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Monash University Handbook 2011undergrad sci-undergrad Science Undergraduate Handbook 2011 - Faculty of ScienceScience - Undergraduate studiesFaculty information
Areas of study
Course information
Course-related policies and rules
Science units and sequences - Faculty of ScienceScience studies are offered in a broad range of areas of study, or disciplines, for which a selection of units are offered as part of coordinated sequences; the terms area of study and discipline can be used interchangeably in this context. Details of the areas of study offered for the Bachelor of Science and associated courses are outlined in the 'Science areas of study and sequences' section of this Handbook for: Science unitsAll science undergraduate courses are based on units worth six points at levels one to three. A science unit is a unit that is listed under units offered in one of the entries in the section Science areas of study and sequences in this Handbook. This includes some psychology, geography and computer science units (offered by other faculties), which count as science units for the purposes of meeting the science course requirements. Sequences in an area of studyA sequence in a science area of study can be of three types: (a.) units in the same area of study, usually with the same prefix (eg BIO, MTH, PSY), in an approved combination at levels one, two and three to satisfy a major or minor sequence requirement, or (b.) specific combinations of units at levels one, two and three that are defined as a minor or major sequence in that area of study, as listed in the relevant entry in the section Science areas of study and sequences offered, or (c.) deemed sequences, where units in the minor or major sequences for an area of study do not begin until levels two or three. Deemed sequences can include unspecified science units at the preceding level(s), which may or may not be prerequisite units from another area of study. Examples include physiology and immunology. The course requirements for most science courses are expressed in terms of four different types of sequences:
Further details of each of these types of sequences are outlined below, and all approved sequences of each type are listed in the relevant entry in the section Science areas of study and sequences in this Handbook. It is not permissible for students to create their own sequences based on the properties of each type of sequence that are outlined below. NOTE: A unit at level two or three cannot be used to contribute towards two separate sequences in different areas of study. Credit for non-Monash unitsThere are specific limits on the amount of credit that students can count for units not completed at Monash towards a science major sequence (including units completed as part of Study Abroad, cross-institutional study and/or exchange). For further information on Faculty of Science academic policies visit http://www.sci.monash.edu.au/policies. Level one sequenceA level one sequence in science comprises any approved pair of 6-point level one science units in the same, or a closely-related, area of study. Normally, this combination of units is among those required for the completion of a minor sequence in that area of study, but other appropriate combinations may be approved and published in this Handbook. Details of the level one approved sequences are provided in the entry for course 0050 Bachelor of Science. Minor sequenceA minor sequence in science comprises an approved combination of four 6-point science units in the same, or a closely-related, area of study with no more than two of those units at level one. An example of a minor sequence in an area of study is two 6-point units at level one and two 6-point units in the same area at level two. Major sequenceA major sequence in science comprises an approved combination of eight 6-point science units in the same, or closely-related, area of study over three years (or full-time equivalent). These must include a total of at least six 6-point units at levels two and three, with at least three 6-point units at level three. Examples of major sequences are outlined below. Example 1Level one units 12 points Example 2Level one units 12 points Studies towards a major sequence can be in a single area of study, or they may be in related areas of study, for example first-level biology followed by second and third-level studies in physiology. A major sequence may also contain units from a number of disciplines (referred to as 'multidisciplinary'). An example of a multidisciplinary major sequence is biotechnology. Double major sequence in same area of studyTo complete a double major sequence in the same area of study, students need to complete at least 12 six-point units in the same, or closely-related, area of study. These must include a total of at least 10 6-point units at levels two and three, with at least six 6-point units at level three. Examples of double major sequences are outlined below. Example 1Level one units 12 points Example 2Level one units 12 points Structure and organisation of the faculty - Faculty of ScienceThe Faculty of Science offers a variety of courses, based on conventional on-campus teaching at the Clayton, Gippsland and Sunway campuses or via off-campus learning. The faculty has seven schools, each of which is responsible for carrying out teaching and research activities within the areas of expertise of their academic staff. ClaytonStudies in a broad range of science disciplines are offered at the Clayton campus. The schools within the faculty at the Clayton campus are: Science studies are also offered towards most science courses by some departments and schools in other faculties at the Clayton campus, including:
Gippsland and off-campus learningThe School of Applied Sciences and Engineering is located at the Gippsland campus and offers studies in applied biology, applied chemistry, biotechnology, mathematics and modelling (including applied statistics), medical bioscience, and resource and environmental management. Computing studies are offered by the Gippsland School of Information Technology towards 0050 the Bachelor of Science, and off-campus studies in psychology are also available at the Gippsland campus for science students. SunwayThe School of Science is located at the Sunway campus, Malaysia and offers science studies in biotechnology, environmental management, food science and technology and medical bioscience.
