MONASH
SCIENCE
UNDERGRADUATE
COURSE GUIDE 2017
study.monash
“The future needs fast movers and big ideas.
Above all, it needs people who can grasp a complex
problem and build the solution required –
with talent, creativity and flair”.
Professor Ian Chubb AC, Australia’s Chief Scientist
We are facing a wide range of complex challenges – environmental pressure,
climate change, booming population and an ever-changing technological,
economic and social landscape.
These challenges bring with them exciting
opportunities – to innovate, collaborate,
and create solutions that will change the
world. That’s where you come in. With a
degree in science from Monash University
you could influence government policy
on waterways management, be out in
1
the field searching for fossils in Antarctica,
work on manufacturing the bionic eye or
develop a ground breaking new vaccine.
Or, you could take your scientific expertise
into business, the not-for-profit sector,
teaching or communications, to name
just a few.
There has never been a better time
to study science. If you want to make
a difference, do what you love, and use
your science training and knowledge to
influence our future, Monash Science is
the place for you.
WHY SCIENCE
AT MONASH
Australia’s best
science facilities
Do what you
love from day one
Our state-of-the-art science precinct
is home to two student lounges just
for science students, along with many
other comfortable break-out spaces for
studying and hanging out. We’ve spent
millions in recent years on making our
student facilities and buildings among
Australia’s best.
Our science degree offers genuine
flexibility and choice. Along side your
science studies you can take subjects
from other areas such as Arts, or do all
science if that is what you want. Fancy
mixing physics with theatre? You can
at Monash. We also offer double degree
options, allowing you to study towards
two degrees at the same time. A double
degree course takes two years less to
complete than studying towards the
two degrees separately.
We also take a unique approach to
teaching. For example, you’ll study
geology by actually getting your hands
dirty in our brand new outdoor classroom
– the Field Experience Rock Garden.
If biology is your thing, our amazing
on-campus outdoor reserve allows you
to study the natural world in the great
outdoors. Physics students benefit from
an innovative group approach to learning
that throws traditional lectures out of the
window, developing skills in team-working,
problem-solving and leadership.
You have the flexibility to build your course
around your love of science, and not be
forced into breadth areas outside science.
We also recognise your passion for
science by offering those of you studying
more than one science subject through
years 11 and 12 a VTAC subject bonus.
This could improve your ranking and
eligibility into the Bachelor of Science.
The world is
your classroom
Get hands-on and learn
from the world’s best
Real-world skills
and experience
The world is your classroom when you
study science with us. 25 of the units we
offer take you from the classroom out into
the field – from Heron Island’s pristine
coral cays, the jungles of Borneo, to the
rocky outcrops of the Cinque Terre in Italy.
We’re not all theory; you’ll get plenty
of hands-on lab hours. You’ll be learning
from academics who are pioneering
international research in their scientific
disciplines. Our undergraduate students
are actively encouraged to participate
in research projects and some of our
students have been published in leading
scientific journals, and accompanied their
teachers on expeditions to exotic places
such as Antarctica and Africa. We also
offer double the lab hours compared
to some universities, meaning there are
more opportunities to get hands-on.
You’ll be given lots of coaching and
guidance to prepare you for the world
after university, from learning leadership
skills to writing your CV. We have an
in-house careers consultant, alongside
leadership and mentoring programs to
hone your non-academic skills and help
prepare you for your dream job. You
can also complete industry placements
while you study. We have a proven track
record of providing a springboard to a
huge range of careers and postgraduate
research in science and beyond.
Our students have assisted senior staff
with research into topics as diverse as
natural resource exploration in Tanzania,
fossicking for fossils in Antarctica and
developing solutions to water purity
using graphene.
2
OUR
COURSES
At a glance
For students looking to begin study in 2017
BACHELOR OF SCIENCE
ATAR
85.00*
2016 Clearly-in ATAR
Subject prerequisites
English
Maths
Science/Other
BACHELOR OF SCIENCE
ADVANCED – Global Challenges
(Honours)
BACHELOR OF SCIENCE
ADVANCED – Research
(Honours)
ATAR (Range of critea including):
ATAR
information form.
