Undergraduate Course

Bachelor of Science (Physical Sciences)

Fascinated by the way the world works? Ready to dive into the world of chemistry or physics? The Bachelor of Science (Physical Sciences) is for you. 

What type of student are you?

Murdoch code
B1411
Study mode
Part Time or Full Time
Duration
3
Selection rank
70
CRICOS code
112644K
First year fee (domestic)
$9,538
First year fee (international)
$39,240
Full course fee (domestic)
$28,613
Full course fee (international)
$117,720
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The fees provided are indicative and intended only as a guide. They are based on a typical full-time enrolment for a first year student at Murdoch University of 24 credit points. The indicative fee is based on the applicable Commonwealth Supported Fee.

Overview

The Physical Sciences provide a foundation for innovation in industry and the tools to solve the world’s most pressing challenges. Within the Bachelor of Science (Physical Sciences) there are two majors: Physics and Chemistry. These majors can be taken together or combined with others from across the university (e.g. Applied Mathematics and Statistics, Information Technology, Environmental and Conservation Sciences, Engineering.  

This course has been designed to develop from day one practical high demand skills in analytical and computational methods, hands-on techniques in imaging, materials synthesis and characterisation and advanced analysis and of the students’ critical thinking, problem solving and creativity. All this will be achieved in the context of cutting-edge science with immediate real-world applications. 

Come explore and contribute to how Chemistry and Physics can lead to practical solutions to issues in health, sustainability, agriculture, critical minerals and creating the next generation technologies. 

3 reasons to study Physical Sciences at Murdoch  

  1. Emphasis is on practical, hands-on experience combining computational and experimental methods with problem solving to build your confidence to tackle anything. 
  2. Learn content and gain a skillset highly relevant to the industry and global challenges. 
  3. Small classes taught by friendly staff doing interesting and diverse research. 

What you’ll learn 

  • The breadth and depth of the physical sciences, while specialising in at least one of the physical sciences sub-disciplines. 
  • Apply discipline-specific principles, concepts and experimental, computational and mathematical techniques to investigate problems, and critically appraise the generality and limits of the approach. 
  • Formulate quantitative descriptions for scientific, natural or technological phenomena or processes. 
  • How to identify and apply suitable numerical methods for the study of processes or problems and use appropriate software to implement scientific computational analyses. 
  • Communicate discipline knowledge effectively and accurately to technical and non-technical audiences in oral or written form in ways that conform to professional standards. 

Your future career 

Upon completion of this degree, you could pursue a career in a variety of places. These may be in research and development within industry or government, in education and training or providing technical support such is in mining and mineral processing. However, the advanced quantitative and critical thinking skills are also in great demand beyond science, including with finance, consulting, agriculture, manufacturing and much more. 

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Structure

To help plan the structure of your course, search for our suggested course plans.

Unit code Unit name Credit points
Progress to entry requirements

Entry requirements

Select which option best describes your path to university :
Means of admission Minimum academic requirement Minimum English requirement
University study
Successful completion of 2 units at an Australian University or Open Universities Australia (OUA).
Successful completion of 2 units at an Australian University or Open Universities Australia (OUA).
Enabling courses (after Year 12)

Successful completion of one of the following:

  • OnTrack Flex, OnTrack Sprint or K-Track at Murdoch University.
  • An enabling or bridging course at another Australian university.
Successful completion of the course.
Enabling courses (in Year 12)

Successful completion of one of the following:

  • Murdoch FlexiTrack High Program in Year 12
  • TLC Learning for Tomorrow in Year 12 
  • An enabling or bridging program at another Australian university 
Evidence of completing Year 11 and 12 in Australia at any level (domestic applicants only), OR

Evidence of completing a minimum of 2 years study at TAFE or an RTO (domestic applicants only), OR

A STAT Written English score of 140 or higher, OR

Scaled mark of 50 or higher in one of the following:
  • English ATAR 
  • Literature ATAR
  • English as and Additional Dialect (EALD)
Murdoch Institute of Technology (MIT) courses

Successful completion of one of the following:

  • Murdoch University Preparation Course with a minimum of 50% in every subject
  • MUPC (1 Trimester)
  • Foundation Studies Course with a minimum of 50% in every subject.

Successful completion of one of the following:

  • Murdoch University Preparation Course
  • Introduction to Academic Communication unit
  • Foundation Studies Course with a minimum of 50% in every subject.
University study

Minimum academic requirement

Successful completion of 2 units at an Australian University or Open Universities Australia (OUA).

