Handbook 1996 : Faculty of Science
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Congratulations on your success in your studies which brings you to be studying subjects offered by the Faculty of Science.
Science studies at the University of Melbourne offer you a broad range of opportunities. The breadth of subjects offered in the Bachelor of Science is extraordinary; these are well complemented by those in the Bachelor of Information Systems and Bachelor of Optometry.
Science has contributed much to making society what it is today, such that the effects of Science are so integrated in our daily lives that its benefits are taken for granted. Science is therefore not always recognised and applauded as one of the key areas in which humans demonstrate considerable intellectual prowess. It is hoped that your involvement in science will help change this situation.
As you learn more Science, and get caught up in the enlightening intellectual challenges of your science studies, I hope you will take the time to communicate your excitement to your family and friends. This will help them appreciate the significant part that your subject plays in their daily life.
Conveying your understanding of science to others also benefits you; as Lord Kelvin said, "no one can be said to fully understand what they are studying until they can explain it to the man in the street".
I encourage you to relish the excitement of the diverse science studies this Faculty is keen and pleased to offer to you. You will then achieve success in your study and in your future career.
My very best wishes for a rewarding year.
Bruce H J McKellar
Dean, Faculty of Science
The Faculty of Science is one of the largest and oldest faculties within the University. The Faculty has over 3000 undergraduate and postgraduate students. In 1995 approximately 1000 students were admitted to the undergraduate courses.
Undergraduate courses are offered in Science, Information Systems and Optometry. Students may combine the Science course with Arts, Commerce, Engineering, Forest Science, Geomatics, Law or Medicine.
The Bachelor of Science, on its own or in combination with another course, is offered as a general education in science, with later-year specialisations in one or more of the five core discipline areas; biological, chemical, earth, mathematical and physical sciences. The course is designed to provide flexibility at the end of the first year of study, allowing a number of career options or vocations to remain open.
Academic areas within the Faculty include the Schools of Chemistry, Earth Sciences, Mathematical Sciences and Physics, and the Departments of Botany, Genetics, Information Systems, Mathematics, Optometry, Statistics and Zoology. These schools and departments are responsible for the greater part of teaching and research within the Faculty of Science.
A number of other departments also make significant teaching contributions to the Faculty. These include Anatomy and Cell Biology, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Computer Science, Geography and Environmental Studies, History and Philosophy of Science, Microbiology, Pathology, Pharmacology, Physiology and Psychology.
The Faculty operates through an Executive Committee which develops Faculty policy and coordinates planning. The Executive consists of the Dean; the Deputy Dean; four Associate Deans responsible for the areas of undergraduate students, budgets, external relations and research and graduate studies; a student representative; the General Manager (Science); and two co-opted members.
Student representatives have contributed significantly to the life of the Faculty through membership of various Faculty committees, including Undergraduate Studies, Executive and the Faculty Committee itself.
Co-ordination of the administrative tasks of the Faculty, including student selection, enrolment and advising, occurs through the office of the General Manager (Science).
The General Manager (Science) and staff (including Student Advisers) are located in the Old Geology Building in Masson Road. Students should use this resource as a reference, or starting point, for all enquiries of a general nature and for formal administrative requirements relating to their course of study.
The Faculty's objectives are to provide an educational framework which enables:
The Faculty of Science Office is the starting point for any questions prospective students or Science students may have concerning the University or a particular course .
The Faculty Office co-ordinates all the formal requirements of a student's course. The reception area of the Faculty of Science Office is staffed by Student Advisers and other experienced staff who are happy to discuss any problems or queries relating to study or enrolment. Students with more complex queries can make an appointment to see a Student Adviser by contacting the reception area.
Publications providing further information about the undergraduate and postgraduate courses offered by the Faculty are available at the reception area. Three free multimedia information kiosks also operate within the reception area. The kiosks provide information ranging from key dates to careers in science.
Students should visit the Office if they need advice or wish to do anything related to the following matters:
The Faculty of Science Office is located in the ground floor of the Old Geology Building on the Parkville campus of the University. The Old Geology Building is situated on Masson Road.
The various contact points for the Faculty of Science Office are:
Telephone: + 61 3 9344 6404
Facsimile: + 61 3 9344 5803
Internet: query@ science.unimelb.edu.au
Postal Address:
Faculty of Science Office Old Geology Building, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Vic 3052. Australia
Students should ensure they are aware of their rights and obligations at the University by carefully reading the University Handbook and Student Diary. The Student Diary, issued to all students upon enrolment, contains useful information on matters such as enrolment, assessment, and the services available to students on campus. Any queries relating to University requirements can be directed to the Faculty of Science Office in the first instance.
The Bachelor of Science course and the various combined science courses are organised on a points system. Students must complete a certain number and type of points to satisfy the requirements of each course.
Accordingly, the Faculty awards points for the successful completion of each subject. The points a student will receive if they successfully complete a particular subject are noted in the Handbook entry for that subject. The points allocated to each subject is determined by the number and type of contact hours and the workload associated with the subject.
In 1996 all of the undergraduate courses offered by the Faculty of Science, except the Bachelor of Information Systems, will be available on a full-time or part-time basis. Bachelor of Optometry students usually require permission from the Head of Optometry to enrol part-time. Note that the majority of the classes offered by the Faculty of Science are between 9 am and 5 pm.
A student's annual workload determines if they are classified as a full-time or part-time student. The normal full-time workload is 100 points per year. To be regarded as a full-time student, a student's total workload for the year must be equal to, or greater than, 75 points. Students who wish to be classified as full-time in a particular semester need to ensure that their workload for that semester is equal to, or greater than, 37.5 points.
Accordingly, part-time students must be enrolled in less than 75 points for the year, and less than 37.5 points per semester.
In addition to academic matters, students should consider the possible impact upon Austudy and/or other payments when selecting subjects or making changes to their enrolment which may change their enrolment status from full-time or part-time or vice versa. The Student Financial Aid Office on campus can assist with such matters.
Subjects normally taken in first year are referred to as 100-level subjects. Subjects normally taken in second and third year are referred to as 200 and 300-level subjects respectively.
Each subject has a subject code comprising 6 digits. The first three digits are a departmental code that reveal the department that teaches the subject. The fourth digit indicates the level of the subject. For example, if the fourth digit is 3 the subject concerned is a 300-level subject. The final two digits distinguish the subject from other subjects offered at the same level by a particular department.
Students should note that many subjects that were previously year long subjects have been divided into two single-semester subjects. For example, 610-140, which used to be a year long chemistry subject, now comprises the two semester length subjects 610-141 and 610-142.
