More information
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A science unit is a unit listed under any major, extended major or minor offered in the Bachelor of Science or from the list of level 1 mathematics and statistics units or from the list below:
CLI1100 Climate change: A wicked problem
CLI1200 Climate change: Impacts and adaptations
MTH1010 Functions and their applications (depends on your mathematics background and the course you are enrolled in; not available in all double degrees with Science)
SCI1200 Humans, evolution and modern society (prohibition with all level one biology (BIO) units)
SCI2030 Indigenous science: Science through the eyes of Australia’s First Peoples
SCI2400 Creative methods at the intersections of science and art (Prato unit offered in summer semester)
SCI3920 Science internship
SCI3925 Science internship extended
SCI3930 Career skills for scientists
SCI3990 Science in action research project
MTE4235 Nuclear energy: Science, technology and society -
Because you are enrolled in a course that leads to a double degree, you can only enrol in Science units, and/or units that belong to the partner course. You cannot enrol in free electives.
For example, if you are doing a Bachelor of Science and Bachelor of Biomedical Science double degree, you can only enrol in Science units and the core BMS units.
There may be some exceptions for the non-science component of your double degree. Please check with Monash Connect or refer to the list of eligible courses for each unit/experience you wish to undertake.
How many units do I enrol in?
Domestic students
As a full-time domestic student, you enrol in eight units per year (48 points), normally four units in semester one (24 points) and four units in semester two (24 credit points) to complete your course in the standard duration.
If you plan to take fewer units in an academic year (and take longer to complete your course), you can enrol in less points per semester online but if you plan to do 6 points per semester then you will need to enrol in a minimum of 12 points per semester to accept your offer, and then change your intended study load to 6 points by:
- changing from full-time to part-time via the Study Load menu option in the Web Enrolment System and then going into the unit Enrolment module and discontinuing units; or
- complete the online enrolment amendment form.
Note: This is your intended study load for the purposes of enrolment only.
If you choose to change your intended study load below 36 points per academic year, you may not be eligible for government payments such as Youth Allowance, Austudy or public transport concessions. Contact Centrelink for help. Enrolment in less than 36 credit points (EFTSL of less than .75) means you are a part-time student and enrolment in between 36 and 48 credit points per academic year means you are a full-time student for government payments.
International students (on a student visa)
If you're on a student visa, you must complete your course in the time stated on your Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE). To do this, you need to enrol in a full-time study load (this normally equates to 24 credit points per semester or 48 credit points per academic calendar year).
What units do I choose?
In your science component, you are required to complete 36 points of level one science units as follows:
- Core communication unit (6 points)
You are required to complete SCI1000 Science communication to influence change in either semester one or two. - Two level one approved science sequences (24 points)
You must complete two approved level one science sequences (24 points). The sequences information can be found under ‘Requirements’, Part A. Science specified study for the Bachelor of Science. Make sure at least one of these sequences corresponds with the science major you would like to complete (as outlined in the table below).
Your choice of level one sequences will impact your choice of level two and level three units and lay the foundation for a related major.
The two level one sequences must be selected from separate disciplines and cannot have units in common.
For example: BIO1011 + BIO1022, and BIO1011 + BIO1042, do not equal two level one approved science sequences as both sequences are from the same discipline and have BIO1011 in common.
Level one approved sequences and related majors: This table details the majors available and the level one sequences you have to enrol in.
Please note you may complete an approved level one sequence in your partner component but these units don’t count towards the 96 points of science units required for your Science component and you replace them with two level one science units of your choice. They do not need to be a sequence but a sequence leads to more options for future unit selection. - Mathematics or statistics unit
If you have not enrolled in an approved level one mathematics sequence, you must enrol in at least onelevel one mathematics or statistics unit (SCI1020, SCI1022 , STA1010, MTH1020, MTH1030, MTH1035).
The level one mathematics and statistics unit you choose will depend on your mathematics background, interest and course. You must complete this requirement within the first 72 credit points of your course and you can enrol in this unit in either semester one or two.
Note: this does not apply to some double degree courses where you complete an equivalent first year mathematics or statistics unit in the other component of your double degree. If you are enrolling in B2023 Bachelor of Commerce and Bachelor of Science or, E3007 Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) and Bachelor of Science, you are exempt from completing the mathematics and statistics unit because those courses include a corresponding mathematics requirement: ETC1000 (Business and economic statistics) for B2023 and ENG1005 (Engineering mathematics) for E3007.
Refer to the information below and this guide when choosing the appropriate level one mathematics and statistics unit.
SCI1022 - Introduction to scientific coding
Recommended if you want to gain fundamental coding skills that can be applied in a variety of scientific areas. It's useful for data analysis, modelling of complex systems, data manipulation and visualisation in a scientific context. SCI1022 is not available if you are enrolled in E3007 Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) and Bachelor of Science, C2003 Bachelor of Information Technology and Bachelor of Science and S2004 Bachelor of Science and Bachelor of Computer Science.
