Search | A-Z Directory | Contacting People | About Us [Undergraduate Handbook]
coloured square University of Melbourne Logo Faculty of Science : Guide to courses
9. Majors

[PDF] Search : Index : Faculty of Science
Prev 8. Course planning information for the BSc, BASc and BSc combined courses
Next 10. Compensatory passes

Table of Contents

9. Majors
    9.1. Majors
    9.2. Planning a science major
        9.2.1. ANATOMY
        9.2.2. BIOCHEMISTRY AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY
        9.2.3. BIOTECHNOLOGY
        9.2.4. BOTANY
        9.2.5. CELL BIOLOGY
        9.2.6. CHEMISTRY
        9.2.7. COMPUTER SCIENCE
        9.2.8. CONSERVATION AND AUSTRALIAN WILDLIFE
        9.2.9. EARTH SCIENCES
        9.2.10. ECOLOGY
        9.2.11. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE
        9.2.12. GENETICS
        9.2.13. GEOGRAPHY
        9.2.14. HISTORY AND PHILOSOPHY OF SCIENCE
        9.2.15. IMMUNOLOGY
        9.2.16. MARINE BIOLOGY
        9.2.17. MATHEMATICS AND STATISTICS
        9.2.18. MICROBIOLOGY
        9.2.19. NEUROSCIENCE
        9.2.20. PATHOLOGY
        9.2.21. PHARMACOLOGY
        9.2.22. PHYSICS
        9.2.23. PHYSIOLOGY
        9.2.24. PSYCHOLOGY
        9.2.25. VISION SCIENCE
        9.2.26. ZOOLOGY

9. Majors

9.1. Majors

All students commencing the BSc, BASc or a BSc combined course in 1999 and beyond are expected to complete a science major which will be included on an academic transcript.

A science major is defined as 50 points at 300-level in a discipline.

The psychology major is the only exception to this rule.

To major, students complete one of the science majors listed below. Students may not complete alternative combinations of subjects to major or co-major, unless written approval is obtained from the Associate Dean (Academic Programs), Faculty of Science.

9.2. Planning a science major

The 100-level and 200-level subjects included in the descriptions of majors listed below aresuggestedsubjects only.

Students are not required to undertake particular subjects at these levels to complete a science major (except for psychology), but should be aware that these 100-level and 200-level subjects have been recommended by the contact department as subjects leading towards the science major. Please note: these identified 100-level and 200-level subjects do not always satisfy prerequisite requirements for the 300-level subjects.

The most appropriate way to plan a course of study towards a science major is to select a major, identify the core and elective subjects forming part of that major (ie. specific 300-level subjects), check the detailed subject descriptions of each of those 300-level subjects for their prerequisites, and select these 100-level and 200-level prerequisite subjects. Students should begin to consider a major when planning their 200-level subjects.

Students are permitted to complete more than one science major, however to do so requires completion of 50 points at 300-level in each discipline. Up to the equivalent of one 12.5 point subject at 300-level can be counted towards both science majors where applicable. Students must complete a minimum of 87.5 points at 300-level to be awarded two science majors. A maximum of two science majors will be identified on a student's transcript. Students qualifying for more than two majors will need to nominate the two science majors to appear on their transcript.

With one exception, students will only be eligible to be awarded a science major in biotechnology, environmental science or history and philosophy of science if they have already satisfied the requirement of a second appropriate science major. Students enrolled in a BSc combined degree with either the Faculty of Engineering or the Institute of Land and Food Resources are able to complete a single science major in environmental science. Science students in all other courses cannot qualify for a major in more than one of biotechnology, environmental science or history and philosophy of science.

Note: Students who commenced their course before 1999 do not need to complete a major.

Science majors available:

9.2.1. ANATOMY

Teaching departments: Anatomy and Cell Biology, Physiology, Zoology.

Anatomy
 Contact: Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology 
First year
 Life sciences package 
Second year
 50 points 
 516-201 Cell Biology: Tissues and Organs12.5
 516-204 Anatomy 112.5
 516-207 Anatomy 212.5
 516-209 Introductory Neuroscience12.5
Third year (major)
 50 points 
 516-304 Functional and Applied Anatomy12.5
 516-305 Structure & Function of the Brain12.5
 516-308 Advanced Studies in Human Anatomy12.5
 plus one of 
 516-302 Developmental Biology12.5
 516-306 Developmental Neurobiology12.5
 516-307 Research Project12.5
 536-308 Physiology of Muscle & Exercise12.5

9.2.2. BIOCHEMISTRY AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY

Biochemistry and molecular biology is a useful major on its own, but it also complements many other fields of study particularly well. On the departmental web site http://www.biochemistry.unimelb.edu.au/ are example course plans describing how a major in biochemistry and molecular biology can be combined with study in other disciplines to create particular areas of specialisation including biochemical basis of disease, biochemistry of drug design and function, bioinformatics, functional genomics, metabolism and nutrition, molecular biotechnology, molecular cell biology, molecular immunology, neuroscience, and structural biology of macromolecules.

