Master of Science - 2019

The Master of Science is an advanced program for science graduates with an undergraduate degree in a cognate discipline. It is designed for two distinct groups of students: the professional scientists aiming to extend their industry-related knowledge and skills for career advancement, and those considering a research degree. In the first year of the course, you will complete advanced studies in your chosen field as well as a project in your chosen topic. In the second year of the course, your will complete further studies to deepen your knowledge in your chosen field. These studies will culminate in a capstone unit involving a research project which could be theoretical in nature or applied to an industry context.

The Master of Science is available in the following disciplines:

• Astrophysics
• Atmospheric science
• Earth science
• Physics

Specialisations

Astrophysics

In this specialisation students will advance their knowledge of Astrophysics through advanced coursework; they will also have the option to undertake elective coursework in other subject areas relevant to career development in Astrophysics.

Studies will be chosen from a variety of topics including Computational astrophysics, Observational astronomy, General relativity, Exoplanets, Stars, Nuclear astrophysics, Cosmology, High energy astrophysics.

In addition to coursework studies, students will complete research projects in theoretical, computational or experimental astrophysics.

Atmospheric science

In this specialisation students will advance their knowledge of Atmospheric science through advanced coursework. They will also have the option to undertake elective coursework in other subject areas relevant to Atmospheric science, some of which are offered through the Victorian Institute of Earth and Planetary Sciences (VIEPS).

Studies will be chosen from a variety of topics including Statistics for climate dynamics, Dynamical meteorology, the General circulation, Atmospheric modelling, Atmospheric boundary layers, and Ocean circulation and dynamics.

In addition to coursework studies, students will complete research projects in theoretical, computational or observation-based Atmospheric science.

Earth science

In this specialisation students will advance their knowledge of Earth science through advanced coursework; they will also have the option to undertake elective coursework in other subject areas relevant to career development in Earth science. Some of the elective options are offered through the Victorian Institute of Earth and Planetary Sciences (VIEPS).

Studies will be chosen from a variety of topics including Ore deposits, Mineralogy, Petrology, Geochemistry, Geochronology, Advanced structural geology, Tectonics and geodynamics, Geology from Geophysics, Field

geology, Geographic Information Systems (GIS), Remote sensing, Spatial data analysis, Hydrogeology and Environmental geochemistry, Physical geography, Climate change, Water security, and Environmental pollution.

In addition to coursework studies students will complete research projects in field-based, theoretical, computational or experimental Earth science.

Physics

In this specialisation students will advance their knowledge of Physics through advanced coursework; they will also have the option to undertake elective coursework in other subject areas relevant to career development in Physics.

Studies will be chosen from a variety of topics including Quantum mechanics, Condensed matter physics, Statistical mechanics, Quantum field theory, General relativity, Atomic physics and Quantum optics, Classical electrodynamics and field theory and Quantum information theory, Quantum computation, Quantum fluids and Many body theory, Diffraction physics and imaging, X-ray optics and Synchrotron science.

In addition to coursework studies, students will complete research projects in theoretical, computational or experimental physics.

These course outcomes are aligned with the Australian Qualifications Framework level 9 and Monash Graduate AttributesAustralian Qualifications Framework level 9 and Monash Graduate Attributes (http://monash.edu.au/pubs/handbooks/alignmentofoutcomes.html).

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

1. Demonstrate an advanced understanding of knowledge in a science discipline through the integration of theories, principles and concepts in the context of contemporary science practice and research
2. Think critically, creatively, and reflectively to analyse complex problems and to generate innovative solutions which either extend discipline domain knowledge or integrates different fields of study
3. Effectively communicate ideas and results to technical and non-technical audiences alike in a variety of formats in a professional context, and work productively within a team of experts in the field
4. Work competently, independently and ethically in an interdisciplinary, academic and/or professional context.

The course comprises 96 points structured into four parts, Part A. Advanced studies, Part B. Research project, Part C. Extended studies, and Part D. Advanced research project. All students complete Part C and Part D. Depending upon prior qualifications students may receive credit for Part A and Part B.

• If you are admitted at entry level 1 you complete 96 points, comprising Part A, Part B, Part C and Part D.
• If you are admitted at entry level 2 you complete 48 points, comprising Part C and Part D.

Part A. Advanced studies

These studies consolidate your theoretical and/or technical knowledge in an area of specialisation and provide an introduction to research methodologies appropriate to your chosen discipline.

Part B. Research project

This part is designed to develop your ability to establish, plan and execute a research project under the guidance of an academic supervisor.

Part C. Extended studies

These studies will deepen the student's understanding of specific topics and advanced elements within their chosen discipline.

Part D. Advanced research project

This is the culmination of the program. You will establish, plan, execute and report on an advanced research project. You will work closely with an academic supervisor on a chosen topic.

The course comprises 96 points structured into four parts, Part A. Advanced studies, Part B. Research project, Part C. Extended technical studies, and Part D. Advanced research project. You must complete Part C and Part D. Depending upon prior qualifications you may receive credit for Part A and Part B.

• If you are admitted at entry level 1 you complete 96 points, comprising Part A, Part B, Part C and Part D.
• If you are admitted at entry level 2 you complete 48 points, comprising Part C and Part D

The course progression mapcourse progression map (http://www.monash.edu.au/pubs/2019handbooks/maps/map-s6000.pdf) provides guidance on unit enrolment for each semester of study.

Units are 6 points unless otherwise stated.

