UNSW - Science
Specialised degrees
These are 3 or 4 year degree programs in specialised areas of science. An honours year is generally incorporated in the 4 year programs and is an optional year in all the 3 year programs for high-performing students.
Bachelor of Science (Biotechnology)
UAC CODE 42 9018
UNSW 3052
4 years full-time
2008 cut-off 76.0
Assumed knowledge:
Mathematics and Chemistry.
Recommended knowledge:
Biology.
What you study:
This program provides comprehensive training in all aspects of the multidisciplina
Bachelor of Science (Communication)
UAC CODE 42 9003
UNSW 3993
3 years full-time
2008 cut-off 78.00
Assumed knowledge:
Mathematics and Chemistry plus one or more of Biology, Earth & Environmental Science, Physics, HSC Mathematics Extension 1 (depending on chosen area of study).
What you study:
Film a science documentary, report on genetically modified foods for radio, or organise a tour of dinosaur bones. Design a geology walk, or a survey about shrimp fisheries, or study Australian snakes. The choice is yours. Combine the study of science, society, and communication with an internship to open a world of opportunities - media, public relations, education, business, and science.
Bachelor of Science (Nanotechnology
UAC CODE 42 9011
UNSW 3617
4 years full-time
2008 cut-off 83.00
Assumed knowledge:
HSC Mathematics Ext 1, Physics and Chemistry.
What we offer
Nanotechnology is the science of understanding the structure and behaviour of materials at the atomic or molecular level. The power to control and exploit atomic structures provides the potential to dramatically transform the world around us, creating devices and machines with unique properties and applications. Some examples are the development of atomic-size computer devices on silicon chips; building molecules that can sense particular bacteria or viruses; and catalyst powders that can use the sunlight to control pollutants.
This degree program is designed to give you breadth and depth of training across a wide range of science and technology disciplines, with close links to innovative research programs undertaken at UNSW. It will also teach you the commercial aspects of nanotechnology.
What you study:
This program leads to the award of a Bachelor of Science in Nanotechnology over four years of full-time study, including honours for students who perform with merit. Stage 1 consists of core courses in chemistry, mathematics, physics, biology and materials science and engineering, together with an introduction to nanotechnology.
Bachelor of Aviation
UAC CODE 42 9016
UNSW 3980
3 years full time
2008 cut-off *
UAC CODE 42 9017
UNSW 3981
3 years full-time
2008 cut-off 76.00
Assumed knowledge:
HSC Mathematics.
What we offer:
There are two streams of study with a common core, made up of basic science and aerospace technologies, plus management studies. A fourth honours year is also offered. We have our own aircraft operating from Bankstown Airport. Our management lecturers include some very senior and active members of the industry, whose expertise helps graduates find ready employment. Research topics include human factors, flight safety, operations management methods and aviation meteorology.
What you study:
Through the Flying Stream we produce skilled pilots trained to commercial standards. Graduates acquire a Commercial Pilot Licence, Air Transport Pilot Licence Theory accreditation and a Command Multi-Engine Instrument Rating. A Grade Three Instructor rating, Multi-Crew Course or a research project may be selected as final year electives. Flight training is conducted in block periods at Bankstown airport, where trainees study theory courses required by the Australian Civil Aviation Safety Authority.
Our Management Stream consists of the academic core plus airline and air-traffic control management, security and safety. Graduates of this stream may undertake flying training through the Graduate Diploma in Flying. Many other postgraduate courses are also available.
*Additional entry requirements:
All applicants are required to complete an application form separate to the UAC application. Flying Stream applicants will also be assessed by interview and are required to provide a Class 1 CASA Medical Certificate from a designated aviation medical examiner and undergo flight aptitude testing.
More information:
Read Andy Lee's experiences as a graduate of the Aviation Management program.
Bachelor of Engineering (Materials Science and Engineering)
UAC CODE 42 9009
UNSW 3135
4 years full-time
2008 cut-off 80.00
Assumed knowledge:
HSC Mathematics Extension 1, Physics and/or Chemistry.
UNSW is the only university in Sydney offering a professional program in materials engineering.
What we offer:
Materials engineering is the underlying science of high performance materials including metals, ceramics, plastics, composites, and electronic, nano and biomaterials. Materials engineers develop these high performance materials, engineer new applications, customise innovative processing techniques and predict their performance.
What you study:
Learning involves both lecture materials, practical laboratory projects and industrial placements. First year (Stage 1) lays a strong foundation in mathematics, chemistry and physics. Stage 2 explores the fundamental properties and structures of materials as well as aspects of engineering design and application and selection of materials. Specialised professional and technical electives follow in later years in four streams - physical or process metallurgy, ceramics or materials engineering. The Bachelor of Engineering also includes a research project and industrial training.
Bachelor of Environmental Science
UAC CODE 42 9008
UNSW 3988
4 years full-time
2008 cut-off 82.00
Assumed knowledge:
Mathematics and Chemistry.
