Science
This course information is for local students only
Year
2012
Award
Bachelor of Science
Length
3 years full-time, or up to 6 years part-time
Campuses
Melbourne, Bendigo, Albury-Wodonga
Course description
This degree is a building block for a multitude of careers, because it gives you an internationally-recognised broad grounding in many areas of science – providing a foundation which can lead to specialised postgraduate studies or a range of careers.
La Trobe offers a highly flexible degree structure, with 14 subject areas to choose from – as well as the opportunity to include subjects from other faculties as part of your degree. Because La Trobe has strong links to industry, students routinely enjoy guest lectures and work placement opportunities with leading government and research organisations – as well as volunteering opportunities which will help build your CV. Students can also access a wide range of support programs within the faculty, making transition to university much less challenging.
La Trobe is one of the fastest-growing science research organisations in Australia, with work currently underway on AgriBio, the centre for AgriBioscience, a $288-million public private partnership between the Victorian government and La Trobe University, and the $94-million La Trobe Institute for Molecular Science at the Melbourne campus. Once completed, these Centres will expand laboratory facilities as well as teaching and research opportunities for La Trobe science students.
Please note that students who enrol in the first year of this degree at the Albury-Wodonga campus must transfer to the Melbourne campus to complete the degree.
Course structure
After a broad-ranging first year, students undertake a major study at third-year level in at least one of the following areas:
Melbourne
Agricultural science, biochemistry, botany, chemistry, computer science, electronics, environmental science, genetics, mathematics, mathematics and statistics, microbiology, physics, psychology (subject to ATAR), space science, statistics, and zoology.
Bendigo
Biomedical science, biotechnology, chemistry, information technology, physics (minor only), psychology, and mathematics and statistics.
Albury-Wodonga (first year only)
Agricultural science, biochemistry, botany, chemistry, environmental management and ecology, genetics, microbiology, psychology, statistics, zoology.
Contact hours
25 hours a week (average) in first year
Subject details
Major areas of study
Biochemistry, biomedical science, biotechnology, botany, chemistry, cognitive science, computer science, biology, ecology, electronics, environmental science, genetics, microbiology, mathematics, physics, psychology, science, space science, statistics, zoology.
Overseas study opportunities
Overseas study opportunities are available.
Please see
www.latrobe.edu.au/international/exchange
for more information
Application
VTAC
Fee type
Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP)
Scholarships
Applicants who are Australian citizens or who hold permanent humanitarian visas are eligible for a range of University-wide scholarships, including Commonwealth Scholarships. For details please see http://www.latrobe.edu.au/scholarships/future-undergraduatesAdditional costs (AUD)
Depending on the subjects chosen, extra costs can include a laboratory coat - about A$30 - and a dissecting kit - about A$40. Students can purchase these items from any supplier; they remain students' personal property. Additional costs for fieldtrips - food, accommodation and travel - may also apply.
Middle Band
Successful completion of Chemistry, Physics, or Specialist Mathematics facilitates an additional 1.5 aggregate points per study to a maximum of 3 points. Consideration is also given to Special Entry Access Scheme (SEAS) criteria; and a regional bonus may apply.
Selection
(Note: All ENTERs current for 2010)
Melbourne: ENTER 65.05
Bendigo: ENTER 56.50
Albury-Wodonga: ENTER 52.65
Guaranteed Entry - Year 12 applicants only. Applicants with an ATAR of 65 or more will be made a first round offer. Applicants whose ATAR is below 65 will be considered through normal selection processes.
Non-Year 12 selection may involve: ENTER/ATAR, Pi form, GPA, STAT Multiple Choice.
Extra requirements
Non-Year 12 applicants must complete and submit a VTAC Pi form if they wish other information to be considered during the selection process. This may include information such as work experience or reasons for applying. Applicants may wish to provide other documentation in support of their application. They may also be asked to complete a Maths test.
Applicants through UAC may need to complete the La Trobe Alternative Category form, available at: www.latrobe.edu.au/studadmin/aw/downloads/Altentry.pdf
Prerequisites
VCE Units 3 & 4: English (any) and either Mathematical Methods or Specialist Mathematics.
NSW HSC: Band 2 Mathematics and satisfy English requirements.
Semester starts
Semester 1 and 2 (March and July)
Additional information
Students enrolled at the Albury-Wodonga campus must transfer to either the Melbourne or Bendigo campus after successfully completing first year.
Career opportunities
Graduates are likely to have many options, depending on their chosen specialisation - including careers in fields such as biotechnology, materials science, chemical sciences, manufacturing, research, or space physics.
Those with strong skills in mathematics, statistics, quantitative analysis and problem-solving are highly sought-after in various areas, including banking, engineering, financial administration, insurance, and research and development. There is also a current shortage of qualified chemists and of science teachers, particularly in physical and mathematical sciences.
Professional recognition
Depending on their major studies, graduates may be eligible for membership of professional associations.