90.00* Supplementary
If successfully shortlisted based
95.00*
on the supplementary form, you
will be invited for interview
N/A
Location(s):
On-campus at Clayton
Duration:
3 years (full-time)
6 years (part-time)
Start date:
First Semester (February)
Second Semester (July)
Bachelor of Science
If you want to make a difference,
studying a science degree at Monash
will give you the opportunity to learn
from leading experts whose cuttingedge research is influencing the
world’s future.
The choice, flexibility and depth across the
huge range of science disciplines available
at Monash means that you will graduate
with a degree unique to you, tailored to
your individual expertise, interests and
career aspirations.
The comprehensive range of majors,
extended majors and minors on offer
provides you with a broad education and
allows you to explore varied interests before
focusing in the one or two areas that most
inspire you. However, if a particular field has
always captivated you, you can choose it
from the start.
DID YOU KNOW?
If you are studying more than one eligible
science subject in Year 12, you will qualify
for subject bonus. This could improve your
ranking and eligibility into the course.
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Subject prerequisites
English
Maths
Science/Other
Subject prerequisites
Course details
Qualifications:
2016 Clearly-in ATAR
English
Maths
Science/Other
Course details
N/A
Course details
Location(s):
On-campus at Clayton
Duration:
4 years (full-time)
Start date:
First Semester (February)
Qualifications:
Bachelor of Science Advanced
– Global Challenges (Honours)
This is a science degree with a
difference – the only course of its kind
in Australia. In addition to studying the
science discipline of your choice under
the watchful eyes of some of the world’s
leading scientists and academics,
you will receive high-level training in
leadership, persuasive communication,
entrepreneurship, policy, ethics and
corporate and social responsibility.
You will graduate with Honours from the
Bachelor of Science Advanced – Global
Challenges (Honours) and will leave university
equipped with a rich and diverse set of
skills, a strong peer and mentor network
and the passion and confidence to pursue
a meaningful, exciting career.
Location(s):
On-campus at Clayton
Duration:
4 years (full-time)
Start date:
First Semester (February)
Second Semester (July)
Qualifications:
Bachelor of Science Advanced
– Research (Honours)
Do you see yourself making a difference
in the world through the advancement
of scientific research? If so, this is the
course for you.
As a scientist, you will play an important
role in developing cutting-edge technologies,
therapies and initiatives that address some
of the greatest challenges to society.
You may be instrumental in policy making,
research and teaching, addressing issues
associated with health care and social
well-being. You may also be employed
in traditional and emerging areas where
expertise in life sciences, chemistry,
geosciences, mathematics and statistics,
computer sciences and the physical
sciences is important.
*Australian domestic students
Visit study.monash to
view entry requirements
and to read more about
our courses
Double degrees
If you have a passion for an area outside of
science, or would like to go into a field in which
scientific knowledge would be an advantage, a
double degree could be the perfect choice for you.
Combining science with another area of specialisation
gives you a unique suite of skills and helps you stand
out in today’s competitive job market.
Double degrees with Science:
Double degrees allow you to study two separate degrees at the
same time. The way they are structured enables you to graduate
with both degrees in a much shorter time than it would take to
complete the two degrees individually.
■■
Bachelor of Science and Bachelor of Arts
■■
Bachelor of Science and Bachelor of Biomedical Science
■■
Bachelor of Science and Bachelor of Computer Science
■■
Bachelor of Science and Bachelor of Global Studies
■■
Bachelor of Science and Bachelor of Music
■■
Bachelor of Commerce and Bachelor of Science
■■
Bachelor of Commerce Specialist and Bachelor of Science
■■
Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) and Bachelor of Science
■■
Bachelor of Information Technology and Bachelor of Science
■■
Bachelor of Laws (Honours) and Bachelor of Science
■■
Bachelor of Education (Honours) and Bachelor of Science
To find out more about double degrees, including how they
work and why you should do one, visit study.monash/courses
SAMPLE
COURSE MAP
This is an example of what your studies as a science student could look like (single degree).
As a Bachelor of Science student you will have the option to take electives, allowing you to
choose subjects outside of science, or extra science subjects, depending on your interests.
