JCU Science

Discover the world’s most extraordinary classroom and study science in one of the most diverse natural environments on Earth. Experience hands-on, practical learning in the Tropics as you dive into the Great Barrier Reef at the Orpheus Island Research Station and soar above the tree canopy in the world’s oldest rainforest at the Daintree Rainforest Observatory. Make a real difference assisting with cutting-edge research under the guidance of expert lecturers who are leaders in their fields.

Benefit from smaller class sizes, where the lectures know your name. Graduate with the skills to succeed, backed by industry-ready qualifications and real-world experience.

If you have questions about studying Science at JCU book a call with a JCU advisor today to discuss your study options and receive advice that's tailored to your career goals.

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Bachelor of Environmental Science and Management

Bachelor of Marine Science

Bachelor of Advanced Science

Bachelor of Science

Master of Marine Biology

Master of Science

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JCU Cairns

Nestled between rainforest-covered mountains near the northern beaches, JCU Cairns, Nguma-bada campus features cutting-edge facilities such as The Ideas Lab and The Cairns Institute.

Explore the Cairns campus

JCU Townsville

JCU’s Townsville, Bebegu Yumba campus is a centre of leading research and award-winning facilities, including The Engineering and Innovation Place and The Science Place.

Explore the Townsville campus

Orpheus Island Research Station

Situated within a green zone on the Great Barrier Reef, JCU’s Orpheus Island Research Station provides students and researchers with instant access to reefs and marine ecosystems.

Discover Orpheus Island

Fletcherview Research Station

The station is located two hours west of Townsville and supports 600 head of cattle that are used for research into beef cattle production.

Discover Fletcherview

Daintree Rainforest Observatory

This unique facility is located within the world’s oldest rainforest and features the only canopy crane in Australia, giving researchers unique insights into one of the world’s richest ecosystems.

Discover the DRO

JCU Mt Isa

JCU Mount Isa is home to the Centre for Rural and Remote Health, which offers the Bachelor of Nursing on-site, along with placement opportunities for students studying medicine, dentistry and allied health.

Explore the Mount Isa study centre

JCU Emerald

JCU Emerald is located in the heart of Central Queensland and provides real-world placements for nursing, medicine, dentistry and allied health students through its Central Queensland Centre for Rural and Remote Health.

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JCU Brisbane

JCU Brisbane campus features interactive learning spaces, student lounges and a resource centre, all within a three-storey building situated in the heart of Brisbane’s CBD.

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JCU Thursday Island

Thursday Island is home to the Australian Institute of Tropical Health and Medicine (AITHM). The centre supports healthcare students through immersive learning and meaningful research.

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JCU Mackay

JCU Mackay provides hands-on training for future pharmacy, nursing and medical professionals at two study centres: the JCU Clinical Training Centre and the JCU Mackay Clinical School.

Explore the Mackay study centre

#1 in Australia

for Ecology

2024 Shanghai Ranking Global Ranking of Academic Subjects

#4 in the world

for Marine and Freshwater Biology

2024 US News Best Global Universities Rankings

Top 2% of universities in the world

2024 Shanghai Ranking Academic Ranking of World Universities as a percentage of higher education providers in the International Association of Universities (IAU) database

TownsvilleCairns

Bachelor of Science

Expand your career horizons with a degree that lets you choose from 10 majors, and study a scientific field that aligns with your passions and interests.

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Townsville

Bachelor of Marine Science

Study a Bachelor of Marine Science that offers practical learning on the world’s largest coral reef - the Great Barrier Reef - at JCU’s Orpheus Island Research Station.

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TownsvilleCairns

Bachelor of Environmental Science and Management

Help form and develop solutions for environmental issues by studying in World-Heritage listed coastal, coral reef and rainforest environments.

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TownsvilleCairns

Bachelor of Advanced Science

Learn from world-renowned experts and diversify your research and technical knowledge studying in the unique environments of North Queensland.

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TownsvilleCairns

Master of Science

This flexible, two-year course will expand your practical, analytical and communication skills in science, and emerge with practical experience.

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Townsville

Master of Marine Biology

Set yourself apart in the marine science sector by developing advanced skills to solve real-world problems, and build networks with internationally renowned experts.

More info

A student’s perspective

A transformative experience

"Studying science at JCU has been a transformative experience for me. It’s shaped my career and enriched my life, building resilience and adaptability. It has provided direction to my curiosity about nature and allowed me to build valuable relationships in a close-knit uni."

Shared by Catherine McLean - Bachelor of Science

A better, more comprehensive understanding

"JCU has lots of distinguished marine-related researchers and professors, and they are not only limited to marine biology. This allows for a better, more comprehensive understanding of marine systems as a whole."

Shared by Akari Otsuka - Bachelor of Marine Science

Start your journey at JCU

We acknowledge Aboriginal People and Torres Strait Islander People as the first inhabitants of the nation, and acknowledge Traditional Custodians of the Australian lands where our staff and students live, learn and work. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples are advised that this site may contain names, images or voices of people who have passed away.

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Science

What study looks like up here

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JCU Cairns

JCU Townsville

Orpheus Island Research Station

Fletcherview Research Station

Daintree Rainforest Observatory

JCU Mt Isa

JCU Emerald

JCU Brisbane

JCU Thursday Island

JCU Mackay

#1 in Australia

for Ecology

#4 in the world

for Marine and Freshwater Biology

Top 2% of universities in the world

Explore your study options in Science

Bachelor of Science

Bachelor of Marine Science

Bachelor of Environmental Science and Management

Bachelor of Advanced Science

Master of Science

Master of Marine Biology

A student’s perspective

A transformative experience

A better, more comprehensive understanding

Start your journey at JCU