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FAQ
What's an ATAR?
Your Australian Tertiary Admission Rank (ATAR) is a score between 0.00 and 99.95. It shows you how you rank compared to all the students in your year in Australia – so, for example, if your ATAR is 80.00 that means you’re in the top 20 per cent.
What's a selection rank?
A selection rank is the combination of your ATAR and any other adjustment factors that make up your overall university entrance score. Most universities will consider your application based on your selection rank rather than on your ATAR alone. Your selection rank may differ from university to university, depending on the adjustment points granted to you at each institution.
What are adjustment factors?
Adjustment factors (previously known as bonus points) are considerations beyond your ATAR that contribute to your overall selection rank. For example, you could receive adjustment points if you’re from a regional or remote area, if you’re an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander, or if you’ve experience socioeconomic disadvantage – any points you receive will be added to your ATAR, increasing your overall selection rank.
Here’s how it works: if you’re a year 12 student with an ATAR of 70 and you’re eligible for 10 adjustment points through an equity admissions scheme, your application would be assessed based on an overall selection rank of 80.
At UTS, adjustment points can be gained through the following adjustment factor schemes: Year 12 Subject Scheme, inpUTS or the Elite Athlete and Performers Scheme.
I’m applying directly from high school. How do I know what selection rank i need to get into my chosen course?
Once you’ve chosen a course, view the list of UTS courses you’re interested in to see the selection rank. While these numbers may change from year to year, the current year results should give you an idea of the sort of selection rank you’ll need to get into your preferred course.
What selection rank should I aim for to receive an offer to my preferred course?
All offers made by UTS are competitive, and they’re based on a limited number of places. The number of applicants and quality of applicants will impact the selection ranks for each course, and the ranks themselves may change from year to year.
So, while there’s no one specific number you should be aiming for, the basic rule of thumb is that the higher your selection rank, the better your chances – so focus on getting the best results that you can!
Why does the UAC guide/website differ to the UTS website?
The UAC website shows the selection rank needed for entry into a course for any student who completed high school. The ranks on the UTS website show only the rank needed for students who completed high school for the current year. To see a comprehensive breakdown of ranks for high school leavers and non-recent school leavers, please head to our updated admissions stats tool.
What if I don’t get the selection rank* for my preferred course?
Don’t panic! If your Selection Rank* wasn’t what you were hoping for, our aptitude assessment can provide an alternative entry into your chosen UTS Science degree. This assessment measures things like critical and analytical thinking and other skills that can demonstrate your aptitude for science.
Another option is to choose a similar UTS degree that has a lower Selection Rank* entry score, and apply to transfer into your preferred degree at the end of your first year of study. It’s a competitive process, so make sure you study hard – both your Selection Rank* and your first-year results will be considered as part of your transfer application.
What are the pre-requisites for UTS science courses?
There aren’t any pre-requisites. We assume you’ve got an existing level of knowledge when it comes to science and mathematics - that you’ve passed the relevant HSC subjects.
However, we encourage you to view the assumed knowledge for the courses you’re interested on the website. If you need a refresher in physics, chemistry or mathematics – see UTS Bridging Courses.
How many hours will I be at university each week?
If you’re a full-time student, you’ll spend about 20 contact hours a week in your first year of study. You’ll also need to allocate another 20-ish hours to study and prepare for assessments outside of class times, so you should expect to commit about 40 hours a week.
How is uni different to high school?
If you’re coming straight from high school, the biggest difference is that at uni, you’re treated like an adult. This means being prepared for your classes, participating in group projects, managing your study time and completing assignments by the deadline. Some subjects have a lecture, a tutorial and a laboratory practical.
What are sessions?
At UTS, we have three sessions or semesters, which are autumn, spring and summer session. Not all classes run in summer session. See UTS academic timetable.
What social activities are available at UTS?
There are over 130 clubs and societies at UTS where you can meet like-minded students. You can choose to get involved with as many or as little as you want – the choice is yours.
Can I start my course halfway through the year?
Yes, depending on your degree – not all courses have a mid-year intake.
What are credit points?