What we offer:
Environmental Science offers training in a very broad field of science that involves studying all aspects of the world around us, our impact on it and how to manage human activities to maintain a sustainable balance with nature. You will understand the environmental aspects of biological, chemical and earth sciences; environmental assessment impacts and toxicology; and the social, economic and legal aspects of environmental issues.
Bachelor of Optometry/ Bachelor of Science
UAC CODE 42 9025
UNSW 3952
5 years full-time
2008 n/a
UNSW is the only university in the state offering a professional degree in Optometry. Optometry is a primary health care profession dedicated to the improvement and preservation of eyesight. Optometrists understand the science underlying vision, detect and manage ocular disease, solve the vision problems of people and contribute to the visual welfare of communities.
What you study:
Optometry is a five-year full-time degree. Stage 1 consists of foundation sciences (physics, chemistry, mathematics, biology) and two vision science courses. Stages 2 and 3 introduces physiology, pathology, pharmacology, ocular disease, more advanced vision science and clinical examination of the eye. Stages 4 and 5 develop your clinical skills in problem-solving and patient management and introduce you to research. Specialised clinics in these years give you examination experience in areas such as contact lenses, colour vision, low vision rehabilitation, ocular photography, children's vision assessment and ocular disease management. In Stage 5 you will be offered a number of external clinic experiences including a 4-week clinical posting outside of UNSW.
Undergraduate Medicine and Health Sciences Admission Test:
Applicants to B Optometry/ B Science must submit an application to sit the Undergraduate Medicine and Health Sciences Admissions Test (UMAT) with the Australian Council for Education Research (ACER) by late May/early June (see www.acer.edu.au for exact date) and sit the test on 30 July 2008.
Alternative entry for 2010: UNSW will provide an alternative entry pathway for admission to Optometry/Scien
Bachelor of Psychology
UAC CODE 42 9026
UNSW 3432
4 years full-time
2008 cut-off UAI 96.00
Assumed knowledge:
HSC Mathematics.
Recommended knowledge:
Any two units of science and Advanced English.
What we offer:
Psychology is the scientific study of human behaviour, a diverse discipline that covers the relationship between the brain and behaviour; the processes of perceiving, learning and memory; the assessment of abilities and attitudes; the origins of personality and emotional states; the nature and effects of social interactions; and the causes of abnormal behaviour. Skills in psychology make a strong and positive contribution to a career.
What you study:
Stage 1 Psychology is a broad overview. Stage 2 delves more deeply into the fundamentals of behaviour and mental life in such areas as learning and physiological, social and developmental psychology, perception and cognition and psychology or assessment and personality. Stage 3 includes advanced courses on earlier topics as well as courses about abnormal behaviour, organizational contexts and forensic issues. Students accepted into Stage 4 undertake a research-based honours year.
To become a registered NSW psychologist and member of the Australian Psychological Society, students must complete four years of undergraduate study followed by two years of postgraduate study. The Bachelor of Psychology, Bachelor of Science (Advanced) and Bachelor of Science (with an honours year) programs all meet the four year requirement. An alternative of two years of supervised experience in professional practice will meet government registration.
More information:
Read David Bright's experiences as a graduate from the Bachelor of Psychology program.
Bachelor of Medical Science
UNSW code: 3991
UAC code: 42 9007
Course duration: three years
2008 cut off 92.00
What we offer:
Medical Science encompasses the study of the human body, health, diseases and development. Students study the structure and function of the human body (anatomy and physiology), how it responds to disease (microbiology, immunology and pathology) as well as the way our characteristics are inherited (genetics) and develop from a fertilised cell (embryology). The program also provides the opportunity to study the chemistry of living organisms (biochemistry) and the drugs that are used to cure human disease (pharmacology).
What you study:
In the first year of this program, you will study the core disciplines of biology, chemistry and mathematics, and be introduced to the history of discoveries contributing to major advances in our understanding of health and disease. Additional course options may be chosen from areas such as psychology, physics, history & philosophy of science and computing. Year 2 comprises studies from all of the medical science disciplines including anatomy, physiology, biochemistry & molecular biology, pharmacology, microbiology and pathology, including the study of the contribution of these sciences to medicine. By Year 3, you will nominate a discipline in medical science for specialisation, such as anatomy, physiology, pharmacology, biochemistry, pathology or microbiology. High performing students may choose to study for honours in an additional research-orient
Entry into the Medical Science Program
Entry is based on academic merit. It is assumed that students entering the BMedSc program have completed HSC Mathematics and 2 units of Chemistry (or equivalent). Students without this background will be considered for entry but are advised to undertake the necessary bridging course. Students must maintain a credit average to retain a place in the Medical Science program.
More information:
Read Vi Nguyen's account of studying Bachelor of Medical Science.
Medicine Graduate Entry Stream
A limited number of high-performing students may be able to gain entry to the UNSW Medicine program with advanced standing. Students intending to apply for entry via this pathway must have completed all compulsory courses by the end of Year 2. They will be required to complete courses from nominated disciplines in Year 3 and to undertake an Honours year.
For detailed information for the Graduate Entry Stream for UNSW Medicine visit the School of Medicine Undergraduate Programs web site.