The Accelerated Entry Program is available to students who have undertaken appropriate additional work while completing their VCE studies. Exemption tests equivalent to first-year BSc standard will be conducted between selection and the commencement of first semester.
By gaining exemption from some or all of first year, students will be entitled to receive appropriate credit and may be able to complete the course in less than the normal three years of full-time study.
To cater for particularly talented students, the Faculty of Science offers a number of Advanced subjects. Advanced subjects have been designed for small numbers of exceptional students and are designated by the word 'Advanced' following the subject name. Advanced subjects exist at all three year levels and in a number of departments of the Faculty. Selection into these subjects is by invitation from the head of the department concerned. Selection into Advanced 100- level subjects will take into account a student's results in relevant Year 12 subjects. Selection into Advanced subjects at 200- and 300-level will depend on a student's results in related and prerequisite science subjects.
Individual high achievers in the physical and mathematical sciences may be invited to enter an Advanced Studies Program on the recommendations of department heads. An Advanced Studies Program would involve enrolment in a number of nominated advanced subjects and would allow the following students to undertake more points than is usually possible. Participation in an Advanced Studies Program would be recognised on a student's academic record.
Credit is a matter determined by the Faculty and is expressed as the number of points granted towards a course offered by the Faculty for previous study. Credit is evaluated according to an assessment of:
One hundred 100-level points are granted towards the BSc degree, or the BSc component of a combined course, for successful completion of a full first year in the following degree courses in the University of Melbourne:
Credit may also be granted for later-year science subjects.
Credit may be granted to students transferring from other Australian universities. Generally one hundred points credit will be granted for completion of the first year of a 'science-based' course and further credit may be granted for later-year subjects. Credit for 'science-based' overseas studies is considered on an individual basis.
For further details please obtain a copy of the Credit Evaluation Policy from the Faculty of Science Office.
Students whose studies have been affected by illness or other circumstances should complete an Application for Special Consideration form available from the Faculty of Science Office. The Faculty will advise the relevant department/s and the Consultation of Examiners of the request for special consideration. The department will decide whether; to take no action, to offer additional assessment, or to alter marks.
Students should note that:
Full details relating to special consideration procedures are provided on the back of the Application for Special Consideration forms.
Students can add or delete subjects from their current enrolment providing the Faculty of Science Office is notified of these changes before the following deadlines:
Students can withdraw from subjects after these deadlines up until the end of the tenth week of the semester in which the subject is offered. Withdrawal from year long subjects is possible up until the end of the tenth week of second semester. In these cases a 'WD', indicating withdrawn, will be recorded for the subject on the student's academic record. Students who cancel subjects after the commencement of the third last week of semester will have a fail result for the subject/s noted on their academic record.
Students should use a Subject Change Form, available at the Faculty of Science Office, to advise the Faculty of changes to their enrolment. Combined course students need only inform one of the Faculty Offices involved in the course in which they are enrolled of such changes to their enrolment.
Given subject changes may alter a students enrolment category from full-time to part-time (or vice versa), students are encouraged to read the 'Full-time and Part-time Study' entry that appears in this section of the Handbook.
The Faculty of Science recognises the highest achieving students who enter the Faculty each year as first-year students in all of the undergraduate courses offered by the Faculty.
Funds donated through the University Fund are utilised to award students for their high achievement. The presentations are made by the Dean of the Faculty of Science at a ceremony in the presence of heads of departments, invited alumni and parents.
The Dean's Honour List recognises high achieving students enrolled in all of the undergraduate courses that are offered by the Faculty of Science. Students on the Dean's Honour List receive a certificate from the Dean of the Science Faculty at an annual presentation ceremony, and their achievement is also recorded on their academic transcript.
To be considered for the Dean's Honour List students enrolled in the Bachelor of Information Systems, Bachelor of Optometry, Bachelor of Science and the various combined science courses must :
From the total number of eligible students, the top 3% of students are selected. The selected students must have obtained an average mark greater than 85%.
Note that the Dean's Prize will not be awarded to any students enrolled in the new Bachelor of Information Systems course in 1996.
To be awarded a place on the Dean's Honour List, Bachelor of Science (Honours) students must achieve an overall mark for the BSc (Hons) year that is greater than 85%.
There are numerous other prizes, scholarships, awards and bursaries provided by companies and through bequests which are available to students enrolled in the undergraduate courses offered by the Faculty of Science. These are awarded for academic excellence at each year level and in individual subjects. For further information please contact the Faculty of Science Office.
Note that Student Financial Aid can provide details of University awards that students may also be entitled to apply for.
Students are encouraged to apply to study overseas as part of their course through the University's International Student Exchange Programs. The University has exchange arrangements with universities in North America, Europe and Asia. Students are able to receive credit towards their course for the studies they undertake while on exchange. The period of exchange is flexible, and may last for a semester or a year.
As entry to the International Student Exchange Program is competitive, potential applicants should have a good academic record. It is an application requirement for the student to provide written approval from the Faculty supporting their participation in the exchange.
For further information, please contact the International Office or the Faculty's International Student Officer.
All students seeking time away from study after commencing a Science course must request permission to take Leave of Absence from the Faculty of Science Office. First year students cannot apply for leave after the commencement of second semester.
Students are generally entitled to one year's leave. Additional leave will only be granted in exceptional circumstances.
Undergraduate students wishing to apply for leave must complete a Cancellation of Enrolment form at the Faculty of Science Office. Combined course students need only request leave if they do not wish to undertake any subjects toward the combined course in which they are enrolled in a particular year. Combined course students need only request leave from one of the Faculty Offices that are involved in the course in which they are enrolled.
Note that students who have been offered a place in a University course, but wish to postpone the commencement of the course until the following year must apply to defer enrolment, rather than to take leave.
Students wishing to discontinue their studies must complete a Cancellation of Enrolment form at the Faculty of Science Office. Combined course students need only discontinue their studies at one of the Faculty Offices that are involved in their course.
A student will be eligible for a refund, or partial refund, of the Amenities and Services Fee if they discontinue their study, take Leave of Absence, or change their enrolment from full-time to part-time before the second semester HECS Census Date. To be classified as a part-time student, a student's enrolment for the year must be less than 75% (ie HECS weighting of less than 0.75).
Application for Refund forms are available at Student Administration (1st Floor of the Raymond Priestley Building).
The Faculty organises several Study Skills Seminars throughout the year. General and discipline specific study skills are discussed at these seminars. The seminars are advertised on Faculty and departmental noticeboards.
The Faculty of Science annually reviews the academic progress of all undergraduate students. Faculty considers that students who have passed 60% or more of the points attempted in any one academic year in any year of the course will be deemed to have made satisfactory progress. Students who do not pass 60% or more of the points attempted in any year of the course in which they are enrolled have not made satisfactory progress. In addition, students of the Bachelor of Optometry course who fail any subject of the course for the second or subsequent time are deemed to have not made satisfactory progress.
