Bachelor of Science

The major in Agricultural Science prepares people for careers in agriculture including in agribusinesses, research and development organisations, environmental and business consulting firms, and government and policy agencies. Agricultural Science is the study of the science and management required for sustainable production of food and fibre. Basic sciences underpin this major, and are integrated to address complex problems through a systems analysis approach. The major includes crop and livestock systems, and students should also develop knowledge of economics, business, social sciences and natural resources within their breadth studies. The major is a direct pathway into the Master of Agricultural Science.

The Animal Health and disease major will provide an avenue for students wishing to pursue careers or research in the animal health, wildlife, and production industries. Graduates of this major will develop understandings of the role of animal health in maintaining the health of human populations, wildlife populations and the health of production animals, at the same time developing skills in laboratory techniques important in the diagnosis and surveillance of disease in animal populations. Students will gain experience that prepares them for the workplace by participating in laboratory activities and industry engagement via workshops and site visits.

The major in Animal Science and Management replaces the existing BS (Hons) Animal Science and Management offered by the Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences. The aims of the major are to develop an understanding of the biology of domestic and captive animals, their care, management and use as a resource for food, fibre, recreation and companionship. To develop an in-depth knowledge of the biology of animals, the complexities of the ethical and moral issues encompassing care, management and use as a resource will be examined in light of advances in human endeavour. The major will allow a degree of specialisation based around analysis of animal systems management of a chosen species or classification of animals. Greater knowledge, if so desired, of economic, business, communications or natural resource management relevant to, and strengthening the core studies in Animal Science and Management can be developed through clear pathways within the breadth component of the Melbourne model. Graduates from the new programme will be able to enter careers in the public or private sectors related to a wide range of animal production, environmental, biomedical and service industries, and community organisations concerned with public good, or continue into postgraduate programmes of study at masters or research higher degree.

Biochemistry and Molecular Biology are key biological science disciplines. The knowledge and techniques of the disciplines are applied in many biological fields and have fuelled rapid advances in medical research and biotechnology. This major will provide the springboard for students to enter careers including medical research, biotechnology, agricultural and medical support industries, education etc. This major will develop knowledge in key basic biological processes as well as more specialized areas of molecular science. In addition, an emphasis is placed on developing a foundation in practical skills required for a career as a laboratory scientist. The major will also develop skills in communication, team-work and research essential in the modern scientific workplace.

Students who have completed the Biomedical Engineering Systems major will be able to rigorously integrate the fundamental mathematics of systems modelling with the fundamental sciences of biology, chemistry and physics in the formulation and solution of problems involving biomedical systems. More specifically, core skills and knowledge that will be developed include: fundamental scientific comprehension that will lead to accurate mathematical modelling of biological and engineering systems, analytical and abstract thinking, problem-solving and design skills, ability to carry out laboratory experiments to confirm possible solutions to complex problems. At all levels of this major, we will ensure the development of excellent communication skills that will enable our graduates to deliver complex scientific information in a clear and concise fashion. The Biomedical Engineering Systems major will open up pathways for students leading to accredited professional or scientific research careers in biomedical engineering (through further study in the Masters in Engineering or PhD programs respectively), applied mathematics, applied science, teaching, management and finance.

Biotechnology is the use of biological knowledge to develop new processes and products for use in industry, health, agribusiness and other areas of human technology. Biotechnology advances can be based on knowledge from biological sciences, chemical sciences, physical sciences or engineering. Because of this, the major is not tied to a particular discipline area. The binding concept is that of developing technology from basic discipline knowledge in at least one area. For example, agricultural biotechnology will normally involve some core crop and food technology, molecular biotechnology will normally involve some core molecular biology and chemical biotechnology will normally involve some core chemistry together with some biological science.

The Biotechnology major has a number of streams and integrates knowledge from a variety of scientific disciplines. Students will complete a sequence of specialist subjects in a discipline area and by the end of the major should have developed a detailed knowledge of that area and an appreciation of its biotechnological applications. The major provides students with opportunities to gain practical experience in the laboratory and to develop skills in problem-solving and the analysis, interpretation and communication of scientific data that will prepare them for the workplace.

Please note that completion of the Biotechnology major does not necessarily meet the entry requirements of the Master of Biotechnology.  For details of specific subject requirements for that degree, please refer to the Handbook page for the Master of Biotechnology.

This major provides students with broad understanding of cell structure and function and explores genetic, molecular and cellular mechanisms of development in a range of organisms and experimental models. It highlights the research methodologies used and how knowledge is applied to improve the human condition. Students should develop specialist skills in understanding cellular processes and experimental approaches used to investigate them. They should also develop generic skills in integrating information from diverse fields, communication and presentation of information, teamwork and independent learning that will equip them for a range of careers in research, biotechnology, government agencies, agriculture, medico-legal and journalism.

Students who have undertaken the Chemical Engineering Systems major will be able to rigorously integrate fundamental science in chemical engineering to provide accurate information and optimum solutions to practical problems involving basic chemical processing systems. More specifically, core skills and knowledge that will be developed include: fundamental scientific comprehension that will lead to accurate computer modelling of process systems, analytical and abstract thinking, problem-solving and design skills, ability to carry out laboratory experiments to eliminate or confirm possible solutions to complex problems. In all levels of this major, we will ensure the development of excellent communication skills that will enable our graduates to deliver complex scientific information in a clear and concise fashion.

The Chemical Engineering Systems major provides a direct pathway for admission to Master of Chemical Engineering as well as optional specialisations in chemical engineering. These Masters programs are accredited and recognized internationally as professional engineering degrees.