YEAR 1
YEAR 2
YEAR 3
Semester 1
Science major
Science
Maths or statistics
Elective
Semester 2
Science major
Science
Science elective
Elective
Semester 1
Science major
Science
Science Communication
Elective
Semester 2
Science major
Science
Science
Elective
Semester 1
Science major
Science major
Elective
Elective
Semester 2
Science major
Science major
Elective
Elective
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WHERE YOUR FIRST YEAR
STUDY CAN TAKE YOU
In each of our three courses you can choose from seven areas of study in your first
year. These areas of study can lead you to 26 possible majors. A major is a study area
that you choose to focus on as a primary part of your degree and can lead to a variety
of career outcomes.
This table outlines the many areas of study you can undertake in Science at Monash
and where they could lead you. Read more about our majors at study.monash/courses
WHAT YOU STUDY
IN FIRST YEAR
EXAMPLE CAREERS
Biochemistry
Developmental biology
Ecology and conservation
biology
Environmental science
(extended major)
Genetics
Human pathology
Immunology
Microbiology
Pharmacology
Physiology
Plant sciences
Zoology
Agricultural Researcher
Animal Technician
Bioinformatician
Biotechnologist
Biotechnology Product Developer
Botanist/Plant Scientist
Clinical Scientist
Cytogeneticist
Ecologist Entomologist
Environmental/Conservation
Biologist
Environmental Consultant
Environmental Health Promoter
Evolution and Adaptation Biologist
Fauna Assessment Officer
Geneticist
Hospital Scientist
Laboratory Research
Technician
Marine/Freshwater Biologist
Medical Researcher
Microbiologist
Museum Curator
Park Ranger
Patent Officer
Research Scientist
Science Journalist
Science Teacher
Soil Scientist
University Lecturer
Wildlife Manager
Zoologist
CHEMISTRY
Biochemistry
Chemistry
Materials science
Physiology
Agrochemicals Chemist
Analytical Chemist
Biomedical Chemist/Analytical
Chemist
Biotechnologist
Biotechnology Sales and
Marketing Manager
Drug Development Chemist
Environmental/Water Chemist
Explosives Chemist
Food Technologist
Forensic Scientist
Hospital or Medical Laboratory
Technician
Industrial Chemist
Instrument Specialist
Molecular Design Chemist
Occupational Health and
Safety Officer
Occupational Hygienist
Paint Chemist
Pharmaceutical and Product
Manufacturer
Pharmaceutical Representative
Polymer Chemist/Materials
Scientist
Process Control Specialist
Quality Controller
Research Chemist
Risk-Management Consultant
Science Journalist
Teacher
Toxicologist
Waste and Resources
Management Consultant
Water Quality and
Management
Consultant
Winemaker
EARTH,
ATMOSPHERE
AND
ENVIRONMENT
Geographical science
Earth science
Environmental science
(extended major)
Atmospheric science
Atmospheric Scientist
Ecotourism Operator
Environmental Geoscientist
Environmental Scientist
Geochemist
(Analytical Laboratories)
Geological Survey Scientist
Geologist (Mineral/Petroleum
Exploration)
Geophysicist
Geotechnical Engineer
Government Adviser
(Environmental Policy and
Management)
Hydrogeologist
Land Use Planner
Landcare Project Manager
Marine Biologist
Marine Geoscientist
Metallurgist
Museum Scientist
Natural Resource Manager
Palaeontologist
Park Ranger
Research Geologist
Research Geophysicist
BIOLOGY
5
MAJOR
WHAT YOU STUDY
IN FIRST YEAR
MAJOR
EXAMPLE CAREERS
MATHEMATICS
MATHEMATICS
Applied mathematics
Financial and insurance
mathematics (extended major)
Mathematics
Mathematical statistics
Pure mathematics
Atmospheric Scientist
Biostatistician/Data Analyst
Business Analyst
Computational Mathematician
Computer Software Developer
Data Mining Analyst
Environmental Resource Modeller
Financial Consultant
Investment/Business Analyst
Market Statistician
Mathematical Modeller
Mathematics Teacher
Meteorologist
Oceanographer
Programmer
Quantitative Analyst
Statistician
PHYSICS
Astrophysics
Materials science
Physics
Physiology
Accelerator Physicist
Acoustics Scientist
Applied Physicist
Astronomer and Astrophysicist
Atmospheric Physicist
Biophysicist
Electron Microscopist
Energy Consultant
Forensic Physicist
Industrial Physicist
Instrumentation Physicist
Materials Scientist
Medical Physicist
Nuclear Physicist
Optical Physicist
Optical Systems Specialist
Patent Attorney
Physics Teacher
Synchrotron Scientist
Telecommunications Specialist
University Lecturer
INFORMATION
TECHNOLOGY
Computational science
Business Analyst
Business Operations Coordinator
Consultant Business Systems
Analyst
Graduate Project Manager
IT Analyst
IT Consultant
IT Domain Specialist
IT Support
Project Manager
Software Consultant
Software Developer
Software Test Analyst
Strategic Analyst
Technology Consultant
Web Developer
PSYCHOLOGY
Psychology
Career Counselling
Child Psychology
Clinical Neuropsychology
Clinical Psychology
Counselling Psychology
Educational and Developmental
Psychology
Forensic Psychology
Health Psychology
Management
Organisational Psychology
Sport Psychology
Teaching
6
GETTING INVOLVED
AND GETTING HELP
University can be so much more than going to lectures, labs and tutes. You can find your niche
by joining one of 150 plus student societies (there’s everything from the Monash Science Society
to the Society for Anime and Manga Appreciation, to name a few). Or you can get involved with
extra curricular programs available in science to boost your resume.