Students who for the first time pass between 37.5% and 60% of the points attempted in any year will receive a letter warning them of their unsatisfactory progress and requiring them to attend for an interview with a Student Adviser in the Science Faculty Office before authorisation for re-enrolment will be granted.
Students who either: (i) pass less than 37.5% of the points attempted in any one year or (ii) pass less than 60% of the points attempted in any one year for the second or subsequent time or (iii) are enrolled in the Bachelor of Optometry course and fail any subject for the second time, will be required to make a case to the Faculty of Science Student Progress Committee. Students are given an opportunity to make a written submission or to appear before the Committee or to do both. In considering a student's progress the Committee will normally take into account the student's results and any extenuating circumstances such as personal difficulties, financial hardship and study problems. The Committee will then determine the best proposal for the student's academic future and may make one of three decisions: it may take no action against the student, it may limit the student in his or her studies for one calendar year, or it may recommend to Academic Board that the student be suspended from his or her course in the Faculty of Science.
Students recommended for suspension have the right to be heard by Academic Board, but if the Board confirms the recommendation the student is suspended from his or her course. Students suspended from any course may apply for re-selection in the normal way. Re-selection is normally only considered after satisfactory completion of relevant studies at another institution or as part of this University's Community Access Program, thus satisfying the Faculty and Academic Board that there is a reasonable likelihood of successful completion of the course. The Student Advisers can provide additional advice on 'academic rehabilitation'.
First-year students should note that they will not normally be allowed to proceed to 200-level subjects until they have passed at least 60 points from 100-level subjects.
Students who have been permitted by the Student Progress Committee to continue with their course should note that they may experience difficulties in gaining a place in quota subjects.
This program has been designed to assist first year students who have experienced academic difficulties during first semester. Students are invited to discuss any problems and ways of improving their performance. Other students who feel that their performance was well below expectations are also welcome to participate.
The interviews, usually with an academic staff member and a representative of the Faculty Office, will be held in the latter part of the first semester or as soon as possible after the first semester results have been finalised by departments.
Because of the number of subjects offered within the Bachelor of Science, it is not possible to avoid having some 'clashes' within the timetable. Every effort has been made to ensure that the common subject combinations are catered for within the timetable. The Faculty issues a timetable to first year students. Later year students devise a timetable in conjunction with an academic during course planning. This is done by referring to the Faculty of Science timetable and other Faculty timetables if the student is undertaking subjects not offered by the Faculty of Science.
If a subject combination results in subject, lecture or practical class time clashes, students are advised to consider changing subjects. It is not recommended that students continue enrolment in subjects with timetable clashes as their performance may be significantly affected. Students should note that a timetable clash is not grounds for special consideration.
The Faculty of Science endeavours to place venue details for all lecture and practicals for science subjects on a noticeboard in the Faculty of Science Office at the start of each semester. Venue details not provided in the Faculty Office must be obtained from the department concerned.
Booklists for each subject must be obtained from the department offering the subject.
Some subjects in the Faculty of Science involve animal experimentation. As this is an essential part of the subjects involved, exemptions may not be possible. All animal experimentation carried out in the University is subject to the rigorous control of the Animal Experimentation Ethics Committee.
The Science Students' Society (SSS) plays an important part in both the social and academic life of science students. It provides information on work experience and careers, runs forums on topical scientific issues and elects representatives to various Faculty committees. Education Officers are elected to represent any academic concerns of students or groups of students that go beyond the scope of departmental staff-student liaison committees. The SSS also liaises with the general community. An example of this liaison is the training of undergraduate science students to visit secondary schools to speak to school students. The SSS also runs an annual Science Ball, inter-faculty sports and a frequently-victorious Scavenger Hunt team. It holds an Orientation Camp for first-year students to help them make friends before lectures begin and runs tours of the University during Orientation Week. All functions are organised by your elected members, who welcome suggestions (and assistance) for any event. Your Society can be contacted in the Science Common Room where all students are welcome to relax, have lunch, ask advice or seek study help.
The Science Students' Musical Society provides a musical, dramatical and social environment for Science students. The Society consists of an orchestra, choir, drama, 'musical' group and stage band as well as various subsets of the above, such as rock bands, ensembles and vocal groups.
Aside from the various concerts and lunchtime performances at the University, the Society performs at various hospitals and care centres for charity and also at Science Faculty functions throughout the year.
The International Science Students' Society offers a forum for the exchange of ideas and culture for all international students studying in the Faculty. Members include undergraduate and postgraduate students, as well as Study Abroad and Exchange students.
The society provides a point of contact for newly-arrived students and promotes the social welfare and professional development of all its members.
Contact with the Society can be made through the Faculty of Science Office.
The University of Melbourne Science Alumni Society (UMSAS) is dedicated to helping current and past students, staff and other professionals in science build a lifelong relationship with the Faculty and the University, and promoting these contacts at a local, national and international level. UMSAS provides a forum for graduates, staff and friends of the Faculty of Science to share views and keep in touch with the latest teaching and research. For further information please contact the Alumni and Development Officer at the Faculty of Science Office.
The Faculty of Arts offers a Diploma in Modern Languages. Language subjects will be taken concurrently with an approved undergraduate degree in a sequence approved by the student's home faculty and the language department. The Diploma will normally add one year to the duration of the student's main degree course.
Contact the Faculty of Arts Office for further information and an application form.
Science students who seek entry to the Faculty of Veterinary Science must apply to the Assistant Registrar (Veterinary Science) for lateral transfer to that course. Applications for entry close in early September. For details contact the Assistant Registrar (Veterinary Science).
The Faculty of Veterinary Science has specified that Science students wanting to be considered for a transfer to Veterinary Science should take the following subjects in first year: Biology 140; Chemistry 120 or 140; and Physics 120, 140 or 160. Those students who have undertaken physics in their final year of secondary schooling and who study Physics 640-160 in 1996 will have their marks in that subject debited by 15% when considered for selection into the Veterinary Science course.
Mathematical Sciences are strongly recommended by the Faculty of Veterinary Science as additional subjects to complete first year.
Almost all subjects listed in the Faculty of Science section of the Handbook are considered 'science' subjects.
Some of the subjects offered by the Department of Information Systems form the only exception to this rule. The 'science' or 'non-science' status of each subject offered by the Department of Information Systems is noted in the subject entries section for this Department.
Any subject offered by the University of Melbourne that does not appear in the Faculty of Science entry in this volume of the Handbook is termed a 'non-science' subject.
