|
|
Areas of Study Majors/Extended Majors
Bachelor of Science - BSc
BIOINFORMATICS - Extended Major
Bioinformatics - sometimes called
computational biology - is an emerging area in modern science that brings
together computer science and biology. It is often referred to as the new
molecular biology, because it aids in both managing and exploring the vast
amounts of data that have been generated by large gene sequencing projects such
as the Human Genome Project.
An extended major in Bioinformatics will give students a sound theoretical
knowledge of information technology, molecular biology, structural biology,
proteomics and functional genomics. It will also give students practical
experience in the application of informatics to the organisation and use of
biological databases.
The goal of using information technology in the life sciences is to rapidly
improve our understanding of areas such as human health, plant and animal
production, ecology, evolution, environment and climate change. The application
of molecular biological techniques, recombinant DNA technology and
bioinformatics is essential to progress in both fundamental biological sciences
and the biotechnology industry. Bioinformatics has the potential to lead to
advances in understanding basic biological processes which, in turn, can lead to
advances in the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of many diseases. It is a
growing discipline and career opportunities are expanding rapidly in Australia
and overseas.
Bachelor of
Science graduates with an extended major in Bioinformatics will be able to seek
employment in areas as diverse as the development and assessment of therapeutic
drugs; research into anti-cancer therapies; and design of pest and disease
control strategies in agriculture. They also will find work in medical research,
the biotechnology industry, government and private consultancies; science policy
and planning; and education. The extended major's broad scientific base also
will enable students to move into other areas of the biological and computer
sciences. Opportunities for further study leading to Honours, Masters degrees
and Doctorates (PhD) in Bioinformatics are also available.
The full
program of study for Bioinformatics is set out in the Course rule and topic
descriptions for this degree.
 Top of page
BIOLOGICAL CHEMISTRY - Extended Major
This extended major will introduce
students to the chemistry of biologically-important molecules such as DNA and
proteins. The emphasis will be on how chemical structure determines biological
function. Students enrolled in this extended major will learn about techniques
such x-ray crystallography and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) that can be
used to determine the atomic structure of complex biological molecules. They
will also learn about techniques such as mass spectrometry, atomic force
microscopy (AFM), surface plasmon resonance, and the quartz crystal microbalance
that can be used to understand how molecules interact.
For example, AFM can
be used to understand the interaction between the strands of the DNA double
helix. All of the information generated from these techniques can be used to
design pharmaceutical drugs (eg anti-cancer therapeutics, anti-malarial drugs),
agricultural agents (eg herbicides, pesticides) and biosensors (eg instruments
containing enzymes or antibodies that can be used to detect low concentration
toxins or pollutants). Employment opportunities for graduates from this extended
major can be found in pharmaceutical companies, hospital laboratories,
agricultural biotechnology companies, bio-materials companies, government
departments, universities and research organisations such as CSIRO. There is
also the opportunity for further study leading to an Honours degree, a Masters
degree or a Doctorate (PhD).
The full program of study for Biological Chemistry is set out in the Course rule and topic descriptions for this degree.Top of page
BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES - Extended Major
Biology is the scientific study of life
and underpins all major breakthroughs in the areas of medicine, biotechnology,
agriculture, conservation and environmental management. It spans the microscopic
scale of molecules and cells that make up organisms, right through to the global
scale of the entire living planet. This is an exciting era for biology because
as we move closer towards understanding the fundamental processes that support
life we can increasingly apply this knowledge to improving our quality of life.
For example, new models in ecology are facilitating evaluation of important
environmental issues, whereas new tools developed in the field of genetics and
molecular biology have revolutionised forensic science and have enabled the
development of designer drugs for many previously untreatable medical
conditions. The ongoing quest to understand life will continue to provide
solutions to many of the problems we experience on Earth.
The extended major in Biological Sciences covers a broad spectrum of biology and
chemistry, whilst allowing for increasing specialisation in the Second and
Third Years. First Year introduces the broad scope of biology and the chemical
foundations of life. It also highlights the diversity of life and describes some
fundamental themes, such as the unifying theory of evolution. Students will be
introduced to the scientific process and methods for investigating specific
questions in biology. In the Second and Third Years, students undertake a range
of topics, depending on their area of interest.
Students who have successfully completed this extended major can apply to
undertake further studies towards Honours in Biological Sciences. Alternatively,
they may wish to embark on a career without further studies. There are numerous
career opportunities, for example in research and analytical laboratories, in
government departments and agencies, as well as industries including
biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, agriculture, forestry, fisheries, aquaculture
and ecotourism.
The full
program of study for
Biological Sciences is set out in the Course rule and topic descriptions for this degree.