You also need never feel on your own. There is always help available – from how to understand and structure
your course, to study help and career support.
We help you get the most out of your time at university.
“I wish I could go back and
tell myself that Science isn’t
scary – there’s so much help and
support at University when you
find some aspects of coursework
hard. You’re not alone.”
Keisha Nash
Bachelor of Science
MEET MORE OF OUR SCIENCE STUDENTS AT
monash.edu/science/future-students/meet-our-students
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THERE’S ALWAYS
HELP AVAILABLE
GET MORE OUT OF
YOUR UNI EXPERIENCE
Science Student Services
Dean’s Student Action Committee
Science students have access to expert
course advisors who can help you shape
your course according to your interests,
passions and career goals.
We believe the student voice is important.
Students can and should be able to shape
their education. Dean’s Student Action
Committee gives you the opportunity to
represent the student voice to our senior
managers. Being part of the committee
gives you the opportunity to shape the
Faculty’s future and influence decisions
that affect students.
Science Transition Program
We have put together an online hub to
help you make a smooth transition to uni.
Each week when you log in you will see
answers to frequently asked questions,
tips on where to get lecture notes, how
to access library materials, managing
workload, preparing for exams and
much more.
Drop in study centres
We offer drop in homework centres
for all students where you will find free
tutoring and academic support. If you
need assistance with lecture, tutorial or
laboratory class content, the tutors in the
learning centres can help. Many of the
tutors are also instructors in first year units
so they have extensive knowledge of the
unit, assignments and assessment tasks
you need to complete. Tutors can also
assist with developing study plans,
providing tips on study techniques and
showing you how to access the range
of university support services available.
Get a mentor
The Science Peer Mentoring Program
matches you with a senior science
student who will help you get settled
in and make new friends as you begin
your studies.
Science Student
Ambassador Program
Science Student Ambassadors play a key
role in promoting Science programs and
activities to future and current students.
You will get hands-on experience with
public speaking, social media management
and events.
Science Future Leaders Program
This program is for passionate
science students who want to take
their leaderships skills to new heights.
Activities undertaken during the year-long
program will assist participants to develop
a range of skills relevant to leadership in
their studies and career. Activities include
a camp, a series of leadership seminars
and workshops, and the opportunity to
practice leadership within the university,
chosen profession, and/or wider
community.
For more information about our
science-only experiences visit
monash.edu/science/futurestudents/life-on-campus
GET READY FOR
THE REAL WORLD
Science Industry
Placement Program (SIPP)
Unique to Monash Science, the Science
Industry Placement Program (SIPP) gives
you the opportunity to gain industry
experience, develop leadership skills
by working independently on a project
with an industry partner and get your
foot in the door of chosen career path.
Our students complete placements
at Zoos Victoria, CSIRO, Bureau
of Meteorology, Murdoch Childrens
Research Institute, OXFAM, AgriBio
and many more.
Career development and support
As a science student at Monash you have
exclusive access to a career consultant,
who can provide advice and assistance
on resume development, finding job
opportunities, graduate employment
programs and maximising your time at
university to ensure you graduate ready
to launch into your dream career.
