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Faculty of Science

Science at Melbourne

Life, the Universe and almost everything in between. This is Science at Melbourne.

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Taking in research and teaching in the biological, chemical and physical sciences, Science at the University of Melbourne attracts the best and brightest from around Australia and internationally.

  • 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.

  • Graduate courses

    Find the Masters, PhD, Diploma or Certificate course that will take you where you want to go.

  • 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.

  • Where can science take you?

    Meet our diverse students and graduates to see where a science degree could lead you.

News from Science at Melbourne

a clock on a log surrounded by bushes

Published: 02 Mar 2021

How plants tell time

Unlike us, plants can’t head to the fridge for a midnight snack, but a new study shows they sense time at dusk to conserve energy produced from sunlight during the day.

red, brown and cream rocks with a faint outline of a kangaroo

Published: 25 Feb 2021

Australia's oldest known Aboriginal rock paintings

New dating techniques reveal Australia’s oldest known, intact, Aboriginal rock paintings - dating back 600 generations.

A glass globe resting on a hilltop. A coastal horizon is in the background - and reflected in the globe

Published: 17 Feb 2021

When the Earth's magnetic field flipped

Research finds the first Australian-based record of a major global event where the Earth’s magnetic field ‘switched’ – and north became south.

The MATRIX logo

Published: 01 Feb 2021

Boost for fundamental research with Simons Foundation Grant to MATRIX

MATRIX, Australia’s residential research institute for the mathematical sciences, is pleased to announce the award of US $600,000 over three years in funding from the US based Simons Foundation.

Eastern Barred Bandicoot

Published: 16 Dec 2020

$1.2 million investment to combat extinction through conservation collaboration

The University of Melbourne and Bush Heritage Australia have been awarded a significant grant of $1.2 million by The Ian Potter Foundation to build an open-source Conservation Knowledge System.

More news

Highlights

  • 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.

  • 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

  • Indigenous Students in Science

    If you’re an Indigenous student thinking about a career in science, learn about how we can support your aspirations at the University of Melbourne.

Excited about your future in science? So are we. Join our scientific leaders in the search for solutions to today's most challenging problems.

Search all our courses

  • Enquiries about studying with us

    Contact Stop 1, the University’s student support service, for any questions about our courses.

  • Meet our students and alumni

    Wondering what studying with us is really like? Our students and alumni have answers.

  • Scholarships

    Find the award, bursary or scholarship that's right for you.

  • Careers in science

    Explore the many exciting directions a science degree could take you.

PhD graduands, in full regalia, awaiting their graduation ceremony

PhD studies in science

Start your science research career here. Become an expert in your field, under the supervision of our renowned researchers.

PhD course information

  • Find supervisors
  • Our research
  • Scholarships

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Masters courses in science

Level up your skills and knowledge in science with one of our masters degrees.

Our Master of Science degrees offer a research training pathway to a PhD or the workforce:

  • Master of Science (Bioinformatics)
  • Master of Science (BioSciences)
  • Master of Science (Chemistry)
  • Master of Science (Earth Sciences)
  • Master of Science (Ecosystem Science)
  • Master of Science (Epidemiology)
  • Master of Science (Mathematics and Statistics)
  • Master of Science (Physics)

Our professional masters degrees will set you up for a specialist role in the knowledge economy:

  • Master of Biotechnology
  • Master of Computational Biology
  • Master of Data Science
  • Master of Environment
  • Master of Environmental Science
  • Master of Ecosystem Management and Conservation
  • Master of Geography
  • Master of Geoscience
  • Master of Urban Horticulture

Don’t meet the entry requirements for one of our masters courses?
Explore the Graduate Diploma in Science or Graduate Diploma in Science (Advanced) as potential pathway options.


Two students studying a range of fossilised items

Bachelor of Science

Our Bachelor of Science is the most flexible science degree in Australia: 1 degree, more than 40 majors, unlimited career opportunities.

It's the perfect first step towards a career in science, engineering, health or technology.

If you want to extend your skills in research, consider adding an honours year to your Bachelor of Science.

