Science (all other) Courses

A candidate shall:

(a) hold an AQF Level 7 Bachelor degree in a relevant discipline; or

(b) hold an AQF Level 8 Graduate Certificate, Graduate Diploma or Bachelor with Honours in a relevant discipline; or

(c) hold an AQF Level 9 Master in a relevant discipline; or

(d) hold an AQF Level 10 Doctorate in a relevant discipline.

Relevant disciplines include, but are not limited to: Agriculture, Biochemistry; Biology; Botany; Chemistry; Computational Science; Ecology, Genetics; Geology; Mathematics; Medicinal Chemistry; Microbiology; Neuroscience (may include: Science, Medicine, Psychology, Nursing, Social Work, Education, Health, Counselling); Physics; Physiology; Statistics; and Zoology. A degree will be considered relevant to a nominated major if it includes study that covers the minimum assumed knowledge. Where it is not clear from their academic background, applicants may include a cover letter with their application describing how they have achieved the minimum assumed knowledge.

Minimum Assumed Knowledge for Each Major

Biochemistry: two units of biology and two units of chemistry

Biodiversity Science: two units of biology

Biomedical Science: two units of biology and two units of chemistry

Chemistry: two units of chemistry

Genetics: two units of biology and two units of chemistry

Mathematics: two units of (calculus-based) mathematics

Neuroscience: four units at second year level or above from neuroscience (see relevant disciplines)

Physical Sciences: two units of physics, two units of chemistry and two units of (calculus-based) mathematics

Regulatory Science: four science-based units with at least two units at second year level or above

Research Methods: four units from the discipline, or associated discipline, selected for completion

Statistics: two units of (calculus-based) mathematics and one unit of statistics

Zoology: two units of biology

Note: Students wishing to complete the course on a full-time basis are strongly encouraged to have greater than the minimum assumed knowledge and to begin their study in first trimester.

English Requirements

IELTS Academic average 6.5 with no band less than 6.

An individual learning plan will be created for each student in the GCR, post-admission.

Eligible candidates are encouraged to apply in plenty of time, and even before completion of their current qualifying degree. In these circumstances, referee reports are essential as part of the application for admission.

To apply for a PhD, you need to demonstrate sufficient prior research experience and capability.

In most cases, to be eligible to apply for a PhD you will have:

• a Bachelors degree with first or upper second class Honours or
• a Masters degree performed at a high academic standard, and which includes a substantial component of original research, or
• an equivalent qualification that demonstrates research experience, excellence and capability.

These criteria constitute the minimum requirements for eligibility and do not guarantee admission. That remains at the discretion of the Associate Dean (HDR) for a given Faculty.

In addition to the academic requirements set out in the Science Postgraduate Handbook

• confidential disclosure and registration of a disability that may hinder your performance in your degree;
• confidential disclosure of a pre-existing or current medical condition that may hinder your performance in your degree (e.g. heart disease, pace-maker, significant immune suppression, diabetes, vertigo,);
• ability to perform independently and/or with minimal supervision;
• ability to undertake certain physical tasks (e.g. heavy lifting);
• ability to undertake observatory, sensory and communication tasks;
• ability to spend time at remote sites (e.g. One Tree Island, Narrabri and Camden);
• ability to work in confined spaces or at heights;
• ability to operate heavy machinery (e.g. farming equipment);
• hold or acquire an Australian driver's licence;
• hold a current scuba diving license;
• hold a current Working with Children Check;
• meet initial and ongoing immunisation requirements (e.g. Q-Fever, Vaccinia virus, Hepatitis, etc.)

You must consult with your nominated supervisor regarding any identified inherent requirements before completing your application.

The academic requirements that are displayed are applicable to currently available degree only and are updated annually in October and may be changed without notice. The Handbooks Online and the University of Sydney Calendar are the official legal source of information relating to study at the University of Sydney, and you are referred to those documents.