Students graduating from these programs will be ready to work in a range of chemical and biochemical engineering industries anywhere in the world.

Chemistry major students will develop the capacity to view the world from a molecular perspective and to solve complex problems that span the breadth of chemistry and other sciences. Pathways for chemistry majors will include careers in research (through further study including MSc and PhD programs in chemistry and allied areas), teaching, government and professional positions.

Students who have undertaken the Civil Engineering Systems major will be able to rigorously integrate fundamental science to provide accurate information and optimum solutions to practical problems involving civil infrastructure. More specifically, core skills and knowledge that will be developed include: fundamental scientific comprehension that will lead to accurate computer modelling of civil systems, analytical and abstract thinking, problem-solving and design skills, ability to carry out laboratory experiments to eliminate or confirm possible solutions to complex problems. In all levels of this major, we will ensure the development of excellent communication skills that will enable our graduates to deliver complex scientific information in a clear and concise fashion.

The Civil Engineering Systems major will provide various pathways for students. These include accredited professional or scientific research careers in civil engineering through further study in the Masters in Engineering (ME) or PhD programs. Professional masters courses in other disciplines such as education, law, or business will be available. Students may also choose to enter the workforce at the completion of their undergraduate degree with employers who value the range of scientific, technical and problem solving skills graduates will have developed.

This major will equip you with the skills and knowledge to understand the complexities of our weather and climate, how they vary, and how they will change in the future. The major brings together knowledge from physics, mathematics and chemistry, and applies it to the fields of meteorology and climate science. Completing this major will allow students to understand and explain the fundamental processes that create our weather; lead to storms, cyclones, and other hazards; and combine with natural variations and anthropogenic emissions to change our global and regional climates. You will also learn about the techniques used to build state-of-the-art weather and climate models, understand how they are used, and their limitations.

The major opens doors for careers in meteorology, weather prediction, climate change science, environmental consulting, and research. Employers include CSIRO, Bureau of Meteorology, the aerospace industry, local, state and federal governments, and a range of management and environmental consulting firms. Combine studies in meteorology and climate science with other disciplines to improve your knowledge of climate change and its relevance for other sectors.

The Computing and Software Systems major will focus on providing students with considerable technical expertise in computer science and software engineering, including exposure to a variety of programming paradigms, an understanding of the systematic processes underpinning the software development lifecycle, and an appreciation of advanced topics in computing. This major will be a natural pathway to the Master of Engineering (Software), the Master of Science (Computer Science), and the Master of Data Science. Graduates with a management orientation will also consider the Master of Information Systems (MIS).

NOTE - Students undertaking this major may not be concurrently admitted to the Diploma in Informatics (D-INFO) or Diploma in Computing (D-COMP).

The major in Data Science has an emphasis on statistics and computer science. It provides a strong foundation in the statistical aspects of data analysis (data collection, data mining, modelling and inference), as well as the principles of computer science (algorithms, data structures, data management and machine learning).The major is designed to give students an intellectual understanding of how to integrate and apply statistical and computing principles to solve large scale, real-world data science problems. It is suitable for students interested in a career in government or industry or who wish to pursue specialised graduate study.

NOTE - Students undertaking this major may not be concurrently admitted to the Diploma in Informatics (D-INFO), Diploma in Computing (D-COMP), or Diploma in Mathematical Sciences (D-MATHSC).

This major aims to provide science students with the background knowledge necessary for a career in any area of digital infrastructure engineering. Digital Infrastructure Engineering Systems is concerned with measurement, representation, analysis, management, retrieval and display of data concerning the design, delivery and operation of infrastructures, including digital infrastructures, to support sustainable development and climate adaptation. The principal disciplines embraced by Digital Infrastructure Engineering Systems include sensing and measurement, imaging, visualization, digital collaboration, and data management and analytics.   

Careers and Further Study: After completion of a Science degree with a major in Digital Infrastructure Engineering Systems students can enter the workforce with their current skills or apply to commence a professional masters degree, especially the 2-year long Master of Digital Infrastructure Engineering. 

The Ecology and Evolutionary Biology major will provide the springboard for students entering careers or research in the following areas: Ecology, Conservation Biology, Evolutionary Biology, Systematics and Biodiversity, and Environmental Consulting. Graduates will be prepared for these pathways by developing skills in survey, experimentation and quantitative modelling of ecological and evolutionary processes.  This prepares students to make contributions in research, education, or in consulting roles in natural resources management and environmental consulting industries. 

This major will integrate knowledge from a range of disciplines from genetics through organismal biology and ecosystem science.  Students will draw on this background and use skills in sampling and data analysis to solve current problems in evolution, ecology and biodiversity. Students will gain experience preparing them for the workplace by participating in group research projects and working groups. 

The Ecosystem Science major focuses on the science and technologies associated with the function and management of ecosystems, via two specialisations in urban ecosystems and forest ecosystems. The major integrates knowledge from a range of disciplines including plant sciences, soil science, hydrology, ecology, design, engineering and the social sciences, by enabling students to complete a sequence of subjects in each specialisation. Students will also complete an integrated capstone subject in which they develop skills in site analysis, the collection, integration and analysis of data, and the evaluation and presentation of management plans. Students will gain to experience prepare them for the workplace by participating in group research projects and working groups.