Note that some subjects offered by the Department of Information Systems are classified as 'non-science' subjects (refer to the 'science' subject entry above).
The distinction between a 'science' and 'non-science' subject is particularly relevant to students enrolled in the BSc and combined course students when planning their course.
A student's workload is determined by the total number of points in which they are enrolled in a particular year. Normally the Faculty will not allow students to enrol in more than:
Students wishing to undertake workloads in excess of these limits must seek approval from the Associate Dean (Undergraduate Studies) on the appropriate request form (available from the Faculty Office). Permission to overload may be granted if the student has achieved good academic marks or has valid academic reasons for requesting the overload.
Students selected into courses offered by the Faculty are encouraged to attend an introductory information session at the University. Information about the introductory session will be sent with the letter students receive advising them of an offer of a place in a course. At this session students will be given important information about the course and the enrolment process. Students then meet with a Faculty Adviser to plan their first year of study. The course plan that is approved (authorised) will reflect the student's current areas of interest and allow for maximum flexibility in future studies. Enrolment in the course is confirmed once fees are paid and a Student Questionnaire and HECS Payment Option form have been completed.
A student's subject selection is a balance between previous studies and achievements, career choice, personal interest and a desire to obtain a basic scientific education at the tertiary level. Sometimes, however, practical considerations such as quota restriction can impose limitations.
Students may obtain course advice in several ways. The Faculty Office has five Student Advisers whose duties include course advice. Students can also discuss course options with members of the academic staff who are designated as first-year co-ordinators, departmental course advisers or Faculty Advisers.
Students currently enrolled in any science course, except the Bachelor of Optometry, are required to submit a course plan for the following year if they will be continuing with their study. Departmental course advisers assist in planning courses and completing the necessary course plan forms. This tends to occur in second semester, and students will be advised of course planning arrangements for the following year by mail. All course plans must be approved by the Faculty.
Course plans are, in effect, applications for selection into subjects. No further action is required unless a student fails a subject in the annual examination, misses entry into quota-restricted subjects or wishes to alter the course plan. In these cases, the student should seek advice from the Faculty Office.
Some of the subjects offered by the Faculty of Science are termed 'quota subjects' as there are usually not enough places available in the subject to meet student demand for that particular subject.
The general policy of the Faculty of Science is that first year science subjects should not be quota restricted. In the past few years psychology is the only first-year subject where there has been difficulty meeting student demand. In 1995 all new first year students who wished to undertake first year psychology were able to enrol in the subject.
If any first-year quota subjects exist in 1996, selection will be based on Tertiary Entrance Rank. International Baccalaureate and interstate applicants will be allocated a Tertiary Entrance Rank for selection purposes into first-year quota subjects. The selection of later-year students into 100-level quota restricted subjects is based primarily on tertiary results.
Quota restriction has been imposed on a number of later-year subjects offered to science students. In 1995 quota restrictions occurred in the following areas:
A complete list of 1996 quota subjects will be available from the Faculty of Science Office in November.
Students need to indicate their wish to be considered for a place in a quota subject on either their course plan for 1996, or on a Quota Subject Request Form available at the Faculty of Science Office. Students will automatically be considered for the quota subjects they have selected on their course plan in the second and third round if they are not offered a place in the first round. To be considered for additional quota subjects after the submission of course plans students must complete a Quota Subject Request Form at the Faculty of Science Office.
There are expected to be three rounds of quota offers for the 1996 academic year. These will be in: December 1995; January 1996; and February 1996. Students who are offered quota subjects will be notified by mail. For rounds two and three of quota subject selection, a list of successful students will also be posted on noticeboards in the Faculty Office. A time limit will be imposed on the acceptance of quota offers. It is therefore important to ensure that the Faculty of Science Office has your current postal address.
The following principles apply to the selection of students who seek to enrol in the later-year subjects for which entry quotas have been imposed. Selection into quota subjects occurs in one of two ways:
Interdisciplinary sequences are specialisations in a common area of study which covers a number of disciplines. Interdisciplinary sequences area available to BSc and combined course students in the following areas:
Following is a list of subjects available as part of the interdisciplinary sequences. Students should choose first-year subjects to allow a range of options in later years and must take note of departmental prerequisites to ensure that they are free to study later-year subjects in a particular discipline. Please refer to the main listing of subjects for full details of individual subjects. It is possible to pursue a particular area in an interdisciplinary sequence to the postgraduate level. If you are interested in this option, please consult the Department in which you wish to pursue your further studies.
Students should contact the convener of the relevant sequence for course advice concerning the sequence.
The lists below provide a guide to the range of subjects available for the planning of a course in each interdisciplinary sequence.
Convener: Dr C. Lawrence, School of Earth Sciences
100-Level Suggested to include: 600-141 Biology of Cells and Organisms (12.5 points) 600-142 Genetics and the Evolution of Life (12.5 points) 610-120/140/160 Chemistry (25 points) 625-101 The Global Environment (semester one) (12.5 points) A selection of 37.5 points from: 121-101 Famine in the Modern World 121-171 Land, People and Society 121-172 Global Ecology and Biogeography 433-141 Computing Fundamentals A 433-142 Computing Fundamentals B 512-101 Psychology 600-111 Biology of Australian Flora and Fauna 618-141 Intermediate Mathematics A 618-142 Intermediate Mathematics B 618-102 Mathematics 1B 619-100 Experimental Design and Statistics 625-102 Geology 640-120/140/160 Physics 200-Level* 600-201 Physical Environment 600-202 Introduction to Environmental Issues 300-Level* 600-301 Problem Solving in Environmental Science 600-302 Research Project in Environmental Science* In addition to the core subjects in Environmental Science at both 200-level and 300-level, students can build a course appropriate to their own interests by selecting subjects from a wide range of disciplines (e.g. botany, chemistry, earth sciences, mathematics, physics, statistics or zoology) within the Faculty of Science. In addition, they may include subjects from other faculties.
Convener: Dr M. Keough, Zoology
100-Level Suggested to include: 600-141 Biology of Cells and Organisms 600-142 Genetics and the Evolution of Life 610-120/140/160 Chemistry 640-120/140/160 Physics 617-141 Scientific Programming and Simulation 617-142 Scientific Programming and Statistics 619-100 Experimental Design and Statistics 200-Level* Suggested to include: 654-201 Invertebrate Zoology (Lectures and Practical) or 654-211 Invertebrate Zoology (Lectures) 654-204 Animal Ecology (Lectures and Practical) or 654-214 Animal Ecology (Lectures) 606-202 Plant Diversity and Systematics 600-201 Physical Environment 600-202 Introduction to Environmental Issues 300-Level* Suggested to include: 606-302 Marine Botany 610-346 Chemistry of Estuaries and Oceans 654-302 Marine Ecology 654-306 Research Project 654-308 Conservation Biology 625-362 Oceanography and Air-Sea Interaction 600-301 Problem Solving in Environmental Science* It is not possible for a student to take all of the subjects listed here. Most students specialize in either biological (Zoology, Botany, etc.) or physico-chemical (Chemistry, Physics, Earth Sciences) aspects of marine science. Courses are built around one of these specialities, with some subjects from the other areas of marine science. For example, students specializing in chemistry and interested in biological applications might take 654-201 or 654-204. Students might also with to combine the Marine Science sequence with the Environmental Science core subjects.