Credit points are the value of each subject or unit of study, and they reflect a common measure of load across all UTS courses. Each subject/unit is normally worth six credit points, but there are some exceptions. A standard full-time load of study usually consists of 48 credit points in one calendar year.
What is an elective?
Most courses are a combination of core and elective subjects. Core subjects are compulsory, and electives are subjects you choose to study. You can opt for subjects within your study area, or you might want to broaden your skills by taking electives in another UTS faculty. As a Science or Maths student, you can also use your electives to undertake an internship or research project subject.
Can I study part–time?
Most UTS courses offer a part-time study option where you’ll study roughly half the subject load of a full-time student. A standard full–time load is 24 credit points per semester, and a standard part-time load is less than 12 credit points.
Can my previous studies be credited towards my UTS degree?
Recognition of prior learning is granted on a case-by-case basis, so you’ll need to apply. If you’ve undertaken previous study at an accredited institution and the subjects you studied were relevant to your UTS degree, then you should be in with a shot.
What’s the difference between biomedical and medical science majors and named degrees?
One’s a specialist or named degree, and the other one is a science degree with a specialised majors. In most cases, the two study programs will be similar, but you will notice some subject differences in years 2 and 3. In the Medical Science degree, you also have a choice of 2 majors. You’ll probably need a higher Selection Rank* to get into the specialist/named degree. The Bachelor of Science is more flexible, if you decide to change your major.
What is the difference between the bachelor of molecular biotechnology and the bachelor of science (biotechnology)?
The Bachelor of Molecular Biotechnology offers majors in Medical Biotechnology and Environmental Biotechnology, as well as more cross-disciplinary subjects in both business and laws. The Bachelor of Science in Biotechnology is a more flexible degree. If you’re not unsure on what you want to specialise in, the Bachelor of Science in Biotechnology, or any of its major – is a safe bet.
What do I need to do to become a science or maths secondary teacher?
Once you’ve completed your UTS Science or Maths undergraduate degree, you can apply for a Master of Teaching in Secondary Education, also at UTS. This degree combines teaching theory, methodologies and practical experience, and will prepare you to teach science, maths or both in NSW secondary schools. If you’ve completed the required undergraduate degree and specialist subjects, you can complete the course in 2 years of full-time study or 1.5 years in accelerated mode.
Who can I talk to about my UTS study options?
Ask a question or request an appointment with a UTS Science staff member by contacting us at Ask UTS.
Better yet, attend one of our open day or info day where you can talk to academics and current students.
I have completed a TAFE Diploma. Am I eligible for recognition of prior learning (RPL)?
If you have completed a TAFE Certificate IV in Laboratory Techniques (MSL40122) or a Diploma in Laboratory Technologies (MSL50122) then you will be eligible for recognition of prior learning (RPL). Up to 24cp will be automatically credited towards the Faculty of Science Bachelor’s degrees as shown below.
Please note that for other courses not included in this document Recognition of prior learning is granted on a case-by-case basis, so you’ll need to apply.
Please note that RPL does not always result in a reduction in the length of the degree. Students may be required to undertake a reduced study load in some sessions. Program schedules will vary depending on student commencement date and other subject selection.
Students enrolling in UTS Faculty of Science Bachelor’s degrees who have previously completed a Certificate IV in Laboratory Techniques (MSL40122) or a Diploma in Laboratory Technologies (MSL50122) are eligible for 18cp or 24 credit points of recognition of prior learning (RPL). The following subjects will be automatically credited towards the Bachelor’s degrees shown below.
Please note that for all other courses not included in this document students will be assessed on an individual basis. SAU will contact Program Director for assessment.
