The course
This course normally requires three years full-time study or the equivalent in part-time on-campus or distance education study (usually about six years). The course has been designed to provide a flexible but sound entry into a professional life in industry, commerce or education. To achieve this a strong interdisciplinary approach, in keeping with the demands of a technological society, is a feature of the course. It is possible to major in one main area of the chemical, physical, biological or mathematical sciences, or alternatively to combine studies from three scientific discipline areas in the multidisciplinary program. Supporting studies from computing, engineering, business or the social sciences may be included where appropriate. However, in every case careful course counselling and planning is essential and contact should be made with the course adviser in the first instance.
Major studies
Major studies are available in applied chemistry, mathematics, applied biology, applied physics, and operations research and information management.
Multidisciplinary program
An alternative Bachelor of Applied Science course structure allows students to include sequences from each of three discipline areas, thereby giving opportunities for greater breadth of studies. This course structure is appropriate for a number of career paths, particularly secondary teaching, and for many distance education students.
BAppSc course objectives
General objectives
Students in the BAppSc course will be given:
* an appreciation of the role of the physical and natural sciences;
* a commitment to a chosen branch of mathematics or science;
* a balanced appreciation of community needs;
* an appreciation of the applications of science and technology;
and these will be achieved by
* providing core subjects appropriate to all students of applied science;
* providing studies which give an overview of the students' role as future members of the community so that their expertise can be utilised in a proper social perspective;
* providing advanced level subjects which present material and modern techniques appropriate to the chosen major study.
The course training in skills, knowledge and attitudes will assist the student to become a useful, mature graduate.
These will be achieved through experience in:
* laboratory and independent project activity;
* coherent expression, both verbally and in written work;
* exercising judgement in satisfying conflicting interests;
* cooperating with others in joint activities.
Students will also be skilled in information retrieval, problem solving of an applied nature, and be adaptable to changing needs in knowledge and understanding.
Objectives - applied chemistry major
This major is designed to produce competent professional personnel capable of working independently in laboratory and industrial situations where chemical and related scientific expertise is required.
Upon completion of the major in applied chemistry graduates should be able to:
* understand complex chemical systems;
* carry out chemical analysis;
* undertake safely the tasks of a scientific laboratory;
* understand the role of chemistry and chemicals in natural processes and appreciate the interactions between human activities and the environment;
* work effectively and efficiently as an individual scientist;
* cooperate effectively and efficiently as a member of a cross-disciplinary team; and
* report and communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing.
Objectives - applied biology major
Upon completion of the major in applied biology, graduates should be able to:
* understand basic biological systems;
* carry out chemical, microbiological and biochemical analyses;
* understand the role of microorganisms in natural processes and appreciate the interactions between human activities and the environment;
* participate as an individual or team member in the development of laboratory procedures and projects;
* communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing, with colleagues and other professionals.
Objectives - mathematics major
Students undertaking a mathematics major will:
* develop mathematical knowledge and skills appropriate to careers in secondary mathematics teaching or in commercial, government or scientific enterprises requiring quantitative/logical problem- solving skills;
* demonstrate an understanding of concepts and techniques of a selection of the major branches or mathematics;
* apply concepts and techniques of one branch of mathematics to other branches of the discipline or other fields of study such as the physical and natural sciences;
* appreciate the various aspects of mathematical endeavour including unification of experiences, mathematical modelling, logical and quantitative analysis, deductive reasoning and creative thinking;
* use appropriate computer software to assist in the analysis of models and computation of solutions.
Objectives - operations research and information management major
Students majoring in operations research and information management will achieve:
* a broad and balanced in-depth understanding of the quantitative techniques used in the modern industrial and business environment;
* qualities of awareness needed to search out information which is relevant to the decision-making process;
* skills in communication and the effective preparation and presentation of reports;
* specialist skills in operations research and information management.
Objectives - applied physics major
Upon completion of the major in applied physics, students will:
* understand physical systems;
* carry out instrumental analysis of materials;
* use computers, microprocessor-based devices, data loggers, process controllers and other devices to operate instruments and equipment and to collect and process data;
* be able to critically evaluate scientific instruments and instrument specifications;
* work effectively and efficiently as an individual in a laboratory and/or field environment;
* work effectively and efficiently as a key member of a cross-disciplinary team;
* report and communicate well, both orally and in writing;
* exercise judgement in satisfying conflicting interests in a physical system or environment;
* keep abreast of new techniques and developments in the field of work.