Completing the Electrical Engineering Systems major will enable students to rigorously integrate the mathematics of signals, systems and information with the science of electrical phenomena in the formulation and solution of problems in areas such as telecommunications, monitoring and automation, energy distribution, and digital computing. We aim to develop: scientific understanding of electrical phenomena as a basis for mathematical modelling and abstraction in analysis and design; problem-solving and design skills; the ability to construct simulations and laboratory experiments; and good communication skills. The major opens pathways that lead to accredited professional careers in electrical engineering (through the Masters of Engineering), as well as careers in applied mathematics, applied science, teaching, management and finance.

The Environmental Engineering Systems major focuses student learning on the interactions between physical materials and processes, and human and non-human organisms. Humans, through the engineering and operation of infrastructure inevitably have an impact on both the physical and biological world, which in turns feeds back to impact on humans. This major seeks to provide students with some fundamental tools from science and mathematics to be enable them to investigate, analyse, model and assess the impact arising from these interactions. Students who successfully master these tools will be in a strong position to apply them as environmentally literate scientists in industry, or to continue their study in the field of environmental engineering to become a professional engineer.

Environmental science is an integrative discipline across biological, physical and social sciences. Environmental Science major graduates will be prepared to enter careers or research in one of the following major environmental challenge areas:

• Conservation and Ecosystems
• Climate Change
• Energy Transition
• Natural Resources and Hazards
• Sustainability Science

The integrative specialisations focused on environmental challenges will equip graduates with disciplinary skills and perspectives drawing upon the methodologies employed in the different biological, physical and social sciences. Graduates will develop core skills in problem framing, communication, risk assessment, environmental monitoring and environmental modelling, which are crucial to environmental assessment, consulting and management roles. These integrated subjects develop core skills of the application of scientific principles to solving current environmental problems. Students will gain experience preparing them for the workplace by participating in group-based reviews of environmental management plans and by conducting multidisciplinary practical assessments of environmental issues.

The Food Science major consists of an amalgamation of certain sequences of subjects to teach students basic chemistry and biology in the first year, followed by a few food science specialised subjects in the second year. This sequence of subjects will prepare students to progress toward the Level 3 subjects in the food science major and to build sound skills and knowledge in food science and food biotechnology or food science and technology. This major is designed to meet the needs of the local and international food industries for high quality food science graduates.

Students completing a Genetics major will be prepared for careers or advanced study which involve the application of fundamental genetics, genomics, evolutionary, population and ecological genetics to all areas of biology, biomedical sciences and biotechnology. Graduates will develop knowledge and skills in the theory of genetics and molecular biology, population genetics and evolution and in experimental design, data recording and analysis and scientific writing, which are essential preparation for roles in universities, research institutes, government departments, hospitals and in the biotechnology industry.

This major will integrate knowledge across the breadth of genetics, including an integrated practical capstone subject in which the students develop an understanding of the application of experimental analysis to solving problems in biology. Students will gain experience preparing them for the workplace by participating in problem-solving, synthesis of information, written work, and independent as well as collaborative activities. The transferable skills developed in this major can be used in broad careers in science, including conservation, teaching, forensics, publishing, genetic counselling and research and in careers beyond the field of science.

Geography provides students with skills and conceptual frameworks needed to understand the processes that shape the world around us. Particular attention is given to understanding the spatial and temporal scales of landscapes, their history and their biota. Because Geography is a field-based discipline, the major enables students to gain hands-on research experience. Practical laboratory classes, field trips, and group project work are found at all levels of study in the major. In their third year students complete a ‘capstone’ subject dealing with the history and philosophy of Geography and may also take field based subjects involving significant, original, field-based research under the guidance of teaching staff. The major provides opportunities for students to develop critical intellectual skills, transferable professional skills, a sense of public responsibility and higher research degree capacities. Completion of the major will allow student s to enter careers or research in the following areas: research, teaching, environmental sciences, resource management, environmental consultancies, industry and government.

Please note that this major is no longer being offered to students from 2024 onwards. Students who commenced this major prior to 2024 and are planning to complete the Geology major may continue to do so. Students interested in geology are encouraged to explore the Geoscience major.

A Geology major will provide a breadth of training for students entering careers or research in any area in which an understanding of how the planet functions is required. This includes fundamental research into geological processes, including palaeoclimate change, geodynamics, ore deposit formation, and the environment.

Careers in geology can be wide-ranging and include environmental consulting, environmental management, government, minerals exploration and the energy industry. Graduates will be prepared for these pathways by having developed skills in the acquisition and interpretation of geological information. Such skills are crucial to make contributions in laboratories, in consulting roles in industry, or in policy/decision making in management.

This major will integrate knowledge from a range of disciplines from field-based studies to more theoretical aspects of rocks, minerals and their behaviour during Earth processes. Students will complete a sequence of specialist subjects as well as integrated subjects in which they develop an understanding of how these may be applied to solve outstanding questions about how the Earth works, including the competing problems of resource consumption (water, minerals, energy) and the environment. The Geology major capstone subject, Earth’s Resources for a Sustainable Future, is an advanced synthesis of a broad range of sustainability issues that impact on society and its relationship with the finite resources provided by our planet.

Students will gain experience preparing them for the workplace by participating in hands-on project work that requires careful time management and the clear communication of results.

