Science Academy
The University of Adelaide’s Science Academy is an outreach program for students in Years 8-12 who are passionate about science.
Delivered in schools and on-campus, the Science Academy aims to encourage students to study science through a range of interactive workshops, activities and events.
Students will develop an understanding of the relationship between high-school science subjects, university degrees and how to turn their passion for science into a career.
Get to know our Science Academy
Science Academy events
Find out more about the events we will be hosting this year. All of our events are run in the school holidays and after school and are free to attend (unless stated otherwise).
| Date | Event | Who for? |
|---|---|---|
| 5 March | Science Academy Welcome Event | Year 12s, parents and guardians, teachers |
| 17-18 April | School Holiday Workshops | Year 11 & 12s |
| 23 May | STEM Careers Evening | Year 8-12, parents and guardians welcome |
| 20 June | Degree Preview Evening | Year 8-12, parents and guardians welcome |
| 18 August | Open Day | Year 8-12, parents and guardians welcome |
| 31 August (Biology) 7 September (Physics & Psychology) 14 September (Chemistry) |
SASTA Exam Prep | Year 12s |
Information for teachers
We want to help your students discover how they can turn their passion for science into a career.
By joining the Science Academy your students will have access to:
- Interactive workshops and presentations delivered at your school (subject to availability).
- Invitation to exclusive on-campus events and activities.
- Subject selection resources and advice.
- Early offer into a range of University of Adelaide science degrees for eligible year 12 students.
Participating students are not required to do any additional work and all on-campus events are held outside of school hours. Activities are offered free of charge unless stated otherwise.
Activities & resources
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Subject selection guide
Subject selection guide
We know that choosing the right career, the right degree and the right school subjects can seem a bit overwhelming for students.
The subject selection guide is designed to take the stress out of subject selection and unpack what prerequisites are needed for entry into university.
This resource will become available in mid 2019.
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Early Offer Program
Early offer program
Our early offer program rewards students’ passion and commitment to science in year 12, providing them with a provisional offer into a range of science degrees at the University of Adelaide before sitting their exams.
Students must be studying two science subjects, or one science and one maths subject. Eligible science subjects include: Agriculture, Biology, Chemistry, Food & Nutrition, Physics, Scientific Studies, General Maths, Maths Methods, and Specialist Maths.
Students must gain a C+ or above in their two chosen subjects; a minimum ATAR of 65. Degree specific prerequisites and minimum entry requirements must be met to be eligible.
Students must register to qualify for this program.
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Science presentations
Science presentations
Inspire junior scientists in years 8 & 9 with an in-school Future Scientist presentation. Unpacking the role of a scientist, students will learn how scientists are working to overcome global challenges, solve real-world problems and develop solutions for the future.
Suitable for Years 8 - 9 Student numbers 10 - 100 Duration of activity 30 - 40 mins Category STEM Location In school or North Terrace campus* *subject to availability
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Book an in-school science workshop
In-school science workshops
We invite students in years 10 and 11 to participate in a range of interactive science workshops delivered at your school by University of Adelaide science educators.
Workshops are designed to link the science students learn in the classroom with real-world careers in science.
All workshops require a minimum of 10 and maximum of 30 students. Participating students should be identified by their teacher based on their interest in the subject area.
What’s in a burger?
Have you ever stopped to think where our food comes from and who’s involved in producing it? Or maybe you’re interested in how we are going to feed a growing population?
In this workshop students will discover how scientists are working to solve these problems and what skills they need to do so.
Suitable for Years 10 - 11 Student numbers 10 - 30 Duration of activity 45 - 60 mins Category Agriculture, food sustainability, global challenges Location In school 
Help! My dog is sick!
Discover how animal scientists and veterinarians use the scientific method to diagnose disease and illness in animals.
Students will work in small groups to solve a diagnostic case about a sick animal as well as learning about the types of scientist who are involved along the way.