Teaching department: Biochemistry and Molecular Biology

Biochemistry and molecular biology
 Contact: Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology 
First year
 Any first year package that includes two 100-level chemistry subjects 
Second year
 37.5 points 
 521-211 Biochemistry & Molecular Biology Part A12.5
 521-220 Techniques in Protein & Gene Technology12.5
 521-212 Biochemistry & Molecular Biology Part B12.5
Third year (major)
 50 points 
 At least one of 
 521-301 Protein Structure, Design & Engineering12.5
 521-302 Functional Genomics12.5
 Plus at least one of 
 521-321 Gene Technology & Protein Expression12.5
 521-322 Protein Biochemistry and Proteomics12.5
 Additional subjects can be chosen from 
 521-303 Molecular Aspects of Cell Biology12.5
 521-304 Hormone & Neurotransmitter Biochemistry12.5
 521-305 Biochemistry of Metabolism & Nutrition12.5
 521-306 Plant Biochemistry & Biotechnology12.5
 521-307 Biomolecular Structure & Bioinformatics12.5

9.2.3. BIOTECHNOLOGY

The biotechnology major is only available when completed in conjunction with a life sciences major in one of anatomy, biochemistry and molecular biology, botany, cell biology, chemistry, genetics, immunology, microbiology, neuroscience, pathology, pharmacology, physiology or zoology.

Teaching departments: Anatomy and Cell Biology, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Botany, Chemistry, Genetics, Microbiology and Immunology, Pathology, Pharmacology, History and Philosophy of Science, Zoology.

Biotechnology
 Contact: Biotechnology coordinator 
 Dr Ed Newbigin, School of Botany 
First year
 Life sciences package 
Second year
 200-level subjects leading towards a life sciences major in one of anatomy, biochemistry and molecular biology, botany, cell biology, chemistry, genetics, immunology, microbiology, neuroscience, pathology, pharmacology, physiology or zoology. 
 Students must also take: 
 600-205 Biotechnology in Practice12.5
 600-205 has prerequisites - refer to subject description. Students also need to fulfil prerequisite requirements for the life sciences major and the elective subjects towards the biotechnology major. 
Third year (major)
 37.5 points 

To qualify for a science major in biotechnology, students must have completed 600-205 Biotechnology in Practice and be completing a life sciences major from the list above. In addition, students must take at least 37.5 points of elective 300-level biotechnology subjects from the lists on ( see 300-level). At least 25 points of these 37.5 points must be from a department different to that responsible for teaching the student's other major. Practical subjects totalling 25 points must be included, either within the life science major or the biotechnology major.

In accordance with Faculty of Science policy on the award of two majors, a minimum of 87.5 points of 300-level science subjects is required for the award of a life science major and the biotechnology major.

For additional detail on the structure of the biotechnology co-major, See Biotechnology (see Biotechnology).

9.2.4. BOTANY

Teaching department: Botany.

Botany
 Contact: School of Botany 
First year
 Life sciences package 
Second year
 Up to 50 points 
 200-level botany subjects 
 Note: Check 300-level subjects for prerequisites to be completed at 200-level. 
Third year (major)
 50 points selected from 
 521-306 Plant Biochemistry & Biotechnology12.5
 121-030 Applied Ecology25
 606-301 Applied Ecology (Theory)12.5
 606-302 Marine Botany25
 606-303 Botany Systematics & Evolution12.5
 606-304 Environmental Plant Physiology12.5
 606-307 Fungi & Plant Disease12.5
 606-309 Frontiers of Cell Biology12.5
 606-310 Field Botany12.5
 606-314 Experimental Techniques in Plant Science12.5
 600-311 Research Project A12.5
 600-312 Research Project B12.5
 Note: Students may only choose one of 121-030 or 606-301; and only one of 600-311 or 600-312. 

9.2.5. CELL BIOLOGY

Teaching departments: Anatomy and Cell Biology, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Botany, Genetics, Physiology, Zoology.

Cell biology
 Contact: School of Botany 
First year
 Life sciences package 
Second year
 50 points 
 516-201 Cell Biology: Tissues and Organs12.5
 521-211 Biochemistry & Molecular Biology Part A12.5
 606-205 Plant Cell Biology12.5
 plus one of 
 521-212 Biochemistry & Molecular Biology Part B12.5
 536-201 Principles of Physiology12.5
 606-201 Plant Structure and Function12.5
 652-215 Genes and Genomes12.5
 652-216 Molecular & General Genetics Practical12.5
Third year (major)
 50 points 
 516-302 Developmental Biology12.5
 521-303 Molecular Aspects of Cell Biology12.5
 606-309 Frontiers of Cell Biology12.5
 plus one of 
 516-306 Developmental Neurobiology12.5
 516-307 Research Project12.5
 521-306 Plant Biochemistry & Biotechnology12.5

