Published: 17 May 2019
The superheroes of nutrient detection living in our oceans
New experiments and mathematical modelling reveal that bacteria swimming in the oceans are supremely evolved to detect and move towards hard-to-find nutrients
Science at the University of Melbourne attracts the best and brightest from around Australia and internationally. Taking in research and teaching in the biological, chemical and physical sciences, we offer a range of degrees, with over 10,000 undergraduate and graduate students.
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Bachelor of Science
The most flexible science degree in Australia - 1 degree, 40 majors, unlimited career opportunities. Learn about the course structure, our majors, and how to apply.
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Graduate courses
Find the Masters, PhD, Diploma or Certificate course that will take you where you want to go.
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Our world-class research
With world-renowned scientists, state-of-the art facilities and a strong culture of industry collaboration, the Faculty of Science is finding solutions to the issues that matter most.
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Where can science take you?
Meet our diverse students and graduates to see where a science degree could lead you.
Highlights
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Ask Alumni
Connect. Chat. Inspire.
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Explore our research on Pursuit
How do termite mounds filter methane (and what does this mean for climate change)? Find the answer and explore our cutting-edge research on Pursuit.
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Meet a scientist who leads outside the lab
Having an undergraduate in science and a postgraduate in business really gives me a complementary skill set and a deep knowledge in both areas. - Sarah Last
News from science at melbourne
Published: 07 May 2019
FREO2 life saving oxygen technology announced a Top 12 Finalist in the Macquarie 50th Anniversary Award
Five of the finalists will be awarded $A10 million each to fund projects that address an area of social need.
Published: 06 May 2019
‘Evolution Nailed It’ Seed Funding Competition
The BioInspiration Seed Funding Competition is designed to have teams develop creative, nature-inspired solutions to global/ practical/ human technological and design challenges.
Published: 16 Apr 2019
Funding success for research collaboration between Australia and China
Professor Paul Mulvaney will lead a project to develop flexible graphene electronics after successfully receiving funding from the Australia-China Science Research Fund (ACSRF).
Published: 21 Mar 2019
Marilyn Renfree awarded the Society for the Study of Reproduction's Carl G. Hartmann Award
This is the highest award of the SSR and given in recognition of a career of research and scholarly activities in the field of reproductive biology
Published: 20 Mar 2019
Building international collaborations to protect our coasts - naturally
Thanks to the generosity of Biotech pioneer Peter Turner, the transformative Early Career Overseas Research Grants are giving emerging scientists like Dr Rebecca Morris the opportunity to develop their research in depth with other leading scientists and institutions around the world.
Published: 15 Mar 2019
Dr Liam Hall awarded the “Next Game-Changing Technology” prize from the Merck Innovation Centre
The prize recognises his work in NMR spectroscopy, which can be applied to design, optimisation and processes in research and industrial sectors.
Published: 14 Mar 2019
Black Saturday: Have we fixed a flawed system?
There have been more than 50 formal inquiries into bushfire management in south-eastern Australia since 1939, but what lessons have we learned?
Published: 28 Feb 2019
Bethany Finger receives the Dairy Australia Award
Working with juvenile in vitro embryo (JIVET) production, Bethany’s research could help maximise the offspring from an individual cow over her lifetime.
Published: 28 Feb 2019
2019 Honorific Awardees from the Australian Academy of Science
Kim-Anh Lê Cao, Stephen Leslie and Lars Goerigk have been acknowledged with awards from the Australian Academy of Science in recognition of their research and contributions to their scientific fields.
Published: 20 Feb 2019
Scientists lay out new plan to save the Darling River
Professor Lesley Head from the School of Geography and Professor Linda Blackall from the School of BioSciences were on the Australian Academy of Science expert panel that reported that insufficient flows and poor management led to the massive fish kills in the Darling River this summer.
Published: 13 Feb 2019
It's time the Nullarbor caves had World Heritage listing
Australia’s Nullarbor caves are a precious time machine to millions of years ago, and crucial to understanding our future climate. So, why aren’t they World Heritage listed?
Published: 01 Feb 2019
Australia Day Honours for Faculty of Science alumni
Nine members of the diverse Melbourne Science alumni community have been given Australia Day Honours.
Published: 21 Jan 2019
'Safe' herbicide in Australian water affects male fertility
Scientists are calling for a herbicide banned in the European Union for the last 15 years to be withdrawn in Australia for its effect on male fertility
Published: 14 Jan 2019
Why do some people believe the Earth is flat
Although scientific evidence says the Earth is a sphere orbiting the Sun, there are some people around who still think our planet is flat... and social media plays a role
Published: 11 Jan 2019
Motor neurone disease breakthrough: Patient trial shows impressive clinical results
A new drug delays motor neurone disease progression and improves cognitive and clinical symptoms according to trial results announced by a spin-out company from the Florey and University of Melbourne.
Published: 14 Dec 2018
Grant success with Bushfire and National Hazards CRC
The Bushfire and National Hazards CRC and its predecessors have been supporting research in the Faculty of Science since 2013. Recently, the BNHCR gave funding for three projects out of the School of Ecosystem and Forest Sciences.