The major in Human Nutrition will prepare graduates for careers in areas including the food industry, government regulatory authorities, dietetics and secondary school teaching (the latter two requiring further qualifications), as well as a pathway to higher degrees in nutrition research and many other health related fields. Basic sciences underpin this major, which connects the science of agriculture, to food production and processing, the nutrient composition of foods, the interaction of those nutrients with our biochemical and physiological make up and the impact of diet in general on health and disease at the individual and population level. The major may also form a pathway into Masters of Dietetics at universities within Australia. Completion of the Nutrition Major will qualify students for registration within the Nutrition Society of Australia's Voluntary register of nutritionists. Students completing the major may be eligible to apply for Honours in Human Nutrition.

The Human Structure and Function Major will explain how the human body works, based on a deep understanding of the relationship between physiology and anatomy. The subjects are structured so that the anatomy (structure) and physiology (function) of the human body are taught in carefully integrated units that also introduce elements from pathology, pharmacology and zoology as relevant. It will suit students entering: medical and health related sciences, postgraduate research work in applied anatomy and physiology; teaching and research in University departments and in hospitals; with pharmaceutical companies; in media liaison, consultancies and scientific journalism.

This major provides students with a detailed understanding of Immunology, the study of our immune system. The major describes how Immunology is studied and applied to a range of areas in the biomedical sciences. The major opens up careers in infectious diseases, diagnostics, molecular biology, biotechnology, vaccinology, biosafety and regulation as well as providing an avenue towards post-graduate research into infectious agents, their genes, underlying mechanisms of infectious disease and diseases associated with the immune system. It provides a basis for further study into medicine and other paramedical disciplines.

Students intending to undertake this major should be aware that it requires successful completion of a practical-based subject in which products and reagents derived from animals are used.

This major provides students with a detailed understanding of Microbiology and Immunology. It combines the study of infectious microbial agents, including opportunities to study bacteria, viruses and parasites, with the study of the host’s immune responses, which are most often beneficial but sometimes detrimental to the host. It describes how these disciplines are studied and their application to a range of areas in the biomedical sciences. The major opens up careers in infectious disease, diagnostics, molecular biology, biotechnology, vaccinology, antimicrobial chemotherapeutics, biosafety and regulation, as well as post-graduate research into infectious agents, their genes and mechanisms of disease together with the various beneficial and harmful aspects of the immune system. It provides a basis for further study into medicine and other paramedical disciplines.
Students intending to undertake this major should be aware that it requires successful completion of a practical-based subject in which products and reagents derived from animals are used.

A marine biology major will provide the springboard for students entering careers or research in the following areas: marine ecology, fisheries, commercial aquaculture, marine environmental monitoring and assessment, marine science education and tourism. Graduates will be prepared for these pathways by developing specialised knowledge about marine biological systems, as well as practical experience, which are crucial to being prepared to make contributions in laboratories, or in consulting roles in the marine environmental industry.

This major will integrate knowledge from a range of disciplines from the biological (botany, zoology) to physical sciences (chemistry, geography, oceanography), by enabling students to complete a sequence of specialist subjects in each, as well as integrated subjects in which the students develop an understanding of the application of ecological principles and environmental management strategies to solving current problems in marine biology. Students will gain relevant workplace training by participating in field-based and group-based research projects.

This major combines the overviews of the Physics and the Mathematics and Statistics majors.

NOTE - Students undertaking this major may not be concurrently admitted to the Diploma in Mathematical Sciences (D-MATHSC).

A Mathematics and Statistics major will provide essential knowledge and transferable skills for students entering careers or research in the following areas: General sciences, Agriculture and environmental sciences, Banking, Finance and Commerce, Engineering, Government, Education, Industry, e.g. logistics/project manager, market research consultant, IT and computing, and Medicine.

NOTE - Students undertaking this major may not be concurrently admitted to the Diploma in Mathematical Sciences (D-MATHSC).

Students who have undertaken the Mechanical Engineering Systems major will be able to rigorously integrate fundamental science in mechanics with engineering principles to solve practical problems involving mechanical systems. Core skills and knowledge that will be developed include: fundamental scientific comprehension that will lead to accurate mathematical modelling of mechanical systems, analytical and abstract thinking, problem-solving and design skills, and the ability to carry out laboratory experiments to confirm possible solutions to complex problems. In all levels of this major, we will ensure the development of excellent communication skills that will enable our graduates to deliver complex scientific information in a clear and concise fashion.

The Mechanical Engineering Systems major will open up various pathways for students, which will include accredited professional or scientific research careers in mechanical and mechatronics engineering (through further study in the Masters in Engineering (ME) or PhD programs), teaching, management and also careers in the finance industry.

This major provides a focused pathway for students wishing to build a career in the area of mechatronics, automation science and/or robotics. Students will develop strong skills in mathematical modelling of the behaviour, response, and control of mechanical systems that can perform physical tasks. This modelling is matched with sensing of the environment via electronic sensors and the instrumentation required to support them. The fundamental knowledge of the machine performance and sensing of the both the environment and performance can then be coupled using strong computer programming skills that are directed at interfacing the computers with machines.

The primary pathway this creates for students is to a master of engineering course, although students with these skills at the completion of the BSc would also find career possibilities in a range of technical enterprises seeking strong problem-solving skills in machine-computer interaction.

This major provides students with a detailed understanding of Microbiology, the study of microbial organisms. The major describes how infectious microbial agents are studied, the diseases they cause and their possible prevention or treatment. Aspects of our immune system, how it responds to protect us during infection, and vaccination are discussed. The major also describes how microbiology applies to a range of areas in the biomedical sciences. It opens up careers in infectious disease, diagnostics, molecular biology, biotechnology, vaccinology, antimicrobial chemotherapeutics, biosafety and regulation, as well as post-graduate research into infectious microbial agents, their genes and mechanisms of disease. It provides a basis for further study into medicine and other paramedical disciplines.