Course planning information for students in undergraduate science degrees - Faculty of ScienceSeeking advice and helpAll students enrolled in the science courses and units are encouraged to see their tutors or lecturers about any academic issues they may have. Academic staff may be approached at any time, including in relation to unit selection and academic advice about specialising in their area of study. Student services staff in the Faculty of Science office on the student's campus can advise students at any stage of their course on course requirements, including the requirements for major or minor sequences, or approval for changes to their program of study. The structure of science coursesScience courses are structured as either: (a.) generic courses, such as 0050 Bachelor of Science or 2340 Bachelor of Environmental Science, that include a small number of compulsory units, a specified number of major and minor sequences in a range of science areas of study, and some additional units available as electives, or (b.) designated courses in a specialist area, such as 2006 Bachelor of Science (Biotechnology) or 3513 Bachelor of Science (Environmental Management), for which most units are compulsory but where a limited number of elective units may be taken. Many double-degree courses, which combine studies for a science degree with the requirements for another degree, are also available. In most cases, students in double-degree courses are limited in the number of electives that they have available to them and can only take units that are offered for the two-component degrees. Students who wish to graduate with a Bachelor of Science, or undertake honours in science, prior to the completion of a science double-degree course must have completed at least 144 points of studies including all of the science requirements for that double-degree course. The course requirements in this handbook apply to students who are admitted to a course in 2011. Students whose first year of study in their course was prior to 2011 should refer to the handbook for their commencing year, or consult with student services staff in the Faculty of Science office, to determine the requirements that apply to their course. Course progressionNormal full-time loadThe normal full-time load for undergraduate science courses is 24 points per semester, or four 6-point units. Units for most undergraduate courses are available at levels one, two and three, as indicated by the first number in the unit code. Students in science courses may not undertake any level two science units until they have successfully completed at least 12 points of science units at level one. Approval to exceed a normal full-time load in any semesterStudents must seek course advice and faculty approval to enrol in more than the normal full-time load in any semester, ie more than 24 points in first and second semester and 18 points in summer semester. Approval to exceed a normal full-time load by up to 6 points would not normally be granted unless the student had achieved an average mark of at least a credit over their previous 48 points of study. Students enrolled in the Science Scholar Program, or those in double-degree programs that require more than 24 points in particular semesters, will also be permitted to enrol in up to 6 points over a normal full-time load. Students must apply to the faculty for approval to exceed the normal full-time load by more than 6 points. Unit prerequisites, corequisites and prohibitionsThe unit entries in this handbook often include lists of prerequisites, corequisites and prohibitions:
Responsibility for unit choiceIt is important that students are familiar with the requirements for the course in which they are enrolled and choose the units taken with some care. When choosing level one units, students should aim to keep options open for the choice of level two and level three units at a later stage of their course. Students should peruse the units available in later years and check on the corequisites and prerequisites listed in the unit entries, but should also be aware that not all units are offered every year. Most areas of study have certain prerequisite units for progression to the next level. Timetable constraints may influence unit choice. The faculty aims to minimise timetable clashes between appropriate unit combinations, however students are encouraged to consult the timetable prior to finalising unit selection.