Top of page
CHEMISTRY - Major or Extended Major
Chemistry is involved in some way with
almost everything we do or use and has improved our standard of living beyond
all recognition. It has provided the drugs, antibiotics and anaesthetics that
have relieved pain and suffering; the polymers and plastics in our homes, cars
and workplaces; the synthetic fibres that clothe us; the batteries that power
our portable technologies - the list is virtually endless. It is hard to
imagine any new product in recent times that did not require the creative
efforts of a chemist at some stage in its development.
The study of a major or extended major in Chemistry will appeal to people who
are interested in developing the materials, molecules and pharmaceuticals of the
future, or to those who are curious about molecular transformations and how they
take place.
The Chemistry major and
extended major cover the broad spectrum of chemistry in First and Second Year,
while allowing for increased specialisation in Third Year. There is also scope
for interdisciplinary studies, which combine chemistry with other branches of
science such as physics, earth sciences or biology. Students gain experience in
using a wide range of modern instrumentation. During Honours, an additional year
that many students choose to take after completion of their BSc, students focus
on a particular aspect of chemistry through specialised courses and a research
project. Once they have completed their Chemistry major or extended major within
the BSc, students have access to numerous career opportunities.
Recent graduates are employed in the wine, pharmaceutical, paint, mining,
petrochemical, petroleum and automotive industries, research laboratories and
analytical laboratories. For those who would like to pursue a career in
research, a BSc(Hons) degree in Chemistry can lead to a PhD in areas as diverse
as DNA manipulation, drug design and synthesis and catalyst design.
The full program of study for the
Chemistry Major or
Extended Major is set out in the Course rule and topic descriptions for this degree.
Top of page
COMPUTER SCIENCE - Major or Extended Major
Computing has become vital to all areas of science and technology. It also plays an increasingly important role in commercial and social life.
The Computer Science major and extended
major provide students with a broad background in programming and computer
systems, allowing them to develop technical expertise, professional skills and a
depth of knowledge.
In First Year, students gain skills in the core technologies, and knowledge of
general computing and introductory programming. In Second and Third Year
students further develop their expertise in programming and software
development, and are introduced to key facets of computer systems. Throughout,
students have the opportunity to participate in group projects, and
presentations by guest lecturers who are computing and information technology
professionals. Assessment is designed so that it is relevant to the industries
in which graduates will work.
Students who major in Computer Science can access a diversity of careers in
database administration, enterprise IT architecture design, computing services
and software development. When Computer Science is combined with other areas of
science, students gain the high-level computing skills which will enhance their
careers in a wide range of scientific and technical professions. For example,
combining Computer Science with Biology can lead to a career in the exciting
area of Bioinformatics, or Computer Science combined with Mathematics can lead
to a career in Financial Modelling.
Students can progress to an Honours (fourth) year which will allow them to
further develop their professional skills, particularly those relevant to
research and development, as well as their technical expertise and knowledge.
After successfully completing Honours, a student may choose to do a postgraduate
research degree. Here they can undertake research in such contemporary fields as
data mining and knowledge discovery, embedded systems, enterprise IT,
visualisation and intelligent systems.
The full program of study for
Computer Science
Major or
Extended Major is set out in the Course rule and topic descriptions for this degree.
Top of page
ECOLOGY, BEHAVIOUR AND EVOLUTION - Major
This major introduces students to a study
of living animals, plants and fungi, how they live in communities (their
ecology), how animals interact with each other (their behaviour), and to current
evolutionary thinking (how organisms may be related to each other). Students
taking this major are provided with opportunities to study animals, plants and
fungi in marine and terrestrial environments, and learn through formal classes
and project work. The major in Ecology, Behaviour and Evolution involves study
of Biology and Chemistry at First Year level, followed by a choice, in Second
and Third Years, from a range of topics dealing with animals, plants and fungi,
their ecology, behaviour (for animals) and palaeontology, plus their proposed
relatedness according to current evolutionary thinking.
Students who complete a major in Ecology, Behaviour and Evolution will be
equipped for jobs involving fieldwork and conservation, as well as in
government agencies and teaching, and some will progress to further study in
Honours and higher research degrees.
An extended
major in Biological Sciences incorporating this and other related areas is also
available to students.
The full
program of study for Ecology, Behaviour and Evolution is set out in the
Course rule and topic descriptions for this degree.
Top of page
ENGINEERING SCIENCE - Major
Traditionally Engineers apply Science. However, the difference between science
and engineering is becoming increasingly blurred and engineering skills are
useful for scientists in a number of disciplines, from genetics to environmental
science. The Engineering Science major thus allows students to study topics that
develop engineering skills, particularly in the electronics area. First year
topics focus on fundamental digital and analogue electronics, programming an
mathematics. Later year topics then extend this with students able to select
from a wide range of topics including microprocessors, signal processing and
control systems.