Students intending to undertake this major should be aware that it requires successful completion of a practical-based subject in which products and reagents derived from animals are used.

It is expected that students completing this Major will understand the fundamental organisational and functional principles of the nervous system: from the biology of nerve cells and neural circuits through to neural systems and ultimately to complex behaviours like thought and emotion. From the two core subjects students will gain an overview of the breath of modern neuroscience to see how a spectrum of science disciplines (such as Cell and Molecular Biology, Pharmacology, Physiology, Zoology and Anatomy) contribute to our understanding of nervous system function. This will also reveal how Neuroscience overlaps with related areas of study, such as Cognitive Science, Psychology and Medicine. Areas of study include how perceptual and motor systems are organised, the crucial role of the nervous system in the regulation of the internal environment of the body, how the nervous system develops, how it has evolved, and the effects of injury, disease and abuse.

Pathology is the scientific study of the nature of disease and its causes, processes, development, and consequences. It is a branch of science where factors which influence the shift from normal to abnormal and back again are studied at every level from the whole organism to the molecule. Therefore it overlaps with a range of biomedical disciplines such as anatomy, cell biology, biochemistry and molecular biology, microbiology and immunology and genetics. The study of Pathology will provide students with background knowledge which will enable them to ask fundamental questions about the response of tissues and cells to injury, mechanisms of healing and the outcomes which may occur when healing is unsuccessful. Students who complete a Pathology major will study findings emerging from research laboratories which are currently investigating some of the most common and intractable diseases in our community e.g. cardiovascular disease, autoimmune disease, neurodegenerative disease and cancer. A Pathology major will also give students the opportunity to experience working in a team on an investigative project and enable them to develop both verbal and written communication skills.

Subjects in a pharmacology major introduce students to the unified study of the interaction between chemical agents and living matter. A pharmacology major will teach you how drugs work, and how drugs are used as therapies and as experimental tools for investigation of important problems in biology. Pharmacology extends and complements a range of other biomedical disciplines as well as medicinal chemistry. Graduates will gain an in depth understanding of drug actions and a broad appreciation of the scientific process of knowledge acquisition and problem solving. Thus, a pharmacology major will provide the springboard for students entering careers in many areas of biomedical research and associated industries and regulatory authorities.

The Physics major will provide students with a sound basis from which to pursue a broad range of careers in areas including research and development, education, and business. Graduates will gain a deep understanding of the physical world and develop skill in analysis, problem solving and critical thinking that will enable them to adapt to a wide range of tasks in research, teaching and management.

This major will integrate knowledge principally from physics and mathematics to provide students with the necessary tools to think critically about the world around them and how it works. Students should develop a range of theoretical and experimental skills that will allow them to make critical assessments, solve problems, and develop new concepts in a broad range of work environments.

The Physiology major will teach students how the body works. Students will learn about the ways in which cells, organs and the whole body function in an integrated way. By understanding normal function, students will investigate disturbances in whole body systems such as those relating to the endocrine, cardiovascular, musculoskeletal, developmental and neural control systems. The experimental bases of physiology are emphasized and students will use contemporary techniques to examine questions in physiology. Discoveries in physiology have a broad impact upon health and medicine, environmental science, industry, nutrition, exercise and reproductive biology. Many of the discoveries from the human genome project rely on physiology to understand their impact on the human body.

A Plant Science major will provide the springboard for students in entering careers or research in all fields requiring a solid understanding of plants and their environments. Graduates will develop a comprehensive integrated knowledge of the biology of plants as well as both field and laboratory skills. This major will include knowledge from all aspects of plant biology from cells to ecosystems, by enabling students to complete an integrated subject on plant evolution or an advanced lab and coursework subject in plant biotechnology and molecular biology combination with a suite of specialist subjects in specific subdiscipline fields.

Psychology is a broad and intellectually fascinating scientific discipline focused on understanding behaviour and experience, particularly in humans. The science of psychology involves a wide range of perspectives and approaches, with psychological research findings having important applications in areas such as health, education, business, and commerce, as well as informing us about how human behaviours and motivations relate to a wide range of societal issues.

Taught at the University since the late 1800s, the Psychology undergraduate program is designed to provide students with flexibility and choice, offering a broad range of subjects that provide a thorough and extensive grounding in the discipline. Studies in psychology prepare graduates for a diverse range of careers that are based on understanding human behaviour, including health, education, industry, commerce, welfare and government.

Completion of a Psychology major accredited by the Australian Psychology Accreditation Council (APAC) is the first step towards registration as a practicing psychologist, and is the recommended pathway for a career as a research psychologist.

The APAC accredited sequence consists of a prescribed minimum of 125 credit points of Psychology subjects (10 subjects, each worth 12.5 credit points), comprising 100 credit points of core psychology subjects (two at Level 1; four at Level 2; two at Level 3), and 25 credit points of Psychology subjects selected from a range of Level 3 Psychology elective subjects (two elective subjects).

The APAC accredited psychology major provides a strong grounding in basic psychological concepts and theories and their applications in the areas of biological, cognitive, developmental, social, and clinical psychology. Students will also develop skills in research methods and data analysis, and an advanced knowledge in at least one domain of psychology.

A non-APAC-accredited 50-point sequence of Level 3 subjects is also available within the Bachelor of Science.

