1. Vision science and optics

The Department of Optometry and Vision Sciences provides a series of subjects in visual and optical science to BSc students that will lead to a major in vision sciences. Vision science is the study of the eye, vision and optics. There are 10 visual sciences subjects, all aiming to provide students with a thorough knowledge of the eye and visual performance together with an understanding of the physiological processes underlying vision. The three subjects in optical science aim to provide an understanding of optical systems and the ability to analyse the performance of optical systems, as well as the ability to develop designs for optical systems to specified performance criteria.

The subjects available to BSc students are:

All the subjects are 12.5 points.

BSc student who have completed the recommended subjects in visual and optical sciences and who gain entry into the Bachelor of Optometry course may be given credit for the equivalent subjects within the optometry degree. Successful applicants, providing their previous subjects taken are equivalent to the first year of the optometry course, would be entering into the second year of the course. BSc(Hons) degree students who have passes in the BSc optics and vision science subjects offered, may qualify for entry into the third year of the optometry course.

2. Optometry

The Department of Optometry and Vision Sciences is responsible for the four-year course leading to the degree Bachelor of Optometry. 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 full list of subjects in the Bachelor of Optometry course is given on Course requirements (pre-2002 intake).

3. Bachelor of Science (Honours)

For information about the faculty and departmental requirements for honours, please refer to Bachelor of Science (Honours) and Bachelor of Information Systems (Honours). These requirements should be considered when planning your course.

4. Further information

Department of Optometry and Vision Sciences
The University of Melbourne
Cnr Keppel and Cardigan Streets
Carlton 3053
Tel: +61 3 9349 7408
Fax: +61 3 9349 7498
Web: http://www.optometry.unimelb.edu.au

Optometry and vision sciences subject descriptions

Available to BSc, BASc and BSc-combined degree students

655-101 Optical Systems
655-111 Vision: How The Eye Sees The World
655-210 Optical Design and Ophthalmic Metrology
655-211 Ocular Anatomy & Histology
655-221 Human Visual Functions
655-222 Visual Processing and Control
655-321 Visual Physiology and Perception
655-331 Light & Image Formation: Applications
655-351 Ophthalmic Prosthetics I
600-311 Research Project A
600-312 Research Project B

Available to BOptom students only

655-201 Anatomy & Histology of the Eye
655-330 Functional Disorders of Vision
655-340 Diseases of The Eye
655-352 Ophthalmic Prosthetics II
655-360 Psychophysical Aspects of Vision
655-410 Optometry
655-420 Community Optometry & Prof. Standards

Search : Index : Faculty of Science

Status:                   Official 2002
Last Modified:            Tuesday May 07 22:11
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Authorised by:            Academic Registrar
Email Enquiries:          Course_Information@registrar.unimelb.edu.au

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