SCI1020 - Introduction to statistical reasoning and STA1010 - Statistical methods for science
Recommended if you are planning to study areas where experimental design and data analysis skills are particularly important, such as Biological (including Genetics and Genomics), Biomedical, and Psychology areas of study and Environmental science (ecology stream). If you don't have a strong mathematics background you can enrol in SCI1020, while STA1010 requires you to have studied VCE Mathematical Methods Units 3 and 4 (or equivalent) or SCI1020.
MTH1020 - Analysis of change and MTH1030 - Techniques for modelling
Recommended if you have an interest in Astrophysics, Climate and atmospheric science (weather and climate stream), Computational science, Mathematics and Physics. MTH1020 requires you to have studied VCE Mathematical Methods with a raw study score of at least 25 (or equivalent) or MTH1010. MTH1030 requires you to have studied VCE Specialist Mathematics with a raw score of at least 30 (or equivalent) or MTH1020. If you have a strong mathematics background and a keen interest in the subject you could replace the unit MTH1030 with the advanced version MTH1035 Techniques for modelling (Advanced). You'll need to seek permission to enrol in this unit by completing the online enrolment amendment form.
If you have an interest in Chemistry, Climate and atmospheric science (climate change science stream), Environmental science, Environmental science (environmental earth sciences and climate streams), Geographical science or Geosciences you can choose from any of the above level one listed mathematics or statistic units depending on your mathematics background.
If you are commencing in semester two:
- You only enrol in units for semester two. In October/November you will re-enrol for the following year via the Web Enrolment System (WES).
- Your choice of units in semester two may be limited by unit prerequisites, and you may not be able to enrol in some units. If you require further assistance selecting your units please contact Monash Connect.
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Please refer to this table for the level one science units available. It is up to you what units you select in addition to core requirements outlined above. Many double degree students will not have room to a complete a science elective as their 36 points of level one science units will comprise SCI1000, level one maths/stats requirement and two level one approved science sequences.
You may have room for a level one science elective if you:
- Complete a level one approved mathematics sequence, then you can complete a level one science elective in place of the level one mathematics and statistics requirement; or
- Don’t have to complete the level one science mathematics and statistics requirement as you complete an equivalent first year mathematics or statistics unit in your partner course. This applies if you are enrolled in B2023 Bachelor of Commerce and Bachelor of Science, and E3007 Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) and Bachelor of Science; or
- Complete a level one science approved sequence (or a unit that forms part of a sequence) as part of your partner course. For example if you are enrolled in S2007 Bachelor of Science and Bachelor of Biomedical Science you complete BMS1011 and BMS1021 which are equivalent to a level one approved biology sequence of BIO1011 and BIO1022. BMS1021 and BMS1011 do not count towards the 96 points of science units required for your Science component of your double degree but you replace them with two level one science units of your choice; or
- Complete a unit that forms part of a level one approved science sequence but the unit can count at level two i.e., MTH2010 (or MTH2040 if you are in E3007 Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) and Bachelor of Science). These units can count as either a level one or two unit for your course requirement.
*Not all science units are available to all double degree students. For further information, please check your course details above and the Handbook entry for your double degree.
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If you have VCE Specialist Mathematics with an ATAR score of 95 or above, or a VCE raw study score of 35 or above in Specialist Mathematics (or equivalent), and a keen interest in the subject, you can replace MTH1030 and MTH2010 with the advanced version of these units – MTH1035 and MTH2015. You need to seek permission to enrol in these units completing an online enrolment amendment form. (You can’t do these units if you are enrolling in E3007 Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) and Bachelor of Science.)
If you have VCE units 3 and 4 Chemistry with a raw study score of 37 or above, or an ATAR score of 90 or above (or equivalent), you can enrol in CHM1051 and CHM1052, the advanced versions of CHM1011 and CHM1022. You can enrol in CHM1051 and CHM1052 via the online enrolment system (WES).
If you have achieved an ATAR of 95, you can replace FIT1045 and FIT1008 with the advanced version of these units – FIT1053 and FIT1054. You need to seek permission to enrol in these units by completing an online enrolment amendment form.
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As your course has science prerequisites, and some of your units may have mathematics or science prerequisites, we encourage you to complete the Assumed Knowledge Skills Analysis to check your background knowledge and guide you to further resources if needed.
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Credit is the recognition of previous study or learning that can be counted towards a qualification. This can reduce the number of units required to complete a course of study.
You can apply for credit for:
- Completed TAFE (Diploma level and above) and University level subjects.
- Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) for Work Experience in Science. Please refer to the Guidelines for eligibility criteria.
If you are granted credit, you will be awarded credit points towards the completion of your degree and you will not be required to complete those units. You can search online for previous credit decisions to give you an idea of what you may be granted.
Please note that there are limits on the amount of credit you can be awarded at the course level. For double degree coursework courses, the minimum credit points that must be completed at Monash applies to each of the component awards. For example, for a double degree course consisting of two bachelor’s degrees of three years or longer, a student must complete at least 48 credit points within each component degree.
For the Science component this includes at least half the credit point value of any Science listed minor, major, extended major or specialisation at Monash University. For majors, extended majors and specialisations this includes at least 18 points at level 3.
How to apply
After you created your Monash computer account, you can submit your credit application and supporting documentation online for assessment.
