Why Bachelor of Science?
Want to dive into the depths of our solar system and explore the universe’s most distant galaxies? Space science and astrophysics encompass complex physics, mathematics and computational modelling. They tackle big questions like the origin of the universe, the possibility of life in space, and the ultimate fate of the cosmos.
A single breakthrough in astrophysics could change the course of history – whether it’s finding cheaper ways to orbit, solutions for asteroid mining, or methods to recycle space junk. There are so many frontiers to explore.
Work with advanced technology. Collaborate across fields. Contribute profound insights into the nature of existence. Reach for the stars. Are you up for the challenge?
Overview
If you’re naturally curious about how the universe works, from the formation of stars to the behaviour of galaxies, then this degree is for you. Our Bachelor of Science majoring in Space Science and Astrophysics provides core training in the disciplines of astronomy and space science, with a strong emphasis on physics.
From the Earth’s atmosphere to the most distant regions of our cosmos, explore the universe and how it behaves. You'll cover fundamental physics principles and concepts, including mechanics, electromagnetism, quantum mechanics, and thermal and statistical physics. You’ll investigate physical phenomena by setting up experiments, collecting and analysing data, and interpreting results.
Gain practical insights and hands-on experience as you immerse yourself in the challenges and opportunities of the space industry. Push yourself further with problem solving, critical thinking and analytical reasoning. Study the potential for life on other planets. Experiment with advanced technologies.
Upon graduating, your valuable skills in programming, data analysis and statistics will be transferable across many lucrative careers.
Key features
Explore the fundamental processes that define our planet and universe.- Get direct access to experts in the fields of space science and astrophysics.
- Develop essential problem solving, critical thinking and analytical reasoning skills.
- Gain a broad understanding of the field to guide your career direction.
- Conduct hands-on laboratory experiments in purpose-built facilities.
- Supplement your study with electives in areas like Engineering, Technology and Computer Science.
What you'll learn
Space is the final frontier – and space science one of the most thrilling areas of research and discovery. Our Bachelor of Science majoring in Space Science and Astrophysics has a strong physics underpinning, offering a deep understanding of the principles of matter and energy.
Prepare to challenge your mathematical prowess with rigorous courses in linear algebra, calculus and differential equations – pushing your analytical skills to new heights. Explore the wonders of astronomical science, including highlights of modern exploration and the open questions in astronomy. Study star formation, stellar structure, supernovae, pulsars and more. Typically, this involves making optical observations with telescopes, or using data from satellite and ground observatories to study extreme astronomical environments.
In addition to individual study, you'll collaborate in small groups to tackle problems in astrophysics research, fostering teamwork skills and building your ability to apply complex concepts to real-world scenarios. This hands-on approach will make sure you not only learn about the universe but actively contribute to our knowledge of it.
Your courses will cover:
- Physics
- Multivariable calculus
- Computer programming
- Astronomy
- Scientific data handling and visualisation
- Quantum mechanics
- Electromagnetism and thermodynamics
- Space science and astrophysics
- Experimental physics.
You can also expand your career potential with electives from across Adelaide University in areas like Computer Science, Engineering and Law.
