Program Overview

Overview of the Bachelor of Science (Physical Sciences)

The Bachelor of Science (Physical Sciences) is designed to develop practical, high-demand skills in analytical and computational methods, hands-on techniques in imaging, materials synthesis, and characterization, and advanced analysis. This course focuses on cutting-edge science with immediate real-world applications.

Structure of the Course

The course consists of 72 credit points, with a combination of core units, specified electives, and optional units. The core units include:

• PEN100: Transitioning Through Time and Space
• PEN203: Scientific Computing and Visualisation
• CHE144: Foundations of Chemistry
• PEN200: The Quantum Realm

Students can choose from two majors: Physics and Chemistry. The course also offers discovery study and optional units.

Entry Requirements

To be eligible for the course, students must meet the minimum academic and English language requirements. The requirements vary depending on the student's background, including:

• University study: Successful completion of 2 units at an Australian University or Open Universities Australia (OUA)
• Enabling courses: Successful completion of a bridging or enabling course
• Recent secondary education: Completion of high school with a minimum ATAR of 70
• Vocational education and training: Completion of a Certificate IV or higher
• Work and life experience: A successful experience-based entry application

English Language Requirements

Students must meet the minimum English language requirements, which include:

• Completion of Year 11 and 12 in Australia at any level
• Completion of a minimum of 2 years of study at TAFE or an RTO
• A STAT Written English score of 140 or higher
• Scaled mark of 50 or higher in one of the following: English ATAR, Literature ATAR, or English as an Additional Dialect (EALD) ATAR

Fees and Scholarships

The course fees vary depending on the units chosen, and students can estimate the cost using the Fee Calculator. The university offers scholarships to reduce the financial costs, including the International Welcome Scholarship.

How to Apply

To apply, students must submit the required documents, including:

• Official academic transcripts and certificates of completion
• Evidence of meeting the minimum English language requirements
• Genuine Student documents (if applicable)

Students can apply directly to the university or through an agent.

Recognition of Prior Learning

The university offers Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) to reduce the amount of study needed to complete the degree. Students can receive credit for certain units based on their formal or informal learning.

Adjustment for Murdoch RISE

The university offers a selection rank adjustment, Murdoch RISE, to help students from regional, Indigenous, and low socio-economic backgrounds gain university entry.

Enabling Pathways

The university offers enabling pathways for students who do not meet the admission requirements. These pathways include OnTrack, FlexiTrack, and TLC Learning for Tomorrow.

Research Areas

The university has a strong research focus in the physical sciences, with areas including:

• Food security
• Health futures
• Sustainable development

The university also has a range of research institutes and centers, including the Marine and Freshwater Research Laboratory and the Murdoch Virtual Centre for Simulation.