Faculty of Life and Physical Sciences
- What are the prerequisites for studying a science degree?
- What is a discipline and what is a major?
- Can I combine science with study in other subject areas?
- How many different subjects will I be studying?
- How do I go about selecting my units?
- How does the points system work?
- Can I enrol part time?
- Am I allowed to take a year off?
- What are bridging courses?
- Can I get help if I don't understand a subject?
- Can I use work experience as credit towards my degree?
What are the prerequisites for studying a science degree?
A scaled score of at least 50 per cent in any TEE mathematics subject, plus UWA's requirement for competence in English.
Some science disciplines and programs have higher prerequisites, such as TEE applicable mathematics, calculus, chemistry or physics. If you do not meet the requirements, you may still be able to pursue those interests, by taking additional units.
What is a discipline and what is a major?
A discipline is a recognised subject or area of study, such as physics, chemistry, human biology, pharmacology, microbiology, human movement, psychology, geology, zoology.
A major in the Bachelor of Science is 24 points at third-year level (half of your third year) in one discipline. You must nominate at least one major before you start your second year, and it is possible to complete two. UWA's Bachelor of Science offers more than 30 majors in these broad discipline areas:
Australian students
International students
Majors are undertaken in the Bachelor of Science through a foundation package or three-year program.
Can I combine science with study in other subject areas?
You may include a limited number of elective units from another Faculty. For example, a first-year elective from Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences, or Economics and Commerce.
Alternatively, a combined course (double degree) gives you the opportunity to take a science degree plus another degree in a different field of study. This means you will specialise in major areas of study from both courses, and be awarded two degrees.
Another possibility is to take a diploma (a major sequence in one discipline rather than a full course) in Arts, Modern Languages or Information Technology after your first year, alongside your full science degree.
How many different subjects will I be studying?
In first year, you will normally study four different disciplines, each of them for two semesters.
You will continue with at least two different disciplines at level two.
At level three, at least half your points (24 points) will include a single major (whether in a foundation package or in a program). The remainder may be in the same discipline, in a second discipline, or in supporting areas.
How do I go about selecting my units?
The Science Courses booklet will help you understand courses and make your unit choices. You can also get advice from course advisers.
It is important to have some idea of what broad subject area or areas interest you, and to keep your options open. One set of units in your first year can give you the choice of several programs or a number of different majors.
How does the points system work?
Each unit of study is worth a certain number of points (usually six).
To gain a Bachelor of Science, you must accumulate at least 144 points, which you can do in three years studying full-time (48 points per year, 24 points per semester), or a longer period part-time.
In some circumstances, you may be allowed to take extra units beyond 144 points, up to a maximum of 168 points.
Combined courses require considerably more points.
Can I enrol part time?
Yes. Anything less than 18 points (usually equivalent to three units) per semester is classified as part-time. You must complete the course within ten years. As a rule, you would need to complete at least two to three six-point units per year.
Most level one (first-year) science units have five or six contact hours per week. Almost all classes are held during working hours (8am to 6pm).
Am I allowed to take a year off?
You may defer your studies for a year before beginning your course. You must then reapply for entry, but will be guaranteed a place in the course originally offered to you. Detailed advice on this will be in the enrolment booklet posted out to successful applicants by the Admissions Centre.
After you start your course, you may take a semester or a year off later, provided your results are satisfactory and you lodge an application for approved leave.
What are bridging courses?
A bridging course is a short, intensive course to bridge the gap between your school qualification and the entry level set for a particular discipline.
The only one available to students planning to study science is MATH1030 Calculus A, held in January-February for students who have passed TEE applicable mathematics and who need calculus.
Many science units assume little or no previous knowledge of a discipline.
Can I get help if I don't understand a subject?
- Ask your lecturer or tutor for help.
- Learning, language and research skills advisors run workshops.
- First-year students can register for the University's mentoring scheme.
- Your student association, the Science Union, can also help.
Can I use work experience as credit towards my degree?
Not usually. We have a science practicum unit, but it does not contribute points towards your degree. It will, however, appear in your academic record to show employers that you have undertaken a work placement.
