Master of Science

Overview

This coursework degree is designed for candidates who wish to extend their grounding in a particular science discipline beyond the undergraduate level. It also provides an alternative route to subsequent PhD studies for students who do not possess a BSc (Honours) degree.

Specialisations available are:

• Biotechnology
• Environmental Biology
• Chemistry
• Medicinal Chemistry
• Medical Radiation Physics (refer to the Faculty of Engineering)
• Geography
• Geology

Entry Requirements / Assumed Knowledge

Normally a pass Bachelors degree of at least 3 years duration in the relevant discipline (with at least three third year level subjects in the discipline) or a similar tertiary qualification, with relevant work experience, as approved by the relevant Masters Coordinator or Head of Department or School.

Additional specific entry requirements for Biotechnology :

A relevant undergraduate degree of at least four years duration, or a similar tertiary qualification with relevant work experience. The degree must have included components dealing with one or more of the following areas: biology, biochemistry, cell biology, molecular biology, or microbiology. In addition, the student must have completed the equivalent of at least one year of academic study in chemistry.

Course Requirements

Candidates must complete 48 credit points of 900-level subjects as determined for the disciplinary specialisation, as set out below, and approved by the Course Coordinator. Students may be required to complete additional credit points if their disciplinary background is deemed not satisfactory.

Areas of Specialisation

Biotechnology

The Master of Science (Biotechnology) is designed for graduates who seek knowledge and technological expertise in specific areas of cell and molecular biology, which are the basis for modern biotechnological research and development. Students complete 48 credit points of subjects as listed below chosen in consultation with the Biotechnology Masters Coordinator.

Note: Spring Session start is not advised unless the student has a very strong academic background.

Environmental Biology

This coursework program is designed for students who seek further knowledge and skills in the biological sciences, or seek to qualify for a postgraduate research degree. Students complete coursework to a value of 48 credit points as listed below, chosen in consultation with the Masters Coordinator.

Note: Spring Session start is not advised unless the student has a very strong academic background.

Chemistry

This program is designed for applicants from industry or education who wish to extend their grounding in chemistry theory beyond the undergraduate level. It also provides an alternative route to subsequent PhD studies for students who do not possess a BSc(Honours) degree. Candidates complete 48 credit points of coursework consisting of the following four subjects.

Medicinal Chemistry

This coursework program provides vocational training in medicinal chemistry, an area where there is currently a high demand for graduates. The program consists of special coursework in medicinal chemistry and a small research project.

Students complete 48 credit points of coursework over one year (or equivalent part time) by enrolling in the following subjects, as approved by the Course Coordinator.

Geography or Geology

The following coursework subjects have been devised by the School of Earth and Environmental Sciences to meet the needs of students who wish to proceed to the postgraduate level in Geography or Geology to enhance their qualifications in an area without undertaking a research project. The subjects have been grouped in three strands which reflect the major research strengths within the School of Earth and Environmental Sciences.

• Physical Geography and Environments
• Human Geography and Environments
• Geology

Students with a satisfactory background in Earth and Environmental Sciences complete subjects to the value of 48 credit points chosen from either of the two programs in consultation with the Course Coordinator. Other students may be required to complete subjects to a value of 72 credit points.

Other Information

For further information contact the Faculty of Science Office, 41.258,
or telephone 4221 3481.

Web site: www.uow.edu.au/science

Specific enquiries should be directed to the appropriate Academic Unit: School of Biological Sciences 4221 3013, Department of Chemistry 4221 3509 or School of Earth and Environmental Sciences 4221 3721.