Bridging courses

Registration for Bridging Courses will open again in January 2013. Please read the following information carefully, before registering.

Assumed Knowledge is what a lecturer or tutor of a first year UNSW course could reasonably expect all students enrolled in that course to know at the outset. For some degree programs and first year courses, it is assumed that students will have achieved a level of knowledge of the subject area that will prepare them to cope successfully with the content of the course, through their high school studies or other equivalent study.

Students who do not have the recommended level of assumed knowledge are not prevented from enrolling in a program, but they may be placed at a considerable disadvantage. Any students who have not achieved the recommended level of assumed knowledge are strongly advised to undertake a bridging program or other preparation course.

UNSW Bridging Courses in Chemistry, Mathematics and Physics

The University of New South Wales Bridging Courses offer you the opportunity to revise Chemistry, Mathematics and Physics and experience how these subjects are taught at university. Each course consists of 40 hours of tuition consisting of lectures, tutorials, laboratory classes and/or demonstration sessions.

Who is eligible?

Domestic or international school leavers, older students, deferred students or currently enrolled UNSW students. You may undertake UNSW's Bridging Courses if you are intending to enrol at another university, however we advise that you first ensure that the Bridging Course you select is suitable by that institution.

Chemistry Bridging Course

The aim of the Chemistry Bridging Course is to provide you with the basic knowledge required for the study of chemistry at university level. It is especially suitable if you have not studied this subject before but intend studying courses requiring some knowledge of chemistry. Through the use of lectures, tutorials and laboratory work, students are familiarised with the way chemistry is taught at university.

The Chemistry Bridging Course provides 40 hours of tuition and the fee is $380.

Mathematics Bridging Course

Some university programs assume an existing knowledge equivalent to HSC Mathematics Extension 1 (or "3 unit"). The aim of the Mathematics Bridging Course is to bridge the gap between the HSC Mathematics course (not the General Mathematics course) and what is required for these university programs by teaching relevant topics of the HSC Mathematics Extension 1 course. Your performance in the Mathematics Bridging Course examination may mean you are properly prepared for entry directly into MATH1131 which is a compulsory course in all engineering programs, mathematics programs and many science-based programs at UNSW. To enter MATH1131 it is assumed that you have the knowledge and understanding equivalent to:

• a result of 90 in HSC Mathematics ("2 unit") (not the pre-2001 HSC course Mathematics in Society or HSC General Mathematics), or
• a combined mark of over 100* in HSC Mathematics ("2 unit") and HSC Mathematics Extension 1 ("3 unit"), or
• a satisfactory grade in the UNSW Mathematics Bridging Course.

*a combined mark of over 115 is preferable.

If you do not have the above assumed knowledge for entry to MATH1131 you are advised to first complete the one semester course, MATH1011 General Mathematics 1B.

The Mathematics Bridging Course provides 40 hours of tuition and the fee is $380.

Note: Mathematics Bridging Course participants are assumed to have an existing knowledge equivalent to HSC Mathematics, that is, the calculus based 2 Unit course.

Physics Bridging Course

This course examines selected topics in Mechanics, Waves and Electricity and Magnetism up to a level where university physics study can commence. Note however, that the Physics Bridging Course is not intended as a substitute for two years of senior high school study in the subject. The core material covered provides an introduction to approximately half of the topics comprising our first year university physics courses. Students entering Science and Engineering programs will have compulsory physics courses in their first year; the level of physics required varies depending on the program. Students may consider taking an introductory physics course in their first semester (PHYS1111 Fundamentals of Physics), prior to studying the compulsory physics course in their program, if the latter is at a higher level.

Mathematics knowledge to HSC Mathematics level, or equivalent, is recommended. Whilst no previous study of HSC Physics is required, some exposure to high school science would be advantageous (eg. science to high school Year 10). Lectures, tutorial classes and laboratory work are included in the Bridging Course to give the student an appreciation of, and some familiarity with, the technical language and style of physics in the selected core topics.

The Physics Bridging Course provides 40 hours of tuition and the fee is $380.

Examinations, Results and Certificates

Each of UNSW's Bridging Courses includes an examination (see timetable for details). Students who successfully complete the course/s (including the examination/s) will be issued with a certificate. Successful completion requires a result of at least 50/100.

Registration and Payment

Registrations for 2012 Bridging Courses have now closed.

Timetable

For full details, please download a brochure here.

Contact

Chemistry, Mathematics and Physics Bridging Courses
UNSW Science
Tel: 02 9385 7788
Email: science@unsw.edu.au