Thursday, 1 May 2008

Scientists begin with what is known and try to go beyond that point to extend the boundaries of human knowledge.

This means science is for those who have a sense of adventure, a desire to explore, to think creatively, to get to the root of things. As a scientist you will study the nature of the universe, its properties, the life that exists within it, and the laws that govern the behaviour of all matter.

The University of Western Australia is home to two science faculties, the Faculty of Life and Physical Sciences and the Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences.There are a number of options for studying science at UWA.

The three-year Bachelor of Science can be taken in one of two ways. Students can either enrol in a particular specialised program, such as the Bachelor of Science (Green Chemistry), or they can enrol in one of five foundation packages and choose their major(s) once they have completed the equivalent of one full-time year of study. The main advantage of choosing a foundation package is that students are not made to select a major straight away, and can choose units from different areas.

The different foundation packages are listed below:

Physical Sciences
Earth Sciences
Mathematical and Computer Sciences
Life Sciences - Human and Behavioural
Life Sciences - Biological

These packages are designed to maximise your possible pathways for subsequent years. The core subjects of the five foundation packages are intended to lead to majors as follows:

Physical Sciences

Biophysics, chemical physics, chemistry, environmental chemistry, geology, physics.

Mathematics & Computer Science

Applied mathematics, computer science, mathematical sciences, mathematical statistics, pure mathematics.

Earth Sciences

Environmental geoscience, environmental management, geography, geology, land and water management, marine and coastal management, soil science.

Life Sciences - Human and Behavioural

Anatomy and human biology, anthropology, archaeology, geography, human movement, linguistics, psychological studies, psychology.

Life Sciences - Biological

Anatomy and human biology, biochemistry, biophysics, botany, conservation biology, cell physiology, genetics, marine biology, microbiology, pathology, pharmacology, physiology, restoration ecology (available at UWA Albany only), zoology.

If you want to go straight into a specific discipline, or you do not like the idea of a foundation package, you can still study one of our specialised programs

How long is the course?

Three years

What was the minimum TER needed in 2008?

80

What subjects are needed?

English or English Literature, and any TEE mathematics. Some specific majors may have additional requirements, which can be checked on the Faculties' websites.

What are the advantages of studying a Bachelor of Science at UWA?

UWA's Faculty of Life and Physical Sciences and Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences provide a learning environment of the highest standards, and our science degrees are recognised internationally.

In terms of teaching expertise, we have one of the highest proportions of doctorate staff amongst all universities in Australia. This means our students get to study science from lecturers who are at the forefront of their fields.

Intellectual excellence and critical thinking is at the heart of all our undergraduate and postgraduate degrees. We place great emphasis on providing a nurturing environment and a rewarding study experience in science. Our science courses are designed to equip students with skills and experiences leading to professional, managerial or academic careers in many areas in industry, commerce or government. Many of our graduates are now world leaders in their fields.

What kind of job can I get with a Bachelor of Science degree?

The Bachelor of Science degree can lead to professional, managerial or academic careers in many areas in industry, commerce or government. The degree has a broad application to a wide variety of careers, some requiring specific discipline knowledge (such as computer science, geology, chemistry) while others relate to the transferable skills that are developed during the course. In this respect there are career options in both the private and public sectors as well as across all industry types. Graduates often further their qualifications by taking Honours or postgraduate courses such as a Graduate Diploma in Science, or in teaching or librarianship, or through training schemes leading to managerial or administrative positions. Graduates wishing to pursue careers in research normally take a higher degree, the MSc or PhD.

A general science degree (or a degree in any scientific discipline) will equip you with a range of practical skills that are highly portable. This means that they can be transferred across many different areas of employment and are welcomed by many different types of employers.

If you would like to know more about studying science at UWA and your career options, then why not come to one (or more!) of our Careers in Science information sessions? These are being held on Monday 9 and Wednesday 11 June 2008, 6.00-8.15pm. Refreshments will be provided. Visit www.science.uwa.edu.au for more information.

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