Minimum English requirement

Successful completion of 2 units at an Australian University or Open Universities Australia (OUA).
Enabling courses (after Year 12)

Minimum academic requirement

Successful completion of one of the following:

  • OnTrack Flex, OnTrack Sprint or K-Track at Murdoch University.
  • An enabling or bridging course at another Australian university.

Minimum English requirement

Successful completion of the course.
Enabling courses (in Year 12)

Minimum academic requirement

Successful completion of one of the following:

  • Murdoch FlexiTrack High Program in Year 12
  • TLC Learning for Tomorrow in Year 12 
  • An enabling or bridging program at another Australian university 

Minimum English requirement

Evidence of completing Year 11 and 12 in Australia at any level (domestic applicants only), OR

Evidence of completing a minimum of 2 years study at TAFE or an RTO (domestic applicants only), OR

A STAT Written English score of 140 or higher, OR

Scaled mark of 50 or higher in one of the following:
  • English ATAR 
  • Literature ATAR
  • English as and Additional Dialect (EALD)
Murdoch Institute of Technology (MIT) courses

Minimum academic requirement

Successful completion of one of the following:

  • Murdoch University Preparation Course with a minimum of 50% in every subject
  • MUPC (1 Trimester)
  • Foundation Studies Course with a minimum of 50% in every subject.

Minimum English requirement

Successful completion of one of the following:

  • Murdoch University Preparation Course
  • Introduction to Academic Communication unit
  • Foundation Studies Course with a minimum of 50% in every subject.
Means of admission Minimum academic requirement Minimum English requirement
International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma
Total score of 24 or higher.

Higher level (HL): 3 or better.

Standard Level (SL): 4 or better.

Evidence of completing year 11 and 12 in Australia at any Level (Domestic Applicants Only)

Evidence of completing a minimum of 2 years of studies at TAFE or an RTO (Domestic Applicants Only).


Minimum Selection Rank (WA/ACT/NSW/NT/SA/TAS/VIC)
70

Scaled mark of 50 or higher in one of the following (or interstate equivalent):

  • English ATAR
  • Literature ATAR
  • English as an Additional Dialect (EALD) ATAR

Or a STAT Written English score of 140 or higher.

Or evidence of completing year 11 and 12 in Australia at any Level (Domestic applicants only)​.

GCE A Levels

Aggregate of 6 points from:

  • A maximum of the best three A-level subjects; OR
  • A combination of A-level and AS-level subjects

 

At least two A-level subjects are included in the calculation

AS-level subject attempted at A-level is not eligible to be included

 

A-level grades (A*=6, A=5, B=4, C=3, D=2, E=1)

AS-level grades (A=2.5, B=2, C=1.5, D=1, E=0.5)

A Levels: D in one of the following:

  • English Language
  • English Literature
  • Knowledge and Inquiry.

AS Level: C in one of the following:

  • English Language
  • English Literature

Knowledge and Inquiry.

Western Australian Universities Foundation Program (WAUFP)
CPS 54 or higher.
50% in English Language and Australian Cultural Studies (ELACS).
Extenuating circumstances

We'll consider applications from prospective students whose education has been compromised due to genuine hardship, resulting in them falling short of entry requirements for an undergraduate course. Find out more.

Case-by-case assessment.

Experienced based entry

A successful experience based entry application that demonstrates relevant aptitude and ability in a related learning area.​ Find out more about the Experienced based entry.
Queensland Certificate of Education (QCE)
Overall Position (OP) of 13 or lower.

Sound Achievement (4) or better in a Queensland Studies Authority approved subject of one of the following:

  • English
  • English Extension (Literature)
  • English for ESL Learners.

Evidence of completing year 11 and 12 in Australia at any Level (Domestic Applicants Only)

Evidence of completing a minimum of 2 years of studies at TAFE or an RTO (Domestic Applicants Only).


VET course studied at school
Successful completion of a Certificate IV or higher.

Evidence of completing year 11 and 12 in Australia at any Level (Domestic Applicants Only)

Evidence of completing a minimum of 2 years of studies at TAFE or an RTO (Domestic Applicants Only).

Scaled mark of 50 or higher in one of the following:

  • English ATAR
  • Literature ATAR
  • English as an Additional Dialect (EALD) ATAR

or a STAT Written English score of 140 or higher.