Suitable for Years 10 - 11 Student numbers 10 - 30 Duration of activity 45 - 60 mins Category Animal and veterinary science, biology, problem solving Location In school 
Flavour chemistry: The science behind the taste and smell of food
What is your favourite food or drink smell and does it remind you of anything? To understand what we taste, we first need to know how we taste.
In this workshop students will learn what senses to use for descriptive analysis and how we research flavour and aroma on a chemical level.
Suitable for Years 10 - 11 Student numbers 10 - 30 Duration of activity 45 - 60 mins Category Chemistry, food and nutrition, wine science Location In school 
Climate Change and the Great Barrier Reef
In this interactive workshop students will learn about the dangers facing the Great Barrier Reef, why it’s important and how we can help.
Suitable for Years 10 - 11 Student numbers 10 - 30 Duration of activity 45 - 60 mins Category Earth and environment, marine biology, wildlife conservation, problem solving, global challenges Location In school 
Have you heard about herd immunity?
In this workshop students learn the concept and importance of herd immunity in a range of scientific fields. Students will participate in hands-on classroom activities that simulate the spread of an epidemic and learn how scientists apply this concept in a variety of different ways from human populations to spread of ideas and behaviour.
Suitable for Years 10 - 11 Student numbers 10 - 30 Duration of activity 45 - 60 mins Category Biology Location In school 
Future Scientist Careers
Students will discover how studying science can lead to a huge range of career opportunities. From creating personalised medicines, to using drones to protect the world’s rain forests, and careers in analysing big data to help plan strategic business moves.
Suitable for Years 10 - 11 Student numbers 10 - 30 Duration of activity 45 - 60 mins Category Future careers in science and STEM Location In school
Information for Year 12 students
We know that life as a year 12 student can be stressful - from the worry of assignments and exams, to the increasing pressure of life after high school and what to do next. But don’t worry we’re here to help.
By joining the Science Academy you will benefit from:
- Early offer into a range of science degree at the University of Adelaide.^
- Invitations to exclusive on-campus events and activities.
- Networking opportunities with industry representatives & current University of Adelaide science students and graduates.
- Meeting other likeminded peers who have a passion for science.
- Ongoing support from university staff on admissions and degree selection advice.
Events
As a Science Academy member you will get invitations to exclusive events and activities run on-campus in school holidays and after school.
Early offer program
We know there’s more to life than exam results and we realise that a high ATAR doesn’t necessarily guarantee success at uni.
Our early offer program rewards your passion and commitment to science in year 12, providing you with a provisional offer into a range of science degrees at the University of Adelaide before sitting you exams.
^Eligibility
- You must be studying two science subjects, or one science and one maths subject from the list below, and gain a C+ or above.
- You must gain a minimum ATAR of 65.
- Degree specific prerequisites and minimum entry requirements must be met to be eligible for entry.
| Eligible science subjects | Eligible maths subjects |
|---|---|
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Early offer degrees
You can choose from any of the following degrees:
- Bachelor of Agricultural Sciences
- Bachelor of Applied Biology
- Bachelor of Food and Nutrition Science
- Bachelor of Science
- Bachelor of Science (Animal Science)
- Bachelor of Science (Animal Behaviour)
- Bachelor of Science (Biomedical Science)
- Bachelor of Science (Biotechnology)
- Bachelor of Science (Ecotourism)
- Bachelor of Science (Marine Biology)
- Bachelor of Science (Mineral Geoscience)
- Bachelor of Science (Wildlife Conservation Biology)
- Bachelor of Viticulture and Oenology
- Bachelor of Science and Entrepreneurship
The following degrees are NOT available in the early offer program, but if you would like to discuss entry options for these degrees please contact us.
How to apply
- You can register for the Science Academy online.
- If you meet the eligibility requirements you will receive notification of your early offer via post in August.
- Lodge a SATAC application and preference your preferred degree as your highest preference.
- If successful you will receive a University of Adelaide offer in Dec or in the 2020 offer rounds.
Have questions? Ask Amanda
Amanda Marshall
Student Recruitment and Marketing Officer - Faculty of Sciences
Phone: (08) 8313 3137
Email: outreach.sciences@adelaide.edu.au