Study area
Natural and Physical Sciences
Our State's biodiverse and varied landscape is the perfect location to gain the knowledge and experience required to maintain balance in our natural environment. Whether you’re interested in protecting the environment, improving healthcare, developing new technology and materials, or deciphering the universe, your studies in Natural and Physical Sciences will set you up for a rewarding career in science and technology.

Sign up to hear from us
Stay up-to-date with the latest information about studying at UWA including, our courses and career pathways, events and webinars, key dates, what uni life is really like, tips for studying plus, so much more!
Register your detailsLed by our award-winning researchers, inspirational leaders and expert academics, you’ll be immersed in the hands-on side of natural and physical science with opportunities to use and control high precision instruments in our laboratories, on field trips and in real-world work placements with hospitals, industry and government research organisations.
Your studies will involve the crucial technical skills in data analysis, visualisation, interpretation and technological skills – all of which are essential in growth industries such as science, technology, engineering and finance.

Top five reasons to study Natural and Physical Sciences at UWA
1. We have 100+ units offering practical work experience where you'll gain hands-on industry-relevant experience and skills
2. Get career-ready with our strong industry, business and government networks including Alcoa, BHP, CSIRO, Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions (Kings Park and Perth Zoo), Fortescue, Rio Tinto, WA Museum, Woodside, and more
3. Be recognised – a number of our courses are accredited by the likes of the Australian Institute of Physics, the Australasian College of Physical Scientists and Engineers in Medicine, and the Royal Australian Chemical Institute
4. UWA is in the World Top 50 for Agriculture and Forestry, Earth and Geology (QS 2025), and Agricultural Sciences, Biological Sciences, Environmental Science and Engineering, and Oceanography (GRAS 2025)
5. You'll gain access to leading learning facilities including the Bayliss Building, Biomolecular Interactions Facility, The International Centre for Radio Astronomy Research, The Square Kilometre Array radio-telescope, and supercomputing facilities through The Pawsey Centre and iVEC@UWA
World-class facilities
Some of your classes will be held at EZONE, providing you with an unparalleled experience, building an innovative and collaborative culture based on a STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) capability like no other in the country.
The Bayliss Building is an impressive five-storey facility that's the largest and most technically complex building on our campus. Home to the School of Molecular Sciences, the building was named after Emeritus Professor Sir Noel Stanley Bayliss (1906-1996), an eminent Australian chemist whose name was given to the mineral 'baylissite'.
You'll also have access to leading facilities including the Biomolecular Interactions Facility, The International Centre for Radio Astronomy Research, The Square Kilometre Array radio-telescope, and supercomputing facilities through The Pawsey Centre and iVEC@UWA, along with close links and ties with hospitals, industry and government research organisations.
Where our graduates go
My current role as Water Quality Specialist Graduate supports the management of water systems (specifically groundwater extraction, wastewater management and data integrity) at our iron ore mining camps.
Outside my professional life, I have had many travel adventures since graduating to satisfy my marine cravings. I have volunteered for the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions’ turtle monitoring program and dolphin conservation program. I also regularly travel to coastal regions where I can snorkel, especially with animals (like manta rays), develop new skills (kitesurfing) and learn about other Pacific cultures, such as the different local conservation programs in the Fiji islands."

bachelor of science graduate
Industry snapshot
Study in this area gives you the skills and knowledge to make a real contribution to the challenges facing humanity. Scientists study the universe, its properties, the life that exists within it and the laws that govern it. Discipline areas range from cutting-edge pure and applied science to new multidisciplinary fields.
Potential careers
- Agricultural Scientist
- Astronomer
- Biologist
- Business Consultant
- Chemist
- Climate Change Adviser
- Clinical Scientist
- Data Scientist
- Environmental Consultant
- Forensic Scientist
- Geneticist
- Geologist
- Marine Biologist
- Mathematician
- Policy Analysist
- Geneticist
- Zoologist
Source: 2022 Graduate Outcomes Survey – Longitudinal
Undergraduate courses
Natural and Physical Sciences covers a wide range of disciplines including agriculture and environment, biology and chemistry, earth and ocean sciences, physics and mathematics.
- Comprehensive degrees
- Specialised degrees
- Combined bachelor's degrees
- Combined bachelor's and masters degrees
- Minors
Postgraduate courses
- Master’s degrees
- Short courses
Articles you might like
- The future of chemistry is green
- Passionate about the ocean? Hear from a Master of Ocean Leadership student
- What to study if you want to work on ocean challenges
- Lessons from a research student - Mitch
- What can you do with a Master of Physics?
- 5 reasons to study the Bachelor of Mathematics
- Hear from Marine Science graduate Ashley Marino
Have a question? Get in touch with us

Our Future Students Centre is ready to answer all your questions.
- Phone
- +61 8 6488 1000
8.30am–5.00pm (AWST), Monday to Friday - Domestic students email
- future-students@uwa.edu.au
- International students email
- international@uwa.edu.au
- Online consultation
- Book a online consultation
- askUWA
- View FAQs or ask your own question