Undergraduate - Course3520 - Bachelor of Science Advanced (Research)

This is a high-profile, flexible course with a strong foundation of studies in the enabling sciences, leading to advanced studies in one or two areas of science. The course is primarily aimed at high-achieving students who expect to pursue honours studies in science. The course encourages the development of strong research, communication and team work skills, and prepares graduates for postgraduate study or for global employment in any of the emerging and traditional fields of science.

These course outcomes are aligned with the Australian Qualifications Framework level 7, the Bologna Cycle 1 and Monash Graduate AttributesAustralian Qualifications Framework level 7, the Bologna Cycle 1 and Monash Graduate Attributes (http://opvclt.monash.edu.au/curriculum-by-design/aligning-course-outcomes-with-aqf-bologna.html).

Upon successful completion of this course it is expected that graduates will be able to:

• demonstrate advanced knowledge and technical skills in at least one area of science, and a basic understanding of science disciplines other than those in which they specialise
• develop, apply, integrate and generate scientific knowledge in professional contexts to analyse challenges and to develop effective solutions
• convey ideas and results effectively to diverse audiences and in a variety of formats, and present scientific work in a potentially publishable way
• demonstrate understanding of the importance of science to the human endeavour
• work independently to undertake a scientific literature review, and to design, develop and implement a research project
• collect, organise, analyse, interpret and present data meaningfully, using mathematical and statistical tools as appropriate to the discipline of specialisation
• work and learn in both independent and collaborative ways with others to encompass diverse abilities and perspectives
• exercise personal, professional and social responsibility as a global citizen.

Course progression requirements

A sustained high level of achievement must be demonstrated throughout the course. Students in the program are required to maintain at least a distinction average (70 per cent) across all science units in each calendar year to remain in the program. Students who do not meet this standard will be required to transfer to 0050 Bachelor of Science.

To be eligible to progress to honours at stage four in this course, students must have completed 144 points of units including:

• all of (a.) to (f.) in the 'Requirements' section for this course
• all the requirements for the major sequence in the science area of study in which they wish to undertake honours
• at least a distinction grade average (70 per cent) in 24 points of level three units in the relevant science discipline. These 24 points will normally include at least 18 points in the area of study in which honours will be undertaken.

This course consists of core and elective units and has five main components:

• foundation studies in at least two different areas of science
• a set of core units in science which further develop skills in mathematics or statistics, and provide and introduction to the key areas of scientific communication and practice and scientific research methodology
• studies in one or more areas of science from the Faculty of Science
• elective units
• an honours program of study including coursework and research in an area of science.

Students must complete 192 credit points covering all of the following:

(a.) two 12-point level one science sequences chosen from the following (12 points):

• BIO1011 Biology I, and BIO1022 Biology II or BIO1042 Environmental biology
• CHM1011 Chemistry I or CHM1051 Chemistry I advanced plus CHM1022 Chemistry II or CHM1052 Chemistry II advanced
• ESC1011 Planet earth: Our place in the universe and ESC1022 Planet earth: Surface processes
• MTH1020 Analysis of change and MTH1030 Techniques for modelling, or MTH1030 Techniques for modelling and MTH2010 Multivariable calculus, or STA1010 Statistical methods for science and MTH1030 Techniques for modelling
• PHS1011 Physics and PHS1022 Physics, or PHS1080 Foundation physics and PHS1022 Physics

(b.) at least one level-one mathematics or statistics unit (if not already taken as part of (a.)) from (6 points):

• MTH1020 Analysis of change
• MTH1030 Techniques for modelling
• STA1010 Statistical methods for science

The choice of unit will depend on the student's mathematics background and interests:

• The statistics unit STA1010 (Statistical methods for science) is recommended for students planning to study areas where experimental design and data analysis skills are particularly important, such as the life sciences.
• The mathematical methods unit MTH1030 is recommended for students with an interest in mathematics and/or physics. MTH1030 requires students 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. Students will need to seek permission to enrol in these units at the Faculty of Science, Student Academic Services officeFaculty of Science, Student Academic Services office (http://monash.edu/science/current/undergraduate/help/).

(c.) at least two major sequences, or a double-major sequence plus a minor sequence, in different science areas of study (96 points).

The sciences sequences must be chosen from the science sequences listed in the section Science areas of study and sequences - ClaytonScience areas of study and sequences - Clayton (http://www.monash.edu.au/pubs/2014handbooks/undergrad/sci-aos-clayton.html) in this Handbook.

(d.) the core unit SCI2015 Scientific practice and communication (advanced) (6 points)

(e.) one level-three research project unit relevant to the major sequence area of study (6 points)

(f.) a minimum of ten science units (60 points) at level two and three (including SCI2015 and the research project unit), with at least four science units at level three

(g.) an honours program of eight units of level four science units in a science area of study, in accordance with the normal requirements for course 0051 Honours degree of Bachelor of Science (48 points).

Notes:

• A maximum of 10 units (60 points) of level one units can be taken overall.
• A maximum of 4 units (24 points) of non-science elective units can be taken overall.
• Students should contact the Faculty of Science before enrolling in any stage of the course to ensure that the program they wish to follow will satisfy prerequisites necessary for higher stages. For information relating to course planning, science units and sequences, students should refer to the Science Faculty InformationFaculty Information (http://www.monash.edu.au/pubs/2014handbooks/undergrad/sci.html) section in this Handbook.

Minimum grade for course completion

Distinction average (70 per cent)

The honours degree of Bachelor of Science Advanced (Research)