Please note that this major is no longer being offered to students from 2022 onwards. Students who commenced this major prior to 2022 and are planning to complete the Spatial Systems major may continue to do so. Students interested in spatial engineering systems are encouraged to explore the Digital Infrastructure Engineering Systems major. 

This major aims to provide science students with the background knowledge necessary for a career in spatial science. Spatial Systems is concerned with measurement, representation, analysis, management, retrieval and display of spatial data concerning both the Earth's physical features and the built environment. The principal disciplines embraced by Spatial Systems include the mapping sciences, land administration and management, geographic information systems, environmental visualisation, geodesy, photogrammetry, remote sensing and surveying. The major will develop a knowledge base in spatial measurement and analysis for both the human and natural environment. After completion of a science degree with a major in Spatial Systems students can enter the workforce with their current skills or apply to commence a professional masters degree.

The Veterinary Bioscience major will provide a springboard for students wishing to progress into the graduate entry professional veterinary program (Doctor of Veterinary Medicine, DVM) at the University of Melbourne. Graduates of this major will develop understandings of the determinants of health in populations of domestic and production animals and in particular the impact of welfare, housing, nutrition and infectious agents on domestic animal health. This major will integrate knowledge from a range of disciplines including veterinary anatomy, physiology, biochemistry, nutrition, microbiology and pathology as they apply to the health of domestic and production animals.

Students will also develop skills in clinical investigation and problem solving, through an integrated systems-based approach to organ structure and function that will be the foundation for their studies in the graduate professional entry DVM program.

Students will also develop and demonstrate competencies in risk assessment and safe restraint / handling of domestic animal species and in foundational clinical and professional skills.

The Veterinary Bioscience Major is only available to students who have received a provisional/conditional course offer to commence the Doctor of Veterinary Medicine following successful completion of the Bachelor of Science. The approval of the Faculty of Veterinary & Agricultural Sciences is required to enrol into all subjects in this Major.

Students must comply with the Doctor of Veterinary Medicine Fitness to Practice Rules, which are accessible from Schedule 1 of the Student Fitness to Practice Policy (MPF1345).
Current vaccinations for tetanus and/or documented immunity to Q Fever are requirements for enrolment. 

Science students should not select this Major as part of their study plan during re-enrolment; it will be added to the study plans of approved students as part of their conditional DVM offer.

A zoology major provides a springboard for entering careers or research in many areas of animal biology, from conservation and wildlife management to the biotech, biomedical and bioinformatics industries. Graduates will be prepared for these pathways by developing skills in appropriate zoological concepts, data collection and analysis, and critical evaluation of empirical arguments.

This major facilitates an understanding of the complexities of animal systems by integrating knowledge from the biology of cells to the behaviour of whole organisms, through a sequence of specialist subjects as well as integrated subjects from a wide range of biological disciplines. Students will gain relevant work-place training by participating first-hand in zoological research.

The Diploma in Music provides students with the opportunity to undertake a tailored sequence of music study and gain a music qualification while completing an undergraduate degree in another field at The University of Melbourne. It is available to students enrolled in an undergraduate degree other than the Bachelor of Music and the Bachelor of Fine Arts. It is studied concurrently with the bachelor degree.

Diploma in Music students study for a music qualification alongside Bachelor of Music students, giving the opportunity to build valuable friendships and networks in a challenging musical environment. A range of study options is available across all areas of specialisation within the Melbourne Conservatorium of Music, including practical music, ensemble music performance, aural studies, composition, improvisation, music history and theory. Students are encouraged to follow their own areas of interest, constructing a bespoke program of study from the range of elective choices available.

The Diploma may only be awarded on the completion of the concurrent degree course. This means that graduation from the Diploma will only occur at the same time as graduation from the concurrent course.

A concurrent diploma must be undertaken at the same time as your substantive degree (e.g. Bachelor of Arts) and is considered to be a combined course for the purposes of the Student Assistance (Education Institutions and Courses) Determination 2019. More information on concurrent diplomas is found here.

The Diploma in Computing will provide students in almost all areas of study with the option of complementing their principal undergraduate major with a program in the IT area, designed to give them familiarity with a range of data manipulation and presentation techniques. The delivery format via a concurrent diploma is designed to build on and extend students’ main study, with the expectation that students will contribute problems and challenges from their main study area to their Diploma subjects. 

A concurrent diploma must be undertaken at the same time as your substantive degree (e.g. Bachelor of Arts) and is considered to be a combined course for the purposes of the Student Assistance (Education Institutions and Courses) Determination 2019. More information on concurrent diplomas is found here.

The Diploma in Mathematical Sciences is a 100-point diploma, normally taken concurrently with an undergraduate degree.

The Diploma in Mathematical Sciences is a great way to use and develop your mathematical skills and complement your undergraduate studies. The high-level numerical and modelling skills you will gain can be applied across almost every area of employment and are always in demand.

This diploma is studied concurrently on a part-time basis with a bachelor degree. Within the Diploma, students will complete the requirements of the Mathematics and Statistics major from the Bachelor of Science. The Diploma consists of 1 year EFTSL of study completed concurrently with an undergraduate degree usually over 3-4 years.

A concurrent diploma must be undertaken at the same time as your substantive degree (e.g. Bachelor of Arts) and is considered to be a combined course for the purposes of the Student Assistance (Education Institutions and Courses) Determination 2019. More information on concurrent diplomas is found here.

Please note: The Diploma in Mathematical Sciences is not available to students enrolled in the Bachelor of Science who are taking the Data Science, Mathematics and Statistics or Mathematical Physics majors.