Majors
The Bachelor of Science is also available with majors in the following:
What courses you'll study
Complete 144 units comprising:
- 42 to 54 units for Core Courses, and
- Either:
- 30 to 90 units for one Major from Majors, or
- 48 units from Discipline courses, and
- 6 to 18 units for Work integrated learning, and
- 0 to 48 units for Electives
Complete 42 to 54 units comprising:
- 6 to 12 units for all Program Core, and
- 12 to 18 units from Common Core, and
- 6 to 30 units from Core Selective
| Course name | Course code | Units | |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Course name
Science of People, Society and the Future Planet
|
Course code
SCIE1001
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Data Skills for Scientists
|
Course code
STAT1000
|
Units
6
|
| Course name | Course code | Units | |
|---|---|---|---|
|
|
Course name
An Ethically Rich Life
|
Course code
COREX001
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Fact or Fiction: Data for Everyone
|
Course code
COREX002
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Igniting Change: Ideas to Action
|
Course code
COREX003
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Proppa Ways, Future Practice
|
Course code
COREX004
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Responsible AI: Bridging Ethics, Education and Industry
|
Course code
COREX005
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Ways of Being, Ways of Seeing
|
Course code
COREX006
|
Units
6
|
| Course name | Course code | Units | |
|---|---|---|---|
|
|
Course name
Biology 1A: Molecules, Genes and Cells
|
Course code
BIOL1003
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Biology 1B: Evolution and Diversity of Organisms
|
Course code
BIOL1004
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Foundations in Chemistry
|
Course code
CHEM1000
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Chemistry 1A
|
Course code
CHEM1002
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Chemistry 1B
|
Course code
CHEM1003
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Planet Earth
|
Course code
EART1000
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Earth, Climate and Life Systems
|
Course code
EART1012
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Foundations in Mathematics
|
Course code
MATH1000
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Calculus 1
|
Course code
MATH1004
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Calculus 2
|
Course code
MATH1005
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Foundations in Physics
|
Course code
PHYS1000
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Physics 1A
|
Course code
PHYS1001
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Physics 1B
|
Course code
PHYS1002
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Linear Algebra
|
Course code
MATHX104
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Differential Equations
|
Course code
MATHX202
|
Units
6
|
Notes
Program Core - Students in the following Majors will not enrol in STAT1000 Data Skills for Scientists:
Computational Physics, Experimental Physics, Nuclear and Radiation Physics, Physics and Geophysics, Space Science and Astrophysics, Theoretical Physics
Complete 72 units for ALL of the following:
| Course name | Course code | Units | |
|---|---|---|---|
|
|
Course name
Engineering Programming
|
Course code
COMP1006
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Calculus 2
|
Course code
MATH1005
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Linear Algebra
|
Course code
MATHX104
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Multivariable Calculus
|
Course code
MATHX203
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Physics 1B
|
Course code
PHYS1002
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Astronomy 1
|
Course code
PHYS1003
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Quantum Mechanics and Experimental Physics 2
|
Course code
PHYS2001
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Electromagnetism 2
|
Course code
PHYS2002
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Space Science and Astrophysics 2
|
Course code
PHYS2005
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Electromagnetism, Quantum and Statistical Mechanics
|
Course code
PHYS3002
|
Units
12
|
|
|
Course name
Atmospheric and Astrophysics 3
|
Course code
PHYS3008
|
Units
6
|
Notes
The courses PHYS1001 Physics 1A, PHYS1002 Physics 1B, MATH1004 Calculus 1, MATH1005 Calculus 2 and MATHX104 Linear Algebra all require students to have passed certain SACE Stage 2 subjects, or equivalent subjects, to be eligible to enrol. Please see the course information webpages for prerequisite and/or assumed knowledge details. Foundational pathways are available to students without this background, which may increase the duration of the program beyond 3 years. Please contact the Science Program Director to discuss specific enrolment advice based on your previous study.
Complete 6 to 18 units comprising:
- One of the following:
- 12 units from Analytical Chemistry, Chemistry, Nuclear Chemistry and Pure and Applied Chemistry work integrated learning, or
- 12 units for all Animal Behaviour work integrated learning, or
- 6 units for all Animal Science work integrated learning, or
- 18 units for all Biochemistry and Biotechnology work integrated learning, or
- 6 units for all Computational Physics work integrated learning, or
- 6 units for all Ecology and Marine and Wildlife Conservation work integrated learning, or
- 12 units for all Environmental and Geospatial Science and Environmental Science work integrated learning, or
- 6 units for all Evolutionary Biology work integrated learning, or
- 12 units for all Evolutionary Biology and Palaeontology work integrated learning, or
- 6 units for all Experimental Physics work integrated learning, or
- 6 units for all Food Science and Technology work integrated learning, or