9.2.6. CHEMISTRY

Teaching department: Chemistry

Chemistry
 Contact: School of Chemistry 
First year
 Any first-year package which includes two 100-level chemistry subjects 
Second year
 50 points selected from 
 610-210 Light, Matter & Chemical Change A12.5
 (or 610-211 plus 610-215)18.75
 610-220 Organic Chemistry12.5
 (or 610-221 plus 610-225)18.75
 610-240 Inorganic and Bio-inorganic Chemistry A12.5
 (or 610-241 plus 610-245)18.75
 610-260 Analysis in Chemical and Life Sciences12.5
Third year (major)
 50 points selected from 300-level chemistry subjects and including three of the following branches of chemistry: 
 Physical chemistry 
 Either both 
 610-311 Physical Chemistry IIIB12.5
 610-315 Physical Chemistry Practical III6.25
 or 
 610-310 Physical Chemistry IIIA12.5
 Organic chemistry 
 Either both 
 610-321 Organic Chemistry IIIB12.5
 610-325 Organic Chemistry Practical III6.25
 or 
 610-320 Organic Chemistry IIIA12.5
 Inorganic chemistry 
 Either both 
 610-341 Inorganic Chemistry IIIB12.5
 610-345 Inorganic Chemistry Practical III6.25
 or 
 610-340 Inorganic Chemistry IIIA12.5
 Analytical and environmental chemistry 
 610-360 Analytical & Environmental Chemistry12.5

9.2.7. COMPUTER SCIENCE

This science major is not available to students enrolled in the software engineering stream of the BE/BSc or the BE(IT)/BSc. These students will be required to complete a major in an alternative science discipline.

Teaching department: Computer Science and Software Engineering.

Computer science
 Contact: Department of Computer Science and Software Engineering 
First year
 Any first-year package including 
 One of 
 433-171 Introduction to Programming12.5
 433-151 Introduction to Programming (Advanced)12.5
 and one of 
 433-172 Algorithmic Problem Solving12.5
 433-152 Algorithmic Problem Solving (Advanced)12.5
 plus at least 25 points of mathematics and statistics 
Second year
 50 points 
 433-252 Software Engineering Principles & Tools12.5
 433-253 Algorithms and Data Structures12.5
 433-254 Software Design12.5
 433-255 Logic and Computation12.5
Third year (major)
 50 points selected from 
 433-303 Artificial Intelligence12.5
 433-313 Computer Design12.5
 433-330 Theory of Computation12.5
 433-332 Operating Systems12.5
 433-341 Software Engineering Process & Practice12.5
 433-351 Database Systems12.5
 433-353 Networks and Communications12.5
 433-361 Programming Language Implementation12.5
 433-371 Interactive System Design12.5
 433-380 Graphics and Computation12.5
 433-385 Modelling, Analysis and Visualisation12.5

9.2.8. CONSERVATION AND AUSTRALIAN WILDLIFE

Teaching departments: Botany, Zoology.

Conservation and Australian wildlife
 Contact: Department of Zoology 
First year
 Life sciences package including 
 620-160 Experimental Design & Data Analysis12.5
 650-111 Biology of Australian Flora & Fauna12.5
Second year
 50 points selected from 
 606-202 Plant Biodiversity12.5
 606-204 Ecology: Communities and Ecosystems12.5
 606-207 Flora of Victoria12.5
 654-202 Vertebrate Structure and Function12.5
 654-203 Animal Physiology12.5
 654-204 Ecology: Individuals and Populations12.5
 654-207 Australian Wildlife Biology12.5
Third year (major)
 50 points 
 606-310 Field Botany12.5
 654-308 Conservation Biology12.5
 654-309 Field Biology of Marsupials & Monotremes12.5
 654-319 Biology of Marsupials and Monotremes12.5

9.2.9. EARTH SCIENCES

Teaching department: Earth Sciences.

Geology
 Contact: School of Earth Sciences 
First year
 Earth sciences package 
Second year
 37.5 points 
 625-222 Minerals and Magmas12.5
 625-223 Field Geology12.5
Third year (major)
 50 points 
 625-301 Structural Geology & Geodynamics12.5
 625-302 Sedimentary Geology12.5
 Plus two of 
 625-303 Geochemistry & Petrogenesis12.5
 625-304 Applied Geophysics12.5
 625-305 Economic Geology12.5
 625-307 Hydrogeology & Environmental Management12.5
 625-308 Digital Geoscience Technology & Analysis12.5
 625-313 Advanced Field Geology12.5
 600-311 Research Project A12.5
 600-312 Research Project B12.5
Atmosphere and earth sciences
 Contact: School of Earth Sciences 
First year
 Earth sciences package 
Second year
 25 points 
 625-227 Weather and Climate Systems12.5
 625-228 Atmospheric Environment Processes12.5
Third year (major)
 50 points 
 625-331 Atmosphere-Ocean Interaction25
 625-332 Climate: Mechanisms & Variability25
Environmental earth sciences
 (can be taken with an environmental science major) 
 Contact: School of Earth Sciences 
First year
 Earth sciences package 
Second year
 25 points 
 625-203 Dangerous Earth12.5
 625-223 Field Geology12.5
Third year (major)
 50 points 
 625-301 Structural Geology & Geodynamics12.5
 625-302 Sedimentary Geology12.5
 625-307 Hydrogeology & Environmental Management12.5
 plus one of 
 625-303 Geochemistry & Petrogenesis12.5
 625-304 Applied Geophysics12.5
 625-305 Economic Geology12.5
 625-308 Digital Geoscience Technology & Analysis12.5
 625-313 Advanced Field Geology12.5
 600-311 Research Project A12.5
 600-312 Research Project B12.5

9.2.10. ECOLOGY

Teaching departments: Botany, Zoology, Anthropology, Geography and Environmental Studies.

