Life on campus

Many of the things that set us apart from other universities are things you can't necessarily see, and sometimes you won't even know or experience until you're here, such as the social campus vibe that comes with being a non-city based university.
It's also the community-spirited, social and supportive life that exists here in science and all around the Clayton campus.
It's how much our teaching academics care about their research and about inspiring you, our future students, to love and be inspired by science as much as they are.
On top of this, our science students have access to facilities just for them – be it our 24/7 study/hang-out spaces and other informal areas dotted around the science precinct that give you the space to stay on campus and enjoy all it has to offer.
You can take our word for it, or you can visit campus during Open Day to make up your own mind. In the interim, explore for yourself the great things on offer to students studying science at Monash.
Click here to read more facts about what makes Monash Science so unique.

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In this section

How and where we teach

Pace teaching at Monash

WE'VE DEVELOPED A NEW WAY OF TEACHING PHYSICS AND ASTRONOMY
Called the Physics and Astronomy Collaborative-learning Environment (PACE), it teaches students creative problem-solving, effective communication, teamwork and adaptability – invaluable attributes desired by today's employers across a range of industries.
The PACE teaching model moves away from academic lecturing to hundreds of students. It is instead founded on problem-based learning through hands-on activities reinforced by a collaborative, physical learning environment that is purpose-built to foster teamwork. Through PACE, Monash is giving students more responsibility for their learning experience, where students are able to gather information and access course material outside of the classroom, while on-campus teaching is centred on their understanding. Classes of 100 students will be broken into smaller groups of eight to ten to work together to carry out experiments and solve problems and, when appropriate, brought back together to communicate and collaborate with the wider group. It's the end of traditional lectures in our first year physics and astronomy classes!
Green Chemical Futures building, Clayton Campus

WORLD LEADING NEW CHEMISTRY FACILITIES
Our new chemistry building unifies our teaching, research and links with industry in one location. As a chemistry student, you will use the latest educational equipment and resources – including lecture spaces, sophisticated laboratories and research facilities, as well as interactive spaces specifically designed for engagement with other students, researchers and industry.
All the while, you'll be learning in a building that aims to minimise environmental impact by using sustainable materials and supporting energy conservation through the molecular structure of the building itself.
THE LATEST EQUIPMENT
If you choose a lab-based major, such as chemistry, you can be confident that the equipment you will be using is the same as the equipment you would use in industry. This means you'll graduate with the right skills and experience to transition more seamlessly into your future career.
Outdoor teaching JMR Monash Science

AUSTRALIA'S ONLY ON-CAMPUS WETLAND COMPLEX
Jock Marshall Reserve (JMR) is an eight-acre wetland reserve at Monash Clayton that is home to shallow aquatic habitats which provide a home to amphibians and aquatic birds.

Monash Science students studying Biological Sciences units undertake a wide range of practicals, field investigations and experiments in the Jock Marshall Reserve. Practical activities undertaken at JMR include biodiversity comparisons, leaf breakdown in aquatic systems, research techniques and methods in biological surveys and aquatic food chains and food web investigations.
Plant sciences complex

AN ON-CAMPUS PLANT SCIENCES EXPLORATION COMPLEX
Based in the Jock Marshall Reserve, the Plant Sciences Complex facilitates a wide range of plant-based research projects including genetic, conversational and ecological studies.
Rock labs

ROCK LABS FOR EARTH SCIENCES STUDENTS
The redevelopment of our earth sciences rock labs form part of the transformation of science at Monash.
Projector screens line the walls and Google Earth is used in lab tasks.
Even the tabletops you work from form part of the experience. Each tabletop is constructed from a different rock type, reflecting the very nature of the discipline and used actively as part of the teaching experience.
Monash Science teaching

PERFORM EXPERIMENTS LIKE A REAL SCIENTIST
To be a great scientist, we believe all our students should be exposed to the techniques used by real scientists from day one. That's why we introduced IDEA experiments (Inquiry, Design, Explore, Answer) into our teaching.
IDEA experiments aim to foster genuine problem-solving and critical thinking skills, rather than rote-type approaches to science. These experiments allow you to think outside the box, co-operate in teams of four, and accept the idea that there is not necessarily a right way to solve the science-related problem, and that your demonstrator isn't going to provide all the answers. Making sure we teach you in a way that will give you the skills you need in the workplace is critical to the way we do things.
Maths teaching spaces

IN-CLASS COLLABORATION AND PROBLEM SOLVING
Students studying mathematics-related majors learn class rooms and computer labs equipped with the latest technology, including double computer projection with a computer feed that can be recorded so students can revisit the lecture after the class.
The rooms are designed to encourage in-class collaboration and problem solving. You aren't even restricted to writing on notepads or whiteboards - they can literally write on most of the walls and glass surfaces in these state-of-the-art rooms.

Where you learn and hang out

THE SCIENCE PRECINCT
Our brand new science precinct at the Clayton Campus is home to a wide variety of informal study spaces in and outside the buildings.
SPACES JUST FOR OUR SCIENCE STUDENTS
The new Science Student Learning Lounge is an informal space dedicated for use only by students enrolled in Science. Open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, the lounge is used by our students for study, group assignments, or chilling-out between lectures.
As a Science student you'll have access to writeable surfaces, large computer monitors for doing group assignments, bookable meeting rooms, comfortable furniture, as well as kitchen facilities to heat your lunch or make a cup of tea. In addition to the lounge, informal study and chill-out spaces are also located throughout the Science precinct.

