S7E Master of Science Studies as at 14th May, 2002
Master of Science Studies
Abbreviation: MScSt
Course code: S7E
Course contact (faculty or school) (03) 6226 2125
Introductory comments
This is a 1-year full-time or 2-year part-time course offered by the Faculty of Science and
Engineering at Hobart.
Admission & prerequisites
Candidates for the degree must have:
•
•
an approved bachelor degree with first or second class Honours; or
an approved eight-semester higher education qualification and potential to complete
the degree as demonstrated in study and/or professional performance; or
•
an approved six-semester higher education qualification, together with at least two
years’ relevant professional experience; or
•
other qualifications equivalent to those in paragraphs shown above.
In addition to the academic admission requirement stated above all candidates must be
proficient in written and spoken English. Candidates whose basic language is not English
should sit an English language test arranged by the nearest Australian diplomatic mission
and are required to attend up to four months of intensive English tuition in Tasmania.
A candidate for the degree may not enrol for another degree or diploma course of the
University or another higher education institution.
Course objectives
The program is designed to provide professional training for scientists/science educators
from overseas countries. Currently it is offered by the Schools of Agricultural Science
(Microbiology); Chemistry; Computing (Computer Science); Earth Sciences (Geology);
Geography and Environmental Studies; Mathematics and Physics; Medicine
(Biochemistry); Plant Science (Botany); Psychology; and Zoology.
Career outcomes
Graduates of the Master of Science Studies find that opportunities for employment exist in
the area of their specialisation.
Professional recognition
Depending on area of study, graduates of the MScSt may be eligible for membership of a
number of professional organisations.
Course structure
The program consists of three parts:
•
•
•
Foundation Studies
Professional Development
Research training.
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S7E Master of Science Studies as at 14th May, 2002
These parts can be flexibly arranged over three or four semesters, as shown in the
examples which follow.
In special cases, a candidate may be exempted from Foundation Studies.
The degree requires at least 1 year full-time research or study. All requirements for the
degree must be completed within two years of the date of commencement of candidature,
except that a candidate may be allowed to enrol for the degree on a part-time basis.
Foundation studies
Students, especially those from developing countries, who lack the background necessary
to proceed immediately to the Master degree course, may be (aside from their language
tuition) required to undertake a period of preliminary studies, including selected
background reading and attendance at certain lectures.
Classwork
Enrolment in this part of the course (professional development) is conditional on
satisfactory performance in the preliminary foundation studies.
The coursework program will be drawn up individually for each candidate by the School
and will consist of at least 100% of formal classwork over two or three semesters. A
maximum of 25% of second year units can be taken and the balance of the points is to be
made up from third and fourth year units. Clear passes (or higher grades) must be
obtained in all coursework except that up to 12.5% of Terminating Passes may be counted.
Research training
The project is an important part of the program, involving a substantial investigation in
some area of scientific research or science education. It represents one third of the total
course and should take a minimum of four months full time or eight months part time.
Project work normally begins after the progress review, but the starting date for the
project may be varied in consultation with the adviser and the head of the appropriate
School. A thesis is required at the end of the program.
The project should be on a topic directly relevant to the needs of the home country or
employing institution of the student. Thesis discussions should begin as early as possible
with the School, preferably before the student leaves home to begin the program, in order
to satisfy the student’s and sponsor’s needs.
The standard of the thesis will be based on the normal honours requirements for a
particular School.
Supervisors
On enrolment, each student will be assigned a suitable course adviser who will counsel
the student for the duration of the coursework. In addition, a supervisor will be appointed
for each candidate on the recommendation of the relevant head of School, at the end of the
first semester, to oversee the candidate’s research project.
The progress of a candidate is reviewed annually and unsatisfactory performance may
result in termination of candidature.
Examination
Assessment of coursework is by written examinations and assignments. The written thesis
on the research project must be submitted for separate examination. Normally, there will
be two examiners who may be internal.
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S7E Master of Science Studies as at 14th May, 2002
Enrolment master codes
On the enrolment form each candidate must enter the code numbers of the units selected;
plus the appropriate ‘umbrella’ code chosen from this list:
Code Number
Course
Weight
KLA861
MScSt Coursework (Microbiology) 0%
KLA875
MScSt Thesis Project (Microbiology)
100%
CBA861
MScSt Coursework (Biochemistry) 0%
CBA875
MScSt Thesis Project (Biochemistry)
100%
KPA861
MScSt Coursework (Botany)
0%
KPA875
KRA861
MScSt Thesis Project (Botany)
MScSt Coursework (Chemistry)
100%
0%
KRA875
MScSt Thesis Project (Chemistry)
100%
KCA861
KCA875
KGA861
KGA875
KEA861
KEA875
KMA861
KMA875
KYA861
MScSt Coursework (Computer Science)
MScSt Thesis Project (Computer Science)
MScSt Coursework (Geog & EnvSt) 0%
MScSt Thesis Project (Geog & EnvSt)
MScSt Coursework (Geology)
0%
MScSt Thesis Project (Geology)
100%
MScSt Coursework (Mathematics) 0%
MScSt Thesis Project (Mathematics)
MScSt Coursework (Physics)
0%
0%
100%
100%
100%
KYA875
MScSt Thesis Project (Physics)
100%
KHA881
MScSt Coursework (Psychology)
0%
KHA875
MScSt Thesis Project (Psychology) 100%
KZA861
MScSt Coursework (Zoology)
0%
KZA875
MScSt Thesis Project (Zoology)
100%
Note: The following information is NOT included in the printed edition of the Course and
Unit Handbook
Contact
Hobart: Faculty Office ph 6226 2125 fax 6226 7809
Additional Information
The following information answers some frequently asked questions.
Note, however, details should be confirmed with the appropriate authority
Responsible faculty or school | Faculty of Science and Engineering
Campus(es) offered | Hobart
Mode of delivery | Full time | Part time
Course duration | 1 years minimum (2 semesters) | 2 years maximum (4 semesters)
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S7E Master of Science Studies as at 14th May, 2002
Majors and Specialisations | Hobart specialisations: microbiology, biochemistry, botany,
chemistry, computer science, geography and environmental studies, geology,
mathematics, physics, psychology, zoology
Costs (course fees only – annual) | Australian residents: $not available to Australian
students
Students enrolled in this course | Total students enrolled last year: 1 | International
students last year: 1
Approximate student-staff contact hours | contact hours vary according to specialisation
undertaken 26 weeks
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