Please note that RPL does not always result in a reduction in the length of the degree. Students may be required to undertake a reduced study load in some sessions. Program schedules will vary depending on student commencement date and other subject selection.
| UTS Course | Name | Major | ||||||
| C10223 | Bachelor of Environmental Biology | Environmental Biology | ||||||
| C10228 | Bachelor of Marine Biology and Climate Change | Marine Biology and Climate Change | ||||||
| C10172 | Bachelor of Molecular Biotechnology | MAJ01173 Environmental Biotechnology | ||||||
| MAJ01174 Medical Biotechnology | ||||||||
| C10184 | Bachelor of Medical Science | MAJ01178 Medical and Health-related Sciences | ||||||
| MAJ06255 Pathology | ||||||||
| C10242 | Bachelor of Science | MAJ01126 Environmental Sciences | ||||||
| MAJ01103 Biotechnology | ||||||||
| MAJ01105 Medical Science | ||||||||
| STM90694 No specified major (Life and Environmental Sciences) | ||||||||
| C10387 | Bachelor of Forensic Science | MAJ01149 Biology | ||||||
| MAJ01150 Crime Scene Investigation | ||||||||
| RPL | Certificate IV in Laboratory Techniques (MSL40122) | Diploma in Laboratory Technologies(MSL50122) | ||||||
| Pathology | Chemistry | Food | ||||||
| 91161 Cell Biology and Genetics | 6cp | 6cp | n/a | 6cp | ||||
| 33116 Design, Data, and Decisions | 6cp | 6cp | 6cp | |||||
| 65111 Chemistry 1 | 6cp | 6cp | 6cp | 6cp | ||||
| Free electives | 6cp | 6cp | 12cp | 6cp | ||||
| Total Credit Points | 18cp | 24cp | 24cp | 24cp | ||||
| UTS Course | Name | Major | ||||||
| C10242 | Bachelor of Science | MAJ01101 Physics | ||||||
| MAJ01110 Mathematics | ||||||||
| MAJ01100 Chemistry | ||||||||
| STM90697 No specified major (Physical Sciences) | ||||||||
| C10387 | Bachelor of Forensic Science | MAJ01148 Chemistry | ||||||
| RPL | Certificate IV in Laboratory Techniques (MSL40122) | Diploma in Laboratory Technologies(MSL50122) | ||||||
| Pathology | Chemistry | Food | ||||||
| 91161 Cell Biology and Genetics | 6cp | 6cp | n/a | 6cp | ||||
| 65111 Chemistry 1 | 6cp | 6cp | 6cp | 6cp | ||||
| Free electives | 6cp | 12cp | 18cp | 12cp | ||||
| Total Credit Points | 18cp | 24cp | 24cp | 24cp | ||||
| UTS Course | Name | Major | ||||||
| C10387 | Bachelor of Forensic Science | MAJ01151 Digital Forensics | ||||||
| RPL | Certificate IV in Laboratory Techniques (MSL40122) | Diploma in Laboratory Technologies (MSL50122) | ||||||
| Pathology | Chemistry | Food | ||||||
| 33116 Design, Data, and Decisions | 6cp | 6cp | 6cp | 6cp | ||||
| Free electives | 12cp | 18cp | 18cp | 18cp | ||||
| Total Credit Points | 18cp | 24cp | 24cp | 24cp | ||||
| UTS Course | Name | |||||||
| C10457 | Bachelor of Mathematical Sciences | |||||||
| C10347 | Bachelor of Advanced Science | |||||||
| Post graduate degrees | ||||||||
| RPL | Certificate IV in Laboratory Techniques (MSL40122) | Diploma in Laboratory Technologies (MSL50122) | ||||||
| n/a | n/a | |||||||
| UTS Course | Name | Major | ||
| C10482 | Bachelor of Food Science and Technology | |||
| RPL | Certificate IV in Laboratory Techniques(MSL40122) | Diploma in Laboratory Technologies (MSL50122) | ||
| Pathology | Chemistry | Food | ||
| 91161 Cell Biology and Genetics | 6cp | 6cp | n/a | 6cp |
| 33116 Design, Data, and Decisions | 6cp | 6cp | 6cp | |
| 65111 Chemistry 1 | 6cp | 6cp | 6cp | 6cp |
| 91251 Foundations of Food Science | n/a | n/a | n/a | 6cp |
| Free electives | 6cp | 6cp | 12cp | n/a |
| Total Credit Points | 18cp | 24cp | 24cp | 24cp |
