Bachelor of Science (Extended)

The Bachelor of Science (Extended) is a four-year program that provides a transition into tertiary science and technology study and is available to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students.

A year of study in addition to the three-year BSc program provides students with foundation knowledge and skills in science, mathematics and communication, while supporting the development of students’ academic skills for tertiary study.

Upon completion, graduates will have completed all of the requirements of the Bachelor of Science.Students are supported by a range of the University’s student support services, including Murrup Barak, the Melbourne Institute for Indigenous Development, as well as having the opportunity to live in one of the colleges affiliated with the University of Melbourne.

Course structure

Successful completion of 100 points of foundation studies followed by 300 points of study as required to complete the Bachelor of Science (B-SCI)

Entry requirements

1. In order to be considered for entry, applicants must have completed: one of

(a) the Victorian Certificate of Education including

• VCE Units 1 and 2 – satisfactory completion of one of Biology, Chemistry, General Mathematics, Mathematical Methods (CAS), Physics, or equivalent
• VCE Units 3 and 4 – a study score of at least 25 in one of English, English Language or Literature or English as an Additional Language

(b) a senior secondary program, foundation studies program or equivalent approved by the Academic Board including appropriate English language studies and studies in one of Mathematics, Biology, Chemistry or Physics.

To be considered, applicants must also be recognized as Indigenous Australians or Torres Strait Islanders.

Minimum ATAR or equivalent overall performance rankings apply.

Meeting these requirements does not guarantee selection.

2. In ranking applications, the Selection Committee will consider:

• prior academic performance
• academic capacity relevant to science study, assessed by interview and/or referee reports

3. The Selection Committee may seek further information to clarify any aspect of an application in accordance with the Academic Board rules on the use of selection instruments.

4. For applicants who have not completed the Victorian Certificate of Education or the International Baccalaureate Diploma, the undergraduate English language requirements must be met.

Note This specialised degree is for talented Indigenous Australians who may not meet the regular Bachelor of Science entry requirements. It includes integrated support and academic skills subjects.

Inherent requirements (core participation requirements)

The Bachelor of Science (Extended) welcomes applications from students with disabilities. It is University and degree policy to take all reasonable steps to minimise the impact of disability upon academic study, and reasonable adjustments will be made to enhance a student’s participation in the degree.

The Bachelor of Science (Extended) requires all students to enrol in subjects where they will require:

1. the ability to comprehend complex science, technology and/or engineering systems related information;
2. the ability to clearly and independently communicate a knowledge and application of science, technology and engineering systems principles and practices during assessment tasks; and in some areas of study;
3. the ability to actively and safely contribute in clinical, laboratory, and fieldwork/excursion activities.

Students must possess behavioural and social attributes that enable them to participate in a complex learning environment. Students are required to take responsibility for their own participation and learning. They also contribute to the learning of other students in collaborative learning environments, demonstrating interpersonal skills and an understanding of the needs of other students. Assessment may include the outcomes of tasks completed in collaboration with other students.

There are additional inherent academic requirements for some major studies and subjects, and these requirements are listed within the description of the requirements for each of these majors and subjects.

Students who feel their disability will impact on meeting this requirement are encouraged to discuss this matter with the relevant Subject Coordinator and Disability Liaison: http://www.services.unimelb.edu.au/disability/

Intended learning outcomes

BSc(ext) graduates:

• apply their broad knowledge of science across a range of fields, with in-depth knowledge in at least one area of study, while demonstrating an understanding the local and global contexts in which science is practised;
• articulate the methods of science and explain why current scientific knowledge is both contestable and testable by further inquiry;
• apply appropriate methods of research, investigation and design, to solve problems in science, technology and/or engineering, including the planning and conduct of a significant project or investigation;
• employ highly developed conceptual, analytical, quantitative and technical skills and are adept with a range of technologies;
• articulate the relationship between different science cultures, the international scope of science, technology and engineering knowledge and methods and the diverse contributions made by people with diverse perspectives, cultures and backgrounds;
• evaluate the role of science, technology, and/or engineering in addressing current issues facing humankind, for example climate change, health and disease, food security, sustainable energy use;
• work effectively in groups to meet a shared goal with people whose disciplinary and cultural backgrounds differ from their own;
• communicate clearly and convincingly about science and technology ideas, practice and future contributions to expert and non-expert audiences, matching the mode of communication to their audience.