Top of page
ENVIRONMENTAL HYDROLOGY AND WATER RESOURCES - Major
Water is one of the most basic
requirements for life on planet Earth. But will there be enough fresh water to
drink as human population growth continues to explode in the 21st century? How
will our environment and ecosystems respond to these global changes in planetary
hydrology? Will predicted world water wars become a reality of the not too
distant future? These are just some unanswered questions of worldwide
significance with obvious importance to South Australia, the driest state in
the driest inhabited continent in the world. Environmental water management and
protection is a rapidly growing area with strong professional employment
opportunities. Importantly, it is underpinned by state of the art scientific
understanding and investigation.
The First Year of this major provides a broad multidisciplinary background in
natural sciences including hydrology, biology, ocean and climate sciences. In
Second and Third Years, students undertake a range of topics to equip them with
professional field, laboratory and computer analysis skills.
Career opportunities are very strong and continue to grow. Upon successful
completion of this major, you will be equipped with the professional and
scientific skills to work in numerous organisations including CSIRO, the
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Catchment Boards, private environmental
consulting firms and government water, land and biodiversity departments. This
major will particularly appeal to students who have a keen interest in
understanding, developing and applying modern multidisciplinary science to solve
a diverse range of environmental and water problems; enjoy studying outdoors in
exciting field locations; and who wish to undertake a professionally oriented
degree to equip them for employment in the growing environmental profession.
For those interested in pursuing a career in research, a BSc(Hons) degree can
lead to a PhD being undertaken in cutting edge research areas within hydrology
or other areas of environmental science.
>The full program of study for Environmental Hydrology and Water
Resources is set out in the Course rule and topic descriptions for this degree.
Top of page
INFORMATION SYSTEMS - Major or Extended Major
Information Systems focuses on organisational information problems and the
manner in which those problems, that will likely include computers, can be
solved. As such, the study of information systems is essential to any
organisation operating in the modern economy. Information systems professionals
can be distinguished from computer scientists by the extent to which the focus
is either the information problems itself or the computer as a tool. The
Information Systems major and extended major provide students with a broad
background in information and computer systems, allowing the development of
relevant technical expertise, professional skills, and a depth of knowledge.
Students who major in Information Systems can access a diversity of careers in
database administration, enterprise IT, computing services and software
development.
Top of page
MATHEMATICS - Major or Extended Major
Mathematics is a valuable tool in many
areas of life. It is widely used in science, engineering and technology, in
estimating, modelling and forecasting, and in specific professions such as
computer graphics, finance, insurance and linguistics. Students gain a firm
foundation in the basic principles and techniques of modern mathematics, and
will understand how mathematics is applied in the social and natural sciences.
First Year introduces key concepts and techniques in calculus, analytic geometry
and matrix algebra. A feature of this year is a modelling approach to
mathematics and how to apply modelling within a coherent framework. Building on
this, Second Year establishes a broad foundation that enables further study in
all areas of modern mathematics, while in Third Year students can tailor their
studies to their individual interests and needs. During all three years, studies
in Mathematics are integrated with computing so that students develop critical
skills in the use of symbolic computation and computer graphics. Mathematics can
be studied as an extended major or major combined with other areas of science to
enhance the professional skills of graduates. Mathematics within the BSc
prepares students for a wide range of careers that require mathematical
competence. Those who wish to specialise in Mathematics in order to become
professional mathematicians can choose study options that lead to Honours and
higher research degrees.
The full program of study for
Mathematics
Major or
Extended Major is set out in the Course rule and topic descriptions for this degree.
MICROBIOLOGY - Major
This is the study of the smallest organisms, the
microorganisms, and without them the world wouldn't exist. Microorganisms
evolved first on planet Earth and had the place to themselves for about two and
a half billon years. Once microorganisms evolved, they started shaping the
planet and creating climate change - the most spectacular event was to change
the whole planet's atmosphere from one without any oxygen at all (where only
anaerobic microorganisms could grow) to that which we breathe today.
Microorganisms are everywhere they have the most diverse metabolic capabilities
of all life and are the most abundant of all organisms. Microorganisms are still
shaping our planet and play many essential roles not only in our lives, but in
the lives of all things. To study microbiology is to study Earth itself as a
biological entity.
It shouldn't surprise you then to discover that Microbiology has application,
creating many and varied job opportunities, in every area of human activity -
from the obvious ones like the food, wind & beer industry, medicine, public
health, veterinary science, agriculture, provision of safe drinking water,
bioremediation etc. to many less obvious areas like mining (eg low cost
extraction of metals), the navy, aquaculture and oil industry (eg trying to
minimise biofouling of ship hulls, fish farm nets & deep sea oil rigs), and
astrobiology (the hunt for extraterrestial life, or evidence it once existed).
Microbiology is a key component of the Biotechnology industry.
