UNSW - Science
Keyword Index
This index directs you to relevant Degrees and Areas of Specialisation at UNSW. You can then use this information to search the UNSW Online Handbook for further information.
Anatomy
The study of the structure of the human body.
Degrees: Bachelor of Science, Bachelor of Science (Advanced Science), Bachelor of Medical Science
Area of Specialisation: ANATOMY
Animal Behaviour
See Zoology and Psychology.
Applied Mathematics
Mathematics for real world problems.
Degree: Bachelor of Science, Bachelor of Science (Advanced Science)
Area of Specialisation: MATHEMATICS
Astronomy
Investigates the nature and behaviour of planets. stars, galaxies and the Universe itself.
Degrees: Bachelor of Science, Bachelor of Science (Advanced Science)
Area of Specialisation: PHYSICS
Aviation
The theory and practice of flying and its management.
Degree: Bachelor of Aviation
Area of Specialisation: AVIATION
Behavioural Sciences
See Psychology.
Biochemistry
Looks at the chemical processes that occur within living systems.
Degrees: Bachelor of Science, Bachelor of Science (Advanced Science), Bachelor of Medical Science
Area of Specialisation: BIOCHEMISTRY & MOLECULAR BIOLOGY
Bioinformatics
An area of study that deals with the mass of data emerging from the Human Genome project - a combination of molecular biology and computing.
Degree: BE (Bioinformatics
Areas of Specialisation: BIOCHEMISTRY & MOLECULAR BIOLOGY, COMPUTER SCIENCE, GENETICS & MOLECULAR BIOLOGY
Biological Science
Plants, animals, algae, fungi - their function and behaviour as well as relation to each other and to the environment.
Degrees: Bachelor of Science, Bachelor of Science (Advanced Science), Bachelor of Environmental Science
Area of Specialisation: BIOLOGICAL SCIENCE
Biomechanics
The study of human movement.
Degree: Bachelor of Science
Area of Specialisation: SAFETY SCIENCE
Biomedical Science
See Medical Science.
Biotechnology
Encompasses all of the applications of biology, from developing and manufacturing healthier foods, through to design and production of new drugs using genetic engineering.
Degrees: Bachelor of Science, Bachelor of Science (Biotechnology)
Area of Specialisation: BIOTECHNOLOGY
Botany
Plants! All aspects of the structure and function of both green and non-green plants and the relation of plants to their environments. See Biological Science.
Ceramics
Structure and properties of ceramic materials, their manufacture and design principles and use. See Materials Science.
Chemistry
Involves all types of materials, their preparation and properties, their reactions, and their uses and applications.
Degrees: Bachelor of Science, Bachelor of Science (Advanced Science), Bachelor of Environmental Science
Area of Specialisation: CHEMISTRY
Clinical Psychology
The prevention, diagnosis or treatment of serious personal and family problems. See Psychology.
Cloning
Making a copy of an organism (e.g. bacteria or mammals) from one cell. See Molecular Biology and Genetics.
Coastal Management
See Environmental Science, Geography and Marine Science.
Cognition
Mental processes. See Psychology.
Computer Science
Study of methods for the representation, storage, manipulation and retrieval of information within a computing system. See the School of Computer Science and Engineering.
DNA fingerprinting
Looking for patterns in DNA that identify an individual. See Molecular Biology.
Earth Science
See Geography and Geology.
Education
Training for secondary science and mathematics education.
Degree: Bachelor of Science/Bachelo
Ecology
How organisms react with each other and the environment. Ecologists study the behaviour of populations of organisms.
Degrees: Bachelor of Science (Advanced Science), Bachelor of Environmental Science
Area of Specialisation: BIOLOGICAL SCIENCE, ECOLOGY
Engineering Physics
Experimental physics, electronics, computing and instrumentation
Degree: Bachelor of Science (Advanced Science)
Area of Specialisation: PHYSICS
Entomology
A field of zoology which studies animals of the 6-legged variety - insects. See Zoology.
Entrepreneurs in Science
A program exclusive to UNSW. Talented science students have the opportunity to study for a Diploma in Innovation Management, gaining the skills to turn scientific inventions into commercial business opportunities.
Degree: Diploma in Innovation Management
Area of Specialisation: ENTREPRENEURS IN SCIENCE
Environmental Science
Earth systems and the management of those systems and also related legislation and policy making.
Degree: Bachelor of Environmental Science
Area of Specialisation: ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE
Ergonomics
Designing user-friendly products, work systems and work places for comfort and efficiency. See Safety Science.
Ethics
See Philosophy.
Financial Mathematics
Mathematical techniques used in the finance industry.
Degree: Bachelor of Science (Advanced Science)
Area of Specialisation: MATHEMATICS
Food Science and Technology
Involves the understanding and application of the basic sciences to the management of foods from the time of production right through to their use by the consumer.
