Fast Facts
Location
Commencing
- Townsville: January, September
- Cairns: January, September
Fees
$7,800.00+
+estimated annual Commonwealth Supported Fee for a full-time study load
Plus Student Services and Amenities fee
Fee deferral and scholarships available if eligible
Currently displaying fees for 2025, which are subject to change in following years.
Duration
3 years full-time
Entry Requirements
ATAR 90
Mathematical Methods (Units 3/4,C)
Recommended Knowledge
English (Units 3/4,C), Chemistry (Units 3/4,C)
QTAC Codes
- 316361
- 326361
Course detail
Develop your passion for discovery and choose from 10 different majors. You will also choose from a set of core advanced skill subjects to develop analytical and modelling skills that are highly sought-after by future employers.
Apply your skills and knowledge to real-world research projects and have the opportunity to be published in international scientific journals. Go on overseas exchange programs and study natural environments in other parts of the world. Use your degree as a pathway to other health professions or higher research.
Students who are based in Townsville and have completed at least one year of their degree are eligible to apply for an Australian Public Service Academy Campus position. With opportunities in the Digital and Data spheres, you can align your studies to part-time work, that may translate into a full-time job offer upon graduation. Explore the APS Data and Digital Programs page for more information.
Become a science and research leader. JCU Advanced Science graduates are elite, innovative professionals who are equipped for the future.
Additional information
JCU's Bachelor of Advanced Science
Are you ready to join an elite team passionate about becoming the next generation of scientific leaders? Do you have what it takes to meet the environmental and scientific challenges of the 21st century and find innovative and effective solutions? If this sounds like you, the Bachelor of Advanced Science at James Cook University could be your path to excellence.
Be in high demand with your advanced skills and practical, hands-on experience with JCU’s advanced science degree. You will be leading the way in addressing modern society’s most pressing scientific needs.
A Comprehensive Background
Become an elite, innovative professional with a world-class education that develops highly adept conceptual and analytical thinkers. Your advanced science degree from JCU gives you a firmer grasp on what you know, challenges your thinking, inspires your creativity, and provides a wealth of hands-on experience.
Develop a broad perspective and participate in seminars conducted by leading scientists. Study advanced subjects to gain specialised skills in quantitative methods and mathematical techniques. Engage in research that matters; research designed for publication in some of the most prestigious international scientific journals.
Experience has no substitute. Study in some of the most interesting places on Earth participating in hands-on experiments. Explore unrivalled research locations as you put theory into practice. Access World Heritage natural environments and state-of-the-art learning facilities.
Expand your scientific knowledge with international academic exchange programs. Develop personally, as you learn from other cultures’ scientific perspectives and diverse landscapes and professionally, as you build global networks. Be exposed to other natural ecosystems and have the opportunity to make your own contribution.
Gain real-world skills that set you apart for a distinguished career. You will learn how to collaborate with colleagues making significant scientific progress, articulate questions and arguments in constructive ways, and critically appraise your work and the role of science.
A Personal Perspective
What sets you apart, what motivates and inspires you? As you work towards your Bachelor of Advanced Science, thrive off the inspiration that comes from studying your passion.
Choose the major that appeals most to you, and prepare yourself for the places you want your career to take you. Work in data science, marine biology, aquaculture science and technology, chemistry, environmental earth science, physics, mathematics, or zoology and ecology.
Your advanced science degree also offers you the option of choosing between a second major or a minor with classes in advanced scientific fields. Choose a second major to complement your first. Choose a minor that opens up new possibilities.
An Advanced Science Degree for the Forward Thinking
Take the first step towards a career that makes a difference to people and societies, the natural world and the built environment with an advanced science degree. Be prepared for tomorrow’s challenges with JCU’s world-class education.
Gain the Bachelor of Advanced Science Honours degree with an additional year of study. This is your capstone year as you develop a research project from start to finish.
Work with the world’s oceans and help to conserve precious marine life in marine biology, or set the tone for society’s interactions with the natural world with an emphasis in zoology and ecology. Help discover new and innovative ways of preserving natural resources while protecting vulnerable people as you work in earth science or chemistry.
Whatever field you choose, your greatest contribution to the natural world and people and societies will be the highly transferable skills you develop. With an agile mind, critical thinking skills, and an interdisciplinary outlook, be poised to lead in the fast-paced scientific world.
Ready Today for Tomorrow with Your Advanced Science Degree
Build on your intellectual capabilities, ethical convictions, and professional passion with a Bachelor of Advanced Science degree.
Develop a solid foundation of technical knowledge to advance your skills and the analytical thinking to apply that knowledge and think outside the box to solve important questions.
Systematically collect data and design testable hypotheses based on your findings. You will know how to draw the right inferences from what you see.
