Monash University Handbook 2011 Undergraduate - Course

The course provides students with an opportunity to combine studies within the very wide range of disciplines in the humanities, social sciences and communications in combination with studies in a number of areas of science. In the arts component of the course, students are encouraged to grasp the opportunity to develop their imaginations and gain a broad understanding of the new ideas and values with which they will be challenged, so that they may become flexible, well-informed graduates who are sophisticated communicators and analytical thinkers. 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 or emerging careers for arts graduates or scientists.

Upon completion of this course, students will have advanced knowledge and skills in at least one area of science and arts. 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.

The course comprises minor and major sequences in both arts and science, along with a specified number of electives from each faculty.

Students in this course may not take units from faculties other than the Faculty of Arts and Faculty of Science.

Arts component

Students complete:

(1.) 96 points of arts units including:

(a.) an arts major (48 points)

(b.) an arts minor in a different area of study (24 points)

(c.) a level-one arts sequence in a third area of study (12 points)

Notes:

The Faculty of Arts requires arts studies to be chosen from the arts disciplines outlined at http://www.monash.edu.au/pubs/2011handbooks/aos/index-ug-byfaculty-arts.html.

Within the Bachelor of Arts component a maximum of six level one arts units (36 points) overall can be taken. In addition, a minimum of three level three arts units must be taken in the arts major sequence (18 points).

Science component

Students complete:

(2.) 96 points of science units including:

(a.) a major sequence in a science area of study (48 points)

(b.) a minor sequence in a different science area of study (24 points)

(c.) at least one mathematics or statistics unit from the following (6 points):

• MTH1020 Analysis of change
• MTH1030 Techniques for modelling
• SCI1020 Introduction to statistical reasoning
• STA1010 Statistical methods for science

(d.) SCI2010 The practice and application of science (6 points)

(e.) science electives to complete a total of 96 points of science studies

Notes:

The Faculty of Science requires science studies to be chosen from the science units listed in the section 'Science areas of study and sequences' in this handbook available via http://www.monash.edu.au/pubs/2011handbooks/undergrad/sci-aos-clayton.html.

Within the Science component students must complete a minimum of four level-three science units (24 points), and a maximum of six level-one science units (36 points) can be taken overall.

The level one mathematics/statistics unit taken will depend on the mathematics background and interests as follows:

• 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.
• Students with a strong mathematics background and a keen interest in the subject could replace the units MTH1030 and MTH2010 with their advanced versions MTH1035 and MTH2015 respectively. Enrolment in these units is with permission from the head of the School of Mathematics.

Recommended program of study

Stage one

Students must complete at least five level one sequences - at least two from the Faculty of Science and three from the Faculty of Arts. These five level one sequences must be in different areas of study. Only four sequences will be taken in the first year of study and overall no more than 36 points of level one units may be taken from either faculty.

Stage two

Students must complete the level one mathematics/statistics requirement if not already completed at stage one, and the core unit SCI2010.

All remaining units will be completed at stages three and four.

Students may apply for admission to an honours program in science, following the completion of an approved combination of at least 144 points of units including all of the science requirements for the double degree course. 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 three.

Students may be eligible to exit the double degree program and graduate with either a Bachelor of Arts or a Bachelor of Science after three years, depending on the units studied.

Students who wish to graduate with a Bachelor of Science prior to the completion of the double degree course must have completed at least 144 points of studies, including all of the science requirements for the double degree course.

Bachelor of Arts

Bachelor of Science