Convener: Dr J. C. Bornstein, Physiology
100-Level Suggested to include: 600-141 Biology of Cells and Organisms 600-142 Genetics and the Evolution of Life 610-120/140/160 Chemistry 200-Level Suggest a selection of the following as prerequisites for 300-level: 536-201 and 202 Physiology 654-201 Invertebrate Zoology (Lectures and Practical) 654-202 Vertebrate Zoology (Lectures and Practical) 606-205 Cell Biology 1 606-206 Cell Biology 2 521-201 Biochemistry 512-201 Psychology 516-201 Histology 516-202 Human Embryology 300-Level* Suggest a selection of the following: 536-303 The Brain: From Perception to Behaviour 516-306 Developmental Neurobiology 654-303 Animal Behaviour 516-305 Structure and Function of the Brain 512-301 Psychology 3A 534-303 Neuropharmacology (lectures) 534-304 Neuropharmacology (practical) 531-304 Molecular Pathology A 516-307 Project Study in Neurobiology* Students intending to proceed to honours or postgraduate studies in neuroscience are advised to consult with the convener regarding suitable 300-level subject combinations. A booklet covering honours and postgraduate opportunities is available from the convener.
The Bachelor of Science degree is an extremely flexible course as students are able to select subjects from a wide range of science disciplines. The first year of the BSc provides students with a general training in several of the key (or foundation) sciences. In later years of the course students can choose to continue to undertake a broad range of science subjects, or to specialise in one or more interrelated areas of study. Most students plan their course so that it includes a progressive study to third-year level of a major branch of science with other supporting subjects. A BSc with a major area of study at third year level prepares graduates to work in industry and a range of different areas, or to undertake further study which may lead to employment in research or teaching.
The areas of study available to BSc students
Three years is the minimum time usually needed to complete the BSc course.
Students can elect to enrol in less than a standard full-time workload in any year of the course. Note that the majority of classes offered by the Faculty of Science are between 9 am and 5 pm.
The VCE prerequisites for entry into the first year of the Bachelor of Science course in 1996 are a grade of D or better in units three and four of English, Mathematical Methods, and two of Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Geology or one additional mathematics.
In 1993, in the context of assessment arrangements for VCE mathematical studies, the University made a commitment that it would award a bonus of 10% of the maximum possible score providing a grade average of D is obtained, for students undertaking Specialist Mathematics. With the new TER arrangements the University expects that scaling will produce an advantage of at least 10% when the adjusted scores in Specialist Mathematics are compared to the scores for Mathematical Methods. If this does not occur, students will receive a bonus for Specialist Mathematics that, when combined with scaling under the TER, will rerank the applicant to ensure the terms of the original commitment are honoured.
The University announced that for selection in 1996 a bonus of 10% of the maximum points available in a single study will be awarded to applicants who obtain a grade average of at least D in a Language Other Than English (LOTE). Late in 1994, the Victorian Vice-Chancellors Committee agreed that as part of scaling five points would be added to the scaled mean of all LOTE studies. If the TER of any applicant for 1996 does not receive the full benefit of this five points, the University will rerank the applicant to ensure that the terms of the original commitment are honoured.
International Baccalaureate prerequisites for entry into the first year of the Bachelor of Science course in 1996 and 1997 are English, Mathematics plus two of Biology, Chemistry and Physics. These subjects may be taken at either the subsidiary or higher level. During the selection process, performance in the higher level prerequisite subjects may be significant in the consideration of students in the middle band of selection.
Australian citizens and permanent residents wishing to be considered for a place in the Bachelor of Science course must obtain an application form from the Victorian Tertiary Admissions Centre (VTAC). Those who are currently enrolled at the University of Melbourne, or have previously been enrolled at this University, can complete an Internal Application Form which is available from the Faculty of Science Office. The Internal Application Forms are usually available from August, and must usually be submitted in early December.
International students can obtain an application form from the University's International Office.
In order to satisfy BSc degree requirements, students must have accumulated a minimum of 300 points. Within the 300 points, students must:
Note that a maximum of 140 points at a 100-level can be counted toward the 300 points needed to complete the BSc.
BSc students should also note the following guidelines when planning each year of study:
Students are entitled to complete 25 non-science points within the BSc.
Students who wish to study additional non-science subjects (up to a further 35 points) can do so provided that the non-science discipline appears in the Approved Subject Combination List (Column 1) in accordance with the following conditions:
Note:
COLUMN 1 COLUMN 2
NON-SCIENCE DISCIPLINE IN COMBINATION WITH
AT 200 OR 300-LEVEL : 200 OR 300-LEVEL STUDIES IN :
Modern Languages.........................Science Teaching Departments
(excluding culture, history of
literature subjects)
615 Information Systems..................433 Computer Science
.........................................618 Mathematics
.........................................619 Statistics
306 Accounting**.........................433 Computer Science
.........................................618 Mathematics
.........................................619 Statistics
104 Archaeology..........................625 Earth Science (Geology)
.........................................640 Physics
191 Criminology..........................512 Psychology
316 Economics............................433 Computer Science
.........................................618 Mathematics
.........................................619 Statistics
121 Geography (Non-Science)..............121 Geography (Science)
104 Latin................................606 Botany
(excluding culture, history or
literature subjects)..........654 Zoology
176 Linguistics..........................433 Computer Science
.........................................512 Psychology
161 Philosophy 433 Computer Science
.........................................618 Mathematics
#see note below..........................600 Environmental Science
** At present the Faculty of Economics and Commerce does not offer Science students any places in Accounting subjects other than the 12.5 point 100-level subject 306-102 Accounting Concepts.
# approval for academically related subjects from the Faculties of Agriculture and Forestry, Architecture and Planning, Arts, Economics and Commerce, Engineering, Law, and Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences, should be sought from the Associate Dean (Students).
Students whose first language is not English should note that the Arts Faculty's Centre of Communication Skills and English as a Second Language (CCS & ESL) will offer the following subjects in 1996:
These subjects and the various other subjects focussing on communication skills that are offered by the CCS & ESL can be taken by Bachelor of Science students as non-science points.