Understand the ethics that have governed scientific advancement for centuries and why they are important in the context of modern-day science. Differentiate yourself with your ability to work effectively, but also responsibly and safely and with consideration for cultural frameworks.
Differentiate Yourself With JCU's Bachelor of Advanced Science
The world needs scientists that are ready and willing to meet the problems of designing a sustainable future. Step up to meet the challenge with us and graduate with an advanced science degree from JCU.
Hide additional information
View the Handbook for a detailed overview of available subjects.
Inherent requirements
Inherent requirements are the identified abilities, attributes, skills, and behaviours that must be demonstrated, during the learning experience, to successfully complete a course. These abilities, attributes, skills, and behaviours preserve the academic integrity of the University’s learning, assessment, and accreditation processes, and where applicable, meet the standards of a profession. For more information please review the inherent requirements for the course.
Majors
You can choose from the following Advanced Science majors:
Aquaculture Science and Technology
Benefit from access to the Marine and Aquaculture Research Facility for the hands-on discovery of the sustainable practices of aquaculture.
Students explore the scientific and practical applications of breeding, rearing and harvesting of plants and animals in all types of water environments. JCU graduates have a deep understanding of the biodiversity of species, the design of aquaculture systems and the basics of nutrition.
Chemistry
With award-winning laboratories at the JCU Science Place and access to industry leaders, students benefit from small class sizes and the personalised approach of lecturers.
A JCU Chemistry major provides skills in analytical chemistry, synthetic, organic and inorganic chemistry, and kinetics and mechanisms of chemical reactions.
Data Science
Experience the power of data visualisation, Big Data and machine learning. Learn how to develop sophisticated algorithms and create innovative solutions to contemporary problems.
Mastermind database systems, programs, models and projects. Learn from experts in the field and become part of the exponentially growing field of Data Science. Be at the forefront of the Data Science revolution with a Data Science major.
Environmental Earth Science
Get hands-on with your studies through a diverse mix of field work in unique locations and research opportunities within the biodiverse region of Far North Queensland.
Examine the impacts of human development on the natural environment, particularly within climate, hydrology, soil quality and coastal catchments. Graduates develop expertise in field work processes, data analysis and report writing and are skilled at innovation and problem-solving in environmental management.
Explore Environmental Earth Science
Geology
Be part of the drive to discover, secure and utilise critical minerals as you explore the broad applications of geology, a field concerned with the structure and composition of the earth.
Build your capabilities as an innovative problem-solver and develop your on-site skills through field trips. You’ll build experience as you draw on our connections with industry partners and explore opportunities to participate in current geological research projects.
You’ll benefit from a degree of flexibility through subject choices, equipping you to explore a combination of geochemistry, critical mineral exploration or environmental process, depending on your interests. Graduate with practical analysis and investigation skills that will equip you to take on opportunities within the mining and minerals sector, renewable energy or environmental assessment.
Marine Biology
Benefit from access to one of the most diverse and fragile marine ecosystems in the world, the Great Barrier Reef. With opportunities to do hands-on research at world-class JCU Orpheus Island Field Station, you will learn from expert lecturers and benefit from researchers’ strong links with industry.
Be equipped to address critical challenges facing marine and coastal ecosystems. Graduates deeply understand humans’ impact on the marine environment and how the oceans and atmosphere interact.
Mathematics
Develop highly sought after problem-solving, analytical and quantitative reasoning skills. You will gain a thorough understanding of various mathematical techniques, data analysis, and multivariate statistical methods.
JCU graduates have the skills to formulate mathematical models, illustrate science and engineering problems and use various techniques to help find solutions.
Molecular and Cell Biology
Learn how to amplify and edit DNA sequences and conduct laboratory-based and field-based projects. Throughout your degree, you will study the basis of health and disease at a molecular level and analyse the functions of a whole cell.
Benefit from hands-on experience using cutting-edge equipment and techniques. Study biochemistry, microbiology, biotechnology and bioinformatics and gain an in-depth understanding of molecular genetics. These structures and processes form the basis of all living matter and provide insights into complex biological interactions.
Develop the foundations needed to work towards developments of modern medicine and biotechnology. You will have the knowledge to work across a breadth of industries — job opportunities include working in research laboratories, hospital and diagnostic departments and biotech or pharmaceutical companies.
Explore Molecular and Cell Biology
Physics
Develop the expertise to explore some of the universe’s most challenging questions. Accredited by the Australian Institute of Physics, a Physics major at JCU provides you with knowledge and skills across multiple physics disciplines.
Students learn the fundamentals of energy, quantum mechanics, relativity, antimatter, weather, and climate. The ability to think critically and be experimental is built by exploring biophysics, molecular electronics, and organic solar cells. You will study the structure of matter, atomic and nuclear physics, quantum physics, oceanography and meteorology, and thermodynamics.
