| Campus | Type ofplace | UAC code | Course duration | 2011 cut-off |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| North Ryde | CSP | 300517 | 3F/EqP | 75.15 |
Subject prerequisites: None for most first-year subjects. For mathematics major: Mathematics (Band 4). Where a minimum level of prerequisite achievement is not met, an alternative introductory unit of study in that area is available.
Recommended studies: Students should normally complete at least one science subject and Mathematics. For mathematics major: HSC Mathematics Extension 1 (Band E2) or HSC Mathematics Extension 2.
Major studies: The B Science provides a flexible, general science degree allowing students to specialise in one area of study (major) or even combine specialisations for a double major.
Major studies include: applied econometrics, astronomy and astrophysics, biology, biomolecular sciences, brain behaviour and evolution, business information systems, chemistry, climate science, decision science, development studies and culture change, electronics, environmental earth science, environmental geology, environmental management, geography, geology, geophysics, human geography, mathematics, museum studies, palaeobiology, photonics, physics, psychological science, software technology, spatial information science, statistics. Students are able to change their nominated major once enrolled.
Career opportunities: Examples include employment in industry, teaching and research institutions, environmental consultancies, government departments, museums, hospitals, medical research centres (especially laboratories), IT and the food industry.
Additional information: The flexibility of the degree allows students to specialise in a particular area of study (major) but include combinations of units in other sciences, some humanities, and interdisciplinary areas.
For further information visit www.courses.mq.edu.au/BSc
Astronomy and Astrophysics: Explores our understanding of celestial objects such as planets, stars, and galaxies and the methods through which we have gained this insight. A significant emphasis is placed on the techniques and technology that have been developed to gather astronomical data. Through the use of laboratories and our optical and radio observatories, students develop a critical approach and in-depth research skills.
Biology: Macquarie University offers units on virtually every level of biology, from cell and developmental biology, to behaviour, biodiversity, conservation, ecology, genetics, microbiology, morphology and physiology. You can combine biology
with specialised subjects on topics such as conservation and biodiversity, natural sciences and the marine environment, human biology and medical research and geological and environmental sciences.
Biomolecular sciences: The study of how molecules work in living biological systems. The degree program is based on biochemistry and molecular biology and extends into the fields of genetics, genomics and proteomics, biotechnology, structural and systems biology, and bioinformatics. It offers a path into many bioindustries including pharmaceutical, diagnostics and biotechnology.
Brain, behaviour and evolution: Takes an integrative approach to the study of behaviour, including that of humans, exploring mechanistic bases as well as the functions and evolution of behaviour. Topics include the neurobiology of perception, learning and memory, behavioural ecology, the evolution of human behaviour, comparative cognition and neuroethology. This program focuses on the biological basis of behaviour.
Chemistry: The science of converting one substance into another and the molecular interpretation of the world around us. It is at the molecular level that major advances are made in many diverse areas and chemistry plays a major role in our economy, environment, lifestyle and health, and in processes going on in the world around us.
Climate science: Defined as the comprehensive study of the earth’s climate system, including the atmosphere, hydrosphere, cryosphere (frozen water), land surface, and biosphere. Among its many topics are the issues of climate change, the El Nino – Southern Oscillation, drought, flood, tropical cyclones, and interactions with human society. The climate science major may also be completed in the B Environment (refer to 300516). For more information visit www.envirogeog.mq.edu.au
Decision science: Today’s organisations have access to many detailed sources of data, and complex decision-making strategies are required in order to operate effectively. Decision science provides practical methods for translating data into efficiency improvements. You will learn how to manage resource allocation, supply chains, large projects, queues and inventory systems, how to study and predict markets, how to simulate complex systems computationally, how to transact business safely via the internet, and how to identify and work around uncertainty.
Development studies and culture change: This program focuses on the area of international development, giving a strong focus to its cultural dimensions. Combining core units from human geography, anthropology and related disciplines, the program develops theoretical, practical and research skills. A major in development studies and culture change can be completed as part of the Bachelor of Science, the Bachelor of Arts, or the Bachelor of Social Science.For information on program structure visit www.dscc.mq.edu.au
Electronics: Electronics technology is used in many areas of modern society, including telecommunications, manufacturing, computers, transport, power generation, entertainment, consumer appliances, environmental control and medicine. The major in electronics develops graduates with the knowledge and skills required to work with electronics technology in these areas. The major in electronics provides an alternate means for you to obtain a qualification in the area of electronics with an emphasis on science over engineering. It also offers study program flexibility enabling you to choose studies in the areas of analogue, digital, and telecommunications electronics.
Environmental earth science: Encompasses all aspects of the environment in which erosion, sediment transport and deposition play a role, whether it be understanding landscape processes, ecological function, environmental health or the distribution and remediation of environmental contaminants. In addition, the field extends to understanding soil formation and health, river processes and management, coastal zone geomorphic processes and management, pollutants and contaminants in soil and sediment as well as interpreting climate and environmental change from biological and sediment records.
Environmental geology: Deals with the interaction of people and the geological environment, including problems due to people’s occupation and exploitation of the earth, and hazards that impact on society. This major is distinct from geology and geophysics majors in that it focuses on the near-surface environment, providing a specialised understanding of soils, rock masses and their structure, the flow of water and pollutants through the earth’s surface materials and geologic hazards.