Ecology
 Contact: Botany, Zoology, Anthropology, Geography and Environmental Studies 
First year
 Life sciences package including 
 650-111 Biology of Australian Flora & Fauna12.5
Second year
 50 points 
 606-204 Ecology: Communities and Ecosystems12.5
 654-204 Ecology: Individuals and Populations12.5
 Plus two of 
 121-018 Geomorphology12.5
 606-201 Plant Structure and Function12.5
 606-202 Plant Biodiversity12.5
 606-207 Flora of Victoria12.5
 654-201 Invertebrate Structure and Function12.5
 654-207 Australian Wildlife Biology12.5
Third year (major)
 50 points selected from 
 121-030 Applied Ecology25
 121-033 Environmental Hydrology A25
 121-029 Environmental Hydrology B12.5
 606-301 Applied Ecology (Theory)12.5
 606-304 Environmental Plant Physiology12.5
 654-302 Experimental Marine Ecology12.5
 654-312 Marine Ecology12.5

9.2.11. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE

Available as a single major only to students enrolled in a BSc combined degree with either the Faculty of Engineering or the Institute of Land and Food Resources.

For students enrolled in any other BSc program or the BASc, the environmental science major is only available when completed in conjunction with a second science major. The second science major cannot be biotechnology or history and philosophy of science.

Teaching departments: Botany, Chemistry, Earth Sciences, Anthropology, Geography and Environmental Studies, Mathematics and Statistics, Zoology.

Environmental science
 Contact: Environmental Science Coordinator 
 Dr Mick Keough, Department of Zoology 
First year
 Environmental science package plus two mathematics subjects (as required by engineering/geomatics course or physical sciences package) 
Second year
 50 points 
 600-203 Environmental Measurement12.5
 620-270 Applied Statistics12.5
 610-280 Environmental Chemistry12.5
 Corequisite (ecology) - one of 
 606-204 Ecology: Communities and Ecosystems12.5
 654-204 Ecology: Individuals and Populations12.5
Third year (major)
 50 points 
 600-303 Environmental Risk Assessment12.5
 600-301 Problem Solving in Environmental Science12.5
 plus one of 
 451-312 GIS & Remote Sensing for Enviro Science12.5
 620-371 Linear Models12.5
 plus one of 
 121-029 Environmental Hydrology B12.5
 451-312 GIS & Remote Sensing for Enviro Science12.5
 606-301 Applied Ecology (Theory)12.5
 620-371 Linear Models12.5
 625-307 Hydrogeology & Environmental Management12.5
 654-308 Conservation Biology12.5

In accordance with Faculty of Science policy on the award of two majors, a minimum of 87.5 points of 300-level science subjects is required for the award of the environmental science major and a second science major.

9.2.12. GENETICS

Teaching department: Genetics.

Genetics
 Contact: Department of Genetics 
First year
 Life sciences package 
Second year
 37.5 points 
 652-214 Principles of Genetics12.5
 652-215 Genes and Genomes12.5
 652-216 Molecular & General Genetics Practical12.5
Third year (major)
 50 points 
 652-304 Genetic Analysis12.5
 652-302 Molecular Genetics12.5
 Plus two of 
 652-301 Genomes and Evolution12.5
 652-303 Developmental and Cellular Genetics12.5
 652-305 Human Genetics12.5
 652-306 Experimental Genetics12.5

9.2.13. GEOGRAPHY

Teaching departments: Anthropology, Geography and Environmental Studies.

Geography
 Contact: Departments of Anthropology, Geography and Environmental Studies 
First year
 Earth sciences package including geography 
Second year
 25 points selected from 
 121-018 Geomorphology12.5
 121-021 Environmental Politics and Management12.5
 121-022 Development and Urban Environments12.5
 121-024 GIS and Remote Sensing in Geography12.5
 121-222 Field Class in Geography12.5
Third year (major)
 50 points selected from 
 121-028 Sustainable Development12.5
 121-310 Fluvial Geomorphology12.5
 121-030 Applied Ecology25
 121-458 Australian Quaternary Environments25
 121-033 Environmental Hydrology A25
 121-435 Environmental Management Systems12.5
 121-071 Coastal Geomorphology12.5
 121-434 Fieldwork Research Project12.5
 Note: Students seeking 300-level science credit for 121-434 require Faculty of Science approval. 

9.2.14. HISTORY AND PHILOSOPHY OF SCIENCE

The history and philosophy of science major is only available when completed in conjunction with a second science major.