Degrees: Bachelor of Science (Food Science and Technology), Bachelor of Science, Bachelor of Science (Advanced Science)
Area of Specialisation: FOOD SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
Forensic Science
The application of science in legal contexts. See Psychology, Genetics, Chemistry and Materials Science.
Genetics
Study of the way in which biological information is transferred from one generation to the next.
Degrees: Bachelor of Science, Bachelor of Science (Advanced Science), Bachelor of Medical Science
Areas of Specialisation: GENETICS & MOLECULAR BIOLOGY, BIOLOGICAL SCIENCE
Genetic Engineering
Using molecular biology to alter genetic function, for research or to make useful products. See Molecular Biology and Molecular Genetics.
Geochemistry
The study of the chemical characteristics and processes associated with minerals, rocks, ores, soils, water and the atmosphere. See Chemistry and Geology.
Geography
Geography is about variation from one place to another, in people, economics, land and the environment.
Degrees: Bachelor of Science, Bachelor of Environmental Science
Area of Specialisation: GEOGRAPHY
Geology
The science of Planet Earth.
Degrees: Bachelor of Science (Applied Geology), Bachelor of Science, Bachelor of Science (Advanced Science), Bachelor of Environmental Science
Area of Specialisation: GEOSCIENCE
Geosciences
The study of the Earth's physical properties and processes using high technology equipment.
Degree: Bachelor of Science (Advanced Science)
Areas of Specialisation: GEOSCIENCE, PHYSICS
GIS
Geographical Information Systems, a spatial information tool. See Geography.
History and Philosophy of Science
History and philosophy of science is the discipline that deals with the nature, history, social shaping and social impacts of science, technology and medicine.
Degree: Bachelor of Science
Area of Specialisation: HISTORY & PHILOSOPHY OF SCIENCE
Hydrology
Water and its properties. See Geography and Geology.
Immunology
How the body fights and protects itself from disease.
Degrees: Bachelor of Science, Bachelor of Science (Advanced Science), Bachelor of Medical Science
Area of Specialisation: IMMUNOLOGY
Information Systems
Concerns the provision of computer-based services to business. See the School of Information Systems.
Innovation Management
A diploma program exclusive to talented UNSW Science students. It is studied in combination with an undergraduate science degree program and provides students with the skills and experience to turn scientific inventions into commercial business opportunities.
Degree: Diploma in Innovation Management
Area of Specialisation: Innovation Management
Marine Science
Study of all aspects of the marine environment from ocean currents and seabed properties to dolphin communication.
Degrees: Bachelor of Science, Bachelor of Science (Advanced Science), Bachelor of Environmental Science
Area of Specialisation: MARINE SCIENCE
Materials Chemistry
The fundamental chemistry, synthesis and characterisatio
Degree: Bachelor of Science (Advanced Science)
Area of Specialisation: CHEMISTRY, MATERIALS SCIENCE
Materials Science
Explores the chemical, physical and mechanical properties of materials and their applications.
Degrees: Bachelor of Engineering (Ceramics, Materials, Metallurgical), Bachelor of Science, Bachelor of Science (Advanced Science)
Area of Specialisation: MATERIALS SCIENCE
Mathematics
The basic language of the physical and quantitative sciences, providing the vocabulary with which to formulate and analyse problems.
Degree: Bachelor of Science, Bachelor of Science (Advanced Science)
Area of Specialisation: MATHEMATICS
Media and Communications
Practical experience with digital media, production of audio visual and multimedia combined with studies in the sciences.
Degree: Bachelor of Science (Media and Communications)
Areas of Specialisation: SCIENCE COMMUNICATION
Medical Chemistry
Studies involving a combination of synthetic and analytical chemistry with aspects of biochemistry and pharmacology.
Degree: Bachelor of Science (Advanced Science)
Areas of Specialisation: CHEMISTRY, BIOCHEMISTRY & MOLECULAR BIOLOGY, PHARMACOLOGY
Medical Physics
The application of physics to the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of human disease and disability.
Degree: Bachelor of Science (Advanced Science)
Area of Specialisation: PHYSICS
Medical Science
The application of science to the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of human disease and disability. Provides an understanding of the different fields of science behind current medical practice.
Degrees: Bachelor of Medical Science, Bachelor of Science, Bachelor of Science (Advanced Science)
Areas of Specialisation: ANATOMY, BIOCHEMISTRY & MOLECULAR BIOLOGY, GENETICS & MOLECULAR BIOLOGY, IMMUNOLOGY, MICROBIOLOGY, PATHOLOGY, PHYSIOLOGY, PHARMACOLOGY
Metallurgy
The science and engineering of advanced metals and alloys. See Materials Science.
Meteorology
The science of understanding and predicting weather conditions. See Mathematics.
Microbiology
The smallest forms of life - bacteria, viruses, archae, fungi and protozoa; how they live and function.
Degrees: Bachelor of Science, Bachelor of Science (Advanced Science), Bachelor of Medical Science
Areas of Specialisation: MICROBIOLOGY, IMMUNOLOGY
Mineralogy
Examines the formation, occurrence, properties and uses of minerals. See Geology.