A major in Microbiology will give students a scientific overview of these areas
and will enable those with particular interests to pursue these to more advanced
levels of understanding. Students will gain hands on experience and skill in
isolating, culturing, counting, identifying and manipulating many different
kinds of microorganisms in the laboratory. The topics providing laboratory
classes provide a unique opportunity not generally available outside of a
university.
The full
program of study for
Microbiology is set out in the Course rule and topic
descriptions for this degree.
Top of page
MOLECULAR BIOLOGY - Major
Molecular Biology is the study of genes
and proteins and how they determine the development and functioning of cells,
tissues and organs in bacteria, fungi, plants and animals. It also provides the
tools to investigate abnormal development and disease. It has applications in
medicine, agriculture, forensic science and the study of evolutionary
relationships. It can be used to cure human diseases such as cancer and malaria,
and plant diseases such as bacterial and fungal blights.
A major in Molecular Biology will give students a sound theoretical
understanding of how genes are switched on and off, how they code for proteins
and how genes and proteins determine the physical characteristics of animals,
plants and micro-organisms. Students will also learn how to isolate, analyse and
modify DNA and proteins to gain a better understanding of how they function in
living organisms.
Molecular Biologists can enter a broad range of careers. For example, they may
find work in hospitals, diagnostic laboratories, organisations such as CSIRO,
biotechnology companies and government departments. Graduates with a major in
Molecular Biology usually work in a laboratory setting but they may also become
involved in field-based projects such as monitoring populations of endangered
species or designing environmental restoration projects.
There are also opportunities for further study leading to a Bachelor of Science
with Honours degree or a Masters degree or a Doctorate (PhD). Graduates with
these qualifications will be able to design and manage their own research
projects. An extended major in Biological Sciences incorporating this and other
related areas is also available to students.
>The full program of study for Molecular Biology is set out in the Course rule and topic descriptions for this degree.
Top of page
OCEAN AND CLIMATE SCIENCES - Major
This major is directed at those who wish
to gain a sound basis for understanding the behaviour of oceans and coastal
seas, and also the climate, so that resources in a changing environment can be
soundly managed.
Starting from a fairly descriptive level, the major progressively develops a
deeper and quantitative under-standing of the physical processes shaping the
marine environment and influencing climate. This includes directed field
exercises with modern oceanographic and meteorological instruments, and
theoretical challenges such as state-of-the-art computer-based modelling.
The major can be combined with areas such as biology, hydrology, physics and
mathematics, to broaden employment possibilities. For those graduates who have
completed their undergraduate degree at a high level, and wish to develop their
research skills in a particular field, they can take a further year of study at
Honours level. The Honours year covers advanced topics that focus on research
into problems of local, national or global importance - such as the major
coastal upwelling system of the southern coast. Study in this area is for those who wish to gain a sound basis for understanding the behaviour of oceans and coastal seas, and also the climate, so that resources in a changing environment can be soundly managed.
On successful
completion of this major in the BSc degree you will be prepared for a
professional career as a consultant or scientist (eg, with the Bureau of
Meteorology, various divisions of CSIRO, SARDI, the Environmental Protection
Agency (EPA), and aquaculture, or environmental consulting firms in private
industry). Once you've completed a higher degree (MSc or PhD) even greater
career opportunities can be found in areas such as working with an international
team of scientists on large projects devoted to improving knowledge in the ocean
and climate sciences.
The full program of study for Ocean and Climate Sciences is set out in the Course rule and topic descriptions for this degree.
Top of page
PHYSICS - Major or Extended Major
Physics is the enabling science behind
many modern technologies and devices that influence our daily lives. With a
profound knowledge and understanding of the fundamental laws of nature, those
who have a major or extended major in physics will be empowered to transfer
their skills to any technical vocation or further study.
In First and Second year, students explore in depth the broad spectrum of known
phenomena in classical and modern science, while in Third Year there is scope
to specialise. The degree structure allows or inter-disciplinary studies, so
that physics can be combined with other branches of science such as mathematics,
chemistry, earth sciences or biology. Students gain experience in using a wide
range of modern instrumentation, and develop technical and critical thinking
skills. During Honours, an additional year that many students choose after
completion of their BSc, they focus on a particular aspect of physics through
specialised courses and a research project.
Once they complete their BSc degree, graduates have a versatile background in
fundamental science that will position them to access a wide number of career
options in areas such as optics and photonics, tele- communications, micro and
nanoelectronics, instrumentation development, acoustics, geophysics,
meteorology, teaching and finance, as well as research and development
laboratories such as DSTO and CSIRO.
For those
interested in pursuing a career in research, a BSc(Hons) degree in Physics can
lead to a PhD in areas as diverse as theoretical development in quantum,
statistical and process physics; as well as experimental areas such as solid
state and surface physics and atomic and molecular physics.
The full program of study for Physics Major or Extended Major is set out in the Course rule and topic descriptions for this degree.
Top of page
|  |
|
Administration
Smaller Text
Larger Text
Printable Version