Course requirements
To satisfy the requirements of the Bachelor of Applied Science, students must complete 144 credit points and the course of study must include either an approved major or an approved multidisciplinary program. An approved major comprises at least forty-eight points of credit of which at least twenty-four must be taken at the third level. (Currently approved major sequences are listed below.) An approved multidisciplinary program must include sequences of subjects chosen from each of the three discipline areas. (The currently approved discipline areas are listed below.) Each sequence must include twelve points at first level and twelve points at second level; at least two of the sequences must also include twelve points at third level.
Other than the six-point subject GAS1062 (Scientific thought and methods) and twelve points of crossdisciplinary studies, a maximum of forty-eight other points of credit at first level may be included.
At least twelve points of credit from the mathematical sciences and computing group must be included in all majors; currently the subjects GCO1811, GCO1812, GCO1831, GCO1832, GAS1601, GAS1611, GAS1612, GAS1614, GAS1621, GAS1631, GAS1711 are available.
The subjects GAS1062 (Scientific thought and methods) and GAS2062 (Scientific thought and methods) must be included. Students admitted with advanced standing may be allowed credit for subject GAS1062.
A student undertaking an approved major must include a project based subject as follows:
* for the applied biology, applied chemistry or applied physics majors, GAS3062 (Applied research project);
* for the mathematics major, GAS3619 (Mathematics project);
* for the operations research and information management major, GAS3719 (Operations research project).
Twelve points of crossdisciplinary studies must be included, comprising at least six points from group 1 (science/technology group) and six points from group 2 (business/humanities group). The subjects currently available in the relevant groups are as follows:
* Group 1: GAS1030
* Group 2: GBU1001, GBU1101, GBU1103, GBU1201, GBU1302, GBU1401, GBU1501, GBU7010, GEC2013, GSC1101, GSC1102, GSC1201, GSC1401, GSC1402, GSC1503, GSC1504, GSC1801, GSC2806 (with permission) GVA1553, GVA1554, INM1115.
Other subjects may be added from time to time.
Schedule of approved majors
Applied biology
Level one
* GAS1185 Biological science
* GAS1186 Biology
* GAS1281 Chemical science
* GAS1282 Chemistry
* GAS1383 Physical science
Level two
* GAS2121 Microbiology
* GAS2122 Microbiology
* GAS2141 Biochemistry
* GAS2142 Biochemistry
* GAS2281 Instrumental science
* GAS2282 Applied chemistry
Level three
* GAS3121 Applied microbiology
* GAS3122 Applied microbiology
* GAS3141 Applied biochemistry
* GAS3142 Applied biochemistry
In addition to the general degree requirement of at least twelve points of credit from the computing and mathematical sciences, students are required to ensure that at least three points are from mathematics and three from computing.
Applied chemistry
Level one
* GAS1281 Chemical science
* GAS1282 Chemistry
* GAS1383 Physical science
plus at least one of:
* GAS1384 Physics
* GAS1185 Biological science
* GAS1186 Biology
Level two
* GAS2251 Chemistry
* GAS2252 Chemistry
* GAS2281 Instrumental science
plus at least one of:
* GAS2282 Applied chemistry
* GAS2382 Physical science
Level three
* GAS3251 Chemistry
* GAS3252 Chemistry
plus at least two of:
* GAS3271 Applied chemistry
* GAS3272 Applied chemistry
* GAS3381 Physical science
* GAS3382 Physical science
In addition to the general degree requirement of at least twelve points of credit from the computing and mathematical sciences, students are required to ensure that at least three points are from mathematics and three from computing.
Applied physics
Level one
* GAS1281 Chemical science
* GAS1383 Physical science
* GAS1384 Physics
plus at least one of:
* GAS1282 Chemistry
* GAS1185 Biological science
* GAS1186 Biology
Level two
* GAS2281 Instrumental science
* GAS2382 Physical science
* GAS2391 Physics
* GAS2392 Physics
Level three
* GAS3381 Physical science
* GAS3382 Physical science
* GAS3391 Applied physics
* GAS3392 Applied physics
In addition, the applied physics major requires the following supporting subjects:
* GAS1611 Calculus
* GCO1831 Introduction to computers
* GCO1832 Computer programming 1A
and at least six points of credit selected from subjects:
* GAS1612 Vectors and matrices
* GAS1621 Mathematical modelling A
* GAS1631 Probability and statistics
* GAS2612 Functions of more than one variable
* GAS2621 Integral transforms
* GAS2623 Vector Field theory
Mathematics
Level one
At least twelve points of credit from the group:
* GAS1611 Calculus
* GAS1612 Vectors and matrices
* GAS1614 Discrete mathematics
* GAS1621 Mathematical modelling A
* GAS1631 Probability and statistics
* GAS1711 Introduction to operations research
plus required supporting subjects:
* GCO1831 Introduction to computers
* GCO1832 Computer programming 1A
Note: Students planning to take further computing subjects should substitute GCO1811 (Computer programming 1) and GCO1815 (Computer technology) for GCO1831 (Introduction to computers) and GCO1832 (Computer programming 1A).