Environmental management: The environmental manager explores relationships between humans and their environments, and patterns of distribution and consumption of resources that influence sustainable futures. With special knowledge of the spatial and temporal patterns in the human and natural environment, environmental managers play a major role in resource and environmental management. A major in environmental management can be completed as part of the B Science, the B Environment or the B Arts.
Geography: Geographers strive to understand how the earth works and how humans interact with the earth and with each other at a range of geographical scales. Geography is a wide-ranging and integrative discipline which encompasses social, physical, biophysical and environmental sciences and the humanities. Applied geography offers avenues for targeted study within both physical and human geography. A major in geography is also available in the B Arts.
Geology: A multifaceted science that aims to understand the materials that make up the Earth, processes that mould its surface, and the interaction of people with
the physical environment. Geologists are vital for understanding the development of mineral resources and long-term maintenance of the environment. This major is structured to provide the basic professional training required to enter the workforce as a geologist and a base on which to undertake postgraduate studies.
Geophysics: A geophysicist is a scientist who applies the principles of physics to the study of the earth. Geophysics involves the study of the inaccessible earth by means of physical measurements and the interpretation of the measurements in terms of subsurface structures and phenomena. This major is structured to produce geophysicists who are able to work in the resource and environmental industries, where the vast majority of geophysicists are employed.
Human geography: Has a strongly applied focus involving matters such as social and community planning, health and health care delivery, population studies, development studies, resource and environmental management, public policy development, urban and regional management and geographic information science. A major in human geography can be completed as part of the Bachelor of Science, the Bachelor of Arts or the Bachelor of Social Science.
Mathematics: From ancient times mathematics has underpinned developments in science and technology. Today and into the future, mathematics has a dynamic application in many areas of science and finance such as computing, biology, physics, communications and environmental science. Mathematics is pure thought, independent of the external world, yet it looks to the world for its inspiration. A major in mathematics can be completed as part of the B Science, the B Arts or the double degree of B Actuarial Studies with the B Science.
Museum studies: Museums are the vehicle through which we interpret and communicate the human experience and understand the natural and cultural environments. Museum studies is a developing field for students seeking employment across a diverse range of museums, galleries, collections and other information based organisations. The program of study includes a focus on information management, curatorial practice, exhibition development and public programs, and current museological issues. A range of optional units can offer either a cultural geography or a natural history focus. A major in museum studies can be completed as part of the B Science or the B Arts. This major is unique to Macquarie University.
Palaeobiology: By studying the fossil record students learn more about the early evolution and phylogeny of animals and plants, the timing and correlation of important events in deep time, and explore fundamental questions related to fluctuating ecological and environmental parameters through time. The natural melding of palaeobiology with evolutionary biology, genetics and developmental biology will allow students to explore the new discipline of ‘evo-devo’ which seeks to determine the ancestral relationship between organisms.
Photonics: The use and application of light is the basis for products such as DVDs, digital cameras and flat-panel displays, laser scanners, biomedical instrumentation and communication systems. Photonics is intrinsic to many technologies for medicine, environmental monitoring, advanced computers, machine vision and manufacturing. The B Science major in Photonics combines the studies of physics, optics, materials science and electronics in a professionally oriented degree, incorporating nanophotonics, biophotonics, and technologies such as lasers, optical fibres and communications.
Physics: A core discipline for all science and technology students and will challenge students to explore the underlying principles of all physical phenomena as well as to develop problem-solving skills, good laboratory techniques and skills in numerical analysis, technical writing and oral communication. You will explore basic questions about intrinsic laws of the universe and learn how physics is applied to interdisciplinary fields.
Software technology: Software technology is about building and using systems for productive and leisure activities as well as understanding the fundamental principles that underlie such systems. The core of software technology is focused on studying algorithms, data structures and the principles of engineering quality software. A major in software technology can be completed as part of the B Science, B Arts, B Advanced Science or the B Information Technology.
Spatial information science: Concerned with the measurement, management, analysis and display of spatial information describing the earth, its physical features and the built environment. It is important in the management of the local environment. Applications include protecting wetlands, mineral exploration, routing emergency vehicles, optimising locations for new infrastructure, and modelling climate change and land degradation. The field covers a wide range of technologies including Geographic Information Systems (GIS), remote sensing, global positioning systems and digital aerial photography.
Statistics: The development and application of methods for collecting, analysing and interpreting data. It is the science of learning from data or converting data into knowledge. It is an essential tool in the modern world with its proliferation of data. One of the aims of statistics is to produce the ‘best’ information from available data by reducing uncertainty in the decision-making process and detecting patterns in the data. Another aim is to design experiments and other data collection methods to assist decision making by estimating the present and/or predicting the future.
Also refer to 300107 B Arts, 300210 B Commerce and 300701 B Engineering for majors descriptions.
Important note regarding Macquarie University coursesThe degrees (awards) offered by Macquarie University are set out in the University Course Handbook at www.handbook.mq.edu.au/2011 Students who qualify for a degree which is structured on majors will have the name/s of the major/s included on their testamur. |
| CSP | Commonwealth-supported place (used to be called HECS: includes upfront HECS payment and deferred payment through HECS-HELP). |
| N/A | Selection criteria other than the ATAR used; or the course is not offered to current Year 12 applicants. |
| A+C | Combination of ATAR and additional selection criteria used. |
| nc | New course offered through UAC, no cut-off available. |
| n/o | No offers made in 2011 , no cut-off available. |