Bachelor of Science/Bachelor of Arts (Communication)


General information

Course code: 2130 * Gippsland campus * HECS fees applicable * Attendance compulsory for some subjects.

Aims

This double degree program aims to provide students with the knowledge, understanding and skills relevant to (a) the role of science and media in society; communication and mass communication; modern multimedia technology appropriate to science and to communications; and (b) one or more areas of the natural and/or applied sciences.

Professional recognition

Candidates for the award would be eligible to seek membership of professional societies appropriate to areas of science specialisation (eg a chemistry major - the Royal Australian Chemical Institute) and to professional media associations.
Professional societies appropriate to the sciences offered within this double degree program include the Royal Australian Chemical Institute and Australian Institute of Energy.

Entry requirements

Normal Monash entry requirements apply: the VCE or equivalent with a study score of at least 25 in English. Applicants will also be interviewed, and this interview may be conducted as a face-to-face interview or via electronic communication. Non VCE applicants should refer to the section on admission requirements at the front of the handbook.

Special requirements

Attendance

Students enrolling in many biological, chemical, or physical science subjects (especially upper-level subjects) must attend on-campus laboratory sessions. These sessions are conducted in residential schools which are held once each semester and are usually of from three to seven days duration (laboratory work in some first level science subjects is performed entirely off-campus, using home experimental kits loaned to students on the basis of a refundable deposit).
In addition, in some subjects, optional weekend school sessions are conducted for the benefit of students who are able to attend. These sessions are typically of two to four hours duration. They may include lectures, seminars or tutorials and hands-on skills workshops.

Course structure

The duration of the double degree is flexible, however, depending on study load, it would normally be completed in four years of full-time study, or the equivalent of part-time study.
Subjects with a total credit value of a minimum of 192 points must be obtained by completing:
(a) Ninety-six points in subjects from the Schedule of Approved Science Subjects (see the Bachelor of Science entry) including:
(i) a science major sequence (excluding computing) of at least forty-eight points, structured as follows:

Level 1


Level 2


Level 3


Total

12

+

18

+

24

=

54

or







12

+

12

+

24

=

48

or







12

+

18

+

18

=

48


(ii) a science minor sequence in a second discipline, consisting of twelve points at level one and twelve points at levels two and three.
(iii) two level-one core subjects:

(iv) at least one level-one subject from one of the following groups:

(This subject is to be drawn from a different group from those which include the two chosen science discipline sequences in (i) and (ii).)
(b) Ninety-four points from the Bachelor of Arts (Communication) degree, including thirty points from first-level (six-point) subjects which must include eighteen points from three compulsory communications subjects

and sixty-four points from upper-level (second and third) (eight-point) subjects which must include forty points from five compulsory communications subjects

(c) additional subjects from either the School of Applied Sciences or the School of Humanities and Social Sciences in order to meet the requirements of the 192 points.
It would be normal for a student to progress through the science and communication requirements in a parallel fashion. There is considerable flexibility in the study program to allow each student to design their own study program, subject to the completion of prerequisites, and in consultation with a course adviser.
A new full-time student would normally complete the following subjects in one academic year. Part-time students would typically complete these subjects over their first two years.

First semester
Second semester

Major studies

The ninety-four points from the Bachelor of Arts (Communication) comprises a major study in communication. In addition, two discipline sequences may be chosen from the following science disciplines:

Initial enrolment

Students are strongly advised to consult the appropriate course adviser when planning their initial study program. Some subjects in the various science discipline areas are not offered in the distance education mode every year. Many subjects are available only every second year and course planning must take this into account.
First-level science subjects are the same as those described in the entry for the Bachelor of Science degree. (Please refer to that entry for details.)
First-level communications subjects available are the same as those described in the entry for the Bachelor of Arts (Communication) degree. (Please refer to that entry for details.)

Assessment

Assessment is the result of a combination of assignments and final examination for each subject. Generally a pass is required in the final examination to pass the subject. Laboratory science subjects include a laboratory component which is usually assessed by performance in class and/or written reports.

Credits/exemptions for previous studies

Appropriate credits may be granted for approved studies completed at a recognised post-secondary institution. It is advisable that intending applicants seek advice from both the Faculty of Science and the School of Humanities, Communication and Social Sciences regarding their credit transfer policy.

Further information

For more detailed information, contact the Faculty of Science office, Gippsland, telephone (03) 9902 6431, fax (03) 9902 6931.

Completed applications

Completed applications are to be forwarded to the Admissions Officer, School of Humanities, Communication and Social Sciences, Monash University Gippsland campus, Churchill, Victoria, 3842, by 24 September 1999 to be considered for a first-round offer. Later applications will be welcome (subject to quotas).