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Science Programs

Science Programs

Major in discovery

Science at Western is a journey of discovery. Of learning about the world around us, questioning everything and investigating problems. Whether you want to improve health and medical treatments, create a more sustainable future or teach the next generation, your journey starts here.

With a range of science disciplines to choose from, you can explore your passion and major in an area relevant to your career goals.

Interested in the medical field? Biomedical Science or Anatomy and Physiology are units you might enjoy. Or perhaps you’d like to get into the emerging 'green collar' industry – you might consider a degree in Environmental Health, Agriculture, Animal Science or Food Science.

With world-class teachers, equipment and facilities, our students have everything they need to become world-class Scientists.

Explore our programs

REGISTER NOW FOR OPEN DAY 2024

Open Day is a great opportunity to discover all that Western has to offer.

Explore course options, meet academics and find out about our pathway options on Sunday, 30 June 2024.

Register now to join us. We can't wait to see you at Open Day 2024!

Register Now
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Facilities

As well as learning from experts in the field, you’ll have access to our $30-million state-of-the-art facilities. From Anatomy to Zoology, we’ve got specialised labs and equipment for all of our scientific disciplines.

Students undertaking studies in food science and human nutrition will have access to facilities including our food pilot plant, food science kitchen and other research laboratories.

Collect evidence and investigate realistic crime scenes in our world-class research and training facility. Students have access to an imaging lab, glass analysis system, polarisation microscopy systems to examine hair and fibres, fingerprint detection systems, specialised forensic light sources, and cutting-edge forensic photography technologies.

Our experimental field sites and animal research facilities allow students to observe and study animal behaviours and their environments. 

The Astrophysical eScience Laboratory operates at the Penrith Observatory, where our researchers are mapping the universe with the latest radio telescopes. We aim to share our knowledge and enhance exposure to astronomy, science, technology, engineering and mathematics by hosting public viewing nights, school excursions and group events.

Other specialised labs include the Chemical Science Facilities, Herbal Analysis and Pharmacological Laboratories, and the Biological and Molecular Sciences Research Laboratories.

Student success stories

Sandy Craze
Bachelor of Advanced Science (Chemistry), Master of Research

Geography, convenience and a lucrative scholarship all played a part in Sandy Craze's decision to study at Western. Now, he's been offered a scholarship from Oxford University.

"I grew up in a country town named Bungendore, in south west NSW. There was no local high school, so I had to travel for more than an hour to attend school in Canberra. By the time I started Year 11, my family had moved to Campbelltown. I was living a five-minute bike ride away from Western's campus – which was very appealing, after so many years of travelling to school. I did consider other universities – but I was ultimately swayed by the offer of an Academic Excellence scholarship.

I'm so glad that I chose Western, as it has opened so many doors for me. At Western I discovered my passion for Chemistry, and now I have secured a scholarship for a doctoral position at Oxford.

In my PhD, I will be working toward finding a solution for one of the world's biggest challenges: the high levels of carbon dioxide in our atmosphere. It's very exciting.

If you are unsure of which University to choose – take it from me: at Western, doors will open for you!"

Domenic Raneri
Bachelor of Science (Forensic Science) & Bachelor of Science (Honours)

Domenic Raneri is a Crime Scene Officer in the Forensic Imaging Section of NSW Police Force."The field experience at Western really sets students up for the workforce. When I was looking for jobs I actually had case files of work we’d done with simulated crime scenes, which could only be done at Western."

Domenic is recognised as an international subject matter expert in 3D imaging and crime scene reconstruction. He discusses his career journey which started at Western here.

Experimental field sites

Get out of the classroom and into the field. Students can see agriculture in action with our experimental field sites, including:

  • Farm dams
  • Climate-controlled plant-growth cabinets
  • A post-harvest controlled environment system and physiology labs
  • Orchards, a vineyard, and an olive grove
  • Animals kept on campus including cattle, sheep, marsupials and deer

Leading climate change research

At Western, we’re invested in the future – of students, science and the world.
The Hawkesbury Institute for the Environment (HIE) at Western conducts leading climate change and energy research, attracting researchers from all over Australia and internationally. HIE’s current research includes landscape revegetation and reforestation, biofuel production, remediation of contaminated soils and adaption to climate change.