Students who complete a combined course are completing two courses. Combined course students therefore have an increased choice of subjects and an opportunity to either specialise in inter-related discipline areas across two faculties, or to broaden their educational base.
The wide-ranging objectives of each of the combined courses can be gleaned by referring to the objectives for both the BSc and the other degree forming part of the combined course.
All combined students must satisfy the two components of the combined course in which they are enrolled. In some instances students also have to accumulate a minimum number of points. These requirements vary and are stated in the specific entry for each combined course that follows.
The Bachelor of Science degree can be combined with various degrees offered by other faculties at this University. The BSc combined courses available in 1996 are as follows:
Five years full-time is the minimum time required to complete all combined courses involving the BSc except the combined Medicine/Science course which takes a minimum of seven years to complete.
The combined courses have different entry requirements which are noted below:
The BSc entry requirements apply.
International Baccalaureate prerequisites for entry into the first year of the Bachelor of Science course in 1996 and 1997 are English, Mathematics plus two of Biology, Chemistry and Physics.
The VCE prerequisites for entry into the first year of the BA/Bsc and Bsc/LLB courses in 1996 are a grade of C or better for units 3 and 4 of English, and a grade of D or better for units three and four Mathematical Methods, and two of Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Geology or one additional mathematics.
International Baccalaureate prerequisites for entry into the first year of the BA/BSc and BSc/LLB combined courses are the same as for entry into the BSc.
Please refer to the Bachelor of Science section dealing with prerequisites for additional details.
The BE entry requirements apply. For further details, please contact the Engineering Faculty or refer to the Victorian Tertiary Admissions Centre's current VTAC Guide.
The entry requirements for the MBBS. course apply. For further details please contact the Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences, or refer to the Victorian Tertiary Admissions Centre's current VTAC Guide.
Australian citizens and permanent residents wishing to be considered for a place in a combined course must obtain an application form from the Victorian Tertiary Admissions Centre (VTAC). Those who are currently enrolled at the University of Melbourne, or have previously been enrolled at this University, can complete an Internal Application Form which is available from the Faculty of Science Office. The Internal Application Forms are usually available from August, and must be submitted in early December.
International students can obtain an application form from the University's International Office.
The BA/BSc combined course provides students with an opportunity to obtain a general education in the humanities, social sciences and the languages and cultures of other people, and to also obtain a grounding in the key science disciplines with later-year specialisations in one or more science areas.
Students completing the BA/BSc combined course must accumulate a total of 500 points. Within the 500 points students must ensure they satisfy the following minimum requirements for both the BSc component and the BA component.
A minimum of 240 science points are required which must include:
Note that students will not receive credit for more than 140 points at 100-level.
A minimum of 216 Arts points are required, of which:
All of the 216 Arts points, except 50 of the 100 Arts points required at 300-level, must be from subjects offered by Arts teaching departments. The areas of study offered by the Arts teaching Faculty are as follows:
American studies, ancient Greek, anthropology, Arabic, archaeology, Asian studies, Australian studies, Chinese, cinema studies, criminology, cultural studies, English, English language, environmental studies, fine arts, French, geography and environmental studies*, German, modern Greek, Hebrew, Hellenic studies, history, history and philosophy of science*, Indonesian, Islamic studies, Italian, Jewish studies, Korean, Latin, linguistics, medieval studies, philosophy, planning and design, political science, psychology**, Russian, Russian studies, social theory, social research methods, sociology, Spanish, Swedish, women's studies.
Note that:
Please refer to the Arts Faculty entry in Volume three of the Handbook for subject descriptions.
Students completing the BCom/BSc combined course must accumulate a total of 500 points. Within the 500 points students must ensure they satisfy the following minimum requirements for both the BSc component and the BCom component.
A minimum of 240 science points are required which must include:
Note that students will not receive credit for more than 140 points at 100-level.
A minimum of 200 Commerce points are required, which must include:
The remaining subjects must be chosen from subjects offered by the following Economics and Commerce departments: Accounting and Finance; Business Law; Economics, Economic History; Actuarial Studies; Management and Industrial Relations.
In addition students may take studies in languages, business law and other approved Arts subjects of which up to a maximum of 60 points can count toward the BCom component of the combined course.
Students enrolled in the BE/BSc (General) combined course will undertake studies toward a science degree and professional studies in either Civil, Chemical, Environmental, or Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering.
Students completing the BE/BSc combined course must accumulate a total of 500 points. Students must ensure they satisfy the following minimum requirements for both the BSc and BE components.
A minimum of 240 science points are required which must include:
Note that students will not receive credit for more than 140 points at 100-level.
The requirements of the BE component depend upon the Engineering specialisation that has been chosen. The subjects comprising each specialisation, together with suggested science subjects, are outlined in the Engineering section of the Handbook. Note that regardless of the specialisation chosen first year mathematics is compulsory.
Students enrolled in the BSc/BE (Elec) will undertake studies toward a science degree and an engineering degree with a specialisation in Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Computer Engineering, or Software Engineering.
Students completing the BSc/BE(Elec) combined course must accumulate a total of 500 points. Within the 500 points, students must ensure that they satisfy the following minimum requirements for both the BSc and BE(Elec) components.
A minimum of 240 science points are required which must include:
Note that students will not receive credit for more than 140 points at 100-level.
The requirements of the engineering component will depend on the stream of study chosen. The three streams offered are: computer engineering, electrical engineering, and software engineering. The subjects comprising each of these streams are detailed in the Engineering entry of this Handbook.
The science subjects with which each of these streams are most frequently combined are noted below. Students are, however, able to choose from the full range of science subjects provided they can be timetabled with the engineering subjects.
Computer Engineering stream: Science subjects from the departments of Mathematics or Physics (not Computer Science)
Electrical Engineering stream: Science subjects from the departments of Computer Science, Mathematics or Physics
Software Engineering stream: Science subjects from the departments of Mathematics or Physics (not Computer Science)
Students enrolled in the BGeom/BSc will undertake Geomatics subjects in the areas of measurement science, the mapping sciences, spatial and geographic information systems, land management, as well as the fundamental areas of mathematics, computer science, and professional studies.
Students completing the BGeom/BSc combined course must accumulate a total of 500 points. Within the 500 points, students must ensure that they satisfy the following minimum requirements for both the BSc and BGeom components.
A minimum of 240 science points are required which must include:
Note that students will not receive credit for more than 140 points at 100-level.
The requirements for the geomatics component of the course, together with subject descriptions, are provided in the Faculty of Engineering section of this volume of the Handbook.
