Careers
Bachelor of Science graduates from the University of Melbourne will be involved at the cutting edge
of new technologies, therapies and initiatives that will address some of the greatest challenges to society.
Graduates will address problems associated with depleting resources, drought, climate change, communications,
renewable energy and feeding the world's ever increasing population. These scientists and technologists will
also help develop new approaches in genetics, biotechnology, communications, nanotechnology and environmental
systems.
Science offers graduates the ability to personalise and change their course of study and career to suit
them as they develop and gain more insight into themselves and the world around them. A range of destinations
in various fields are available to our graduates, including careers in professional science, arts, teaching,
law, business, IT, engineering and the health sciences.
The breadth and depth of training offered by the Bachelor of Science will allow graduates to apply their
skills in a broad range of careers and industries in Australia and overseas.
Further information
Careers in professional science
The active pursuit of research in science and technology is an area which graduates are encouraged to consider
after their initial undergraduate studies. A professional scientist may advance pure research, such as sequencing
the genetic code of a fly-borne disease, or undertake applied research, which would address how to stop the spread
of such a disease.
Work is available in universities, research institutes or scientific industries.
Career examples
- Forensic entomologist
- Research scientist
- University academic
Pathways
- Science degree > Master of Science > Employment
- Science degree > Master of Science > PhD > Employment
- Science degree > Honours > Masters or PhD > Professional Scientist > Employment
Further information
Careers in science and arts
Graduates who enjoy both the sciences and the arts (humanities, social sciences and languages) will
gain complementary skills including analytical reasoning, innovative thinking, exceptional communication
skills and sound research and problem solving ability. This versatile set of skills will enable graduates
to pursue roles in professional science and other industries.
Career examples
- Biomedical animator
- Editor of a science journal
- Communication and marketing manager
Pathways
- Science degree with some art subjects > Employment
- Science degree with a concurrent Diploma in Languages > Employment
Further information
Careers in science and teaching
Many science graduates will inspire future generations of scientists by teaching in primary and secondary schools
across Australia and around the world. The high demand for teaching graduates in mathematics, physical sciences and
information technology has seen other countries actively recruiting in Australia.
Career examples
- Science teacher
- Museum education officer
- Education consultant
Pathways
- Science degree > Master of Teaching > Employment
Further information
Careers in science and law
Graduates may combine a passion for science and an interest in law to become equipped to address the need for
experts well-versed in both scientific and legal concepts. Understanding these concepts will provide opportunities
for graduates to protect and commercialise scientific ideas by undertaking such careers as the patenting of inventions,
the registration of trademarks and industrial designs, or aiding in the process of taking research through to a commercial
product.
Career examples
- Patent attorney
- Intellectual property lawyer
- Commercial advisor
Pathways
- Science degree > Graduate law - Juris Doctor > Employment
Further information
Careers in science and business
New scientific discoveries have considerable economic impacts, creating new products, new jobs or even new industries.
Science graduates contribute to this development, manage science-based companies or use their transferable skills across a
range of general business environments. Their ability to deal with technical complexity and to analyse and solve difficult
problems using rigorous methodologies make them ideal for many business roles.
Career examples
- Business analyst
- Natural resource manager
- Industrial consultant
Pathways
- Science degree with business subjects > Employment
- Science degree > Master of Applied Commerce > Employment
Further information
Careers in science and IT
Graduates who have included IT studies in their science degree are in a position to assist society to manage the vast quantity
of data generated in fields such as mapping genomes, medical imaging, knowledge management and bioinformatics.
Career examples
- Medical imaging physicist
- Data mapping specialist
- Systems analyst
Pathways
- Science degree with IT subjects and experience > Employment
- Science degree with a concurrent Diploma in Information Systems > Employment
Further information
Careers in science and engineering
Graduates of the 'systems' majors within the Bachelor of Science will have a wide range of employment options available to them,
including pathways to a career in Engineering. This includes biomedical, chemical, civil, electrical, geomatic, mechanical and
software engineering careers.
An engineering graduate can expect a career in managerial and leadership roles in top international companies such as ExxonMobil,
Ford Motor Company and Oracle Systems to name a few.
Career examples
- Medical software engineer
- Project manager (Infrastructure)
- Health and safety risk advisor
Pathways
- Science degree with 'systems' major > Employment
- Science degree > Master of Engineering > Professional Accreditation > Employment
Further information
Science as a pathway to veterinary science and optometry
Veterinary Science
While some students are selected directly into Vet Science from Year 12, many students transfer into Vet Science after completing
one year of a Bachelor of Science. Students need to meet certain requirements to be considered for selection.
Optometry and other health sciences
If you meet all entry requirements, the Bachelor of Science will provide a pathway to professional, accredited graduate health
programs, including dentistry, medicine, optometry and physiotherapy. For many of these courses, specific subjects need to be undertaken
in the Bachelor of Science to be eligible for entry and students need to meet additional course entry requirements (e.g. UMAT).