Teaching department: History and Philosophy of Science.

History and philosophy of science (HPS)
 Contact: Department of History and Philosophy of Science 
First year
 Any first-year package 
Second year
 37.5 points 
 Three HPS subjects earning science points 
Third year (major)
 50 points 
 Four HPS subjects earning science points 
 The seven HPS subjects taken at second and third year must include a subject in two of the following areas: history of science, philosophy of science, and sociology of science. In addition, one subject must be from the following: 
 136-354 Controversies in Philosophy of Science12.5
 136-419 Approaches to the History of Science12.5

In accordance with Faculty of Science policy on the award of two majors, a minimum of 87.5 points of 300-level science subjects is required for the award of the history and philosophy of science major and a second science major.

9.2.15. IMMUNOLOGY

Teaching department: Microbiology and Immunology.

Immunology
 Contact: Department of Microbiology and Immunology 
First year
 Life sciences package 
Second year
 37.5 points of theory and 12.5 points of practical 200-level subjects from microbiology and immunology, biochemistry and molecular biology, physiology, anatomy and cell biology, or genetics. 
Third year (major)
 50 points selected from 
 526-304 Principles of Immunology12.5
 526-305 Medical and Applied Immunology12.5
 526-326 Projects: Immunology12.5
 526-324 Immunological Techniques12.5

Subject to the approval of the Department of Microbiology and Immunology, an alternative 12.5 point 300-level subject in microbiology, immunology, biochemistry, pathology or genetics may replace 526-326 in this major. Approval for the subject to contribute to the immunology major must be made by the immunology subject co-ordinators prior to commencing the subject.

9.2.16. MARINE BIOLOGY

Teaching departments: Botany, Chemistry, Anthropology, Geography and Environmental Studies, Zoology.

Marine biology
 Contact: Department of Zoology 
First year
 Life sciences package including 
 650-111 Biology of Australian Flora & Fauna12.5
Second year
 37.5 points selected from 
 606-203 Phytoplankton and Seaweeds of Australia12.5
 654-201 Invertebrate Structure and Function12.5
 654-204 Ecology: Individuals and Populations12.5
Third year (Major)
 50 points selected from 
 121-071 Coastal Geomorphology12.5
 606-302 Marine Botany25
 610-360 Analytical & Environmental Chemistry12.5
 654-302 Experimental Marine Ecology12.5
 654-306 Marine Zoology12.5
 654-312 Marine Ecology12.5
 600-311 Research Project A12.5
 600-312 Research Project B12.5

Note: Only one of 600-311 and 600-312 can be counted towards this major. Only one of 610-360 and 121-071 can be counted towards this major.

9.2.17. MATHEMATICS AND STATISTICS

Teaching departments: Mathematics and Statistics, Physics.

Applied mathematics
 Contact: Department of Mathematics and Statistics 
First year
 Physical sciences package including three mathematics subjects 
Second year
 37.5 points 
 One of 
 620-231 Vector Analysis12.5
 620-233 Vector Analysis (Advanced)12.5
 Plus one of 
 620-232 Mathematical Methods12.5
 620-234 Mathematical Methods (Advanced)12.5
 Plus one of 
 620-221 Real and Complex Analysis12.5
 620-252 Analysis12.5
Third year (major)
 50 points 
 620-331 Applied Partial Differential Equations12.5
 Plus three of 
 620-332 Integral Transforms & Asymptotics12.5
 [03]620-341 Dynamical Systems and Chaos12.5
 620-342 Industrial & Applied Mathematics12.5
 620-352 Graph Theory12.5
 620-353 Discrete Mathematics12.5
 620-381 Computational Mathematics12.5

Note: 620-331, 620-332 and 620-342 are prerequisites for honours-level studies in applied mathematics.

Pure mathematics
 Contact: Department of Mathematics and Statistics 
First year
 Physical sciences package including three mathematics subjects 
Second year
 37.5 points 
 One of 
 620-231 Vector Analysis12.5
 620-233 Vector Analysis (Advanced)12.5
 Plus 
 620-222 Linear and Abstract Algebra12.5
 Plus one of 
 620-221 Real and Complex Analysis12.5
 620-252 Analysis12.5
Third year (major)
 50 points 
 Three of 
 620-311 Metric Spaces12.5
 620-312 Linear Analysis12.5
 620-321 Algebra12.5
 620-322 Topology12.5
 Plus either the fourth of the subjects listed above or one of 
 620-351 Number Theory12.5
 620-352 Graph Theory12.5
 620-353 Discrete Mathematics12.5

Note: 620-311, 620-312, 620-321 and 620-322 are prerequisities for honours-level studies in pure mathematics.

