Bachelor of Science (Earth Sciences)
Course summary
Earth Sciences is the study of the Earth, its composition, structure, processes, and history. Learn how the Earth works and how it has changed over time, including the formation of mountains, the evolution of the atmosphere, and the movements of tectonic plates. Understand the processes that control natural hazards such as earthquakes, volcanic eruptions and landslides, as well as the processes responsible for generating many of the natural resources we rely on to sustain our way of life.
The Bachelor of Science (Earth Sciences) at UOW takes advantage of the diverse NSW South Coast environment, which is an ideal location to undertake specialist training in Earth Sciences. This setting provides substantial fieldwork opportunities in addition to the laboratory-based learning you will undertake during the course.
This degree
The Bachelor of Science major in Earth Sciences combines a range of skills involving fieldwork, practical experience and research to develop knowledge of our Earth and the processes that have impacted, moulded and continue to influence the planet on which we live.
This degree will provide numerous potential career pathways in geohazard mitigation, environmental remediation (e.g., waste management, water), geotechnical engineering, government, geologists employed in the minerals and energy industries, and undertaking cutting-edge research in universities.
What you will study
In your first year, you will study a range of disciplines to build a solid foundation in scientific knowledge and practice. The common first-year subjects include chemistry, biology, geology, earth and environmental sciences, and global challenges in science. You then focus on Earth Sciences subjects from the second year onward.
You will study how to apply techniques (including geological and spatial mapping), and the identification of minerals, fossils and rocks to understand the history and structure of the Earth, and the long-term evolution of Earth’s climate. This will equip you with the knowledge of current issues in Earth Science and enable you to propose strategies and solutions for the future stewardship of the planet on which we live.
On completion, high-performing students considering further study or a career in research should consider the Bachelor of Science Honours program. This one-year degree offers students a pathway to expand their knowledge in Earth Sciences and achieve their research aspirations.
Course information
Study area
Environmental & Biological Sciences, Science
Campus
Wollongong
Course Code
742
Duration
3 years full-time or part-time equivalent
Delivery
On Campus
Cricos
003283D
UAC Code
757621
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 70 or an IB of 24. 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.
CREDIT FOR PRIOR LEARNING
If you can demonstrate that you have met the learning outcomes for our subjects through prior learning, such as previous tertiary or TAFE qualifications, you may be eligible for credit for prior learning towards your degree. Where relevant to the UOW degree, specified credit may be given for specific subject(s); where not relevant to the degree, unspecified credit may be awarded.
Click here for more information on UOW's credit transfer arrangements.
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.
CREDIT FOR PRIOR LEARNING
Click here for more information on UOW's credit transfer arrangements.
FEES
CAMPUS | DELIVERY METHOD | SESSION FEE* | COURSE FEE* |
|---|---|---|---|
Wollongong | On Campus | $17,520 (2024) | $105,120 (2024) |
* 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 |
- |
- |
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 |
- |
- |
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 |
|---|---|---|
2024 Autumn | Wollongong | Orientation: 20 - 22 February 2024 Applications Close
*Complete applications (with all required documentation) received by these dates will receive an outcome prior to the start of session. |
2024 Spring | Wollongong | Mid-year entry for this course must be in consultation with the relevant Head of the School. Orientation: 15 July 2024 Applications Close
*Complete applications (with all required documentation) received by these dates will receive an outcome prior to the start of session. |
Course Structure
(Current year structure - subject to change)
Course HandbookWhy choose this course
Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) skills in Australia is becoming a fast-growing area creating new and increased job prospects. Professional, Scientific and Technical Services are projected to increase by 16.8% from 2021 to 2026 reflecting ongoing strength in demand for the services of qualified and highly educated workers. Source: Employment Projections.
Working in science requires real-world practical skills and contemporary knowledge. At UOW we're committed to 'enquiry-based learning' that teaches you to constantly seek out knowledge, analyse it and apply it in your chosen profession. We integrate technology into all our learning and teaching to ensure that you graduate equipped to excel in a constantly changing and technologically advanced world.
You will participate in practical classes in our Sciences Teaching Facility or out in the field, ensuring that you have the skills and knowledge to meet the needs of tomorrow's employers. Our courses are taught by professionals who are world-leading researchers so the skills and knowledge you acquire can be applied to real-world challenges today and in the future.