Bachelor of Science course information

The Bachelor of Science (Extended) is a degree for talented Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians who may not meet the regular Bachelor of Science entry requirements.

FAQs about the Bachelor of Science

  • How do I get from the Bachelor of Science to the Doctor of Medicine?
  • How do I choose a Bachelor of Science major?
  • I want to do a Bachelor of Science, but don't meet the prerequisites. What can I do?
  • What's studying science really like?
  • Where do I go if I need help?
  • What is breadth?
  • What's available for Indigenous students?
  • What is a Bachelor of Science Graduate Degree Package?

Two students writing a formula on a whiteboard

Science as Breadth

If you're studying a Bachelor of Arts, Commerce, Design, Fine Arts or Music, you can still dip into science. Follow a passion, challenge yourself, or enhance your employability with a science Breadth subject.

Learn more about studying science in your degree


Search all our courses

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.

Contact Stop 1

  • Planning and orientation

    • Bachelor of Science Orientation
    • Plan your BSc - getting started
    • Plan your BSc - continuing students
    • Getting started in your graduate degree
    • Graduate student resources
    • Breadth subjects
    • BSc course planning tool
  • Get support

    • Support services for current students
    • Scholarships, awards and prizes
    • Academic advising at Melbourne
    • Learning skills
    • STEM Industry Mentoring Program
    • Melbourne Peer Mentoring Program
  • Expand your horizons

    • Study overseas
    • Planning your exchange in the BSc
    • Volunteering and leadership
    • Science clubs and societies
    • Science Delivery
    • In2science - mentoring in schools
    • Science student ambassadors
    • Science in Schools
  • Prepare for work and further study

    • Careers in science
    • Meet our students and alumni
    • Internship subjects and Industry projects
    • Science Communication subjects
    • Science: Next Steps
    • Industry and careers events
    • Job Ready short course
    • Transforming your research into a career
    • Research project subjects
    • Honours

News and events for science students

people walking under the welcome sign

Published: 22 Feb 2021

Dean’s Fund for Science Scholars announced

Five students have been recognised   in this year’s Dean’s Fund for Science Scholarships.

A headshot of Vandana, a Biotechnology student. Vandana is smiling at the camera, and pictured outside. She has brown hair and brown eyes.

Published: 20 Nov 2020

Making the most of the virtual campus

Vandana Thutupalli, a Master of Biotechnology student, shares her top tips on navigating virtual study during the lockdown.

Woman teaching at whiteboard

Published: 04 Aug 2020

Graduate Academic Outreach Sessions

Connect with an academic, voice your questions or concerns, and share tips and tricks for online learning.

More news

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, 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.

  • Find a researcher

    Search our academic staff directory to find a supervisor, collaborator or expert.

  • Industry engagement

    Research collaborations, technology licensing, student internships and more.

  • PhD and Masters degrees

    Start your research career here with a graduate course at Melbourne.

  • Research events

    What's on in Science at Melbourne, including seminars, workshops, exhibitions and launches.

Fields of research

  • Biological sciences

    • Biochemistry and cell biology
    • Ecology
    • Evolutionary biology
    • Genetics
    • Microbiology
    • Plant biology
    • Reproduction and development
    • Zoology
  • Chemical sciences

    • Analytical chemistry
    • Inorganic chemistry
    • Macromolecular and materials chemistry
    • Medicinal and biomolecular chemistry
    • Nanotechnology
    • Organic chemistry
    • Physical and structural chemistry
    • Theoretical and computational chemistry
  • Earth sciences

    • Atmospheric sciences
    • Energy
    • Geochemistry
    • Geology
    • Geophysics
    • Oceanography
    • Physical geography and environmental geoscience
  • Environmental sciences

    • Atmospheric sciences
    • Ecological applications
    • Energy
    • Environmental policy and politics
    • Environmental science and management
    • Fisheries sciences
    • Forestry sciences
    • Physical geography and environmental geoscience
  • Geography

    • Human geography
    • Physical geography and environmental geoscience
    • Environmental policy and politics
  • Mathematical sciences

    • Applied mathematics
    • Data science
    • Discrete mathematics
    • Mathematical biology
    • Mathematical physics
    • Operations research
    • Pure mathematics
    • Statistics
    • Stochastic processes
  • Physical sciences

    • Astronomical and space sciences
    • Atomic, Molecular, Nuclear, Particle and Plasma Physics
    • Condensed matter physics
    • Optical physics
    • Quantum physics
  • Schools

    Our schools and institutes are the engine rooms of our research.

