1. Vision sciences and optics

The Department of Optometry and Vision Sciences provides a series of subjects in vision 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 ten 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:

655-111 Vision: How The Eye Sees The World

655-201 Anatomy & Histology of the Eye

655-202 Optical Systems

655-221 Human Visual Functions

655-222 Visual Processing and Control

655-311 Optical Design and Ophthalmic Metrology

655-321 Visual Physiology and Perception

655-341 Ocular Histopathology

655-351 Ophthalmic Lenses and Dispensing

655-028 Foundations of Visual Neuroscience

600-312 Research Project B

All the subjects are 12.5 points.

BSc students who have completed the recommended subjects in visual and optical sciences and 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. Bachelor of Optometry

The Department of Optometry and Vision Sciences is responsible for the five-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 and diseases 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

The following subjects are available to BSc, BASc and BSc combined degree students.

Status:                   Official 2004
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Table of Contents

1. Vision sciences and optics

2. Bachelor of Optometry

3. Bachelor of Science (Honours)

4. Further information

Optometry and vision sciences subject descriptions

100-level subjects

200-level subjects

300-level subjects

Available to BOptom students only