Published: 11 Dec 2018
Seeing and avoiding the ‘blind spot’ in atomic force measurements
Researchers have discovered a ‘blind spot’ in atomic force microscopy – a powerful tool capable of measuring the force between two atoms, imaging the structure of individual cells and the motion of biomolecules.
Published: 04 Dec 2018
Mathematicians recognised by the Australian Mathematical Society
The Australian Mathematical Society (AustMS) has awarded Professor Peter Taylor its highest honour, the George Szekeres Medal, and Dr Nicholas Beaton, Professor Jan De Gier, and Professor Tony Guttmann were awarded the prize for best paper.
Published: 30 Nov 2018
Faculty of Science awarded Australian Research Council funding
Faculty of Science researchers will share in more than $12 million dollars of funding from the latest ARC round of grants.
Published: 21 Nov 2018
Dr Roslyn Hickson awarded the Victorian Young Tall Poppy Science Award
Dr Roslyn Hickson has been recognised with the Victorian Young Tall Poppy Science Award for her research using mathematical modelling to predict the spread of disease.
Published: 13 Nov 2018
Three researchers recognised with Woodward Medals
Published: 12 Nov 2018
Amgen Foundation partners with University of Melbourne on undergraduate research program for Australia, New Zealand and Oceania
Published: 09 Nov 2018
Peer mentors wanted for First Year Mentoring Experience
In 2019 the Faculty of Science is launching a tiered mentoring program for all Bachelor of Science students. A key component of this is The First Year Mentoring Experience, a peer mentoring program designed to support commencing Bachelor of Science students as they transition into tertiary study.
Published: 31 Oct 2018
Free movement can protect humans from environmental threats
Greater freedom of movement and investments in human rights and social opportunities can help protect humans from environmental threats like rising sea levels, new research says.
Published: 25 Oct 2018
Liam Hall awarded Victoria Fellowship
Dr Hall was one of six early career researchers awarded a 2018 Victoria Fellowship in Physical Sciences by VESKI at an awards ceremony on 24 October.
Published: 25 Oct 2018
Alison Harcourt named 2019 Victorian Senior Australian of the Year
Ms Harcourt was honoured for her seminal work in integer linear programming and other contributions to the mathematical and statistical sciences.
Published: 22 Oct 2018
The invisible colours protecting birds from overheating
Some Australian birds can control their temperature and avoid overheating by reflecting near-infrared wavelengths of sunlight, regardless of their feather colour
Published: 16 Oct 2018
Getting it right: the most complex space telescope ever built
As the Hubble Space Telescope prepares to mark its 30th year, what can we expect from its successor, the James Webb Space Telescope?
Published: 16 Oct 2018
Decoding data to predict landslides
A new software tool predicts landslide boundaries two weeks before they happen
Published: 11 Oct 2018
UK Biobank: largest human genetic study is launched
Associate Professor Stephen Leslie, Dr Damjan Vukcevic and Dr Allan Motyer are part of the team that has published the world’s largest genetic study on humans.
Published: 10 Oct 2018
Alison Harcourt featured on ABC 7.30
Ms Alison Harcourt, an 88 year-old statistician who works at the School of Mathematics and Statistics, was featured on the ABC 7.30 program on Monday night.
Published: 10 Oct 2018
Launch of the new ARC Training Centre for Chemical Industries
Senator for Victoria, James Paterson, launched the new ARC Training Centre for Chemical Industries at the University of Melbourne on Friday 21 September.
Published: 14 Sep 2018
Women leaders in STEMM selected for the Homeward Bound project
Seven University of Melbourne staff members and associates have been selected to participate in the Homeward Bound global leadership initiative for women in STEMM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics and Medicine).
Published: 13 Sep 2018
Associate Professor Wai-Hong Tham wins 2018 David Syme Research Prize
Associate Professor Wai-Hong Tham has been awarded the 2018 David Syme Research Prize - one of Australia’s oldest annual research awards - for her work towards a malaria vaccine.
Published: 13 Sep 2018
Three Minute Thesis Winner
This is the first time I participated in the 3MT contest and I am amazed by how much I have learned in the process. Based on feedback from the judges and other participants, my talk has “evolved” a lot during the three rounds of competition. I feel like I have gained a great amount of clarity about my research, and this is very useful for my career and my PhD.
Published: 03 Sep 2018
Peking University Camp
From 2 – 11 July 2018, the Faculty of Science hosted a group of students and a travelling academic from the College of Environmental Science & Engineering at Peking University for a week-long study tour.
Published: 17 Aug 2018
Three Faculty of Science professors recognised as Redmond Barry Distinguished Professors
Professor Karen Day, Professor David Gardner, and Professor Stuart Wyithe from the Faculty of Science have been awarded the title of Redmond Barry Distinguished Professor by the University of Melbourne.
Published: 03 Jan 2018 under Pursuit
Sounds like Science Fiction
Some of the technological innovations of 2017 sound more like sci-fi, but according to the brains behind a few of them, the future is still full of surprises
Bring your passion for science and engineering, and join our scientific leaders in the search for solutions to today's most challenging problems.