Concurrent Diplomas are not available to students studying on a student visa, or student visa applicants.

The Diploma in Languages (D-Lang) is a concurrent program and provides students with the opportunity to undertake language study while completing an undergraduate, graduate coursework or RHD program at the University of Melbourne.

There are 13 languages on offer in the Diploma in Languages, and students will progress through a sequence of eight subjects in their chosen language. Students are able to commence the program at different entry points pending on proficiency, as outlined in the specific language's specialisation page.

The Diploma in Languages will usually add one year duration to your studies. Undergraduate students have the option to fast track and may complete both programs in three and a half or three years. The duration for graduate coursework students varies on their program, advice and permission for graduates should be sought from their home Faculty prior to application.

The Diploma may only be awarded on the completion of both programs. Domestic students enrolled in a Graduate Coursework or Research Higher Degree course will have access to Commonwealth supported places. International Graduate Coursework and RHD students will attract International undergraduate fees for the Diploma in Languages.

A concurrent diploma must be undertaken at the same time as your substantive degree (e.g. Bachelor of Arts) and is considered to be a combined course for the purposes of the Student Assistance (Education Institutions and Courses) Determination 2019. More information on concurrent diplomas is found here.

This Breadth Track progressively develops knowledge and skill for acting on stage and in film and TV.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is predicted to play an increasingly integral role in almost all aspects of our lives, including in fields of policing, public administration, environmental protection, education, medicine, finance and law. This track provides students with the skills necessary to deal with the technical, ethical and legal challenges that arise in designing, governing and regulating AI that is fair, safe and beneficial to society. This specialist track builds on the work of the Centre for Artificial Intelligence and Digital Ethics (CAIDE), a cross disciplinary research centre at the University of Melbourne bringing together academics researching all aspects of AI ethics and regulation, including from engineering, computer science, humanities, science and law.

This breadth track explores issues related to ancient civilizations.

This breadth track explores issues related to ancient civilisations, with a focus on mythology.

This breadth track explores issues related to ancient civilizations, with a focus on Ancient Egypt and the Near East.

This breadth track explores issues related to ancient civilizations, with a focus on Ancient Greece.

This breadth track progressively develops knowledge and skills in Ancient Greek.

This breadth track explores issues related to ritual, meaning and performance from an anthropological perspective.

This breadth track explores issues related to self and society.

This breadth track explores issues related to structures, identity and power.

This breadth track progressively develops knowledge and skills in the Arabic language for beginners.

This breadth track progressively develops knowledge and skills in Archaeology.

This breadth track surveys the history of architecture from the beginnings of shelter to the present day.

This breadth track introduces students to the basics of architectural design and history and provide students with the prerequisite subjects to apply for entry into the 300-point Master of Architecture.

This breadth track explores drama/theatre/music and visual arts making and presenting in relation to a diverse range of learning settings from the perspective of the artist and community.

This breadth track progressively develops knowledge and skills in Chinese language for beginners.

This breadth track progressively develops knowledge and skills in Chinese language for students who have taken Chinese at VCE level.

This breadth track explores issues related to Chinese Studies.

This breadth track explores the diversity of choral music and progressively develops knowledge and skills in choral performance.

This breadth track covers key economics concepts and techniques needed to make sense of contemporary policy debates.

This breadth track progressively develops knowledge and skills in Creative Writing.

Explore artistic play, expression and performance in the growth and creative development of children and young people through active and experimental learning in diverse settings.

This breadth track progressively develops knowledge of crime and crime control and helps develop analytical skills in criminology.

This Breadth track progressively develops knowledge and skills in dance styles and approaches to physical training whilst exploring how movement, languages and choreographic approaches can be used to express ideas and realise performance.

This breadth track explores issues related to Deafness and communication, from a wide range of perspectives including social, cultural, and technological. There is also a focus on visual communication and Auslan, the language of the Australian signing Deaf community.

This breadth track explores issues related to development studies.

This breadth track improves your chances of achieving business success with our most important trading partners.

This breadth track progressively develops skills in drawing and painting. Students learn practical hand-on techniques and processes whilst also gaining a greater understanding of how art communicates ideas.

This breadth track explores issues related to English literature.

This breadth track develops knowledge and skills to assist you in starting your new business venture.

This breadth track explores how to avoid repeating the GFC and what you as an investor can do to save the planet.

This breadth track engages with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander creative and cultural practices, with a focus on connections to Country and place, while developing cultural literacies, critical thinking, and deep listening skills. Each subject focuses on Indigenous artistic practices through which students will investigate knowledges, technologies and architectures, place and ways of knowing, being and doing.

Food is essential to human life on Earth, and is inextricably bound up in our biology, culture and beliefs. Learn about the current and future challenges of global food production, supply, and consumption and discover how food production in Australia is changing to meet the environment and society's changing needs.

This breadth track offers a moderate level of financial literacy, along with an understanding of the incidence and nature of financial fraud.

This breadth track progressively develops knowledge and skills in French language for beginners.

This breadth track progressively develops knowledge and skills in French language for students who have taken French at VCE level.

This breadth track progressively develops knowledge and skills in French language for students who are at an Advanced Level.

This breadth track progressively develops knowledge and skills in French language for students who are at a super advanced Level.

This breadth track offers sufficient accounting and finance to gain a basic level of financial literacy with an emphasis on the operation of financial markets.

This breadth track progressively develops knowledge and skills in German language for beginners.

This breadth track progressively develops knowledge and skills in German language for students who have taken German at VCE level.

