Monash University Handbook 2010 Undergraduate - Course

The study of law develops problem-solving skills and powers of analysis. It teaches precise and imaginative use of language. It also promotes ethical thinking and a focus on justice and fairness. It enhances students' thinking, reasoning and expressive abilities within legal and related contexts, leading to employment in the legal profession, law reform agencies, government service or other relevant areas of employment.

The science component aims to provide a broad, general science education with an emphasis on generic skills, which include numeracy, data analysis and presentation skills, and the capacity to work in teams. Graduates will also have specialist training in at least one science and one arts discipline, in preparation for honours and postgraduate study, or for employment in any of the traditional careers for arts graduates or scientists.

The objectives of the LLB program at Monash are to enable students to gain an understanding of basic legal concepts and legal institutions and of the historical, social, political and economic factors influencing their development. Upon completion of the LLB, students will be able to identify, use and evaluate the concepts, principles, rules and methods used in legal argument and will have developed oral and written skills, especially of legal argument, legal research and critical analysis. Students will have gained an understanding of concepts of justice, a concern to promote justice and an appreciation of their professional responsibilities.

Upon completion of the science component, students will have advanced knowledge and skills in at least one area of science. Graduates will have improved life and employment skills including generic skills necessary to critically analyse and communicate ideas and information, and a capacity to apply discipline knowledge and critical thinking to define and analyse problems, and develop effective solutions.

Admission to practice: Disciplinary reports

Warning to students of consequences of cheating or general misconduct

Students should note that a local applicant applying for admission to practise law in Victoria is required by the Admission Rules 2008 to provide to the Board of Examiners:

(1.) a report from the university disclosing any disciplinary action taken against the student during the course (including any finding under the University Discipline Statute that the student has cheated in an assessment); and

(2.) an affidavit stating that the applicant has made full written disclosure of "every matter which a reasonable applicant would consider that the Board of Examiners might regard as not being favourable to the applicant". This may include an incident of academic or general misconduct, even if it did not lead to disciplinary action.

The Board of Examiners will consider these matters in assessing whether the applicant is a 'fit and proper person to be admitted to the legal profession'.

The Bachelor of Laws course consists of 12 compulsory units which must be completed by all students enrolled in an LLB program plus a further six 'quasi-compulsory' units which must be completed by students who wish to be qualified for admission to practice as a barrister or solicitor in Victoria. The remainder of the program consists of law elective units chosen by the student. Refer to 'Bachelor of Laws - basic course structure' at http://www.monash.edu.au/pubs/handbooks/undergrad/law-08.html. The award of an honours degree in law is based on the weighted average of marks obtained in Monash law units.

The science component requires students to complete 96 points of science units, including:

• a major sequence in a science area of study
• a minor sequence in a different science area of study
• a level-one mathematics/statistics unit from*:

(a) SCI1020 Introduction to statistical reasoning

(b) STA1010 Statistical methods for science

(c) MTH1020 Analysis of change

(d) MTH1030 Techniques for modelling

• a level-two science core unit: SCI2010 The practice and application of science
• two elective science units.

*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 unit MTH1030 is 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.

The Faculty of Science requires science studies to be chosen from the science units listed in the 'Science areas of study and sequences' section in this handbook at http://www.monash.edu.au/pubs/handbooks/undergrad/sci-aos-clayton.html. In order to pursue a particular science sequence, students must take the necessary science prerequisites in their first level of study. Students should contact the science course adviser before enrolling in any level of the double degree program, to ensure that the program they wish to follow will satisfy prerequisites necessary for higher levels.

First year - 48 points

• LAW1101 Introduction to legal reasoning
• LAW1104 Research and writing
• 36 points of science units including at least one of SCI1020 (Introduction to statistical reasoning), MTH1020, Analysis of Change or MTH1030 (Techniques for modelling) or STA1010 (Statistical methods for science) and satisfy the level-one requirements for a major sequence and a minor sequence in different science areas of study

Second year - 48 points

• LAW2101 Contract A
• LAW2102 Contract B
• SCI2010 The practice and application of science
• 24 points of level-two units towards two minor sequences in different science areas of study.
• science elective unit

Third year - 48 points

• LAW3301 Criminal law and procedure A
• LAW3302 Criminal law B
• LAW2201 Torts A
• LAW2202 Torts B
• 24 points of level-three science units, including at least 18 points towards a major sequence in a science area of study

Fourth year - 54 points

• LAW3201 Constitutional law
• LAW3401 Property law A
• LAW3402 Property law B
• LAW5104 Civil procedure
• LAW5125 Lawyers, ethics and society
• LAW5159 Evidence
• 18 points of elective law units

Fifth year - 54 points

• LAW3101 Administrative law
• LAW4169 Equity
• LAW4170 Trusts
• LAW4171 Corporations law
• 30 points of elective law units

Students may undertake honours in science at the end of three years of study, provided that they have met the requirements of the Bachelor of Science program and completed a minimum of 144 points of total study. Students who are considering doing honours in science prior to completing the double-degree should consult with the Faculty of Science regarding their unit selection prior to re-enrolling for level 3.

Students may graduate with a Bachelor of Science following the completion of an approved combination of at least 144 points of units, including all of the normal science requirements for the Bachelor of Science with at least 96 points of science units and no more than 36 points of level 1 science units and at least 24 points of level-three science units.

Bachelor of Laws

Bachelor of Science

Bachelor of Laws (with Honours)

Where more than one award is listed for one or both components of the double degree the actual award(s) conferred may depend on units/majors/streams/specialisations studied, the level of academic merit achieved, or other factors relevant to the individual student's program of study.