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Bachelor of Science
The most flexible science degree in Australia - 1 degree, 40 majors, unlimited career opportunities. Learn about the course structure, our majors, and how to apply.
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PhDs and Masters by research
Start your research career here with a graduate course at Melbourne.
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Masters by coursework, Diplomas and Certificates
Find the Masters, Diploma or Certificate course that will take you where you want to go.
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Which major is right for you?
Are you confused about which of our 40 majors you'll pick in your BSc? We're here to help.
Why study science at Melbourne?
When you study science at Melbourne, you'll be joining the best and brightest students from around Australia and the world.
Whether you're starting out with a Bachelor of Science, taking your professional career to the next level with a coursework-based Masters, or focusing on research with a PhD or research Masters, you'll learn from staff at the forefront of their field.
We rank #1 in Australia for Biological Sciences, Chemistry, Physics & Astronomy, Statistics, Mechanical, Aeronautical & Manufacturing Engineering, Electrical & Electronic Engineering, and Computer Science. In all fields of science, we rank in the top 3 in Australia, and in the world's top 50. (QS World University Rankings, 2017)
And while we're talking rankings, in Melbourne, you'll be living in the heart of the world's most livable city (The Economist, 2017).
We offer a comprehensive range of science areas, so you can tailor your studies to suit your goals. And we know that university-based learning is only half the story. We offer industry internship placements, internship subjects, field trips and opportunities for overseas study.
Frequently Asked Questions
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How do I get from the Bachelor of Science to the Doctor of Medicine?
If you’d like to study a Doctor of Medicine, find out about prerequisites, majors and entry requirements through the Bachelor of Science.
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How do I choose a Bachelor of Science major?
With over 40 majors to choose from, you don't have to pick right away. Find out what your subject options are and how to plan your course.
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I want to do a Bachelor of Science, but don't meet the prerequisites. What can I do?
Learn about what the prerequisites are and some alternative pathways to make it into the Bachelor of Science.
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What's studying science really like?
Explore new subjects while you study and find out what you can do on campus, how you'll be assessed and how uni if different to high school.
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Where do I go if I need help?
Find out where to get help planning your course, finding a job while you study or how uni is different to year 12.
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What is breadth?
Breadth are subjects that you take outside of your main study area.
Welcome! Here you'll find the Faculty of Science's resources for current students.
For any enquiries about your course, get in touch with Stop 1.
News and events for science students
Staying in touch
Don't forget to read our e-newsletters, BSci-NEWS and GradSci-NEWS, sent to all current students.
To stay up to date between editions, like our Science Student News page on Facebook.
With a reputation as a global research leader, with world renowned scientists, state-of-the art facilities and a strong culture of industry collaboration, the Faculty of Science is finding solutions to the issues that matter most.
Engage with us
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Industry engagement
Research collaborations, technology licensing, student internships and more.
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PhD and Masters degrees
Start your research career here with a graduate course at Melbourne.
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Find a researcher
Search our academic staff directory to find a supervisor, collaborator or expert.
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Research events
What's on in Science at Melbourne, including seminars, workshops, exhibitions and launches.
Research themes
Research in the Faculty of Science falls into these broad themes:
Biotechnology
Environmental Sciences
Environment, Earth & Climate Sciences
Evolutionary Biology
Forests, Fires & Landscape
Fundamental Physical, Chemical & Mathematical Sciences
Molecular, Cellular & Biomedical Sciences
Nanoscience & Materials
Plant Biology & Improvement
Social & Environmental Change
Sustainable Cities
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Schools
Our schools and institutes are the engine rooms of our research.
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Research centres
Our research centres create the critical mass required for the discovery and development of solutions to society's major issues.
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Facilities, resources and equipment
Our world-leading technology platforms, facilities and research services.
Research stories
The Faculty of Science values strong relationships with our alumni, supporters and the wider community. We are committed to bringing science to the community and creating excitement about scientific research and discovery.
We invite all friends and supporters to engage with us and help us to continue being Australia's leading scientific teaching and research hub.
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Alumni
Being a valued member of our community doesn't stop at graduation. Stay connected with a community of over 50,000 Science Alumni.
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Science in Schools
We provide professional development for science and careers teachers, high-quality communications to secondary students about courses and careers, and activities for students with a passion for science.
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Giving to Science
Your gifts enable us to continue a tradition of teaching and research excellence.
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Industry engagement
Research collaborations, technology licensing, student internships and more.
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Events
What's on in Science at the University of Melbourne, including seminars, workshops, exhibitions, launches and more.
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International collaborations
The Faculty has strong international connections through both research collaborations and student exchanges and is actively pursuing new opportunities in curriculum development.
We are one of the most highly regarded science faculties in Australia, and throughout our history have been recognised internationally for our role in expanding the frontiers of knowledge for the betterment of society.
Comprising seven schools, the Faculty offers a range of undergraduate, honours, graduate and research degrees; enrolling over 10,000 undergraduate and graduate students.
We have a history of leadership in research, innovation, teaching and learning and play an important role in Australia's participation in the global knowledge economy.
The Faculty of Science is a thriving, passionate and internationally networked community. We are proud of who we are and our achievements.