StudyQA — Bachelor: Science — University of Canterbury

Description Contents Requirements More

A Bachelor of Science (BSc) will extend your knowledge in multiple interest areas, satisfying many questions you may have about the world and encouraging you to investigate even further.

UC ranks in the top 200 universities in the world in Computer Science and Information Systems, Earth and Marine Sciences, Environmental Sciences, Geography, Linguistics, Psychology and Statistics and Operational Research (QS World University Rankings by Subject, 2017). UC also has New Zealand's top ranked Biological Sciences research department (the latest Tertiary Education Commission 2012 PBRF Assessment).

UC is the only university in New Zealand to offer Astronomy at all levels of study and operates an internationally important astronomical observatory at Mt John in Tekapo. The Geology department is leading the world in its studies of earthquakes.

Features of the Bachelor of Science at UC

16 major Science subjects on offer and around 32 subject choices available in total
Students benefit from cutting-edge research undertaken by UC staff, visiting international scholars and the many research centres and institutes based at UC
The unique network of field stations from Antarctica to Nigeria offer amazing active learning opportunities
Award-winning lecturers have been acknowledged both nationally and internationally for their teaching and research
$216 million investment in state-of-the-art UC Science facilities in the next two years, in the Regional Science and Innovation Centre.

Qualification structure and duration

The Bachelor of Science requires a minimum total of 360 points:

a minimum of 255 points of Science courses
the remaining 105 points can be from either Science courses or courses from other degrees.

At least 225 points must be from courses above 100-level, with at least 90 points at 300-level.

Your major/s

For a major you must complete all majoring requirements including 60 points at 300-level in a single Science subject (unless specified otherwise). Science does not require a minor subject, however, a double major is possible.

When choosing your first-year courses you should include courses that allow you to advance to 200-level in at least two subjects.

Subjects and courses

The Bachelor of Science is very flexible with 16 major subjects on offer and around 32 subject choices available in total.

Major subjects

Astronomy
Biochemistry
Biological Sciences
Chemistry
Computer Science
Economics
Environmental Science
Finance
Financial Engineering
Geography
Geology
Linguistics
Mathematics
Philosophy
Physics
Psychology
Statistics

You should allow for more than one potential major subject. Check the 100-level requirements for your potential majors as some majors require more than two 100-level courses or enrolment in a complementary subject such as Mathematics.

Endorsements

An endorsement can be added to your major in recognition of the fact that your studies in that subject have had a particular focus. For full details on endorsements, including a list of required courses, see the Regulations for the Bachelor of Science or contact the College of Science Student Advisor.

Biosecurity
Biotechnology
Ecology
Environmental Science*

* Not open to new enrolments in 2017.

Other subjects that count

These subjects are not available as majors but have a course (or courses) that count towards your BSc:

Accounting
Antarctic Studies
Communication Disorders
Engineering
Forestry
Health Sciences
Science and Entrepreneurship
Science, Māori and Indigenous Knowledge
Soil Science
Water Resource Management

Entry requirements

Admission to UC with University Entrance, or equivalent, is required to enrol for a Bachelor's degree. Domestic applicants over 20 who do not hold University Entrance, or equivalent, may gain admission by providing evidence of their ability to complete tertiary study successfully. For information on gaining admission to UC please see how to apply for undergraduate qualifications.

You are also required to meet UC’s English language requirements.

Recommended preparation

Provided you have entry to the University, all Science subjects can be started in the first year. However, previous study is recommended for many Science subjects, in particular Chemistry, Mathematics and Physics. Some of these courses have entry requirements.

If you have not studied one or more of the required subjects, or did not achieve enough credits, but have University Entrance, you may consider taking a Headstart preparatory course or a summer catch-up course.