You must provide an official academic transcript with the marks and grades of the study you have completed, and unit outlines which include detailed information on the list of topics studied, contact hours, texts and references, methods of assessment and learning outcomes. If you know which major you plan to complete, please specify this in your application.
You don’t need to provide your results or unit outlines for any study undertaken at Monash (including Higher Education studies) or VCE Algorithmics.
If you are applying for Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) for Work Experience in Science please refer to the Guidelines for evidence requirements.
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The following study plans provide a suggested package of units to meet your level one requirements per area of study or major.
Note: use these as a guide only.
These tools have been designed for students completing a Science single degree.
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What we say What it means Handbook THE guide to everything you need to know about your course - it is your rule book. Please consult the Handbook for the year you started your course. Level one approved science sequence A level one approved science sequence comprises approved combinations of two 6 point science units at level one in the same discipline which lead to a major. Some of the approved level one sequences provide pathways to several majors. For example, the level one sequence of BIO1011 and BIO1022 can lead to a major in Zoology as well as Pharmacology. The list of approved level one sequences are linked from your course entry in the Handbook.
Note there is a limit on double counting units towards majors, minors and extended majors. No more than 12 credit points can be credited (counted) towards:- two majors, or
- a major and a minor
within a course. The same credit points cannot be credited towards more than one minor.Some majors require you to take additional units from a related discipline to strengthen your knowledge in those disciplines. For example, if you wish to complete a major in Physics, you must take level one and two mathematics units. These additional units are listed under the relevant science area of study.Major This is the area you choose to specialise within your course. A major is a defined set of units listed under each area of study. A science major requires the completion of 48 credit points. Refer to the major for the exact requirements you need to complete. Extended major By studying extra units from most areas of study, the extended major allows you to gain a deeper understanding of your chosen major. An extended major consists of 72 points from the approved list. Refer to the extended major for the exact requirements you need to complete. Minor A science minor will give you significant knowledge in another area of study. A minor consists of 24 credit. Refer to the minor for the exact requirements you need to complete. Unit Another name for the subject that you study at Monash. You can identify units by their alpha-numeric code (three letters followed by four digits e.g. EAE1022). The first three letters refer to a broad area of study and the first digit tells you the level of study. So EAE1022 is a first level unit of study offered in Earth Atmosphere and Environment (EAE). -
Help and support is always available. Please contact Monash Connect for course advice, assistance with deciding on your major, help sorting through the processes and requirements related to your course, and anything else you need.
- For course progression assistance, complete a course advice form with your questions.
- If you are unable to submit enrolment changes in units online via WES, then complete an Enrolment Amendment form.
- Here is a list of all student forms including credit, intermission and special consideration.
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Sign up for the Monash Science Facebook group to stay on top of what’s going on in Science.
Subscribe to The Scapegoat, our Science student-run newsletter.
Meet friends by joining a Science club & society, like MASS3 (Monash Advanced Science Society) or MSS (the Monash Science Society), or one of our Science School clubs.
Visit and study in the Science Student Learning Lounge, 14 Rainforest Walk (ground floor) – you will be granted access to these rooms after the start of semester.
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This is a Moodle site designed to help you make a smooth transition to university. Each week when you log in to Moodle you will see answers to frequently asked questions, tips on where to get lecture notes, how to access library materials, managing workload, preparing for exams and so much more!
Science study drop-in centres/sessions
We offer drop in study centres/sessions for all students where you will find free tutoring and academic support. If you need assistance with lecture, tutorial or laboratory class content, the tutors in the learning centres/sessions can help.
For more information please see your unit's Moodle site or contact your unit coordinator. This mainly applies for level one units.
Mathematics Learning Centre - Priority is given to students in level-one units, but all year levels students are welcome. This includes Mathematics units taught with the Faculty of Information Technology and the Faculty of Engineering.
Peer mentoring
The Peer Mentoring Program is a collaboration between the Faculty of Science and our current senior science students. The Program helps you settle in and get connected as you start your journey through university. The program matches you with a senior science student who will help you get settled in and make new friends as you begin your studies.
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Course planning information for students in Undergraduate Science courses.
Career Prospects and Industry Experience - Turn your dreams into reality by building your professional experience with an internship or project.
- Internship units - Take an internship (domestic or international) for credit during your studies and ensure you have the skills you need for the workforce by applying for SCI3920 Science Internship or SCI3925 Science Internship (Extended).
- Build your employability skills with SCI3930 Career skills for scientists.
- Research project - Take part in a scientific research project and develop research skills and discover new knowledge.
- Indigenous science – Explore this topic in SCI2030.
Study overseas - Prepare for adventure and broaden your horizons by studying abroad. This includes a semester abroad, Monash-Led Programs such as Global Immersion Guarantee or Monash Global Campus Intensives, global study tours and field trips, overseas placements and industry projects.
Please note that not all global programs can be taken in some double degrees. You need to refer to the list of eligible courses for each experience. For science double degrees you can only take science units (as defined above) for the science component of your course.
Leadership – Become involved in our Student Ambassador and Future Leaders Programs.