- 18 units from Genetics work integrated learning, or
- 6 units for all Geology and Geology and Earth Resources work integrated learning, or
- 6 units for all Geology and Palaeontology work integrated learning, or
- 6 units for all Geophysics work integrated learning, or
- 6 units for all Medicinal and Biological Chemistry work integrated learning, or
- 18 units for all Microbiology and Immunology work integrated learning, or
- 6 units from Nuclear and Radiation Physics and Theoretical Physics work integrated learning, or
- 12 units for all Physics and Geophysics work integrated learning, or
- 6 units for all Plant Biology work integrated learning, or
- 6 units for all Soil Science work integrated learning, or
- 6 units for all Space Science and Astrophysics work integrated learning, and
- 0 to 6 units from Additional work integrated learning - Optional
| Course name | Course code | Units | |
|---|---|---|---|
|
|
Course name
Organic Chemistry 3
|
Course code
CHEM3001
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Inorganic Chemistry 3
|
Course code
CHEM3002
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Physical Chemistry 3
|
Course code
CHEM3003
|
Units
6
|
| Course name | Course code | Units | |
|---|---|---|---|
|
|
Course name
Advanced Applications in Animal Behaviour
|
Course code
ANIM3900
|
Units
12
|
| Course name | Course code | Units | |
|---|---|---|---|
|
|
Course name
Professional Skills in Animal Science
|
Course code
ANIM3005
|
Units
6
|
| Course name | Course code | Units | |
|---|---|---|---|
|
|
Course name
Molecular and Biomedical Science Practical 2
|
Course code
BIOL2900
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Molecular and Biomedical Sciences Practical 3
|
Course code
BIOL3007
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Biochemistry 3: Practical
|
Course code
BIOL3011
|
Units
6
|
| Course name | Course code | Units | |
|---|---|---|---|
|
|
Course name
Computational Physics
|
Course code
PHYSX300
|
Units
6
|
| Course name | Course code | Units | |
|---|---|---|---|
|
|
Course name
Research Methods: Ecology, Marine and Wildlife 3
|
Course code
BIOL3013
|
Units
6
|
| Course name | Course code | Units | |
|---|---|---|---|
|
|
Course name
Environmental and Geospatial Field Project
|
Course code
ENVI3014
|
Units
12
|
| Course name | Course code | Units | |
|---|---|---|---|
|
|
Course name
Evolutionary Biology 3 Practical
|
Course code
BIOL3036
|
Units
6
|
| Course name | Course code | Units | |
|---|---|---|---|
|
|
Course name
Field Palaeontology 3
|
Course code
EART3002
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Evolutionary Biology 3 Practical
|
Course code
BIOL3036
|
Units
6
|
| Course name | Course code | Units | |
|---|---|---|---|
|
|
Course name
Experimental Physics
|
Course code
PHYSX301
|
Units
6
|
| Course name | Course code | Units | |
|---|---|---|---|
|
|
Course name
Science Professional Placement
|
Course code
SCIE3900
|
Units
6
|
| Course name | Course code | Units | |
|---|---|---|---|
|
|
Course name
Genetics Practical 3B
|
Course code
BIOL2016
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Molecular and Biomedical Science Practical 2
|
Course code
BIOL2900
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Molecular and Biomedical Sciences Practical 3
|
Course code
BIOL3007
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Genetics Practical 3A
|
Course code
BIOL3900
|
Units
6
|
| Course name | Course code | Units | |
|---|---|---|---|
|
|
Course name
Field Geoscience Program 3
|
Course code
EART3003
|
Units
6
|
| Course name | Course code | Units | |
|---|---|---|---|
|
|
Course name
Field Palaeontology 3
|
Course code
EART3002
|
Units
6
|
| Course name | Course code | Units | |
|---|---|---|---|
|
|
Course name
Geophysics 3C: Seismic Processing and Interpretation
|
Course code
EART3004
|
Units
6
|
| Course name | Course code | Units | |
|---|---|---|---|
|
|
Course name
Organic Chemistry 3
|
Course code
CHEM3001
|
Units
6
|
| Course name | Course code | Units | |
|---|---|---|---|
|
|
Course name
Molecular and Biomedical Science Practical 2
|
Course code
BIOL2900
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Molecular and Biomedical Sciences Practical 3
|
Course code
BIOL3007
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Microbiology and Immunology Practical 3
|
Course code
BIOL3012
|
Units
6
|
| Course name | Course code | Units | |
|---|---|---|---|
|
|
Course name
Computational Physics
|
Course code
PHYSX300
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Experimental Physics
|
Course code
PHYSX301
|
Units
6
|
| Course name | Course code | Units | |
|---|---|---|---|
|
|
Course name
Geophysics 3C: Seismic Processing and Interpretation
|
Course code
EART3004
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Experimental Physics
|
Course code
PHYSX301
|
Units
6
|
| Course name | Course code | Units | |
|---|---|---|---|
|
|
Course name
Science Professional Placement
|
Course code
SCIE3900
|
Units
6
|
| Course name | Course code | Units | |
|---|---|---|---|
|
|
Course name
Landscape Evolution 3
|
Course code
EART3006
|
Units
6
|
| Course name | Course code | Units | |
|---|---|---|---|
|
|
Course name
Experimental Physics
|
Course code
PHYSX301
|
Units
6
|
| Course name | Course code | Units | |
|---|---|---|---|
|
|
Course name
Science Professional Placement
|
Course code
SCIE3900
|
Units
6
|
Career outcomes
Physics is a competitive field, but specialised expertise will unlock exciting careers in government agencies, private aerospace companies, academic institutions and research facilities. You might study star formation with a national space agency. You could forecast geomagnetic storms at the Bureau of Meteorology. Perhaps you’ll work at the IceCube observatory in Antarctica, travel the world with Rocket Lab, or host the next award-winning space documentary.