This breadth track progressively develops knowledge and skills in German language for students who have taken German at VCE level.

This breadth track progressively develops knowledge and skills in German language for students who are native speakers or near-native speakers of German, or for candidates who have spent a number of years in a German speaking country.

This breadth track develops an ability to think systematically about the globalization debate.

This breadth track explores issues related to development, implementation and analysis of public policy and management.

This breadth track progressively develops knowledge and skills in Indonesian language for beginners.

This breadth track progressively develops knowledge and skills in Indonesian language for students who have taken Indonesian at VCE level.

This breadth track explores issues related to Islamic Studies.

This breadth track progressively develops knowledge and skills in Italian language for beginners.

This breadth track progressively develops knowledge and skills in Italian language for students who have taken Italian to Year 10/11 Italian or equivalent.

This breadth track progressively develops knowledge and skills in Advanced Italian language.

This breadth track progressively develops knowledge and skills in Japanese language for beginners.

This breadth track progressively develops knowledge and skills in Japanese language for beginners.

Explore the nature of knowledge and how we learn.

This breadth track progressively develops knowledge and skills in Korean language.

This breadth track develops knowledge and skills in Korean language and broadens understanding of Korea.

This breadth track provides students with an introduction to the Landscape architecture design.

This breadth track progressively develops knowledge and skills in commercial and taxation law.

This breadth track progressively develops knowledge and skills in commercial, competition, and consumer law.

This breadth track progressively develops knowledge and skills in media and intellectual property law.

This track examines the educational significance of sport and physical activity, and provides students with the knowledge and skills required to lead physical activity in their community.

This breadth track progressively develops knowledge and linguistic skills in the structure of English and English language studies.

This breadth track explores issues relating to language in its social and cultural context, both within a single cultural context, and across cultural boundaries.

This breadth track progressively develops knowledge and skills in linguistics and the analysis of language structure, drawing on data from the full range of the world's languages.

Investigates human-animal relationships interactions, where they originated, domestication, and where they are now, examining in detail key relationships between humans and animals.

This breadth track progressively develops knowledge and skills in film making, exploring the practicalities behind film and television writing and production.

This breadth track builds an understanding of the dynamics of business in today's globalised world.

This breadth track helps you to address one of the most important perennial challenges in business.

This breadth track helps develop an understanding of effective people management, one of the most valuable assets of the successful manager.

This breadth track examines how desirable brands are an important corporate asset and being able to communicate effectively with your customers is a major determinant of business success.

This breadth track builds knowledge and skills that enable you to develop effective marketing strategies in a globalized world.

This breadth track progressively develops knowledge and skills in history, with a focus on the Middle East and Islam. It covers the both early and modern history of the Middle East and North Africa, and of Muslim countries in South East Asia.

This breadth track explores issues related to music, mind and wellbeing, including development of musical skills at different life stages, the relationship between music and the brain, as well as music and the body and examination of psychological, sociological and scientific research related to performing and creating music.

This breadth track explores music of non-Western cultures and societies and the people and social processes involved in music-making.

This breadth track includes practice led critical studies in music theatre, giving students an opportunity to learn by doing, whilst developing critical thinking and listening skills. In each subject, practical, group singing tutorials are complemented by an engaging lecture series to give students an understanding of what they are embodying when performing some of the most significant and well-known material from the music theatre canon.

This breadth track explores the relationship of our cities and towns and the natural environment which underpins our society.

This breadth track progressively develops knowledge and skills in non-western music performance, culture and social contexts from around the world.

This breadth track progressively develops knowledge and skills in politics and international studies.

This breadth track explores the history, culture and social context of music across a range of popular music styles.

This breadth track explores issues related to positive psychology, with a focus on the relationship between well-being, pro-social behaviour and peak performance at the individual, group and community levels.

This Breadth track introduces students to printmaking, screen-printing and animation as art making mediums. Learn technical process and image making skills to develop your own art works.

This breadth track builds knowledge and skills to assist you in getting the most out of your products and services.

The Roman Studies breadth track surveys a thousand years of Roman political, social and cultural history (500 BCE - 500 CE). Ancient Rome's highly advanced society represents one of the first of the multicultural civilisations of the pre-industrial era and its study therefore offers many timeless insights into our own increasingly cosmopolitan world.

This breadth track progressively develops knowledge and skills in Russian language for beginners.

This breadth track progressively develops knowledge and skills in sociology.

This breadth track progressively develops knowledge and skills in Spanish language for beginners.

This breadth track progressively develops knowledge and skills in Spanish language for students who have taken Spanish at VCE level.

This breadth track progressively develops knowledge and skills in Advanced Spanish language.

This breadth track develops theoretical knowledge and applied skills in music language and compositional craft.

This breadth track introduces students to fundamental musical concepts including rhythm, melody, harmony, timbre, texture, dynamics and form, and explores the history, culture and social context of western music from the middle ages to the 21st century.

This breadth track progressively develops knowledge and skills in Theatre Studies.

This breadth track develops exciting and useful insights into why consumers behave the way they do.

This breadth track builds understanding of the economic and social importance of corporate social responsibility.

This breadth track gives students a comprehensive foundation in urban design and planning, which focuses on the intersections between architecture, landscape architecture, planning and geography.

Explores the interaction between food and wine including the practice of drinking wine and matching food, and also raises some of the issues on the associated social, economic and health impacts on society.

This breadth track is for those seeking to understand and prepare for the coming crises in the retirement saving of an ageing population.

This breadth track explores issues of youth, citizenship and identity in education.