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Monash University

Bachelor of Science

Course code: 0050 Course abbreviation: BSc ~ Total credit points required: 144 ~ 3 years full-time, 6 years part-time ~ Managing faculty: Science

Study mode and course location

On-campus (Clayton; Gippsland)

Off-campus (Gippsland - P/T only)

Course description

The course provides students with a broad, general science education, as well as specialist training in one or more science disciplines chosen from a broad range. The flexibility of the course and the wide range of areas of specialisation allows students to explore new areas, further develop their strengths in science and to pursue their interests. The emphasis on generic skills - quantitative literacy, data analysis, information literacy, problem solving, communication and presentation skills, and the capacity to work in teams - and specialisation in at least one discipline ensures a firm foundation for a career in science. Graduates will be equipped for a large variety of careers or for honours and postgraduate study, leading to global employment opportunities in any of the traditional and emerging careers for scientists.

Course objectives

Upon completion of this course, students will have advanced knowledge and skills in at least one area of science and will have a basic understanding of science disciplines other than those in which they specialise. Graduates will have improved life and employment skills including generic skills necessary to critically analyse and communicate scientific ideas and information, and a capacity to apply discipline knowledge and critical thinking to define and analyse problems, and develop effective solutions.

Course structure

Areas of study

Students must complete a minor and a major sequence in science towards the course, along with a specified number and type of science electives, a level two science core unit, and up to 48 points of non-science electives. The science major and minor sequence must be chosen from the science units listed in the section `Science areas of study and sequences' in this handbook.

Course requirements

Over the three stages of the course students must complete all of the following:

  • at least one major sequence in a science area of study
  • at least one minor sequence in a science area of study
  • at least one level one mathematics or statistics unit from SCI1020 Introduction to statistical reasoning, STA1010 Statistical methods for science, MTH1030 Techniques for modelling or MAT1085 Mathematics 1B
  • the core unit SCI2010 (The practice and application of science) at level two
  • an approved combination of level one units to ensure breadth of studies across science disciplines
  • at least 36 points of science units at level one and at least 24 points of science units at level three
  • no more than 48 points of units offered by another faculty, subject to meeting any entry requirements of that faculty
  • at most, 60 points of level one units overall.

For details of available science minor and major sequences, students should consult the section `Science areas of study and sequences' in this handbook, for the campus on which they are enrolled.

Students can satisfy the level one breadth of studies requirement in one of two ways:

Option 1

At least three level one sequences from the following approved combinations:

Astronomy
  • ASP1010 Earth to cosmos: introductory astronomy and ASP1022 Life and the universe
Atmospheric science

Biological sciences

Chemistry
Computer science
Resource and environmental science
Geosciences
  • ESC1011 Planet earth and its environment: the cosmic connection and ESC1022 Planet earth: dynamic systems, environmental change and resources
Geography
  • GES1070 Extremes: Natural hazards and human vulnerability and GES1020 Australian physical environments: evolution, status and management, or
  • GES1070 Extremes: Natural hazards and human vulnerability and GES1050 The global challenge
Mathematics
Physics
Psychology

Option 2

At least one unit from each of the following three groups:

Physical processes
Life processes
Earth processes
  • ATM1020 The science of climate
  • ATM1030 The science of weather
  • ESC1011 Planet earth and its environment: the cosmic connection
  • ESC1022 Planet earth: dynamic systems, environmental change and resources
  • ENV1711 Environmental science 1- the dynamic environment
  • ENV1722 Environmental science 2- resource management issues
  • GES1070 Extremes: Natural hazards and human vulnerability
  • GES1020 Australian physical environments: evolution, status and management
  • GES1050 The global challenge

The maximum time for completion of the course is 10 years, including intermissions.

Stage one

It is recommended that at least two level one science sequences are commenced at stage one. Where possible, commencing three level one sequences can assist students in their selection of minor and major areas of study at stage two. This will also ensure that the requirement of breadth across science disciplines is met.

Students must complete the mathematics/statistics requirement at stage one. The level one mathematics/statistics unit taken will depend on the mathematics background and interests. The statistics units SCI1020 (Introduction to statistical reasoning) and STA1010 (Statistical methods for science) are normally recommended for students planning to study areas where experimental design and data analysis skills are particularly important, such as the life sciences. SCI1020 is for students without a strong mathematics background, while STA1010 requires the student to have studied VCE Mathematical Methods Units 3 and 4 (or equivalent).

The mathematical methods units MTH1030 (only for students enrolled in the Bachelor of Science at Clayton) and MAT1085 (only for students enrolled in the Bachelor of Science at Gippsland) are recommended for students with an interest in mathematics and/or physics. MTH1030 requires the student to have studied VCE Specialist Mathematics (or equivalent) or MTH1020, while MAT1085 requires the student to have studied the prerequisite unit MAT1055.

Stage two

It is recommended that at least two science minor sequences and the core unit SCI2010 are undertaken at stage two and that any remaining units to complete the requirement of breadth of study across disciplines are completed.

Stage three

Students should complete their science major sequence and any remaining units needed to complete any outstanding course requirements at stage three. Additional level two and level three science units may also be taken at stage three, for example to complete a second science major sequence or a double-major sequence.

Course progression requirements

Students must complete the mathematics/statistics requirement at stage one before enrolling in level two science units.

To be eligible to apply for entry into the honours year, students should obtain a distinction grade average (70 per cent) or above in 24 points of studies in relevant units at level three, which will normally include at least 18 points of units in the area of study in which they wish to undertake honours.

Contact details

Email: enquiries@sci.monash.edu.au