| Campus | Type ofplace | UAC code | Course duration | 2010 cut-off |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| North Ryde | CSP | 300517 | 3F/EqP | 77.25 |
Subject prerequisites: None for most first-year subjects. For the major in Mathematics: 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 the major in Mathematics: 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 Behaviour and evolution, biology, biomolecular sciences, brain, chemistry, electronics, environmental earth science, environmental geology, environmental management, geography, geology, geophysics, human geography, information systems, palaeobiology, psychology, spatial information science, software technology, mathematics, statistics, decision science. See outlines under ‘additional information’ below.
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, and some humanities or interdisciplinary areas.
For further information visit www.courses.mq.edu.au/BSc.
Astronomy and Astrophysics: This major is about the science and technology of astronomy but also provides a strong grounding in physics and mathematics and exposes students to these basic sciences in the context of astronomy. The University observatory is used by students at all levels of the program. There are close links with the Anglo-Australian Observatory located nearby, especially for those pursuing research degrees in astrophysics.
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: Biomolecular science is 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: A major in 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: Chemistry is 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 such as medicine, agriculture, biology, materials and the environment. Chemistry is considered to be the ‘central science’ because of its role in connecting the sciences (for example, physics, biology, earth sciences). It plays a major role in our economy, environment, lifestyle and health, and in processes going on in the world around us.
Climate Science: With the assistance of their academic advisers, students can construct a specific program of study tailored to their intended professional careers. In addition to the core climate science units, students include in their program units chosen from biological sciences, chemistry, computing, earth and planetary sciences, environmental science, mathematics, physics or statistics. 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 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 that can be applied to employment in a range of development assistance and change management roles in communities, non-government organisations, and government agencies. 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.
Environmental Earth Science: Environmental Earth Science encompasses the field of geomorphology, environmental health and aspects of the Earth sciences dealing with environmental processes and history. In short, 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.
Environmental Geology: This major provides an understanding of surface materials and processes, soils, rock masses and their structure, the flow of water and pollutants through the Earth’s surface materials, and geologic hazards. The major combines subjects in geology and environmental science to produce graduates who can find employment in the fields of environmental geology, geotechnical engineering and hazard assessment. This major is distinct from the geology and geophysics majors in that it focuses on the near-surface environment and incorporates units from a variety of disciplines.
Environmental Management: Refer 300107 B Arts.
Geography: Refer 300107 B Arts.
Geology: Geology is the study of the materials that make up the Earth, processes that mould its surface, and the interaction of people with the physical environment. Geology is a multifaceted science that ultimately aims to understand how the physical Earth works. Geologists are vital for understanding the development of mineral resources and long-term maintenance of the environment.
Geophysics: Geophysicists apply 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. Majority of geophysicists are employed in the resource and environmental industries.
Human Geography: Refer 300107 B Arts.
Information Systems: Information systems is the use of information technology in the business context. Modern organisations require professionals with skills in the creation and management of systems to handle large amounts of information, and with technical, managerial and wider business skills. This major emphasises both the technical and management aspects of information systems, especially the integration of information systems into core business processes.
Mathematics: Refer 300107 B Arts.
Museum Studies: Refer 300107 B Arts.
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: Optics and photonics are at the heart of many emerging technologies being developed for medicine, astronomy, environmental monitoring, advanced computers and manufacturing. This major combines studies of physics, optics and materials science in a professionally oriented degree, and includes technologies such as nanophotonics, biophotonics, lasers, imaging science, optical fibres and communications and project experience.
Physics: This major combines studies in theoretical and experimental physics and mathematics. It can provide a strong grounding in quantum physics and quantum information theory, at the same time allowing for studies in astronomy, astrophysics, lasers and photonics.
Psychology: Refer 300107 B Arts.
Software Technology: The major in Software Technology can cover a wide range of areas, from business and management skills, to studies and experience in software or electronic and communication engineering. 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.
Spatial Information Science: Spatial information science (SIS) explores the way spatial information is derived and used. Spatial information is information about locations on the Earth’s surface. It is important in the management of the local environment and for supporting environmental decision making. Applications include protecting wetlands, mineral exploration, routing emergency vehicles, optimising locations for new infrastructure, 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: Refer 300107 B Arts.
| 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 2010, no cut-off available. |