To date there has been limited exploration of Australian undergraduate transitional experience through (as opposed to into and out of) degree programs. As we turn to a more holistic approach to overall program experiences the need to better understand transition through has become imperative. Our work forms part of a larger project exploring the lived experiences of this cohort and is at the behest of current literature which expresses the requirement for purposefully capturing and evaluating middle year undergraduate student experiences. Initially we have focussed on developing an understanding of student expectations of second academic year of science degree programs in an Australian institute. This pilot work evaluates emergent themes students have identified regarding their expectations of second year of university science programs using a combined methodological approach. It reports on preliminary findings distinguishing Australian cohorts from international counterparts and factors for consideration in supporting the academic progress of undergraduate students.