Level two
At least twelve points of credit from the group:
* GAS2611 Real analysis
* GAS2612 Functions of more than one variable
* GAS2613 Linear algebra
* GAS2614 Mathematical structures
* GAS2621 Integral transforms
* GAS2622 Numerical methods
* GAS2623 Vector field theory
* GAS2631 Distributions and inferential techniques
* GAS2711 Linear programming
* GAS2713 Applied probability models
Level three
At least twenty-four points of credit from the group:
* GAS3611 Philosophy of mathematics
* GAS3612 Applied modern algebra
* GAS3613 Complex Analysis
* GAS3614 Combinatorics
* GAS3621 Differential equations
* GAS3622 Mathematical modelling B
* GAS3631 Applied statistics
* GAS3632 Statistical inference
* GAS3711 Simulation
* GAS3751 Forecasting
Operations research and information management
Level one
* GAS1611 Calculus
* GAS1631 Probability and statistics
* GAS1711 Introduction to operations research
* GCO1831 Introduction to computers
Level two
* GAS2711 Linear programming
* GAS2713 Applied probability models
* GAS2714 Sequential decision models
* GCO2813 Information systems 2
* GCO2851 Programming for business applications
* GCO2852 Business systems
Level three
* GAS3711 Simulation
* GAS3712 Inventory management
* GAS3751 Forecasting
* GCO3851 Database management systems
In addition, the operations research and information management major requires the following supporting subjects:
* GBU1001 Introductory accounting A
* GBU1101 Introduction to economics
* (GAS1612 Vectors and matrices is also recommended)
Schedule of subject sequences in the multidisciplinary program
Biological science
Biochemistry or microbiology sequences
Biochemistry
* GAS1185 Biological science (6 points)
* GAS1186 Biology (6 points)
* GAS2141 Biochemistry (6 points)
* GAS2142 Biochemistry (6 points)
* GAS3141 Applied biochemistry (6 points)
* GAS3142 Applied biochemistry (6 points)
Requires subjects GAS1281, GAS1282, GAS1383 and GAS2281 as supporting subjects.
Microbiology:
* GAS1185 Biological science (6 points)
* GAS1186 Biology (6 points)
* GAS2121 Microbiology (6 points)
* GAS2122 Microbiology (6 points)
* GAS3121 Applied microbiology (6 points)
* GAS3122 Applied microbiology (6 points)
Requires subject GAS1281 and GAS1282 as supporting subjects.
Chemical science
Chemistry or applied chemistry sequences
Chemistry
* GAS1281 Chemical science (6 points)
* GAS1282 Chemistry (6 points)
* GAS2251 Chemistry (6 points)
* GAS2252 Chemistry (6 points)
* GAS3251 Chemistry (6 points)
* GAS3252 Chemistry (6 points)
Applied chemistry
* GAS1281 Chemical science (6 points)
* GAS1282 Chemistry (6 points)
* GAS2281 Instrumental science (6 points)
* GAS2282 Applied chemistry (6 points)
* GAS3271 Applied chemistry (6 points)
* GAS3272 Applied chemistry (6 points)
Requires GAS1383 as supporting subject.
Computing
Computing studies, computer systems or information systems sequences
Computing studies (42 points)
* GCO1811 Computer programming 1 (6 points)
* GCO1812 Computer programming 2 (6 points)
* GCO1815 Computer technology (6 points)
* GCO2812 Computer organisation (6 points)
* GCO2852 Business systems (6 points)
* GCO3812 Data communications (6 points)
* GCO3851 Database management systems (6 points)
Requires GAS1614 as a supporting subject.
