Bachelor of Science (Biomolecular Physics)

Course summary

This degree will contribute to developing knowledge to actually visualise and understand molecules and use that understanding to develop new treatments and therapies to combat disease. 

In the Bachelor of Science (Biomolecular Physics) you will complete subjects in physics, mathematics, biology science, chemistry, earth and environmental science, and statistics. Additionally, you will study specialist subjects in molecules, cells and organisms, biochemistry, mechanics and thermodynamics, electromagnetism and optoelectronics, as well as quantum mechanics and nanoscale biology.   

Major practical components are included to complement and reinforce what you learn in lectures, ensuring you gain hands-on skills that prepare for real-world activities in your future career.

The Bachelor of Science (Biomolecular Physics) equips you with the expertise to pursue a career as a biomolecular physicist, which can be integrated across a wide range of careers, including commercial biomedicine, instrumentation and biotech companies (e.g. Sigma and Life Technologies) as well as contributing to the development of molecular diagnostic instrumentation for government and institutional research laboratories. They can also assist beamline scientists at National Research Facilities (e.g. ANSTO and the Australian Synchrotron).

Molecular life sciences are at the forefront of scientific discovery, unlocking the innermost secrets of the cell and developing new ways to detect and attack disease. UOW’s research institute Molecular Horizons houses two cryo-electron microscopes: the three-metre tall, one tonne Titan Krios – the world’s most powerful high-resolution electron microscope – and the slightly smaller Talos Arctica.

Many physicists at UOW work under the aegis of the Institute for Superconducting and Electronic Materials (ISEM). ISEM is recognised as a flagship research strength of UOW. Students can undertake nanotechnology research projects for medical applications in third- and fourth-year level subjects.

Course information

Study area

Physics

Campus

Wollongong

Course Code

757

ATAR-SR

78

IB Score

28

Duration

3 years full-time or part-time equivalent

Delivery

On Campus

Cricos

031274F

UAC Code

757661

Admission, Key dates, and Fees

A range of admission options are available for students of all ages and academic backgrounds. The procedures governing admission are defined in UOW's Admissions Procedures, and the UOW College Admissions Policy.

For any specific advice or questions regarding an application, please contact the Future Students Team.

Recent Secondary Education Admission Criteria These criteria may be used to gain admission to this course for students who are currently in year 12 or have recently completed their secondary education.

Recent secondary education students can gain admission to this course via non-ATAR or ATAR-based options.

NON-ATAR ADMISSION OPTIONS With these options students may be admitted on the basis of criteria other than ATAR.

Non-ATAR admissions at UOW take an individual approach to understanding potential for academic success. Each student is assessed based on key qualities across academic readiness, motivation & passion, planning & persistence, and communication & collaboration.

Early Admission

Students may be admitted to this course via Early Admission.

ATAR-BASED ADMISSION OPTIONS With these options, students may be admitted on the basis of ATAR or ATAR plus additional criteria (e.g. an audition or individual subject results).

Guaranteed entry selection ranks

The minimum score for guaranteed entry (or for consideration if this course has limited places) is an ATAR-Selection Rank of 78 or an IB of 28. This includes the effect of adjustment factors.

Adjustment factors

Adjustment factors, such as the subjects you are studying, the area in which you live or equity and access schemes, are taken into consideration and these will be combined with your ATAR to adjust your selection rank and make it higher than your ATAR. Find out more about UOW's adjustment factors.

Other Admission Criteria

VOCATIONAL EDUCATION & TRAINING Students who have undertaken vocational education or training since leaving school.

HIGHER EDUCATION STUDY Students who have studied a University course, or completed a bridging or enabling course.

WORK & LIFE EXPERIENCE Students admitted on the basis of previous achievement other than higher education study, vocational education & training, or recent secondary education.

FEES

Commonwealth supported students are required to pay a student contribution amount towards the cost of their course. The amounts are calculated based on the subject cluster and the Equivalent Full-time Study Load (EFTSL) value of the subject. For information regarding student contribution amounts, please refer to the UOW Current Students website.

* Session fees are for one session for the year shown. Total course tuition fees shown are indicative, and are based on normal course length and progression.
These fees are subject to change from year to year. However, if you receive an offer to study at UOW, your fees will be fully confirmed at the time of your offer.

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

Applicants need to have achieved the required score in a qualification equivalent to the completion of 13 years of schooling in Australia.
In order to succeed in your chosen course, it is assumed you have completed relevant subjects in your senior high school studies or other relevant qualifications. This is particularly important for degrees which have a strong basis in Mathematics or Science.


ENGLISH REQUIREMENTS

The following level of English is required to gain admission to this program:

English Test

Overall Score

Reading

Writing

Listening

Speaking

IELTS Academic

6.0

6.0

6.0

6.0

6.0

TOEFL (Internet-based)

70

18

18

17

17

UOW College: English for Tertiary Studies: Pass (weighted average mark of 50 overall and minimum 50 in Academic Reading and Writing)

Other qualifications may also be considered. Full details can be found on our English Language Requirements website.


FEES

Tuition fees are reviewed annually: fees payable are dependent on the year of commencement and are subject to increase during the period of study.

Additional Fees:


In addition to tuition, there are other fees and costs you will need to consider, including but not limited to:



  • Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC)

  • Student Services and Amenities Fee (SSAF)

For more details on fees and other costs, please visit Fees and Assistance.