We also run an industry week annually
where industry representatives come
on campus to talk jobs and careers,
job placement programs and people you
can meet with for one-on-one career help.
For more information about career
development and support, visit
monash.edu/science/currentstudents/industry-placementsand-career-support
The 6-week program provides you with
opportunities to meet like-minded fellow
students in a social setting.
From second year, you can also reciprocate
your experience by becoming a mentor.
For more information on Science’s
help and support services, visit
monash.edu/science/currentstudents/help-and-support
@MONASHSCIENCE
Follow us on Instagram to see
what life on campus is really like.
8
USING SCIENCE AS A PATHWAY
TO OTHER STUDY AREAS
A Monash Bachelor of Science forms a strong foundation for students wanting
to work towards further study in medical, pharmaceutical or psychology fields.
Graduate Entry Bachelor
of Pharmacy (Honours)
2 years (full-time)
Complete a
Bachelor of Science
Graduate Entry Bachelor
of Medicine and Bachelor
of Surgery (Honours)
3 years (full-time)
4 years (full-time)
Doctor of
Veterinary Science
Complete a
Bachelor of Science
3 years (full-time)
+ Honours in Psychology
1 year (full-time)
9
Postgraduate study
in Psychology –
Master of Psychology
2 years (full-time)
Pharmacist or
employment within
science – related role
Medical
Practitioner
Veterinary
Surgeon
Psychologist
PATHWAYS
INTO SCIENCE
Getting the ‘right’ ATAR isn’t the end of the world, there are
alternative pathways into a Bachelor of Science at Monash.
Monash University
Foundation Year
(International students only)
TAFE qualifications
(graded)
Certificate IV
Science-based certificate IV-level studies
will be considered where the applicant
has achieved average results of 80%
or above. For applicants who have also
completed VCE, both qualifications will
be considered. No credit is granted for
these studies.
Diploma
To be considered, applicants who have
completed VCE or its equivalent and
who are applying with a science-based
diploma will require a minimum average
result of at least 60%.
Applicants who have not completed VCE
but have completed a science based
diploma will require a minimum average
result of at least 70%
Diploma of Higher
Education (DoHE)
Students completing Monash
University Foundation Year can enter
the Bachelor of Science at first year.
Single
university units
Students can apply to study
two single (science) university
units. Upon completion
and with a minimum result
of 60%, application can
be made for entry into the
Bachelor of Science.
Monash Extension
(Year 12 students only)
Monash Extension allows highachieving Year 12 students to try
university before finishing school.
Students complete a pair of firstyear university science subjects
as part of their final-year school
studies and receive credit for
enrolling into a science course.
Monash College
(Diploma of Science)
■■
ATAR of at least 65, with a study
score of at least 30 in English (EAL)
or 25 in any other English.
■■
TAFE applicants can apply with a
recognised Certificate IV – average
grade of 70%, and a recognised
Diploma – average grade of 60%.
■
Submission of online Supplementary
form stating why the applicant wants
to study at Monash.
■
Upon successful completion of all
units and a minimum score of 60%,
admission can be made into second
year Bachelor of Science, and
Bachelor of Science and Bachelor
of Education (Hons).
Upon completion of Year 12 Australian
equivalent, students can undertake
an eight-month Diploma of Science at
Monash College which offers a direct
pathway into the second year of a
science degree.
SCIENCE AT MONASH
10
Monash online
monash.edu/science
Find a course
study.monash/courses
International students
monash.edu/study/international
Scholarships
monash.edu/scholarships
Monash on Twitter
@Monash_Science
Monash on Instagram
@monashscience
Stay in touch with science
Register at monash.edu/science/future-students/stay-in-touch
Future student enquiries
Australian citizens, permanent residents,
and New Zealand citizens
Tel: 1800 MONASH (666 274)
Email: future@monash.edu
monash.edu/study/contact
International students
Australia freecall tel: 1800 181 838
Tel: +61 3 9903 4788 (outside Australia)
Email: study@monash.edu
The information in this brochure was correct at the time of publications (April 2016). Monash University reserves the right to alter
this information should the need arise. You should always check with the relevant Faculty office when considering a course.
Designed and produced by SMC Monash: 16P-0130. CRICOS provider: Monash University 00008C, Monash College Pty Ltd 01857J