Molecular Biology
Understanding how biological molecules function and interact to determine the properties of living things.
Degrees: Bachelor of Science, Bachelor of Science (Advanced Science), Bachelor of Medical Science
Areas of Specialisation: GENETICS & MOLECULAR BIOLOGY, BIOCHEMISTRY & MOLECULAR BIOLOGY, BIOTECHNOLOGY, MICROBIOLOGY
Molecular Genetics
Study of how genes work at the molecular level.
Degrees: Bachelor of Science, Bachelor of Science (Advanced Science), Bachelor of Medical Science
Areas of Specialisation: GENETICS & MOLECULAR BIOLOGY, BIOCHEMISTRY & MOLECULAR BIOLOGY, BIOTECHNOLOGY
Nanotechnology
Development of the next generation of electronic devices, smaller than microchips.
Degree: Bachelor of Science (Nanotechnology
Areas of Specialisation: PHYSICS, CHEMISTRY, MATERIALS SCIENCE
Neuroscience
The biological and behavioural aspects of the nervous system.
Degree: Bachelor of Science (Advanced Science)
Areas of Specialisation: ANATOMY, PHYSIOLOGY, PHARMACOLOGY, PSYCHOLOGY
Nutrition
The role of nutrients in human growth and function. See Food Science and Technology.
Occupational Health
The health and safety of people in the workplace, including cause of disease. See Psychology and Safety Science.
Oceanography
A branch of science dealing with the chemical, physical, geological and biological features of the oceans. See Marine Science and Mathematics.
Optometry
Health care profession concerned with the art and science of vision and the visual welfare of the community.
Degree: Bachelor of Optometry
Area of Specialisation: OPTOMETRY
Palaeontology
The study of fossils and ancient life. See Geology and Biological Science.
Pathology
Study of the nature and progression of disease.
Degrees: Bachelor of Science, Bachelor of Science (Advanced Science), Bachelor of Medical Science
Area of Specialisation: PATHOLOGY
Pharmacology
Examines drugs and their actions on living tissue.
Degrees: Bachelor of Science, Bachelor of Science (Advanced Science), Bachelor of Medical Science
Area of Specialisation: PHYSIOLOGY, PHARMACOLOGY
Philosophy
Philosophy examines reasoning, concepts and forms of arguments across a wide range of disciplines.
Degree: Bachelor of Science
Area of Specialisation: PHILOSOPHY
Physics
Investigation and application of the laws of nature that govern the behaviour of the universe.
Degrees: Bachelor of Science, Bachelor of Science (Advanced Science)
Area of Specialisation: PHYSICS
Physiology
The structure and normal functioning of animals.
Degrees: Bachelor of Science, Bachelor of Science (Advanced Science), Bachelor of Medical Science
Areas of Specialisation: BIOCHEMISTRY & MOLECULAR BIOLOGY, BIOLOGICAL SCIENCE, IMMUNOLOGY, PHYSIOLOGY, PHARMACOLOGY
Psychology
Behaviour and its underlying mental and neural processes.
Degrees: Bachelor of Psychology, Bachelor of Science, Bachelor of Science (Advanced Science)
Area of Specialisation: PSYCHOLOGY
Pure Mathematics
The study of structures underlying and interrelating mathematical knowledge.
Degrees: Bachelor of Science, Bachelor of Science (Advanced Science)
Area of Specialisation: MATHEMATICS
Remote Sensing
Spatial information technology. See Geography.
Risk Management
Looking at ways to minimise losses and maximise opportunity. See Safety Science.
Safety Science
The application of physical, behavioural and life sciences to the health and safety of people at work and in the community.
Degree: Bachelor of Science
Area of Specialisation: SAFETY SCIENCE
Science Communication
Translating scientific principles and applications into easily understood information for the use and interest of non-scientists (and other scientists!), from labels on products right through to use of the media.
Degrees: Bachelor of Science (Communication)
Area of Specialisation: SCIENCE COMMUNICATION
Seismology
Earthquakes and the internal structure of the Earth. See Geoscience.
Soil Science
A close up look at soils. See Geography and Geology.
Spatial Information Systems
Describing, analysing and monitoring the changes taking place on the Earth's surface.
Degree: Bachelor of Science
Area of Specialisation: GEOGRAPHY
Statistics
The science and art of using factual material for inference and modelling.
Degrees: Bachelor of Science, Bachelor of Science (Advanced Science)
Area of Specialisation: MATHEMATICS
Teaching
Training for secondary science and mathematics education.
Degree: Bachelor of Science/Bachelo
Zoology
The science of animals - their structure, behaviour, how they function, evolution of different species and adaptation to their environment.
Degrees: Bachelor of Science, Bachelor of Science (Advanced Science)
Area of Specialisation: BIOLOGICAL SCIENCE