Overseas Year 12
Please refer to the information under the country of study.
Please refer to the information under the country of study.
Enabling courses (in Year 12)

Successful completion of one of the following:

  • Murdoch FlexiTrack High Program in Year 12
  • TLC Learning for Tomorrow in Year 12
  • An enabling or bridging program at another Australian university
Evidence of completing Year 11 and 12 in Australia at any level (domestic applicants only), OR
 
Evidence of completing a minimum of 2 years study at TAFE or an RTO (domestic applicants only), OR
 
A STAT Written English score of 140 or higher, OR
 
Scaled mark of 50 or higher in one of the following:
  • English ATAR 
  • Literature ATAR
  • English as and Additional Dialect (EALD)
International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma

Minimum academic requirement

Total score of 24 or higher.

Minimum English requirement

Higher level (HL): 3 or better.

Standard Level (SL): 4 or better.

Evidence of completing year 11 and 12 in Australia at any Level (Domestic Applicants Only)

Evidence of completing a minimum of 2 years of studies at TAFE or an RTO (Domestic Applicants Only).


Minimum Selection Rank (WA/ACT/NSW/NT/SA/TAS/VIC)

Minimum academic requirement

70

Minimum English requirement

Scaled mark of 50 or higher in one of the following (or interstate equivalent):

  • English ATAR
  • Literature ATAR
  • English as an Additional Dialect (EALD) ATAR

Or a STAT Written English score of 140 or higher.

Or evidence of completing year 11 and 12 in Australia at any Level (Domestic applicants only)​.

GCE A Levels

Minimum academic requirement

Aggregate of 6 points from:

  • A maximum of the best three A-level subjects; OR
  • A combination of A-level and AS-level subjects

 

At least two A-level subjects are included in the calculation

AS-level subject attempted at A-level is not eligible to be included

 

A-level grades (A*=6, A=5, B=4, C=3, D=2, E=1)

AS-level grades (A=2.5, B=2, C=1.5, D=1, E=0.5)

Minimum English requirement

A Levels: D in one of the following:

  • English Language
  • English Literature
  • Knowledge and Inquiry.

AS Level: C in one of the following:

  • English Language
  • English Literature

Knowledge and Inquiry.

Western Australian Universities Foundation Program (WAUFP)

Minimum academic requirement

CPS 54 or higher.

Minimum English requirement

50% in English Language and Australian Cultural Studies (ELACS).
Extenuating circumstances

Minimum academic requirement

We'll consider applications from prospective students whose education has been compromised due to genuine hardship, resulting in them falling short of entry requirements for an undergraduate course. Find out more.

Minimum English requirement

Case-by-case assessment.

Experienced based entry

Minimum academic requirement

A successful experience based entry application that demonstrates relevant aptitude and ability in a related learning area.​ Find out more about the Experienced based entry.
Queensland Certificate of Education (QCE)

Minimum academic requirement

Overall Position (OP) of 13 or lower.

Minimum English requirement

Sound Achievement (4) or better in a Queensland Studies Authority approved subject of one of the following:

  • English
  • English Extension (Literature)
  • English for ESL Learners.

Evidence of completing year 11 and 12 in Australia at any Level (Domestic Applicants Only)

Evidence of completing a minimum of 2 years of studies at TAFE or an RTO (Domestic Applicants Only).


VET course studied at school

Minimum academic requirement

Successful completion of a Certificate IV or higher.

Minimum English requirement

Evidence of completing year 11 and 12 in Australia at any Level (Domestic Applicants Only)

Evidence of completing a minimum of 2 years of studies at TAFE or an RTO (Domestic Applicants Only).

Scaled mark of 50 or higher in one of the following:

  • English ATAR
  • Literature ATAR
  • English as an Additional Dialect (EALD) ATAR

or a STAT Written English score of 140 or higher.


Overseas Year 12

Minimum academic requirement

Please refer to the information under the country of study.

Minimum English requirement

Please refer to the information under the country of study.
Enabling courses (in Year 12)

Minimum academic requirement

Successful completion of one of the following:

  • Murdoch FlexiTrack High Program in Year 12
  • TLC Learning for Tomorrow in Year 12
  • An enabling or bridging program at another Australian university

Minimum English requirement

Evidence of completing Year 11 and 12 in Australia at any level (domestic applicants only), OR
 
Evidence of completing a minimum of 2 years study at TAFE or an RTO (domestic applicants only), OR
 
A STAT Written English score of 140 or higher, OR
 
Scaled mark of 50 or higher in one of the following:
  • English ATAR 
  • Literature ATAR
  • English as and Additional Dialect (EALD)
Means of admission Minimum academic requirement Minimum English requirement
Diploma or Advanced Diploma AQF level 5-6
Successful completion of a Diploma or Advanced Diploma.
Successful completion of a Diploma or Advanced Diploma.
Certificate IV AQF level 4
Successful completion of a Certificate IV.