CAMPUS

DELIVERY METHOD

SESSION FEE*

COURSE FEE*

Wollongong

On Campus

$22,368 (2025)

$134,208 (2025)

* Session fees are for one session for the year shown. Total course tuition fees shown are indicative, and are based on normal course length and progression.
These fees are subject to change from year to year. The fees outlined in your Letter of Offer of Admission to the University are correct at the point of offer, but are indicative and subject to change without notice. The indicative total course tuition fee is an estimate, based on normal course length and progression and current course fees.

Admission Profile


INDICATIVE ENROLMENT



STUDENT PROFILE

This table shows the breakdown of the applicant background of the student group at UOW for this course. It provides data on students that commenced undergraduate study and continued study beyond the census date at UOW in 2023.

Applicant background

2023 intake

2023 intake (%)

Higher education study Students who have studied a University course, or completed a bridging or enabling course.

-

-

Vocational education & training study Students who have undertaken vocational education or training since leaving school.

-

-

Work & life experience Students admitted on the basis of previous achievement other than higher education study, vocational education & training, or recent secondary education.

-

-

Recent secondary education

ATAR Only Students admitted only on the basis of ATAR including any applied adjustment factors.

-

-

ATAR plus additional criteria Students who were admitted on the basis of both ATAR and additional criteria (e.g. an audition or individual subject results).

-

-

Other criteria only (non-ATAR) These students were admitted on the basis of other criteria where ATAR was not a factor (e.g. UOW Early Admission).

-

-

International students All other students.

-

-

All students

-

-

< 5: Number of students is less than 5
N/A: Data not available for this item
N/P: Not published (hidden to prevent calculation of other numbers less than 5)


ATAR PROFILE

This table relates to all students selected on the basis of ATAR alone or ATAR in combination with adjustment factors. For more information on adjustment factors commonly available to applicants, see ‘ATAR-based admission’.

ATAR profile of ATAR-based offers in 2023

ATAR The unadjusted, raw ATARs for students offered a place wholly or partly on the basis of ATAR. Selection Rank The ATARs of the same student group, including the impact of adjustment factors.
Highest rank to receive an offer

-

-

Median rank to receive an offer

-

-

Lowest rank to receive an offer

-

-

< 5: Less than 5 ATAR-based offers made
N/A: Data not available for this item
N/P: Not published (less than 5 ATAR-based offers made)

More Information

For more information about UOW admission pathways, see UOW Admission Information.

Key Dates

SESSION

CAMPUS

SESSION DETAILS

2025 Autumn

Wollongong

Orientation: 24 - 27 February 2025
Session: 03 March - 27 June 2025

Applications Close

  • Domestic Applicants (UAC): 30 September 2024 (early bird), 30 January 2025 (final) (see UAC Key Dates).
  • Domestic Applicants (Direct): 31 December 2024*
  • International Applicants: 9 December 2024*

*Applications must be complete with all the required documentation.
Late applications may be assessed for future sessions if an outcome for the requested session is not possible.

2025 Spring

Wollongong

Orientation: 21 July 2025
Session: 28 July - 20 November 2025

Applications Close

  • Domestic Applicants (UAC): 28 June 2025 (see UAC Key Dates).
  • Domestic Applicants (Direct): 31 May 2025*
  • International Applicants: 5 May 2025*

*Applications must be complete with all the required documentation.
Late applications may be assessed for future sessions if an outcome for the requested session is not possible.

Course Structure

(Current year structure - subject to change)

Course Handbook

Accreditation & professional recognition

The Bachelor of Science degree conforms to the requirements for membership of the Australian Institute of Physics.

Why choose this course

Molecular life sciences are at the forefront of scientific discovery, unlocking the innermost secrets of the cell and developing new ways to detect and attack disease. UOW’s new $80 million research centre Molecular Horizons will house two cryo-electron microscopes: the three-metre tall, one tonne Titan Krios – the world’s most powerful high-resolution electron microscope – and the slightly smaller Talos Arctica.

When you study at UOW you join a vibrant community made up of leading fundamental physics and medical radiation physics researchers and teachers who are internationally recognised in many fields of physics research including medical radiation physics, solid state physics, photonics and education.

You’ll be part of the highly regarded UOW School of Physics that is ranked "above world standard performance" by Excellence in Research for Australia (ERA) in Condensed Matter Physics and Medical Radiation Physics.

Many physicists at UOW work under the aegis of the Institute for Superconducting and Electronic Materials (ISEM). ISEM is recognised as a flagship research strength of UOW.

Career opportunities
  • University Academic/Research Staff
  • R&D Industry Scientist
  • Radiation Oncology Medical Physicist
  • Diagnostic Imaging Medical Physicist
  • Science/ Physics/ Math/Technology High School Teacher
  • Defence Scientist
  • Patent Examiner
  • Experimental Scientist
  • Astrophysicist
  • Radiation Protection Officer
  • Atmospheric Scientist
  • Product Manager
  • Biomolecular Physicist
  • Beam Telecommunication Engineers
  • Materials Scientist
  • Computer Scientist
  • IT Consultant
  • Analyst
  • Professor
  • Executive Director
  • Chief Operating Officer
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