Students completing the BSc/BForSc combined course must accumulate a total of 500 points. Within the 500 points students must ensure they satisfy the following minimum requirements for both the BSc component and the BForSc component.
A minimum of 240 science points are required which must include:
Note that students will not receive credit for more than 140 points at 100-level.
The requirements for this component of the course, together with subject descriptions, are provided in the Faculty of Agriculture and Forestry section of this volume of the Handbook.
Students undertaking the combined BSc/LLB course must complete the LLB course and at least 200 science points.
The 200 science points must include:
Within the minimum of 200 science points required to complete the BSc component, it is recommended that students complete at least 50 science points at 300-level.
The requirements of the Law degree are detailed in Volume three of the University Handbook.
MBBS/BSc students must complete the MBBS course and a minimum of 240 science points.
It is recommended that the 240 science points include:
Students must select science subjects that do not clash with the MBBS timetable. Note that the current timetable for the MBBS course and science subjects restrict students' science choices to Physics and Mathematics subjects.
The Bachelor of Science (Honours) program in the Faculty of Science offers students advanced coursework to extend their theoretical knowledge and practical research experience. This equips graduates of the course with skills to complete a higher degree or to pursue a career in science and technology industries. The course extends students' knowledge base, develops research and analytical skills and enhances written communication and presentation skills.
Applications for BSc (Hons) must be approved by the Associate Dean (Research and Graduate Studies) on behalf of the Faculty. Approval will depend upon meeting the following requirements.
* Faculty Honours Score
The Faculty Honours Score (F.H.S.) is based upon the results BSc students at this University obtained for their best 90 points of 300 level science subjects irrespective of whether they have undertaken 90 science points at 300 level. The F.H.S. formula is the sum of pm divided by 90 where p= points awarded for completing the subjects and m= mark obtained. The F.H.S. is also used for the allocation of postgraduate scholarships.
Application forms are available from departments and the Faculty of Science Office. Application forms, endorsed by the Head of department, must be returned to the Faculty Office by mid-December for commencement in the following year.
Some departments allow students to begin BSc(Hons) course mid-year. Applications for commencement mid-year must be received by the Faculty Office by 1st July in the year in which the applicant would like to start the BSc(Hons) course.
One year full-time. The course comprises approximately 36 weeks of full-time study (ie 40 hours per week) when supervision is available.
Part-time study is offered by some departments. Applicants wishing to undertake BSc(Hons) part-time must be able to complete the course requirements in two years. This usually requires 20 hours of study per week for 72 weeks throughout the two year period.
BSc(Hons) can be undertaken in the following departments:
Anatomy, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Botany, Chemistry, Computer Science, Dental Science, Earth Sciences, Engineering, Genetics, Geography and Environmental Studies, History and Philosophy of Science, Mathematical Statistics, Mathematics, Medical Biology, Medicine*, Microbiology, Otolaryngology, Paediatrics, Pathology, Pharmacology, Physics, Physiology, Psychology, Statistics, Zoology, combined Mathematics and Computer Science, combined Mathematics and Physics.
BSc (Hons) comprises advanced coursework and a research project.
The advanced coursework component may include advanced lectures and tutorials, journal clubs and other departmental activities. BSc (Hons) candidates are required to receive at least 30 hours of advanced teaching throughout the course. 'Advanced teaching' refers to subjects that have been designed specifically for Honours or Master of Science (Preliminary) students. The advanced teaching component of the BSc (Hons) course students cannot include fourth and fifth year subjects in which pass degree students can enrol.
The research component comprises a research project of the student's choosing performed under the guidance of a supervisor.
Prospective BSc (Hons) students should contact the relevant department to obtain full details of the advanced coursework component and the research projects available.
Course requirements and assessment
At the end of the BSc (Hons) course students receive:
Advanced Coursework component: students may be required to sit examinations, submit essays or literature reviews. Students should ask at the department where they are undertaking BSc (Hons) the specific method of assessment for each item of work they complete as part of the Advanced Coursework component, and how the overall Advanced Coursework mark will be determined.
Research Project: all students are required to produce a research dissertation that will be assessed by at least two examiners. Students may also be required to give an oral presentation about their research.
This course focuses on learning both about the technical aspects of building and using information systems, and about the human and organisational arrangements needed in order to use those systems to achieve organisational goals. To cover these increasingly interrelated topics, the course includes five key areas of study: information systems, information technology, organisations, analytical skills, and professional competencies. These themes are each developed through a series of subjects. In addition to core subjects, students choose from a range of subjects enabling them to specialise in Information Technology or Organisations. Alternatively, students can choose subjects which suit an individual area of interest.
Bachelor of Information Systems graduates will find employment in a variety of professional roles, ranging from the very technical to the very business oriented, in public and private organisations in Australia and Overseas.
Specific capabilities will be developed through work in the five general theme areas of the course.
The VCE prerequisites for the Bachelor of Information Systems course are a grade average of at least C in units three and four English and Mathematical Methods.
International Baccalaureate students are required to have successfully completed English and Mathematics at either subsidiary or higher level.
Australian citizens and permanent residents wishing to be considered for a place in the Bachelor of Information Systems course must obtain an application form from the Victorian Tertiary Admissions Centre (VTAC). Those who are currently enrolled at the University of Melbourne, or have been previously enrolled at this University, can complete an Internal Application Form which is available from the Faculty of Science Office.
International students can obtain an application from the University's International Office.
The Bachelor of Information Systems course is three years full-time. Part-time study will not be available for 1996 entrants.
The course is built around core subjects which all students must complete. In the second and third years, students must choose from a range of subjects enabling them to specialise in Information Technology or Organisations, or alternatively, choose subjects which suit an individual area of interest. This third option allows students to construct, with approval, a sequence of subjects in a field of their choosing.
It is anticipated that an honours year will be available for 1996 entrants. Entry to combined courses will be possible post-1996.
Descriptions of the course requirements and the various core and elective subjects will be available from the Faculty of Science Office
Optometry is a professional discipline based on the optical and visual sciences. The practice of optometry involves the diagnosis and treatment of functional disorders of the eye and vision: the optometrist's job is to solve patients' visual problems.
The practice of optometry is regulated by the Optometrists Registration Act in each state of Australia. Under these Acts the practice of optometry can be carried out only by those whose names appear on the register of optometrists. Graduates holding the Bachelor of Optometry degree of the University of Melbourne are qualified to be registered for the practice of optometry in each State and Territory of Australia and in New Zealand.
The clinical year (fourth year) of the BOptom course has 32 weeks. Students will be advised of precise dates by the Department of Optometry and Vision Sciences.
