Study the Bachelor of Science (Plant Science)

Study Plant Science at Flinders

Harvest Knowledge, Study Plant Science.

Explore how plants survive and thrive in their environment and what strategies we can employ to maintain plant productivity in response to global change.

Invest in a career working with the oldest and best solar panels on earth - plants! This degree will have you working with plants hands-on, including oceanic algae, life-supporting crops, and our precious native flora. You'll graduate with employer ready skills in plant physiology, molecular biology, and ecology, preparing you for a career in agriculture, horticulture, biotechnology, environment and conservation.

Fast facts

Course facts at a glance.

Domestic

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International Student

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Australia or New Zealand.

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Domestic Student

I am an Australian or New Zealand Citizen.

I'm an Australian Permanent Resident
(including Humanitarian Visa holders).

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Prerequisites

None

Assumed knowledge

None

2024 selection rank

70.00

Guaranteed selection rank

75.00

TAFElink

Certificate IV or above

Adjustment factors available

Yes

SATAC code

244681

Delivery mode

In person:

– Bedford Park

Online: No

Duration

3 years full-time
(or part-time equivalent)
Deferrable: Yes

Annual indicative fee

2024: $8,944

How are these fees calculated?

Start dates

– March
– July

Student and ATAR profile

Save course

Student and ATAR profile

Save course

Apply via SATAC

244681 (Bedford Park)

Why study Plant Science at Flinders?

Due to the University’s unique and threatened natural surroundings, students will have the opportunity to help repair and explore the natural plant world through more than just the classroom, laboratory or greenhouse.

Study in an environment that gives you the real lived experience of being a plant scientist - Flinders doesn’t just teach plant science, it does it!

Learn about plants on a molecular level, right through to whole plant ecosystems whilst being surrounded by South Australia’s unique botanical environment every day!

Your career

Studying Plant Science will prepare you for opportunities in areas such as environmental management and sustainability, working in the horticulture sector, and helping make advancements in food technology.

Potential occupations include:

Botanist
Ecologist
Biosecurity officer
Environmental scientist
Sustainability officer

Potential employers include:

Government agencies
Non-government organisations
Consultancies
Horticultural sector
Food technology companies.

What you will study

First year	In the first year you will learn about plant science, receive an introduction to chemistry, study biostatistics, and explore biodiversity and conservation.
Second year	The second year will expand on the first year core topics, introducing biodiversity and ecology, biochemistry, learning about innovation in STEM alongside elective subjects
Third year	The final year of study will focus on the functions of plant systems, the impacts of global climate change, restoration ecology, molecular biology, and an optional research project.

View study program

ATAR and Student Profile Information

ATAR and Selection Rank profile

The table below shows ATAR and Selection Rank data for students offered a place wholly or partly on the basis of ATAR commencing in Semester 1, 2024. It is limited to applicants that have recently completed secondary education (within the last two years). Data may reflect multiple courses available within a suite of courses.

Notes:
<5 – less than 5 ATAR based offers made
N/A – This course uses additional selection criteria and therefore Selection Rank is not published

ATAR-based offers only across all offer rounds	ATAR - Excluding adjustment factors	Selection Rank - ATAR plus any adjustment factors
Highest rank to receive an offer	99.70	99.95
Median rank to receive an offer	79.85	83.78
Lowest rank to receive an offer	62.10	70.05

Student Profile

The table below gives an indication of the likely peer cohort for new students in this course. It provides data on students who commenced study in this course in Semester 1, 2024 including those admitted through all offer rounds and international students studying in Australia. Applicant background groupings are based on educational background, not basis of admission. Data may reflect multiple courses available within a suite of courses.

Notes:
<5 – the number of students is less than 5
N/P – Not published: the number is hidden to prevent calculation of numbers in cells with less than 5 students

Applicant background (Semester 1, 2024)	Number of students	Percentage of all students
Higher education study (includes a bridging or enabling course)	26	21%
Vocational education and training (VET) study	11	9%
Work and life experience	7	6%
Recent secondary education - Admitted solely on the basis of ATAR (regardless of whether this includes the consideration of adjustment factors such as equity or subject bonus points)	46	37%
Recent secondary education - Admitted where both ATAR and additional criteria were considered (e.g. portfolio, audition, extra test)	<5	<5
Recent secondary education - Admitted on the basis of other criteria only and ATAR was not a factor (e.g. special consideration pathways)	30	24%
International Students	N/P	N/P
All students	126	100%

The Bachelor of Science (Plant Science) has an incredible offering for students — part of the curriculum will be devoted to authentic input from indigenous people and their cultural use, understanding and relationship with local plants. With the abundance of native plants on the Bedford Park campus, you will have a unique insight into how plants shape our environment and how they shape us.

Pursue multiple passions with a combined degree

You can combine this degree with any other bachelor degree within the College of Science and Engineering, subject to meeting entry requirements.

Search all combined degree options

How to apply

Choose your preferred course.

Check the entry requirements and admission pathways available to you.

Choose other courses to include in your preferences.

Visit SATAC and submit your application online.

Apply via SATAC

244681 (Bedford Park)

Apply to transfer internally

Flinders students can apply to transfer to this course internally. Visit: www.flinders.edu.au/internaltransfer for more information.

Admission pathways

Applicants can apply for this course using Year 12 qualifications, previous higher education study, TAFE/VET qualifications, or through adult entry (STAT/Foundation Studies/tertiary preparation course).

Find the entry path that’s right for you.

Explore our pathways

Choosing your preferences

When choosing your preferences through SATAC, you might want to include the Bachelor of Science in your list.

How to apply

Select your course.

Check entry requirements.

Check your eligibility for credit.

Apply online

Obtain certified documents.

Submit your application and documents.

View further details

English language pathways

If you don’t meet our English language entry requirements and need to improve your English language proficiency, you can do so through Flinders University Academy – or our approved English Language Instruction Course for Overseas Students (ELICOS) providers.

This means that you can attend the required English language tuition at approved ELICOS providers and gain direct entry into university without an IELTS or TOEFL test.

Find out more

Course enquiries

Want more information about studying at Flinders University? Contact us to find out more – we’d love to help you decide if Flinders University is the right choice for you.