Statistics
 Contact: Department of Mathematics and Statistics 
First year
 Any package which includes 620-141 and at least two of 620-131, 620-142 and 620-143 (or advanced versions) 
Second year
 37.5 points 
 620-201 Probability12.5
 620-202 Statistics12.5
 Plus one of 
 620-221 Real and Complex Analysis12.5
 620-252 Analysis12.5
 620-270 Applied Statistics12.5
 Note: 620-221 and 620-252 have the prerequisites 620-142 and 620-143; 620-270 has the pre-requisite 620-131 or 620-160. 
Third year (major)
 50 points 
 620-301 Stochastic Modelling12.5
 620-371 Linear Models12.5
 Plus two of 
 620-302 Chance and Options Pricing12.5
 620-372 Applied Statistical Inference12.5
 620-374 Sampling and Forecasting12.5
 620-381 Computational Mathematics12.5
 [03]620-382 Biostatistics12.5
 Note: 620-381 has the prerequisites 620-131, 620-142 and 620-143. 
Operations research
 Contact: Department of Mathematics and Statistics 
First year
 Any package which includes 620-141 and 620-142 (or advanced versions) 
Second year
 37.5 points 
 620-261 Introduction to Operations Research12.5
 620-262 Decision Making12.5
 Plus one of 
 620-201 Probability12.5
 620-221 Real and Complex Analysis12.5
 620-222 Linear and Abstract Algebra12.5
 620-231 Vector Analysis12.5
 620-233 Vector Analysis (Advanced)12.5
 620-252 Analysis12.5
 Note: 620-221, 620-231, 620-233 and 620-252 have the prerequisite 620-143. 
Third year (major)
 50 points 
 620-361 Operations Research: Techniques12.5
 620-362 Applied Operations Research12.5
 Plus any two 300-level subjects offered by the Department of Mathematics and Statistics25
Financial mathematics
 Contact: Department of Mathematics and Statistics 
First year
 Physical sciences package including three mathematics subjects 
 Plus at least one of 
 620-131 Scientific Programming & Simulation12.5
 433-151 Introduction to Programming (Advanced)12.5
 433-171 Introduction to Programming12.5
Second year
 37.5 points 
 620-261 Introduction to Operations Research12.5
 620-201 Probability12.5
 620-202 Statistics12.5
 It is strongly recommended that the following commerce subjects be taken as non-science electives (subject to course requirements). 
 300-203 Financial Mathematics I12.5
 300-204 Financial Mathematics II12.5
Third year (major)
 50 points 
 620-301 Stochastic Modelling12.5
 620-302 Chance and Options Pricing12.5
 620-381 Computational Mathematics12.5
 Plus one of 
 620-361 Operations Research: Techniques12.5
 620-371 Linear Models12.5
 620-374 Sampling and Forecasting12.5
Mathematical physics
 Contact: Department of Mathematics and Statistics 
First year
 Physical sciences package including physics and three mathematics subjects 
Second year
 50 points 
 One of 
 620-231 Vector Analysis12.5
 620-233 Vector Analysis (Advanced)12.5
 Plus one of 
 620-232 Mathematical Methods12.5
 620-234 Mathematical Methods (Advanced)12.5
 Plus one of 
 640-223 Quantum Mechanics & Thermal Physics(Adv)12.5
 640-243 Quantum Mechanics & Thermal Physics12.5
 Plus one of 
 640-225 Electromagnetism & Relativity (Adv)12.5
 640-245 Electromagnetism & Relativity12.5
Third year (major)
 50 points 
 620-331 Applied Partial Differential Equations12.5
 Plus one of 
 620-332 Integral Transforms & Asymptotics12.5
 [03]620-341 Dynamical Systems and Chaos12.5
 620-342 Industrial & Applied Mathematics12.5
 620-353 Discrete Mathematics12.5
 Plus one of 
 640-321 Quantum Mechanics (Adv)12.5
 640-341 Quantum Mechanics12.5
 Plus one of 
 640-322 Thermal Physics (Adv)12.5
 640-342 Thermal Physics12.5

Note: 620-332 has the prerequisite 620-221 or 620-252.

Discrete mathematics
 Contact: Department of Mathematics and Statistics 
First year
 Physical sciences package including three mathematics subjects and 620-131 
Second year
 25 points 
 Any two 200-level subjects offered by the Department of Mathematics and Statistics 
Third year
 50 points 
 620-352 Graph Theory12.5
 620-353 Discrete Mathematics12.5
 Plus at least one of 
 620-351 Number Theory12.5
 620-381 Computational Mathematics12.5
 Plus (if only one of 620-351 and 620-381 is included) 
 Any other 300-level subject offered by the Department of Mathematics and Statistics12.5

9.2.18. MICROBIOLOGY

Teaching department: Microbiology and Immunology.

Microbiology
 Contact: Department of Microbiology and Immunology 
First year
 Life sciences package 
Second year
 25 points 
 526-201 Principles of Microbiology & Immunology12.5
 526-221 Practical Microbiology12.5
Third year (major)
 50 points 
 526-321 Molecular Microbiology Techniques12.5
 526-327 Projects: Microbiology12.5
 Plus two of 
 526-301 Microbial Cells and Genomes12.5
 526-302 Microbial Biotechnology12.5
 526-313 Medical Microbiology: Cellular Pathogens12.5
 526-314 Medical Microbiology: Viruses and Prions12.5

Subject to the approval of the Department of Microbiology and Immunology, an alternative 12.5 point 300-level subject in microbiology, immunology, biochemistry or genetics may replace either 526-321 or 526-327 in this major. Approval for the subject to contribute to the microbiology major must be made by the microbiology subject co-ordinators prior to commencing the subject.