  • Research centres

    Our research centres create the critical mass required for the discovery and development of solutions to society's major issues.

  • Facilities, resources and equipment

    Our world-leading technology platforms, facilities and research services.

In the news

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Read more 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.

  • Alumni

    Being a valued member of our community doesn't stop at graduation. Stay connected with a community of over 50,000 Science Alumni.

  • 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.

  • Giving to Science

    Your gifts enable us to continue a tradition of teaching and research excellence.

  • Industry engagement

    Research collaborations, technology licensing, student internships and more.

  • Events

    What's on in Science at the University of Melbourne, including seminars, workshops, exhibitions, launches and more.

  • 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.

Contact us

A picture of the Dean of Science wearing a green top, smiling, with her hands clasped together
Professor Moira O'Bryan - Dean of Science

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.

Faculty of Science at a glance

  • About the Faculty

    • Leadership team
    • History
    • Community engagement
    • Diversity and inclusion
    • Indigenous research, engagement and inclusion
  • Schools

    • BioSciences
    • Chemistry
    • Earth Sciences
    • Ecosystem and Forest Sciences
    • Geography
    • Mathematics and Statistics
    • Physics
  • Courses

    • Bachelor of Science
    • Other undergraduate courses
    • Graduate coursework
    • Graduate research
  • Locations and facilities

    • Parkville campus
    • Burnley campus
    • Creswick campus
    • Facilities, resources and equipment
    • Museums and collections

Read about our research

  • Science Facebook
  • Science Twitter
  • Science Instagram
  • Contact Us
  • Staff Intranet

