Science

Chemistry is the study of things at the molecular level, allowing for a deeper knowledge of the world around us, the development of methods to identify chemicals in our environment, and the creation of ways to make useful materials such as polymers and pharmaceuticals.

You will learn analytical and industrial chemistry, as well as ways to make and characterise chemicals and materials. Chemistry is a foundational science, underpinning disciplines such as environmental and marine science, medical and pharmaceutical sciences, materials and chemical engineering, biotechnology and biochemistry.

Careers in Chemistry  include:

• Laboratory Chemists
• Research Scientists
• Industrial Process Managers
• Separation Scientists
• Teachers and Science Communicators
• Advisors and Policy Analysts
• Patent Lawyers

Earth Science is fundamental to understanding and addressing the world around us. From climate change, to geology, resource management and more; this major will help you to explore the challenges our planet faces. You will explore fascinating topics, like volcanic activity and earthquakes, mineral and petroleum resources, rock formation and much more.

This major will help you go beyond the basics. In your studies,  you will examine how planet Earth was initially formed and then modified by plate tectonics, volcanic eruptions, earthquakes, weathering, erosion, biological evolution and human activities.

There is no better place to study the Earth than Tasmania, as our state packs 1,400 million years of history into a small space, with more diversity and better coastal and mountain rock exposures than anywhere else in Australia.

During your studies, you'll have many opportunities for experiential learning. By participating in field trips, you'll be granted access to Tasmania's awe-inspiring geological formations, ore deposits, and geological hazards, providing valuable hands-on learning experiences.

Careers in Earth Science include:

• Mining
• Environmental geology
• Ground water management
• Mineral exploration
• Engineering geology
• Geophysics
• Forensic geology
• Climate research
• Geo-hazard management

Learn about the ways in which living things interact with their environment, and develop strategies to support and conserve populations and communities in the natural world. You’ll study climate, soil, flora, fauna and geology, and have many opportunities to do fieldwork. You'll gain critical cultural perspectives from Aboriginal Tasmanians and learn about environmental management practices that have been used for centuries.

The ecology major has field trips across Tasmania in all stages of your study, ranging from the coast to the mountain tops and from agricultural landscapes to the south-west wilderness.

Careers in Ecology include:

• Ecologist
• Environmental Consultant
• Natural Resource Manager

This major focuses on post-farm gate processes and food innovation. Apply scientific principles to identify, assess and control hazards and use new technologies to create an innovative future for the industry.

You'll explore food and beverage practices like fermentation, quality and safety, and genetic modification and develop skills in food analysis, production and new product development.

Throughout your studies, you'll have the direct support of our close industry partners within Tasmania's thriving food industry, so you'll graduate prepared for an exciting career with industry knowledge and connections.

Careers in Food Innovation and Safety Include:

• Food Scientist
• Food Biochemist
• Research Assistant

Understanding the interaction between natural environments, places and societies is critical to addressing issues such as climate change, economic inequality, biodiversity loss, resource scarcity and more.

Throughout your studies in this major, you will engage directly with the subject matter, participating in field experiences that feature Tasmania's unique environment. These include an 8 day field study trip where you will learn environmental data recording techniques; and a 3 day field study experience within a protected area of the Tasmanian Midlands. You can go on your first field trip within your first 3 weeks of study.

You will develop specialist skills across physical, spatial and social science; gaining the knowledge needed to tackle environmental challenges, both locally and globally.

Careers in Geography and Environment include:

• Land Management
• Policy and Planning
• Sustainability Planning
• Environmental Regulation and Assessment

Mathematics underpins all aspects of the natural and built worlds. It’s at the centre of fast-growing industries across the globe and is key to all technological innovation. Our graduates are agile thinkers, with portable skills in analysis, reasoning and problem solving, all of which are in high demand in the modern workforce.

Mathematical modelling skills developed in this major will give you the ability to model dynamical systems and understand how these systems will react to perturbation. For instance, the techniques you will learn underpin climate models that inform climate action. Indeed, many of the UN sustainable development goals require us to accurately model the world around us and predict how it will respond to change – mathematical skills are a key component of doing this successfully.

Careers in Mathematics include:

• Financial Analyst
• Physicist
• Mathematician
• Aerospace Engineer
• Economist
• Operations Analyst
• Statistician

in our world. From bacteria and viruses to fungi, single-celled animals and algae; microorganisms are fundamental to the cycles that underpin life on Earth. You’ll investigate infectious diseases, explore the production of foods and chemicals, and gain practical skills that are applicable around the world.

Your studies will include engaging field trips to commercial enterprises where microbiology takes centre stage in various industries. From examining the role of microorganisms in food and beverage production, to exploring their significance in the biodegradation of solid and liquid wastes, these field trips will give you a firsthand glimpse into the real-world applications of microbiology.

Careers in Mircobiology include:

• Quality Control Analyst
• Food Microbiologist
• Environmental Microbiologist
• Fermentation Technologist
• Research Scientist

Molecular Bioscience looks at life from inside out. You can peek into the heart of a cell, witness the intricate dance of molecules that orchestrate the very essence of life.

Explore the ways living organisms function from both molecular and cellular perspectives. Focus on the role molecules have in health and disease, and cover issues of global relevance.

You'll apply your knowledge and skills to real-world scenarios in collaboration with business, natural sciences and medicine.

Careers in Molecular Bioscience include:

• Epidemiologist
• Chemist
• Biomedical Engineer
• Plant Geneticist
• Research Technologist
• Forensic DNA Analyst
• Molecular Genetics Technologist

Physics is the study of the fundamental laws that govern the world around us, from sub-atomic scales to the entire observable universe. It is the foundation of engineering and technology, and enhances our understanding of the other science disciplines, providing a basis for understanding biology, chemistry, geology and biomedical sciences. Physics has deep links to mathematics and computing.