9.2.19. NEUROSCIENCE

Teaching departments: Anatomy and Cell Biology, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Botany, Pharmacology, Physiology, Zoology.

Neuroscience
 Contact: Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology 
First year
 Life sciences package 
Second year
 50 points 
 516-209 Introductory Neuroscience12.5
 Plus 37.5 points from 
 516-201 Cell Biology: Tissues and Organs12.5
 521-211 Biochemistry & Molecular Biology Part A12.5
 534-201 Pharmacology12.5
 536-201 Principles of Physiology12.5
 606-205 Plant Cell Biology12.5
Third year (major)
 50 points 
 516-305 Structure & Function of the Brain12.5
 536-303 The Brain: Neurophysiology of Behaviour12.5
 Plus two of 
 516-306 Developmental Neurobiology12.5
 516-307 Research Project12.5
 521-304 Hormone & Neurotransmitter Biochemistry12.5
 534-302 Neuropharmacology12.5
 536-302 Molecular Neurophysiology12.5
 654-305 Experimental Animal Behaviour12.5
Behavioural neuroscience
 Contact: Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology 
First year
 Life sciences package plus 
 512-120 Introductory Experimental Psychology 112.5
 512-121 Social, Develop. & Clinical Psychology 112.5
Second year
 50 points 
 512-224 Cognitive Psychology 212.5
 512-222 Behavioural Neuroscience 212.5
 Plus either both 
 536-201 Principles of Physiology12.5
 536-211 Physiology:Control of Body Function12.5
 or both 
 654-201 Invertebrate Structure and Function12.5
 654-202 Vertebrate Structure and Function12.5
Third year (major)
 50 points 
 536-303 The Brain: Neurophysiology of Behaviour12.5
 516-305 Structure & Function of the Brain12.5
 512-350 Brain, Cognition and Behaviour 312.5
 Plus one of 
 512-330 Human Psychophysiology 312.5
 512-335 Advanced Cognition 312.5

9.2.20. PATHOLOGY

Teaching department: Pathology.

Pathology
 Contact: Department of Pathology 
First year
 Life sciences package 
Second year
 50 points 
 531-201 Basic Principles of Pathology-Science12.5
 521-211 Biochemistry & Molecular Biology Part A12.5
 521-212 Biochemistry & Molecular Biology Part B12.5
 521-220 Techniques in Protein & Gene Technology12.5
Third year (major)
 50 points 
 531-301 Cellular Basis of Disease12.5
 531-302 Techniques for Investigation of Disease12.5
 531-303 Molecular/Genetic Basis of Disease-Lect12.5
 531-304 Molecular/Genetic Basis of Disease-Prac12.5

9.2.21. PHARMACOLOGY

Teaching departments: Pharmacology, Physiology, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Chemistry.

Pharmacology
 Contact: Department of Pharmacology 
First year
 Life sciences package 
Second year
 50 points 
 534-201 Pharmacology12.5
 Plus 37.5 points from 
 521-211 Biochemistry & Molecular Biology Part A12.5
 521-212 Biochemistry & Molecular Biology Part B12.5
 521-220 Techniques in Protein & Gene Technology12.5
 536-201 Principles of Physiology12.5
 536-211 Physiology:Control of Body Function12.5
 536-202 Physiology (General Practical)6.25
 610-220 Organic Chemistry12.5
 610-221 Organic & Bio-organic Chemistry12.5
 610-225 Organic Chemistry Practical6.25
Third year (major)
 50 points 
 534-301 Cellular and Molecular Pharmacology25
 Plus either 
 534-304 Pharmacology of Therapeutic Substances25
 or two of 
 534-302 Neuropharmacology12.5
 534-305 Toxicology12.5
 534-306 Drug Discovery12.5
 534-311 Drug Development Techniques12.5
 516-307 Research Project12.5
 Note: Approval from the Head of Department is required for 516-307 to count towards the major in pharmacology and must be obtained prior to commencing the subject. 

9.2.22. PHYSICS

Teaching departments: Physics, Mathematics and Statistics.

Physics
 Contact: School of Physics 
First year
 Physical sciences package including 100-level physics 
Second year
 50 points 
 One of 
 640-223 Quantum Mechanics & Thermal Physics(Adv)12.5
 640-243 Quantum Mechanics & Thermal Physics12.5
 and one of 
 640-225 Electromagnetism & Relativity (Adv)12.5
 640-245 Electromagnetism & Relativity12.5
 and 
 640-299 Laboratory Work12.5
 Plus one of 
 640-237 Astrophysics & Optics II12.5
 640-234 Further Classical & Quantum Mechanics12.5
 640-251 Instrumentation for Scientists12.5
 Corequisites 
 One of 
 620-231 Vector Analysis12.5
 620-233 Vector Analysis (Advanced)12.5
 Plus one of 
 620-232 Mathematical Methods12.5
 620-234 Mathematical Methods (Advanced)12.5
Third year (major)
 50 points 
 One of 
 640-321 Quantum Mechanics (Adv)12.5
 640-341 Quantum Mechanics12.5
 Plus one of 
 640-393 Laboratory Work12.5
 640-394 Laboratory Work12.5
 640-364 Computational Physics12.5
 Plus two other 300-level physics subjects 
Mathematical physics
 Contact: Department of Mathematics and Statistics 

See description of mathematical physics course structure MATHEMATICS AND STATISTICS.