Evidence of completing year 11 and 12 in Australia at any Level (Domestic Applicants Only), OR

Evidence of completing a minimum of 2 years of studies at TAFE or an RTO (Domestic Applicants Only), OR

STAT Written English score of 140 or higher (145 if prior to May 2010).


Diploma or Advanced Diploma AQF level 5-6

Minimum academic requirement

Successful completion of a Diploma or Advanced Diploma.

Minimum English requirement

Successful completion of a Diploma or Advanced Diploma.
Certificate IV AQF level 4

Minimum academic requirement

Successful completion of a Certificate IV.

Minimum English requirement

Evidence of completing year 11 and 12 in Australia at any Level (Domestic Applicants Only), OR

Evidence of completing a minimum of 2 years of studies at TAFE or an RTO (Domestic Applicants Only), OR

STAT Written English score of 140 or higher (145 if prior to May 2010).


Means of admission Minimum academic requirement Minimum English requirement

Experienced based entry

A successful experience based entry application that demonstrates relevant aptitude and ability in a related learning area.​ Find out more about the Experienced based entry.
Special Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT)
Multiple Choice score of 135 (145 if taken prior to May 2010).

Evidence of completing year 11 and 12 in Australia at any Level (Domestic Applicants Only).

Evidence of completing a minimum of 2 years of studies at TAFE or an RTO (Domestic Applicants Only).

Written English Score of 140 (145 if taken prior to May 2010).


Mature Age Pathway (MAP)

MAP involves an interview and a portfolio submission to be assessed by the Academic Chair of the course. Admission is based on relevant work and life experience. Applicants must also meet the English Language Competency requirements for the course. Email us for more information.

Evidence of completing year 11 and 12 in Australia at any Level (Domestic Applicants Only).

Evidence of completing a minimum of 2 years of studies at TAFE or an RTO (Domestic Applicants Only).

Must be met according to the respective courses standard ELC requirements, STAT Written English 140, etc.


Experienced based entry

Minimum academic requirement

A successful experience based entry application that demonstrates relevant aptitude and ability in a related learning area.​ Find out more about the Experienced based entry.
Special Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT)

Minimum academic requirement

Multiple Choice score of 135 (145 if taken prior to May 2010).

Minimum English requirement

Evidence of completing year 11 and 12 in Australia at any Level (Domestic Applicants Only).

Evidence of completing a minimum of 2 years of studies at TAFE or an RTO (Domestic Applicants Only).

Written English Score of 140 (145 if taken prior to May 2010).


Mature Age Pathway (MAP)

Minimum academic requirement

MAP involves an interview and a portfolio submission to be assessed by the Academic Chair of the course. Admission is based on relevant work and life experience. Applicants must also meet the English Language Competency requirements for the course. Email us for more information.

Minimum English requirement

Evidence of completing year 11 and 12 in Australia at any Level (Domestic Applicants Only).

Evidence of completing a minimum of 2 years of studies at TAFE or an RTO (Domestic Applicants Only).

Must be met according to the respective courses standard ELC requirements, STAT Written English 140, etc.


Some units in this course require a final scaled score of 55% or more in ATAR Mathematics Methods (or equivalent); Students who do not meet this requirement can enrol in the course but will be required to complete MAS164 as an elective or additional unit.

English Requirements

You must meet a minimum standard in English to study at Murdoch, which for most courses can be demonstrated by providing evidence that you have completed Year 11 and 12 in Australia at any level if you are a domestic student, or through either English proficiency tests, university preparation courses, English language courses, previous tertiary study or vocational education.

Other Requirements

Students completing the major externally should note that access to a suitable computer and software packages is required for some of the units.

Advanced Standing

Everyone has a different path to university so if you’ve already completed formal or informal learning, you could receive advanced standing. Also known as recognition of prior learning, advanced standing can reduce the amount of study needed to complete your degree by giving you credit for certain units.

Formal learning can include previous study in higher education vocational education or adult and community education. Informal learning can include on the job learning, various kinds of work and life experience.

Find out more

Adjustment for Murdoch RISE

Murdoch RISE is a selection rank adjustment, as part of our commitment to helping students from regional, Indigenous and low socio-economic backgrounds gain university entry.

If you achieve an ATAR of 60.00 - 89.95, a Murdoch RISE adjustment factor of up to 10.00 points may help you get into your preferred course. Murdoch RISE can increase your selection rank up to a maximum of 90.00.

