Ever wondered what it feels like to uncover something new in a lab or test an idea you once scribbled in a notebook? A Bachelor of Science from the University of Canberra isn’t a “sit back and watch” kind of degree. With a focus on practical experience, you’ll learn by getting hands-on and graduate with skills that employers actually want.

At UC, you’ll spend time in world-class labs and out in the field, working with state-of-the-art equipment that'll get you comfortable and grow your confidence right from the start.

Practice 🤝 theory: skills employers actually want

From your first year you'll be mixing, measuring, testing and analysing at a uni with an 81% undergraduate full-time employment rate.* Practical science isn’t just about knowing facts, it’s about understanding how to question, test, analyse and communicate, and you’ll carry these valuable skills forward into your career. It’s the perfect balance between practice and theory. 
 
Through lab and field-based learning, you’ll build transferable skills like:

• problem solving
• data analysis
• critical thinking
• scientific communication
• teamwork and adaptability.

Like so many of our amazing UC alumni, you’ll finish your degree with confidence. UC grads can walk into a workplace and contribute from day one because they've already spent years doing the work in a supportive and guided learning space.

*(GUG, 2026)

Learning beyond the lab: what spaces will you be learning in?

With UC’s Bachelor of Science, you’ll learn in spaces that feel like playgrounds for curious minds rather than just classrooms, including:

Microscopy Lab

Explore a range of biomedical science subjects in our Microscopy Lab. Study at the intersection of Science and Technology with integrated microscopy teaching tools.

Mega Science Lab 

Designed for some of our most popular chemistry, biochemistry and microbiology units, you'll gain foundational scientific skills and conduct a range of experiments in this modern, 100-seater teaching laboratory.

Environmental Lab 

Grow your understanding of the natural world and explore eDNA, water science, conservation ecology and genomics in this custom-built laboratory, equipped with both geological and living specimens. 

Explore more of the Faculty of Science and Technology world-class teaching, research and learning spaces.

In-the-field projects

Our field projects take your learning beyond the lab and into the environments where science is actively shaping the world. You’ll connect with research areas focused on environmental science, biomedical discovery, conservation and applied technology. Field experiences help bridge your knowledge of theory with real-world impact, with projects like;

• sampling ecosystems
• exploring water science through applied ecology research
• engaging with projects linked to the Institute for Applied Ecology which includes the Centre for Conservation Ecology and Genomics (CCEG) and the Centre for Applied Water Science (CAWS)
• conservation ecology or biodiversity focused work
• real world research or industry connected projects, and more!

You can find grad stories straight from the source in our UnCover articles. Learn about the 20th anniversary of The University of Canberra’s Institute for Applied Ecology and hear from alumni who now work for organisations such as the NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service, UC’s Centre for Applied Water Science and the Australian Centre for Excellence in Antarctic Science.

With UC’s strong collaboration with industry and government partners, you won't just be observing science, you’ll be contributing to meaningful projects that tackle sustainability, health and environmental challenges while building practical skills that employers value.

Your future looks good in a lab coat!

See where UC's Bachelor of Science can take you, and if you still have questions (or just want to talk through your options), our Future Students team are here to help.

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