You could also be a:
- Planetarium director
- Atmospheric chemist
- Astronomer
- Aerospace programs manager
- Mission controller
- Defence industry scientist
- Remote sensing and GIS specialist
- Space systems operator.
Industry trends
There are more opportunities for astrophysicists now than ever before. The space industry is booming, fuelled by growing investments and international partnerships. According to the Australian Space Agency, there will be 20,000 new jobs by 2030. Ambitious projects are underway to explore Mars, the moon, and other celestial bodies. Companies like SpaceX and Blue Origin are opening doors to whole new worlds of opportunity.
The explosion of data from space observatories like the James Webb Space Telescope is driving demand for data analysts. Major challenges in astrophysics, including dark matter, dark energy, black holes, and the ultimate fate of the universe, continue to captivate scientists. Space law and policy are taking off. For applied physics enthusiasts, careers are expanding in space weather forecasting and satellite protection. By aligning your education with these areas of growth, you can position yourself at the forefront of the space industry’s future.
Accreditation
This program is accredited by the Australian Institute of Physics.
Graduates are eligible for membership of the AIP.
Ready to apply?
Please note that a non-refundable application fee of AUD$150 applies for every application submitted to Adelaide University.
Your study experience and support
Adelaide University sets you up for success in your studies – and your social life. You’ll have access to work placement and internship opportunities, overseas study tours and exchanges, networking events with guest speakers and more. Our campuses are equipped with purpose-built facilities including lecture theatres, libraries, workshops, laboratories, and spaces that simulate real work environments. These are all supported by the latest technologies and a 24/7 online learning platform with personalised study information and resources.
You’ll have everything you need to live well and thrive during your studies, with health services on campus, gymnasiums, technology zones and modern student lounges. Get involved in campus sport or join our student clubs that will connect you to your passions – and the people who share them.
Adelaide also has a variety of accommodation options to suit your individual requirements and budget, with options ranging from dedicated student accommodation to private rentals. One of the world’s most liveable cities, Adelaide has lots of leafy parks, gardens and social hubs – and some of the highest living standards globally. No matter where you are in Adelaide, you’re only a short distance from beaches, vineyards, museums, art galleries, restaurants, bars and parklands. Visit the accommodation web page to find out more.
Student services
We’re here to support you on your student journey. Adelaide University offers a range of support services and facilities, including:
- Career advice and mentoring services
- Personal counselling
- LGBTQIA+ support
- Academic support
- Fees and finance help
- Security services
- Accommodation services
- Common rooms
- Prayer rooms.
You’ll also have unlimited access to our dedicated student support hub. Visit in-person or online, or contact our friendly team by phone. We can assist you with anything study-related including enrolment, identification cards, timetables, fees and more.
Your campus
You'll be studying at one of our renowned campuses, accessing cutting-edge facilities and contemporary study spaces.
Study hours
Your courses will require a combination of different learning formats, including lectures, tutorials, workshops, seminars and practicals. Aside from your classes, you’ll also need to allocate additional time for independent study. This may include assignments, readings, projects and contributing to online discussion forums. As a rough guide, full-time studies may require 12-26 hours of class time and 14-18 hours of independent study per week.
Assessment
During your studies at Adelaide University, you’ll complete a mixture of practical, professional and research-based learning. Your assessment types will vary depending on the degree you’re studying, but may include:
- Case studies
- Essays and assignments
- Examinations
- Group projects
- Internships and placements
- Practicals
- Presentations
- Reports and project documentations
- Research projects
- Workplace and classroom contributions.