Computer systems (42 points)
* GCO1811 Computer programming 1 (6 points)
* GCO1812 Computer programming 2 (6 points)
* GCO1815 Computer technology (6 points)
* GCO2812 Computer organisation (6 points)
* GCO2814 Operating systems (6 points)
* GCO3812 Data communications (6 points)
* GCO3813 Systems programming (6 points)
or
* GCO3815 Artificial intelligence (6 points)
Requires GAS1614 as a supporting subject
Information systems
* GCO1851 Computers in business (6 points)
* GCO1813 Information systems 1 (6 points)
* GCO2813 Information systems 2 (6 points)
* GCO2851 Programming for business applications (6 points)
* GCO3816 Information systems 3 (6 points)
* GCO3851 Database management systems (6 points)
Mathematics
Pure mathematics, applied mathematics or statistics sequences
Pure mathematics
* GAS1611 Calculus (6 points)
* GAS1612 Vectors and matrices (3 points)
* GAS1621 Mathematical modelling A (3 points)
* GAS2611 Real analysis (3 points)
* GAS2612 Functions of more than one variable (3 points)
* GAS2613 Linear algebra (3 points)
* GAS2614 Mathematical structures (3 points)
* GAS3611 Philosophy of mathematics (3 points)
* GAS3612 Applied modern algebra (3 points)
* GAS3614 Combinatorics (6 points)
Students may replace either subject GAS3611 or subject GAS3612 by subject GAS3613 (Complex analysis).
Applied Mathematics
* GAS1611 Calculus (6 points)
* GAS1612 Vectors and matrices (3 points)
* GAS1621 Mathematical modelling A (3 points)
* GAS2612 Functions of more than one variable (3 points)
* GAS2621 Integral transforms (3 points)
* GAS2622 Numerical methods (3 points)
* GAS2623 Vector field theory (3 points)
* GAS3621 Differential equations (6 points)
* GAS3622 Mathematical modelling B (6 points)
Requires subjects GCO1831 and GCO1832 as supporting subjects.
Statistics
* GAS1611 Calculus (6 points)
* GAS1612 Vectors and matrices (3 points)
* GAS1631 Probability and statistics (3 points)
* GAS2613 Linear algebra (3 points)
* GAS2631 Distributions and inferential techniques (6 points)
* GAS2713 Applied probability models (3 points)
* GAS3631 Applied statistics (6 points)
* GAS3632 Statistical inference (6 points)
Requires subject GCO1831 as a supporting subject.
Operations research
Operations research sequence
Operations research
* GAS1611 Calculus (6 points)
* GAS1631 Probability and statistics (3 points)
* GAS1711 Introduction to operations research (3 points)
* GAS2711 Linear programming (6 points)
* GAS2714 Sequential decision models (6 points)
* GAS3712 Inventory management (6 points)
* GAS3751 Forecasting (6 points)
Requires subject GCO1831 as a supporting subject. Under special circumstances, students may replace subject GAS1611 (Calculus) by subject GAS1601 (Basic mathematics).
Physical science
Physical science or applied physics sequences
Physical science
* GAS1383 Physical science (6 points)
* GAS1384 Physics (6 points)
* GAS2281 Instrumental science (6 points)
* GAS2382 Physical science (6 points)
* GAS3381 Physical science (6 points)
* GAS3382 Physical science (6 points)
Requires GAS1281 as a supporting subject.
Applied physics
* GAS1383 Physical science (6 points)
* GAS1384 Physics (6 points)
* GAS2391 Physics (6 points)
* GAS2392 Physics (6 points)
* GAS3391 Applied physics (6 points)
* GAS3392 Applied physics (6 points)
Psychology
Psychology sequence
Psychology
* GAS1501 Introduction to psychology A (6 points)
* GAS1502 Introduction to psychology B (6 points)
* GAS2502 Social and community psychology (6 points)
* GAS2503 Developmental psychology (6 points)
* GAS2504 Research methods in psychology I (6 points)
* GAS3501 Biological psychology (6 points)
* GAS3502 Abnormal psychology (6 points)
Course structure
First-level studies have been designed so that students, although having to decide between the physical/biological sciences and the mathematical sciences, usually do not have to commit themselves to a particular major study or the multidisciplinary program until the end of their first year.
Those intending to proceed to a major in applied biology, applied chemistry or applied physics should take subjects GAS1281, GAS1383, GAS1185 and GAS1062 in first semester, making up the balance of their loads with subjects chosen from crossdisciplinary studies and the mathematical sciences (GAS1601, GAS1611, GCO1831, and GAS1612 are available).
Those whose interests lie in the mathematical sciences including mathematics, statistics, operations research and information management should take subjects GAS1611 (GAS1601 may be credited towards an operations research major in place of GAS1611), GCO1831, GAS1612 and GAS1062 in first semester together with subjects from crossdisciplinary studies and the physical and biological sciences (GAS1080, GAS1281, GAS1383, GAS1185 are available).
Students enrolled on a full-time basis are generally advised to attempt twenty-four points of credit each semester.
For most majors and the multidisciplinary program some electives will need to be chosen to make up the 144 points required for the degree. Course counselling is essential. All students are expected to review their course plans at least once a year with the appropriate course adviser.