The Physics major will give you the knowledge and skills to investigate matter and energy in theoretical and experimental terms and to communicate information about these investigations to others. You’ll work alongside global industry partners like the Australian Antarctic Division, NASA and CSIRO.

Careers in Physics include:

• Astronomer
• Data Scientist
• Energy Analyst
• Medical Physicist
• Meteorologist/Climate Scientist
• Science Teacher
• Space Operations Analyst

This major is for those with an interest in investigating plants and their impact on human life. You’ll study how plants function and develop, and how they’ve evolved through time. With pristine ecosystems accessible directly from campus, we offer not only unparalleled access but also a distinctive breadth and depth of flora and fauna to give you a truly holistic education.

From captivating excursions to Tasmania's beautiful and significant natural systems to conducting experiments using cutting-edge research facilities, you'll have the chance to delve into the latest theories shared by world-leading researchers. One exciting highlight is a weekend excursion, where you'll explore the breathtaking diversity of Tasmania's east coast. During this trip, you'll witness firsthand the remarkable adaptations of plant species to diverse environments, deepening your knowledge of plant biology and their intricate relationship with their surroundings.

Careers in Plant Science include:

• Crop Consultant
• Soil Scientist
• Botanist
• Ecologist
• Plant Pathologist
• Biosecurity Officer

This major was developed after industry consultation and responds to industry’s need for work-ready graduates with the capacity to respond to local opportunities and challenges within diverse industry sectors.

This is a complementary major that supports your primary area of study. If you wish to study this major, it will be paired with another major in your study plan. You'll graduate with specialist skills and knowledge catered to your unique interests and your chosen industry's needs.

Careers in Science and Industry (Complementary major) include:

• Business Analyst
• Data Analyst
• Software Developer
• Information Systems Manager

Data, and its interpretation can streamline processes and improve our lives. In this major, you'll become a data detective, uncovering hidden patterns and unlocking insights that solve real-world problems.

Participate in projects with real-world applications such as hospital patient flow optimisation, or developing accurate maintenance schedules for mechanical operation and safety, and machine learning modeling to identify bird species from bush recordings for conservation efforts.

If you have an interest in the mathematical modelling and analysis of systems, this course will equip you with the skills to achieve your goals, using statistics, applied probability and optimisation tools From modelling global phenomena such as pandemics and climate change, to local problems such as the spread of wombat mange, the skills gained by studying statistics and decision science are widely applicable, easily portable, and highly valued in the modern workforce.

Careers in Statistics and Decision Science include:

• Business Analyst
• Data Analyst
• Software Developer
• Information Systems Manager

Place yourself at the forefront of a sustainable future. Informed by international and local research, practice and theory, this major allows you to develop specialist expertise across the physical and social sciences and humanities. You’ll learn to identify sustainability-oriented impacts of decisions, as well as come up with effective solutions.

Careers in Sustainability:

Sustainability aims to meet the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet theirs.
It is an important element in a range of fields and careers, and the market is rapidly expanding.

You could pursue career opportunities that positively impact the environment and your community in areas like renewable
energy, green building, circular economy, environmental advocacy, governance and eco-tourism.

Unleash your animal curiosity, and delve into the behaviours, distribution, physiology and conservation of wildlife. Zoology looks at the structure and function of animals, and how these traits have evolved over time. There is no better place to immerse yourself in the study of animals than Tasmania’s living laboratory. We offer unparalleled access to our distinctive range of ecosystems, flora and fauna, coastal landscapes, and the Southern Ocean.

One of the highlights is the unparalleled access to the unique fauna of Tasmania, providing you with extraordinary opportunities to explore and study diverse animal species found nowhere else in the world.

Experiences include a weekend excursion to the breathtaking Tasman Peninsula, where you'll witness firsthand the astounding diversity of animals and their habitats. You'll have the opportunity to design and conduct experiments focused on animal behaviour, allowing you to master professional and career-relevant skills.

Careers in Zoology include:

• Environmental Consultant
• Animal Nutritionist
• Research Scientist
• Biomedical Scientist
• Field Trials Officer
• Toxicologist

In the major, explore interdisciplinary knowledge and skills that underpin the development of sustainable societies and solutions. Informed by international and local research, practice, and theory, this major allows you to develop specialist expertise across the physical and social sciences and humanities, emphasising student-led and problem-based learning.

It provides the frameworks for developing sustainability-oriented solutions in a range of fields and is relevant to a wide range of careers.

Fast track your studies and become a fully qualified teacher while studying for a Bachelor of Science. The University of Tasmania is one of few universities in Australia that offer a double degree combining a Bachelor of Science with a Master of Teaching. This course will accelerate your career allowing you to graduate with two degrees in just 4-years.

Learn more about the Bachelor of Science and Master of Teaching

The Bachelor of Science combines with a wide range of courses like Law, Music, Economics, and many more. Studying a double degree, you can deepen your knowledge and expertise within two separate study areas. It's also your chance to pursue a career and follow your passion at the same time. Learn more about Double Degrees.

For honours course information, please visit the Bachelor of Science with Honours.

If you love the idea of practical science and innovative industries, the Fermentation and Separation focus from this course is for you. Use science to build a career in the food and beverage industry like creating tasty brews, as markets see a growing taste for microbreweries and more interesting flavours.

This study option is perfect for you if you love beer, wine, cider or fermented food like sauerkraut and cheese and want to move into a career in the food and beverage industry.