant scientist - Flinders doesn’t just teach plant science, it does it!
Learn about plants on a molecular level, right through to whole plant ecosystems whilst being surrounded by South Australia’s unique botanical environment every day!

Your career

By studying Plant Science (Honours), you'll acquire the knowledge and skills necessary to pursue diverse career opportunities in fields like environmental management and sustainability, horticulture, and food technology. With this foundation, you can help drive innovation and progress in these vital areas.

Potential occupations include:

Plant biologist / Agronomist: Conduct research on plant growth, development, and reproduction, and apply findings to improve crop yield and develop sustainable farming practices, or develop and implement strategies to improve crop productivity and manage agricultural resources sustainably.
Horticulturist: Design and maintain gardens, parks, and other green spaces, and cultivate a wide range of plants for aesthetic, ecological, and commercial purposes.
Environmental consultant: Assess the impact of human activities on natural ecosystems, and provide recommendations for sustainable land use and conservation practices.
Biotech researcher: Use genetic engineering and biotechnology to develop new plant varieties with desirable traits such as disease resistance, drought tolerance, or higher nutritional value.
Food scientist: Work to improve the safety, quality, and nutritional value of food products, using plant-based ingredients and technologies to create new and innovative food products.

Potential employers include:

Government agencies
Non-government organisations
Consultancies
Horticultural sector
Food technology companies.

What you will study

First year	In the first year you will learn about plant science, receive an introduction to chemistry, study biostatistics, and explore biodiversity and conservation.
Second year	The second year will expand on the first year core topics, introducing biodiversity and ecology, biochemistry, and learning about innovation in STEM alongside elective subjects.
Third year	The third year of study will focus on the functions of plant systems, the impacts of global climate change, restoration ecology, molecular biology, and an optional research project.
Honours year	The final Honours year in Plant Science provides students with advanced skills that are required for planning, funding and carrying out research project. On completion of the Honours degree students, students will be able to apply research skills appropriate to postgraduate research or advanced industrial investigation.

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ATAR and Student Profile Information

ATAR and Selection Rank profile

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, 2023. 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	98.15	99.95
Median rank to receive an offer	84.03	87.55
Lowest rank to receive an offer	71.60	80.10

Student Profile

The table below gives an indication of the likely peer cohort for new students in this course. It provides data on students who commenced study in this course in Semester 1, 2023 including those admitted through all offer rounds and international students studying in Australia. Applicant background groupings are based on educational background, not basis of admission. Data may reflect multiple courses available within a suite of courses.

Notes:
<5 – the number of students is less than 5
N/P – Not published: the number is hidden to prevent calculation of numbers in cells with less than 5 students

Applicant background (Semester 1, 2023)	Number of students	Percentage of all students
Higher education study (includes a bridging or enabling course)	7	16%
Vocational education and training (VET) study	<5	<5
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)	27	61%
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)	<5	<5
International Students	<5	<5
All students	44	100%

The Bachelor of Science (Plant Science) has an incredible offering for students — part of the curriculum will be devoted to authentic input from indigenous people and their cultural use, understanding and relationship with local plants. With the abundance of native plants on the Bedford Park campus, you will have a unique insight into how plants shape our environment and how they shape us.

Pursue multiple passions with a combined degree

You can combine this degree with any other bachelor degree within the College of Science and Engineering, subject to meeting entry requirements.

Search all combined degree options

How to apply

Choose your preferred course.

Check the entry requirements and admission pathways available to you.

Choose other courses to include in your preferences.

Visit SATAC and submit your application online.

Flinders students can apply to transfer to this course internally. Visit: www.flinders.edu.au/internaltransfer for more information.

Admission pathways

Applicants can apply for this course using Year 12 qualifications, previous higher education study, TAFE/VET qualifications, or through adult entry (STAT/Foundation Studies/tertiary preparation course).

Find the entry path that’s right for you.

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Choosing your preferences

When choosing your preferences through SATAC, you might want to include the Bachelor of Science in your list.

How to apply

Select your course.

Check entry requirements.

Check your eligibility for credit.

Apply online

Obtain certified documents.

Submit your application and documents.

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English language pathways

If you don’t meet our English language entry requirements and need to improve your English language proficiency, you can do so through Flinders University Academy – or our approved English Language Instruction Course for Overseas Students (ELICOS) providers.

This means that you can attend the required English language tuition at approved ELICOS providers and gain direct entry into university without an IELTS or TOEFL test.

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Academic pathway programs

If you don’t meet our academic entry requirements, you can still gain entry to Flinders University through Flinders University Academy. With a range of diplomas, foundation and English language courses, students can find a direct pathway into the destination degree of their choice.

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Course enquiries

Want more information about studying at Flinders University? Contact us to find out more – we’d love to help you decide if Flinders University is the right choice for you.