First Year Students

Welcome to all students about to commence their studies with the Faculty of Sciences.

Studying at university can be exciting but also challenging with so many new experiences and things to learn. Let us help you prepare and get through your first year with us.

Resources for first-year students

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  • Transition from Year 1 to Year 2

    Next Step program

    Your personalised one-on-one planning service

    Prepare yourself for the transition from first to second year with our ’Next Step’ program. The Faculty of Sciences offer a personalised one-on-one planning service to:

    • Customise your study plan to suit your interests and goals, while meeting program rules.
    • Provide advice on Bachelor of Science majors and potential career and future study opportunities.
    • Build industry, work experience and internship opportunities into your degree.
    • Help you discover and receive credit for overseas exchange and study tour opportunities.
    • Assist you planning part-time study workloads and how this may affect your enrolment.
    • Provide advice about your options for transferring to another sciences program - often with credit for what you have already studied.
    Step 1 - Review your current study plan

    The first step is simply thinking about your current study plan and what implications it may have on your enrolment. 

    View the current study plan for your program and ask yourself:

    • Will I complete less than 24 units of level I courses by the end of the year?
    • Did I receive credit for prior study when I commenced?
    • Am I studying part-time?
    • Will I study part-time next year?
    • Did I fail any courses this year?

    If you answered ‘yes’ to any of these questions, you will want to meet with an academic advisor (Step 5) who can help you plan your timetable for next year. All students are also strongly advised to familiarise themselves with their program study plan and start thinking about what next year's enrolment might look like.

    Step 2 - Consider an overseas study experience

    Studying overseas is a once in a lifetime opportunity to explore another country while your study counts towards your degree. Study overseas opportunities increase your employability upon graduation and may meet requirements for ‘non-major electives’ in the Bachelor of Science.

    There are two types of overseas study experiences available:

    Exchange

    Through an exchange program, you can study overseas at a partner university while remaining enrolled at, and supported by, the University of Adelaide. Tuition fees are waived by the host institution, allowing you to continue to take advantage of your tuition arrangements at home, while having an amazing, immersive overseas experience.

    Study tours

    Study tours are short-term intensive programs that may include stops at multiple destinations, or be a more immersive experience at just one. These experiences normally run for two to four weeks and take place between semester breaks.

    Step 3 - Complete the career readiness module

    The Careers Service has developed online learning modules to assist you with planning your career. You are encouraged to complete module one which provides an introduction to career awareness, career planning materials, employer perspectives and graduate advice. 

    Completion of this module will give you a greater understanding of how you can determine your career pathway and how your thoughts around possible careers may influence your enrolment and study plan next year.

    Step 4 - 'Choosing a major' information sessions

    If you are a B.Science or B.Science (Advanced) student, you will need to complete at least one major. General major information sessions are held each September/October to help you understand the different majors you can choose.

    Science majors information sessions

    Hear from academic staff and current students about what sciences majors you can choose and why.

    Subject Majors Date and location
    Biological sciences
    • Biochemistry
    • Ecology
    • Evolutionary biology
    • Genetics
    • Microbiology and immunology
    • Soil science
    • Ecology and spatial science
    • Palaeontology - evolution / geology

    Friday October 11
    12.10 - 1pm

    Ira Raymond Exhibition Room
    Barr Smith Library
    Physical sciences
    • Chemistry
    • Geology
    • Geophysics and applied geology
    • Palaeontology
    • Physics
    • Theoretical physics
    • Experimental and theoretical physics
    • Palaeontology - evolution / geology

    Friday October 18
    12.10 - 1pm

    Ira Raymond Exhibition Room
    Barr Smith Library
    Step 5 - Meet with an academic advisor

    Next Step gives you the opportunity to plan your timetable with an academic advisor. The Faculty of Sciences strongly recommends all students meet with an academic advisor. 

    • Ensure your course choices fit with your career goals.
    • Learn how your course choices may affect your options in the following year; and
    • Tailor your study plan to cater for your circumstances, i.e. study abroad, part-time study etc.

    Online appointment bookings will open soon

    Step 6 - Enrol for next year

    Course enrolment for the following year usually opens in December. Use your study plan to organise yourself before enrolment opens.