There’s no application or need to register. If you are eligible, the adjustment factor is automatically added to your raw ATAR score when you apply.

Advanced Standing

Everyone has a different path to university so if you’ve already completed formal or informal learning, you could receive advanced standing. Also known as recognition of prior learning, advanced standing can reduce the amount of study needed to complete your degree by giving you credit for certain units.

Formal learning can include previous study in higher education vocational education or adult and community education. Informal learning can include on the job learning, various kinds of work and life experience.

Find out more

 

This information applies to courses offered at our Australian campuses only. Courses offered at our Dubai  and Singapore campuses or delivered by Open Universities Australia may have different requirements.

Progress to fees and scholarships

Fees and scholarships

Students in a lecture theatre

Scholarships

Make the most of your university experience by reducing the financial costs with a scholarship.

Whether you’re a high achiever or have experienced hardship, we offer a wide range of scholarships and awards to students from all walks of life. Explore our scholarships to find the ones you could be eligible for as a new Murdoch student as well as what's available throughout your degree.

Find your scholarship
cbd

How much will it cost?

Instead of paying an overall course fee, you pay for the individual units you enrol in. The total course cost will vary depending on the units you choose.

Following your successful application, you’ll receive a Letter of Offer which will contain specific course and fee information.

If you are applying for an undergraduate course, you may be eligible for a Commonwealth Supported Place. Postgraduate programs are full fee paying, unless indicated otherwise in your Letter of Offer.

View Fee Calculator
cbd

How much will it cost?

Course fees vary depending on the level of study and the year of commencement. Use our Fee Calculator to estimate the cost of your course.

View Fee Calculator
Students in a lecture theatre

Scholarships

Make the most of your university experience by reducing the financial costs with a scholarship. Our International Welcome Scholarship offers eligible students between $8,000 and $11,000, depending on the course you study.

The Australian Government also offers scholarships to students from developing countries through the Australia Awards Scholarship program.

Explore our scholarships and find out if you’re eligible to apply.

Find your scholarship
Progress to how to apply

How to apply

Your document checklist

Ready to apply? Before you start, make sure you have all the following documentation ready for a quick application.

Compulsory documents

Evidence that you meet Academic entry and English language requirements such as:

  • Official Academic Transcripts and Certificates of Completion (of your highest academic study)
  • ATAR results (if available)
  • STAT results (if applicable)
  • Evidence of meeting the minimum English language requirements
  • School leavers applying for an Early Offer submit their Year 11 and 12 most recent high school report via TISC

Recommended documents (if applicable)

  1. Change of name documentation
  2. Marriage certificate
  3. Unit outlines if applying for Advanced Standing

Your document checklist

Ready to apply? Before you start, make sure you have all the following documentation ready for a quick application.

Compulsory documents

  1. Evidence that you meet Academic entry and English language requirements such as:
    • Official Academic Transcripts and Certificates of Completion (of your highest academic study) both original and English translated versions.
    • Evidence of meeting the minimum English language requirements
  2. GTE documents (if applicable) - Check the GTE requirements page for further information
    • GTE Form 2
    • Personal Statement (SOP)
    • Up to date Curriculum Vitae
  3. A copy of your Passport

Recommended documents

  1. A copy of your visa documents (if available)
  2. A copy of any past visa rejection documents (if applicable)
  3. Packaged offer letter (if applicable)
  4. Sponsorship documents if you study will be sponsored
  5. Unit outlines if applying for Advanced Standing
How to apply
how-to-apply

All fees are indicative and are provided as a guide only. The actual fees will depend on the individual units you enrol in. You should refer to your Letter of Offer for specific course and fee related information.

The first-year indicative fee is based on a typical full-time enrolment at Murdoch University of 24 credit points.

For domestic students, including Australian citizens, permanent residents and New Zealand citizens, the indicative fee is based on the applicable Commonwealth Supported fee.

Indicative fees for international students are based on applicable full fee paying rates.

The estimated, indicative fee covers tuition fees only, and certain additional fees and charges may apply, depending on the course and units you choose. It also does not take into account any scholarships or bursaries for which you may be eligible.

The estimated, indicative fee assumes no fee increases or indexation. Over time, fee increases or indexation may occur and will affect the estimate. If you are a full fee paying student, this may occur at the start of your second and each subsequent year of study. In the case of Commonwealth Supported students, this will occur for each new calendar year in line with Government policy.

All fee estimates are provided in Australian dollars.