Faculty academic policies - Faculty of ScienceIn addition to the University policies that govern student rights and responsibilities, the Faculty of Science has specific policies and/or procedures that apply to students enrolled in a science course or the science component of a double-degree. These policies relate to:
For further information on Faculty of Science academic policies visit http://www.sci.monash.edu.au/policies/. Science areas of study and sequences - ClaytonA broad range of science units and sequences are offered at the Clayton campus for the Bachelor of Science and related courses, taught by the faculties of Science, Arts, Information Technology, and Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences. Within the requirements of their course, students can construct a program of study to meet their individual needs and interests. The entry for each science area of study includes the science units that are offered and the detailed requirements for the minor and major sequences*. Some recommendations are provided on particular choices of units. It is important that students plan their course by consulting these requirements and recommendations at every stage of their enrolment. Students should also consult individual unit entries for details of prerequisites, prohibitions and scheduling. Note that some sequences require the completion of additional prerequisite units beyond those that comprise the sequence. These additional units must be taken as elective units within the total credit points required for the degree. Some entries for a science area of study may refer students to an associated area of study; in these instances the reference is to the relevant area of study for the same campus. For more information on the structure of sequences, such as the limitations on counting level two and three units for more than one sequence, refer to http://www.monash.edu.au/pubs/2011handbooks/undergrad/sci-01a.html. The large majority of students entering the faculty have completed the Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE), and references to desirable perquisite studies are to the prerequisite VCE subjects. Some domestic and international students enter the faculty with equivalent qualifications, and advice about unit choice for students with qualifications other than the VCE may be obtained from the faculty administration offices. * If specific units must be studied, in each science area of study they are referred to by the full unit code and title in the first instance and by their code only thereafter. Where units can be chosen from a group of related units, these are referred to by the three-letter prefix common to all of the units in that group (eg ASP - astrophysics units). Science major or minor sequences are offered at the Clayton campus in the following areas of study: Areas of study
Other science units
Science areas of study and sequences - GippslandThe School of Applied Sciences and Engineering offers a number of major and minor sequences creditable to the Bachelor of Science and related awards; these are offered on the Gippsland campus and by off-campus learning. Available studies range across the biological, chemical, environmental and mathematical sciences, together with psychology and information technology. Students should consult individual unit* entries for details of prerequisites and scheduling. Some sequences include units with prerequisites that are not included in the sequence itself. Some upper-level units are offered every second year, but sequenced to allow completion of a major over three consecutive years. Also, some other units are offered in off-campus mode every second year only. All units have a value of 6 points unless otherwise indicated. Some entries for a science area of study may refer students to an associated area of study; in these instances the reference is to the relevant area of study for the same campus. For more information on the structure of sequences, such as the limitations on counting level two and three units for more than one sequence, refer to http://www.monash.edu.au/pubs/2011handbooks/undergrad/sci-01a.html. Occasional reference is made to desirable or prerequisite studies in the Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE) - those students who did not study the VCE should seek advice about unit choice for students with qualifications other than the VCE. * If specific units must be studied, in each science area of study they are referred to by the full unit code and title in the first instance and by their code only thereafter. Where units can be chosen from a group of related units, these are referred to by the three-letter prefix common to all of the units in that group (eg ASP - astrophysics units). Areas of study
Other science units
Science areas of study and sequences - SunwayThe School of Science offers a number of major and minor sequences creditable to the Bachelor of Science; these are offered on the Sunway campus. Available studies range across the biotechnology, chemical, food science and technology and medical biosciences, together with genetics and tropical biology. Students should consult individual unit* entries for details of prerequisites and scheduling. Some sequences include units with prerequisites that are not included in the sequence itself. Some upper-level units are offered every second year, but sequenced to allow completion of a major over three consecutive years. Also, some other units are offered in off-campus mode every second year only. All units have a value of 6 points unless otherwise indicated. Some entries for a science area of study may refer students to an associated area of study; in these instances the reference is to the relevant area of study for the same campus. For more information on the structure of sequences, such as the limitations on counting level two and three units for more than one sequence, refer to http://www.monash.edu.au/pubs/2011handbooks/undergrad/sci-01a.html. The large majority of students entering the faculty have completed the Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE), and references to desirable perquisite studies are to the prerequisite VCE subjects. Some domestic and international students enter the faculty with equivalent qualifications, and advice about unit choice for students with qualifications other than the VCE may be obtained from the faculty administration offices. * If specific units must be studied, in each science area of study they are referred to by the full unit code and title in the first instance and by their code only thereafter. Areas of study
Other science units
Courses offered in 2011 - Faculty of ScienceNOTE: The course details provided in the entries below are for those students who began their studies in 2011 - students who commenced their studies prior to this date should consult the Handbook edition for the year in which they started their course. Archived Handbooks are available at http://www.monash.edu.au/pubs/handbooks. Courses managed by the Faculty of ScienceClaytonSingle degrees
Double degrees
Honours degrees
GippslandAssociate degrees
Single degrees
Double degrees
Honours degrees
SunwaySingle degrees
Double degrees
Honours degrees
Courses involving a science component but not managed by the Faculty of Science (listed by managing faculty)Faculty of Arts
Faculty of Business and Economics
Faculty of Education
Faculty of Engineering
Faculty of Law
18 September 2017
05 May 2024
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