  • Enrolment advice

    We're here to help with your enrolment

    Congratulations on gaining a place in the Faculty of Sciences at the University of Adelaide!

    Need enrolment support or assistance or need help with your coursework enquiries? Ask or visit the Student Experience Team in the Sciences Service Hub.

    Student service hub Enrolment guide

  • Peer mentoring program

    Support from our peer mentors

    The Faculty of Sciences offers a range of peer mentoring programs depending on your degree.

    Peer mentors are enthusiastic current science students who may also be studying the same degree as you. They will also have recent experience transitioning to university. Mentors will talk you through what to expect in your first semester and provide you with face-to-face and online support as you transition into university life.  

    Mentoring also give you opportunities to meet other students who are studying the same degree. 

    How it works
    1. Enrol in the course Science 1000 - Science Mentoring via Access Adelaide to have the mentoring sessions added to your timetable.
    2. Check the Science 1000 - Science Mentoring MyUni course for announcements and information about upcoming mentoring sessions.

    Enrol now Become a student mentor

  • Drop-in centres

    Talk with our experts

    Get help with your biology, chemistry and physics courses through our on-campus academic ‘Drop in Centres’.

    Talk one-on-one with an academic staff member about any concepts or content of your course you want assistance or reassurance with. They can help you with tutorial preparation, practical preparation, lecture notes or just general help with understanding your Level 1 courses.

    Complete this form when you attend a drop-in centre.

    Drop-in centre attendance form

    Drop-in centre timetable

    Drop-in centres start in Week 2 of each semester. They run throughout the whole semester excluding public holidays and mid-semester break.

    Drop-in service Day, time and location
    Biology*

    Mon 11am - 2pm

    Fri 10am - 1pm

    Hub drop-in zone - Level 3, Hub Central East
    Chemistry

    Mon 11am -1pm

    Tue 10am - 1pm

    Wed 10am - 12noon

    Fri 11am - 1pm

    Hub drop-in zone - Level 3, Hub Central East
    Physics

    Mon 12noon - 2pm

    Tue 12noon - 2pm

    Wed 12noon - 2pm

    Thurs 3pm - 4pm

    Hub drop-in zone - Level 3, Hub Central East

    * Want extra help with Human Perspectives? Velta is available in her office for drop in appointments, MLS Rm 1.27: 
    Even Weeks 
    Tue 2pm - 4pm
    Wed 11am - 1pm
    Thurs 10am - 12 noon
    Odd Weeks 
    Thurs 2pm - 4pm

     

  • Peer Assisted Study Sessions (PASS)

    Study sessions with expert students

    Maximise your success with our free study sessions run by science students who have already excelled in the same course. 

    PASS is a free and internationally accredited program which aims to help you understand the key concepts of your course and improve your results.

    PASS is for all students, whether you want to improve from a distinction to a high distinction; a pass to a credit or even just to obtain a pass.

    Semester 1 PASS courses
    • BIOLOGY 1101 Biology I: Molecules, Genes & Cells 
    • BIOLOGY 1401 Concepts in Biology
    • BIOCHEM 2500 Biochemistry II: Molecular and Cell Biology
    • CHEM 1100 Chemistry IA 
    • CHEM 1101 Foundations of Chemistry IA
    • CHEM 2510 Chemistry IIA
    • PHYSICS 1100 Physics IA
    • PHYSICS 1008 Physical Aspects of Nature I
    • PHYSICS 1101 Physics for the Life and Earth Sciences IA
    Semester 2 PASS courses
    • BIOCHEM 2501 Biochemistry II: Metabolism
    • BIOLOGY 1201 Biology: Human Perspectives
    • BIOLOGY 1202 Biology: Organisms
    • CHEM 1200 Chemistry IB
    • CHEM 1201 Foundations of Chemistry IB
    • CHEM 2520 Chemistry IIB
    • GEOLOGY 1100 Earth's Interior
    • PHYSICS 1002 Astronomy
    • PHYSICS 1200 Physics IB
    • PHYSICS 1201 Physics for Life and Earth Sciences IB

    View session times

Need help?

The Sciences Service Hub at the faculty office is the place to go for most questions relating to your study.

Drop in to the Darling building between 9am and 5pm Monday to Friday; or make an appointment with a student advisor.

Book an appointment Email us Call: 08 8313 5673