Support Us Give to Science

Faculty of Science

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      • Research Centres
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    • Science Matters
    • Ecology and Evolution PhD Program - Supervisors
    • Analytical Chemistry
    • Applied Mathematics
    • Archaeological science
    • Astronomical and Space Sciences
    • Atmospheric Sciences
    • Atomic, Molecular, Nuclear, Particle and Plasma Physics
    • Biochemistry and Cell Biology
    • Condensed Matter Physics
    • Data Science
    • Discrete Mathematics
    • Ecological Applications
    • Ecology
    • Energy
    • Environmental Policy and Politics
    • Environmental Science and Management
    • Evolutionary Biology
    • Fisheries Sciences
    • Forestry Sciences
    • Genetics
    • Geochemistry
    • Geology
    • Geophysics
    • Human Geography
    • Inorganic Chemistry
    • Macromolecular and Materials Chemistry
    • Mathematical Biology
    • Mathematical Physics
    • Medicinal and Biomolecular Chemistry
    • Microbiology
    • Nanotechnology
    • Oceanography
    • Operations Research
    • Optical Physics
    • Organic Chemistry
    • Physical and Structural Chemistry
    • Physical Geography and Environmental Geoscience
    • Plant Biology
    • Pure Mathematics
    • Quantum Physics
    • Statistics
    • Stochastic Processes
    • Theoretical and Computational Chemistry
    • Zoology
    • Reproduction and Development
    • Environmental Science at Melbourne
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    • Indigenous Students in Science
    • How do I get from the Bachelor of Science to the Doctor of Medicine?
    • How do I choose a Bachelor of Science major?
    • I want to do a Bachelor of Science, but don't meet the prerequisites. What can I do?
    • What's studying science really like?
    • Where do I go if I need help?
    • What is breadth?
    • What's available for Indigenous students?
    • What is a Bachelor of Science Graduate Degree Package?
  • News
    • When the Earth's magnetic field flipped
    • Professor Lesley Head elected President of the Australian Academy of the Humanities
    • New Dean of Science appointed
    • Group testing to help control COVID-19
    • Sounds like Science Fiction
    • Decoding data to predict landslides
    • Getting it right: the most complex space telescope ever built
    • The invisible colours protecting birds from overheating
    • What has quantum ever done for me?
    • Grasping the 'spooky' in quantum physics
    • Can you explain quantum computing?
    • A brief history of quantum
    • So, you want to work in quantum computing?
    • Protecting our thirsty urban trees from more harsh summers
    • Sky hopping with Australia's first space telescope
    • What the past can tell us about the future of climate change
    • Amgen Foundation partners with University of Melbourne on undergraduate research program for Australia, New Zealand and Oceania
    • Three researchers recognised with Woodward Medals
    • Dr Roslyn Hickson awarded the Victorian Young Tall Poppy Science Award
    • Seeing and avoiding the ‘blind spot’ in atomic force measurements
    • Grant success with Bushfire and National Hazards CRC
    • Motor neurone disease breakthrough: Patient trial shows impressive clinical results
    • Why do some people believe the Earth is flat
    • It's time the Nullarbor caves had World Heritage listing
    • Our country, Our way
    • Black Saturday: Have we fixed a flawed system?
    • Scientists lay out new plan to save the Darling River
    • Marilyn Renfree awarded the Society for the Study of Reproduction's Carl G. Hartmann Award
    • ‘Evolution Nailed It’ Seed Funding Competition
    • The superheroes of nutrient detection living in our oceans
    • University congratulates Australian Academy of Science Fellows
    • Treasury goes green with the help of University researchers
    • Where can STEM take me?
    • Dr Chris Murray and his passion for preservation
    • Prove it - with maths!
    • New podcast from Geography Postgraduate Society
    • Podcast: the secret life of STEM
    • Dark matter to shed light on the universe
    • Unravelling modern biology with computational methods
    • Replenishing the global food bowl
    • Gift adds up for next-gen maths education
    • New Colombo Plan Scholars announced
    • New dimensions in colour
    • A very very brief history of time
    • Getting to know your microbiome better
    • Putting the universe under the telescope
    • How Australian wildlife live with bushfires but the price can be high
    • ARC Linkage grant success for Woody Meadows project
    • Why Australia's severe bushfires may be bad news for tree regeneration
    • Is Donald Trump anti-science? The data says yes
    • Bushfires and storms threaten water supply and much more
    • Don't blame nature for the disasters we've created
    • When will Australia's drought break?
    • Victoria's volcanic history confirms the state's Aboriginal inhabitation before 34,000 years
    • How do we protect our unique biodiversity from megafires?
    • Modelling the spread of COVID-19
    • Why do small dogs live longer than big dogs?
    • The wallaby that's permanently pregnant
    • Dengue-blocking bacteria endure the heat
    • Food to fight hidden hunger
    • Machine learning to scale up the quantum computer
    • Magnetic teeth revealed using quantum imaging
    • How fast the planet warms will be crucial for liveability
    • The wicked risks of biosecurity
    • Planting timber forests on Australian farms
    • Going beyond political borders to protect threatened animals
    • Mapping our COVID-19 recovery
    • The dual risks of natural disasters and COVID-19
    • Scientists develop ‘heat resistant’ coral to fight bleaching
    • Exploring novel technologies to take pest management to the next level
    • Researchers awarded $3.95m grant to build and launch innovative satellite
    • ANU joins MATRIX partnership
    • The geographies of COVID-19
    • What could Australia’s clean energy future look like?
    • How Timor-Leste has mobilised against COVID-19
    • Paternalism, public housing and COVID-19
    • Herbicide impacts marsupial reproduction and development
    • Test smarter not harder for an agile system
    • Targeting the bacteria inside insects for improved pest management
    • Launching the SpIRIT satellite
    • How to undo Australia’s epic water fail
    • The something in nothing
    • Illuminating Indigenous culture through plants
    • Always was and always will be Aboriginal water
    • Secrets of the basket-web spider’s silk
    • A new thermometer for studying our past climate
    • The algorithms of art
    • Organised chaos: The key to next-generation solar technology
    • Australia's oldest known Aboriginal rock paintings
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    • Australia in 2029: A Hypothetical Future
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