9.2.23. PHYSIOLOGY

Teaching departments: Physiology, Anatomy and Cell Biology, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Botany, Zoology.

Physiology
 Contact: Department of Physiology 
First year
 Life sciences package 
 Note: Please read prerequisites for 200-level physiology. 
Second year
 31.25 points of physiology subjects selected from the following 
 536-201 Principles of Physiology12.5
 536-202 Physiology (General Practical)6.25
 536-203 Physiology (Integrative Physiology)6.25
 536-211 Physiology:Control of Body Function12.5
Third year (major)
 50 points selected from the following 
 536-301 Integrative Physiology: Heart & Kidney12.5
 536-302 Molecular Neurophysiology12.5
 536-303 The Brain: Neurophysiology of Behaviour12.5
 536-308 Physiology of Muscle & Exercise12.5
 536-311 Molecular/Cellular Basis of Physiology12.5
 including one of 
 536-304 Seminars & Experimental Physiology12.5
 516-307 Research Project12.5

9.2.24. PSYCHOLOGY

Teaching department: Behavioural Science

A major study in psychology, accredited by the Australian Psychological Society (APS), consists of a minimum of ten subjects and 125 points. The 50 points at 300-level definition of a science major is waived in this instance. Science students will instead need to complete a minimum of 50 science points at 300-level. Refer to Psychology as a major for further information.

All subjects accredited as counting towards the psychology major are considered science subjects.

Psychology
 Contact: School of Behavioural Science 

See description of psychology as a major course structure Psychology as a major.

9.2.25. VISION SCIENCE

Teaching department: Optometry and Vision Sciences.

Vision science
 Contact: Department of Optometry and Vision Sciences 
First year
 Life sciences package or physical sciences package including the subject 
 655-111 Vision: How The Eye Sees The World12.5
Second year
 50 points 
 655-201 Anatomy & Histology of the Eye12.5
 655-221 Human Visual Functions12.5
 655-202 Optical Systems12.5
 655-222 Visual Processing and Control12.5
 Plus at least one of 
 521-211 Biochemistry & Molecular Biology Part A12.5
 521-212 Biochemistry & Molecular Biology Part B12.5
 516-209 Introductory Neuroscience12.5
 531-201 Basic Principles of Pathology-Science12.5
 536-211 Physiology:Control of Body Function12.5
Third year (major)
 50 points selected from 
 655-311 Optical Design and Ophthalmic Metrology12.5
 655-341 Ocular Histopathology12.5
 655-028 Foundations of Visual Neuroscience12.5
 655-321 Visual Physiology and Perception12.5
 600-312 Research Project B12.5

9.2.26. ZOOLOGY

Teaching department: Zoology

Zoology
 Contact: Department of Zoology 
First year
 Life sciences packages, including 
 650-111 Biology of Australian Flora & Fauna12.5
Second year
 50 points 
 654-201 Invertebrate Structure and Function12.5
 654-202 Vertebrate Structure and Function12.5
 654-203 Animal Physiology12.5
 Plus one of 
 606-204 Ecology: Communities and Ecosystems12.5
 654-204 Ecology: Individuals and Populations12.5
 654-207 Australian Wildlife Biology12.5
Third year (major)
 50 points which must include one of the following pairs: 
 Marine ecology 
 654-302 Experimental Marine Ecology12.5
 654-312 Marine Ecology12.5
 Reproduction 
 654-304 Reproduction12.5
 654-314 Lectures in Reproduction12.5
 Animal behaviour 
 654-305 Experimental Animal Behaviour12.5
 654-315 Animal Behaviour12.5
 Biology of marsupials and monotremes 
 654-309 Field Biology of Marsupials & Monotremes12.5
 654-319 Biology of Marsupials and Monotremes12.5
 and the remaining points from any of the above subjects or 
 516-302 Developmental Biology12.5
 654-306 Marine Zoology12.5
 654-307 Evolution and the Human Condition12.5
 654-308 Conservation Biology12.5

Search : Index : Faculty of Science
Prev 8. Course planning information for the BSc, BASc and BSc combined courses
Next 10. Compensatory passes

Status:                   Official 2004
Last Modified:            Monday June 21 22:12
SGML to HTML Conversion:  Information Division - CWIS (SDI)
Authorised by:            Academic Registrar
Enquiries:                http://unimelb.custhelp.com/

Valid CSS! Valid XHTML 1.0!