The world is your classroom

TROPICAL TERRESTRIAL BIOLOGY FIELD TRIP TO BORNEO (BIO3820)
This unique, selective, unit takes you to the heart of the jungles of Borneo, where you will explore tropical habitats including complex and beautiful forests and cave systems. The 140 million-year-old Borneo rainforest is home to unique and fragile ecosystems and is one of the only remaining natural habitats for the endangered Bornean orang-utan. This field trip provides hands-on insight into the importance of conservation, management, climate, nutrient cycling, disturbance, and succession on tropical plants and animal ecology.
TROPICAL MARINE BIOLOGY FIELD TRIP TO HERON ISLAND (BIO3021)
The sparkling waters and pristine coral cays of Heron Island form the backdrop for exploring the fascinating plants and animals that make up a tropical reef system. While on the island you will plan and carry out a research project that exposes you to some of the challenges and problems encountered by field biologists - and some of the techniques that are used to solve these problems. The field work involves studies into fish and turtle biology, bird behaviour, coral reef ecology and some truly spectacular snorkelling
EXPLORE THE WORLD AS AN UNDERGRADUATE STUDENT
As a science student at Monash, you can get involved with research from day one.
These images show students who have assisted senior staff with research into topics as diverse as natural resource exploration in Tanzania, fossicking for fossils in Antarctica and developing solutions to water purity using graphene.
ECOLOGY FIELD TRIP TO A ROCKY SHORE AT FLINDERS (BIO2011)
Exploring the rocky shores at Flinders, where Western Port meets Bass Strait, you will get hands on with seaweeds, anemones, gastropods and other plants and animals. While sampling, you will learn about study design and issues in ecology and explore the factors that shape the distribution of species in our dynamic intertidal environments.

Experiences you can add

Monash Science Clubs and Societies

BUILD YOUR SKILL SET AND MEET NEW PEOPLE
Monash science offers an enormous range of extra-curricular activities designed to help build your skill set and portfolio of experience.
These activities are available exclusively to students studying science at Monash.
Scroll through to see some of the opportunities on offer.
Monash Science Student Ambassador Program

SCIENCE STUDENT AMBASSADOR PROGRAM
Science Student Ambassadors represent the Faculty of Science at a variety of events including Open Day, information evenings and school visits.
They also represent the Faculty through social media management and marketing activities.
Monash Science Peer Assisted Learning

PEER ASSISTED STUDY SESSIONS
PASS is an academic mentoring program, usually aimed at first year students transitioning from high school to university.
The study sessions are led by senior students to provide support for science students
Monash Study Support Programs

STUDY SUPPORT PROGRAMS
We offer a range of study support programs to help our students when they need it the most.
Most of these sessions are run as a 'drop in' sessions, where tutors are available to provide advice on support on challenging assignments or subject-related, specific questions.
There is always help available if our students need it.
Science Peer Mentoring

SCIENCE PEER MENTORING PROGRAM
In the Peer Mentoring Program, we pair newly-enrolled first- year undergraduate students with students in their second- (or higher) year of university to assist the first-year students settle into university life.
The student mentors act as guides, helping to answer questions and advise first-year students.
The program helps new students and gives the second-year students a valuable experience in mentoring.
Monash Science Future Leaders Program

SCIENCE FUTURE LEADERS PROGRAM
The Faculty of Science Future Leaders Program has been developed to identify and cultivate the science leaders of the future.
Over the course of the year, you participate in activities to develop your leadership skills including a residential program, a series of leadership seminars and workshops, and the opportunity to practice leadership within the university, your chosen profession and/or the wider community.
Monash Science Study Abroad

SCIENCE STUDY ABROAD OPPORTUNITIES
Science at Monash offers you the opportunity to complete internships and work placements overseas.
You can attend an international university as an Exchange or Study Abroad student and receive credit towards your Monash degree.
You could also study at an overseas campus of Monash University as an Intercampus Exchange student.
Monash Science Careers Advice

SCIENCE CAREER ADVICE AND TRANSITION PROGRAM
Monash Science has the only faculty-based Careers Education Consultant who provides individual career counselling and job seeking support for our science students, develops and implements career education programs such as Science Industry Week, and works to increase the employment outcomes for Monash science students.
You will be able to prepare yourself for your transition from a Monash science graduate to a professional employee by completing a certificated Professional Transition program.
This program combines practical activities with discussion and builds confidence in career planning, finding work in science, developing your professional profile and writing job applications.
Participants also have the opportunity to tailor their resume for jobs in science and practise interview skills.
Science Industry Placement Program

SCIENCE INDUSTRY PLACEMENT PROGRAM (SIPP)
Monash Science has a voluntary industry placement program to support you in gaining invaluable industry based experience.
The SIPP program helps your gain practical, hands-on skills in the workplace, as well as develop relationships with potential employers and add sought-after skills to your CV.
Placements are available with CSIRO, Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Zoos Victoria, the Australian Marine Mammal Conservation Foundation, the Department of Environment and Primary Industries, and many more.
Monash Science Clubs and Societies

CLUBS AND SOCIETIES, AND OTHER OPPORTUNITIES
University life isn't only about study. There are many science clubs and societies that provide the opportunity to meet other students and enjoy social activities. Monash offers more than 100 student-run Clubs & Societies that include activities, events, competitions, productions, get-togethers, seminars, camps, conferences .
If you're into community involvement through volunteering, leadership, participation and representation, then TeamMONASH could be for you.
There are also extensive health and well-being facilities and opportunities on campus, including sports centre, drop in meditation and mindfulness sessions and sports teams.