The VCE prerequisites for entry into the first year of the Bachelor of Optometry course in 1996 are a grade of D or better for units three and four English, Mathematical Methods, and two of Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Geology or one additional mathematics.
International Baccalaureate prerequisites for entry into the first year of the Bachelor of Optometry course in 1996 and 1997 are English, Mathematics plus two of Biology, Chemistry and Physics.
Students are advised to include mathematics, chemistry and physics in their Year 12 studies as these subjects provide the best preparation for the first year of the BOptom course.
Australian citizens and permanent residents wishing to be considered for a place in the Bachelor of Optometry course must obtain an application form from the Victorian Tertiary Admissions Centre (VTAC). Those who are currently enrolled at the University of Melbourne, or have previously been enrolled at this University, can complete an Internal Application Form which is available from the Faculty of Science Office. The Internal Applictaion Forms are usually available from August, and must be submitted in early December.
International students can obtain an application form from the University's International Office.
In 1995 there were 28 places in the first year of the course. The principles of selection are the same as those that apply for the Bachelor of Science. For applicants sitting the VCE examinations, selection is based predominantly on the Tertiary Entrance Rank and on performance in prerequisite studies. International Baccalaureate and interstate applicants will have a Tertiary Entrance Rank calculated for selection purposes.
There are 36 places in the second year of the course. A student who has completed the equivalent of the first year of the Optometry course as a student in a science course at the University of Melbourne, or other university or college of advanced education, may apply for a place in the second year of the Optometry course. Selection into second year is based on an evaluation of both VCE examination results (or their equivalent) and the examination results of completed tertiary studies.
Once a student is accepted into the four-year fixed course, the University undertakes to provide the opportunity to complete the course as planned unless the student is formally excluded, because of failure at the examinations, from the course.
As shown below, the Optometry course is essentially fixed, although there is some opportunity for choice of subjects in the first year. Students will plan the first year of their studies with a Faculty Adviser at the introductory sessions the Faculty organises for new students. Students will be automatically enrolled in the subjects forming each of the later years of the course providing they have passed all subjects in the previous year.
The first year physics and chemistry subjects usually selected by Optometry students depends primarily on their performance in relevant subjects completed at Year 12 level.
Students who have very good results in Year 12 mathematics and physics may be permitted to substitute any other University subject of equivalent workload for mathematics. Students wishing to do this should consult the Head of the Department of Optometry and Vision Sciences.
600-140 Biology
610-120 Chemistry or 610-140 Chemistry
618-141 Intermediate Mathematics A (first semester) or 618-142 Intermediate Mathematics B
655-101 Optical Systems (second semester)
640-120 Physics or 640-140 Physics or 640-160 Physics
516-201 Histology (first semester)
516-203 Ocular Anatomy (first semester)
521-201 Biochemistry
536-206 Physiology
516-208 Structure and Function of the Primate Brain (second semester)
655-210 Optical Design and Metrology (second semester)
655-220 Physiological Optics
526-306 Microbiology (second semester)
531-307 General Pathology (first semester)
534-309 Ocular Pharmacology (second semester)
655-320 Physiological Optics (first semester)
655-330 Functional Disorders of Vision
655-340 Diseases of the Eye
655-350 Ophthalmic Prosthetics
655-410 Optometry
655-420 Community Optometry (second semester)
Details of all subjects comprising the Bachelor of Optometry course are provided, according to the department that teaches the subject, in the departmental section of the Handbook. The various departmental codes are as follows:
516 Anatomy and Cell Biology
521 Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
526 Microbiology
531 Pathology
534 Pharmacology
536 Physiology
600 Biology
610 Chemistry
618 Mathematics
640 Physics
655 Optometry and Vision Sciences
The DipOpRes is normally taken as two years of part-time study and cannot be completed in one year of full-time study due to the sequential nature of the component subjects. It is designed for graduates employed in industry or commerce who wish to extend their qualifications in Operations Research, an area of increasing importance to Australia's economic development.
Applicants must hold a degree from an approved tertiary institution, including some mathematics at first-year level. Candidates should have some acquaintance with the use of computers or take some suitable training in the first year of the Diploma. Relevant subjects are selected from the Departments of Mathematics and Statistics within the School of Mathematical Sciences.
The DipMathScience is offered as a one-year full-time course designed for graduates with majors in mathematical sciences. Part-time study over two years may be approved.
Candidates broaden and update their knowledge of mathematical sciences to be better equipped in their occupation or to change to a new profession in which a stronger knowledge of mathematical sciences is required. An example of this may be teachers of mathematics and computer science at secondary and post-secondary level whose present knowledge of mathematical sciences is insufficient.
Applicants should possess an approved degree with a major in mathematics, statistics, computer science or physics, or a related area such as engineering or applied sciences, all of which contain a substantial amount of mathematical sciences.
The MSc is usually one to two years of full-time advanced study with experimental and observational work. The MSc is also available as a part-time course (two to four years). It offers honours or master's preliminary students a choice of advanced pure or applied research or coursework.
Students have the opportunity to select from an extensive range of topics offered by all the teaching departments of the Faculty. Some examples of current master's research include projects in the areas of work, exercise and sports science (Physiology Department), actuarial and demographic statistics (Statistics Department), marine ecology (Zoology Department), and glaciology and Antarctic studies (Earth Sciences School).
The MOptom degree requires not less than one year of advanced study in research following the completion of the BOptom degree or an equivalent qualification. The degree also may be obtained after two years of advanced study, clinical training and training in research. Students submit a thesis reporting the research they have undertaken.
The PhD degree is awarded by the University, not the Faculty. It involves usually three years of full-time research and can be taken in the same fields as for master's degrees. Candidates work under supervision and submit a thesis reporting their results. For more information on how to apply for the Doctor of Philosophy degree contact the School of Graduate Studies, 1888 Building (Grattan Street).
Candidature for the DSc degree (awarded by the Faculty of Science) is open to graduates of not less than five years standing who have a degree recognised by the Faculty. Graduates of another faculty or university may be admitted to candidature on satisfying the Faculty that they have adequate scientific training and (a) have been on the academic staff of the University for at least two years, or (b) have had, in the opinion of the Faculty, a substantial association with the University.
Examination is by thesis. Admission to the DSc degree requires that the candidate's work (in the opinion of the examiners) includes a substantial original contribution to science and is of such a standard as would give the candidate authoritative standing in the field of study.
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Handbook 1996 : Faculty of Science
Status: Official 1996 Date created: Oct 3 1995 Last modified: Oct 3 1995 Authorised by: Academic Registrar Email enquiries: Course_Information@registrar.unimelb.edu.au
Maintained by: Faculty of Science
Copyright © University of Melbourne 1995,1996.