Monash University: University Handbooks: Off-Campus Learning Guide 2004: Units indexed by faculty
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Off-Campus Learning Guide 2004
Science

Bachelor of Science/Bachelor of Arts (Journalism)

Course code: 2131 + Gippsland campus + HECS fees applicable + Attendance compulsory for some units

Aims

This double-degree program aims to provide students with the knowledge, understanding and skills relevant to (a) the practice of science journalism; the role of science and media in society; modern multimedia technology appropriate to journalism and science communication; 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/journalism 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

As for the BSc/BA(Comm).

Special requirements

Placement option

The journalism component of the award includes GSC3902 (Applied journalism research project), which offers the student the option of undertaking a workplace placement or an individual project selected through negotiation with the unit adviser. To undertake the placement option, students must be available for six to eight weeks (or equivalent) during one semester of study.

PC requirement

To complete the double degree satisfactorily, it is essential that students possess or have access to a PC and modem.

Attendance and laboratory work

There are no compulsory attendance requirements in the journalism component of the award. Please refer to the Bachelor of Science entry for science requirements.

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 part-time study.

Units with a total credit value of a minimum of 192 points must be obtained by completing:
(a) 96 points to be taken from approved Science units as listed under the Bachelor of Science entry and as for the BSc/BA(Comm).

(b) 96 points from the School of Humanities, Communications and Social Sciences including the prescribed sequence in journalism (refer to the BA (Journalism) entry), an arts minor (24 points) and four upper-level elective units (24 points).
It would be normal for a student to progress through the science and the journalism requirements in a parallel fashion. There is considerable flexibility in the study program to allow each student to design his or her own study program, subject to the completion of prerequisites and in consultation with a course adviser.

Major and minor studies

Science discipline sequences

Refer to the entry for the Bachelor of Science.

Arts minors

Refer to the Faculty of Arts section of this guide or your course adviser.

Initial enrolment

Students are strongly advised to consult the appropriate course adviser when planning their initial study program. Some units in the various science discipline areas are not offered in the off-campus learning mode every year. Many units are available only every second year; course planning must take this into account.

Assessment

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

Advanced standing for previous study

Appropriate credit/s 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, Communications 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, Communications and Social Sciences, Monash University Gippsland Campus, Churchill, Victoria 3842, by 27 September 2002 to be considered for a first-round offer. Later applications will be welcome (subject to quotas).

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