Zoology and Ecology
Study amazing rainforests and diverse species. Go on field trips to Borneo or the Galapagos Islands. Access the JCU Daintree Rainforest Observatory to learn about biosecurity, behavioural ecology, conservation biology and ecological modelling. Perform research in one of the most biodiverse regions in Australia.
JCU students learn from world experts, studying the science of the biology of plants and animals and the natural world that they live in.
Honours
An Honours degree is an additional one-year study program (full-time or equivalent) that includes the development of a personal research project and thesis. The three-year Bachelor of Advanced Science is ideal preparation for the rigours of an Honours year, and Advanced Science students are encouraged to consider this option. Honours is especially recommended for students who wish to pursue a career with significant involvement in scientific research. An Honours degree is usually essential for entry to research higher degrees.
JCU Advanced Science graduates are highly-skilled professionals who find employment in a variety of industries.
Graduates pursue careers in areas including marine biology, aquaculture, earth science, chemistry, mathematics, molecular and cell biology, physics, and zoology and ecology.
You could find employment as a research assistant, laboratory technician, scientific journalist, environmental scientist, physicist, teacher, or patent lawyer. Or you could continue onto further studies with the Bachelor of Advanced Science (Honours).
Advanced Science graduates may also choose to apply for graduate entry into science, medicine, veterinary science, physiotherapy, dentistry, or other health sciences.
Graduates who major in Chemistry may be eligible to register for non-corporate membership of the Royal Australian Chemical Institute (RACI). With an additional three years of Chemistry experience, you may be eligible to register as a Chartered Chemist with Corporate Membership of RACI.
Entry score threshold
These are the lowest adjusted scores we made an offer to in Semester 1, 2024. Entry scores are based on the most recent Semester 1 intake and are updated in June each year. Meeting the threshold doesn't guarantee admission.
ATAR/Selection Rank: 90.00
Entry score range
This table shows the range of entry scores for recent secondary students offered a place in the Bachelor of Advanced Science for Semester 1, 2024. The table includes offers deferred to Semester 1, 2024 which may have been assessed using the entry score threshold of an earlier year.
JCU Townsville
| Without adjustments | With adjustments* | |
|---|---|---|
Highest | 99.30 | 99.95 |
Median | 93.55 | 98.20 |
Lowest | 89.45 | 91.15 |
JCU Cairns
| Without adjustments | With adjustments* | |
|---|---|---|
Highest | 99.95 | 99.95 |
Median | 95.10 | 99.95 |
Lowest | 89.25 | 91.70 |
Notes:
<5 – indicates less than 5 ATAR-based offers made.
* Refer to Adjustment Factors
Find out more about who you might study with by viewing this course’s student profile.
Adjustment factors
James Cook University applies bonus ranks under the Regional Preference Scheme and QTAC’s Educational Access Scheme (EAS). Learn more about JCU’s adjustment factors.
Estimated annual Commonwealth Supported fee: $AUD7,800.00
A Student Services and Amenities fee is payable per subject up to a maximum amount per year.
A variety of Scholarships are available to suit different student types.
JCU Prep provides a pathway into this course. Enrolling in this flexible program will enable you to meet entry requirements including subject pre-requisites and ATARs. Introductory academic subjects are also available to prepare you for tertiary study. Contact our friendly JCU Future Students Team to find out more.
Note the course QTAC code for the location you've chosen. You'll need to enter it as part of your QTAC application.
Application dates vary between courses, whether they're delivered in semester, trimester or carousel study modes. View our Application due dates page for more information.
ATAR score is indicative only. Entry scores will be finalised in the major offer round.
Real stories
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Student
Emma Naumann
Bachelor of Advanced Science, majoring in Physics and Mathematics
Being in a small cohort, I have been able to form close, personal bonds with like-minded students. The lecturers and academics have all been exceptionally supportive of my goals. I am excited to be able to continue to apply myself in such a challenging and wonderful field whilst striving towards a career in research.
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International Student
Mitch Heide
Bachelor of Advanced Science, majoring in Marine Biology
The classes I took have taught me essential skills for both research and industry, and they have broadened my horizons within marine and freshwater biology and ecology. Through JCU, I have experienced the Great Barrier Reef, mangrove forests and tropical beaches. I wouldn't change it for the world.
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Lecturer
Associate Professor Eric Roberts
Head of Earth and Environmental Science
It is nice to be part of a smaller university where staff and students actually get to know each other, and where there is opportunity to be involved in research. A highlight of our degree is the opportunity for field-based learning, bringing students into the field, and providing real hands-on learning.
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Employer
Dr. Lyndon Llewellyn
Australian Institute of Marine Science
JCU students are of a like mind to us. They want to make the world a better place and they bring that desire into their work with us. They are practical, passionate and willing to tackle challenging problems through science.