Part A. Advanced studies (24 points)

You must complete:

Astrophysics

• ASP4020 Astrophysics coursework A (12 points)
• ASP4021 Astrophysics coursework B (12 points)

Atmospheric science

a. Three units (18 points) from the following:

• EAE4020 Statistics for climate science
• EAE4021 Advanced dynamical meteorology
• EAE4022 General circulation of the atmosphere
• EAE4023 Atmospheric modelling
• EAE4024 Boundary layer meteorology
• EAE4025Not offered in 2019 Ocean circulation and dynamics

b. One unit (6 points) from the following:

• ATS2910 Professional and academic presentation skills
• EAE5258 Geographical information systems (GIS) for environmental science
• ENS5320 Climate change, energy and human security
• FIT5147 Data exploration and visualisation
• FIT9133 Programming foundations in python
• Units listed under Part A section a. or b. in the Earth science specialisation

Earth science

a. Three units (18 points) from the following:

• EAE4060 Advanced field geology
• EAE4061 Geology and tectonics of New Zealand
• EAE4062 Applied analytical geochemistry
• EAE4063 Mineral exploration simulation
• EAE4064 Contemporary environmental earth science problems
• EAE4065 Drones and digital mapping in earth science
• EAE4066 Applied geophysics and earth imaging
• EAE4067 Remote sensing
• EAE4068 Spatial data analysis
• EAE4069 3D data analytics, geological and resource modelling
• EAE5258 Geographical information systems (GIS) for environmental science
• ENS5320 Climate change, energy and human security
• ENS5330 Water security and environmental pollution

b. One unit (6 points) from the following:

• EAE4070 Coursework Victorian institute of earth and planetary sciences
• FIT5147 Data exploration and visualisation
• FIT9132 Introduction to databases
• FIT9133 Programming foundations in python
• MAT9004 Mathematical foundations for data science
• MGF5600 Managing innovation
• MGF5962 Principles of management

Physics

• PHS4020 Physics coursework A (12 points)
• PHS4021 Physics coursework B (12 points)

Part B. Research project (24 points)

You must complete:

Astrophysics

• ASP4000 Astrophysics research project (24 points)

Atmospheric science

• EAE4000 Atmospheric science research project A (12 points)
• EAE4001 Atmospheric science research project B (12 points)

Earth science

• EAE4010 Earth science research project A (12 points)
• EAE4011 Earth science research project B (12 points)

Physics

• PHS4000 Physics research project (24 points)

Part C. Extended studies (24 points)

You must complete:

Astrophysics

• ASP5020Not offered in 2019 Advanced astrophysics coursework A (12 points)
• ASP5021Not offered in 2019 Advanced astrophysics coursework B (12 points)

Atmospheric science

a. Three units (18 points) from the following:

• EAE5020 Statistics for climate science
• EAE5021 Advanced dynamical meteorology
• EAE5022 General circulation of the atmosphere
• EAE5023 Atmospheric modelling
• EAE5024Not offered in 2019 Boundary layer meteorology
• EAE5025Not offered in 2019 Ocean circulation and dynamics

b. One unit (6 points) from the following or listed in a. above:

• EAE5258 Geographical information systems (GIS) for environmental science
• ENS5320 Climate change, energy and human security
• FIT5147 Data exploration and visualisation
• Units listed under Part C section a. or b. in the Earth science specialisation

Earth science

a. Three units (18 points) from the following:

• EAE5060 Advanced field geology
• EAE5061 Geology and tectonics of New Zealand
• EAE5062 Applied analytical geochemistry
• EAE5063Not offered in 2019 Mineral exploration simulation
• EAE5064 Contemporary environmental earth science problems
• EAE5065 Drones and digital mapping in earth science
• EAE5066 Applied geophysics and earth imaging
• EAE5067 Remote sensing
• EAE5068 Spatial data analysis
• EAE5069Not offered in 2019 3D data analytics, geological and resource modelling
• EAE5258 Geographical information systems (GIS) for environmental science
• ENS5320 Climate change, energy and human security
• ENS5330 Water security and environmental pollution

b. One unit (6 points) from the following:

• FIT5147 Data exploration and visualisation
• MGF5600 Managing innovation
• MGF5962 Principles of management

Physics

• PHS5020Not offered in 2019 Advanced physics coursework A (12 points)
• PHS5021Not offered in 2019 Advanced physics coursework B (12 points)

Part D. Advanced research project (24 points)

You must complete:

Astrophysics

• ASP5000Not offered in 2019 Advanced astrophysics research project (24 points)

Atmospheric science

• EAE5000Not offered in 2019 Advanced atmospheric science research project A (12 points)
• EAE5001Not offered in 2019 Advanced atmospheric science research project B (12 points)

Earth science

• EAE5010Not offered in 2019 Advanced earth science research project A (12 points)
• EAE5011Not offered in 2019 Advanced earth science research project B (12 points)

Physics

• PHS5000Not offered in 2019 Advanced physics research project (24 points)

You should note that units successfully completed at level 4 in Part A cannot be taken at level 5 in Part C.

You may exit this course early and apply to graduate with one of the following awards, provided you have satisfied the requirements for that award during your enrolment in the master's course:

• Graduate Diploma of Science after: successful completion of 48 credit points (Parts A and B).
• Graduate Certificate of Science: after successful completion of 24 credit points (Part A).

Successful completion of this course may provide a pathway to a higher degree by research.