It is your path to developing the specialised skills and practical knowledge for a variety of rewarding professional and research careers in the biological, chemical and physical, environmental and mathematical sciences. You can choose specific majors, or study a general mix of science, depending on your career and professional goals. In year one, you will take a range of courses to give you a well rounded science education and to prepare you for major studies, which provide further concentration and depth in your chosen field, or breadth of study in additional fields.
Applied Mathematics
Applied Mathematics consists of the development and analysis of mathematical models which arise from the physical, environmental and biological sciences, engineering, finance and technology, as well as the study of mathematical techniques used in this analysis. Examples of specific disciplines within Applied Mathematics include fluid mechanics, mathematical biology, classical mechanics, operations research, wave propagation, inverse problems, nonlinear dynamics, heat and mass transfer, acoustics, vibrations, reaction-diffusion problems, financial mathematics, and much more. The Applied Mathematics major begins with an introduction to calculus, linear algebra and statistics, and then provides a broad training in the mathematical techniques and problem solving skills required in the various disciplines. Furthermore, students are taught how to construct mathematical models and interpret their solutions in a meaningful way. Graduates will inherit a number of valuable skills such as a strong mathematical background, experience in analysing and solving complex problems, and the ability to think logically.
Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
The Biochemistry and Molecular Biology major explores the molecular basis of life. It challenges and excites. It is DNA and RNA, it is genes and proteins, enzymes and metabolism, food and energy, genomics and genetic engineering, proteomics and protein engineering. It is practical, it's state-of-the-art. It is about the blueprint and machinery of life and it provides you with the blueprint for an exciting and rewarding career of your choice from across the entire spectrum of the life sciences. The Biochemistry and Molecular Biology major provides graduates with the knowledge to study and understand the molecular basis of life. It also provides graduates the practical experimental and problemsolving skills to apply this knowledge across the broad spectrum of the biosciences opening up a diverse and abundant range of career options.
Biosciences
Biology is the study of living things. It is a major human endeavour as we strive to understand life and the biosphere that supports it. It impacts on all aspects of human existence from health and wellbeing, to food production and agriculture, to the quality of our environment. There are many biological science disciplines. This major provides for a broad study of biology ranging from molecular biology and physiology to whole organisms and population biology. Graduates of the three-year Bachelor of Science degree with this major will have a broad grounding in all the biological sciences including an understanding of plant, animal and microbial diversity, genetics, physiology and ecology. Throughout the program, students will develop skills in experimental and field techniques, problem-solving, evaluation of scientific literature and in the communication of biological knowledge and issues.
Chemistry
Chemistry provides the knowledge of molecular systems, their structure, properties, interactive chemical processes as well as profound theoretical understanding of the properties of matter together with expertise in experimental and laboratory skills. This major provides eligibility for RACI accreditation as a registered chemist.
Clinical Sciences
This major is about the scientific disciplines and approaches that underpin clinical practice. It provides students with specialised knowledge of the anatomy, physiology, biochemistry and pathology of the human body and the scientific techniques relating to the assessment of the functions of the human body in health and disease. The study of clinical science provides the basis for entry to a variety of professional vocations in health and allied areas. Graduates with this major will acquire knowledge of the human organism from the function of cells, tissues and organs and their integrated function in health, through to the pathological changes that occur in disease and the pharmacological and therapeutic approaches to treatment. Graduates will also acquire practical knowledge of biomedical instrumentation, experimental design and of the ethical and research issues associated with the provision of scientifically based clinical evaluations of human physiological functions and the treatment of disease.
Forest and Horticulture Science
Horticulture and forestry are two major industries of great importance - horticulture in fruit and vegetable production and forestry in conservation and sustainable development. This major provides students with specialised knowledge and field and experimental skills for employment or further study in forest and horticulture science, including research and sustainable management practices. You will be trained in a range of scientific disciplines that underpin these applied fields, from plant science and biotechnology to ecology and soil science. Throughout the program students will develop skills in experimental and field techniques, problem-solving, evaluation of scientific literature, and communication of scientific work.
Medicinal Chemistry
This major provides students with the interdisciplinary skills in the medicinal chemical sciences which can be applied to drug design, development and delivery with an emphasis on the design synthesis, isolation, and characterisation of molecular species with the potential to be effective drugs, medicines and pharmaceuticals.
Microbiology
Microbiology - the study of microbes (algae, protozoa, bacteria and fungi) and viruses - is one of the most important, exciting and career oriented areas in the biosciences. Microbes impact on all aspects of life - from human health and diseases to agriculture and industrial processes; from food and beverage production through to the quality and safety of our water, food and environment. Microbiologists are always in high demand and career opportunities are many and diverse. The Microbiology major provides graduates with the practical skills and knowledge for the study of micro-organisms and viruses. Advanced skills and professional knowledge in the areas of virology and in clinical, industrial, food and environmental microbiology are developed in preparation for professional careers.
Physics
Physics opens up the fascinating world of nature from a fundamental, explanatory, quantitative point of view and provides deep insights into applied disciplines such as chemistry and biology. It develops the ideas and techniques of physics and focuses on the fundamental properties of the universe and the laws governing the behaviour of events in the universe. Physics graduates enter a wide range of careers in government and semi-government research organisations, universities, teaching, private industry in both research and development and technical sales.
Science, Technology and Society
This major provides students with interdisciplinary studies of the historical, social, economic, political and philosophical dimensions of science and technology, including such areas as history, philosophy and sociology of science, political economy of technology, social control of biomedical advances, Australian science and technology policy, energy and resources policies and science and technology in economic development.