Master of Science (MSCN)

Back to top Program aims The aim of the Master of Science program is to produce graduates who are equipped with essential scientific knowledge and an appreciation of the latest literature and technologies.

Agricultural Science specialisation The Australian agricultural industry contributes substantially to national GDP, as well, is a significant employer across all states/regions.

There is a current demand for graduates with knowledge of contemporary agricultural production approaches, particularly in light of declining national water availability and quality.

This specialisation provides graduates with an understanding of both national and global issues associated with agricultural production and sets these in a context of agroecosystem sustainability and broader societal challenges.

Graduates from the program will have the capacity to engage across a range of agriculture related disciplines.

Applied Climate Science specialisation The global climate service industry is estimated to have a significant and growing economic value.

In Australia, the need for ‘climate smart’ professionals working within their chosen industry is growing with hundreds of job opportunities in industry and the public sector organisation.

This specialisation is designed to provide graduates with the knowledge and decision-making skills to work as ‘climate smart’ professionals in many sectors of economic activity including agriculture, food, water, energy, health, and natural resource management industries.

Applied Data Science specialisation With the popularity of social media and the wide spread use of the Internet, enormous amount of data of various type are generated at all times.

The scattered data are waiting for us to collect and make use of them.

This specialisation is designed to provide an opportunity for graduates from all disciplines to gain advanced skills and knowledge in handling data which are commonly known as Big Data, as well as producing and interpreting data analytics.

The aim of this program is to provide students with a career path in the Data Science or an opportunity for advancement in their career.

Astrophysics specialisation This specialisation is designed to provide an opportunity to gain knowledge and skills in astrophysics and develop scientific research skills.

The program thus provides professional development in science for those in educational or science communication careers, and a specialist foundation of knowledge and skills for subsequent higher degree research.

Environment and Sustainability specialisation Modern environment and natural resource management requires the integration of social, environmental and economic research within an interdisciplinary planning and policy framework.

It also requires a capacity to handle complexity and uncertainty and the application of different methods of analysis and different approaches to governance and community engagement.

This coursework Masters program addresses these needs by providing important core studies and flexibility in choice of elective studies that will enhance their skills and knowledge in the broad discipline of environment and sustainability.

Adaptation to climate change and sustainability science are emphasised in global and regional contexts in this specialisation.

Mathematics and Statistics specialisation This specialisation is designed to provide an opportunity for graduates from other than mathematics and statistics programs to gain advanced skills and knowledge in key areas of mathematics and/or statistics which relate to their career needs and the needs of their profession or industry.

The aim of this program is therefore to provide students with a broad advanced education in mathematical and/or statistical techniques and essential problem solving skills which will meet their career needs and assist them in their professional development.

Sport and Exercise specialisation The Master of Science (Sport and Exercise) specialisation aims to provide students with the opportunity to develop and extend their knowledge and skills relevant to health, fitness and sports performance across the lifespan to an advanced level.

Students undertaking the program will usually have qualifications in various related disciplines (although any undergraduate degree is acceptable).

The program may be used to meet work or professional requirements, allow for program exemptions, or form part of course requirements in other USQ postgraduate programs.

The program is designed to meet personal achievement goals or provide for career opportunities within the health, sports and fitness industry such as sports coaches, personal trainers, sports development officers or a range of other roles.

It also provides a pathway for students to enter into postgraduate programs such as a doctorate.

Admission requirements

To be eligible for admission, applicants must satisfy the following requirements:

• Completion of an Australian university three year Bachelor degree in any area, or equivalent or equivalent professional work experience, as determined through the Credit and Exemption Procedure.
• English Language Proficiency requirements for Category 3.

As well as the following specialisation-specific requirements:

Master of Science (Applied Data Science)

• knowledge on ethics of Computing, consistent with that found in CIS1000 Information Systems Concepts.

Applicants are advised to also note the following:

• Students are responsible for ensuring their introductory knowledge of Computing is at least consistent with that found in CSC1401 Foundation Programming.

Master of Science (Mathematics and Statistics)

• Knowledge of mathematics at least equivalent to that found in MAT1102 Algebra and Calculus I.

All students are required to satisfy the applicable English language requirements.

If students do not meet the English language requirements they may apply to study a University-approved English language program. On successful completion of the English language program, students may be admitted to an award program.

Program objectives

On completion of the program graduates should be able to:

• Integrate an advanced understanding of a complex body of expert knowledge in a discipline of science.
• Apply established research theories and principles associated with scholarship and/or professional practice within a relevant science discipline.
• Critically analyse, reflect on, and synthesise complex expert information, problems, concepts and theories applicable to a relevant science discipline.
• Interpret and transmit expert knowledge, skills and ideas, both individually and collaboratively, to specialist and non-specialist audiences.
• Display autonomy, responsibility, adaptability and ethical practise in decision-making and engage in lifelong learning through critical reflection in a range of professional and cultural contexts.

Specialisation objective:

Program outcome for Applied Data Science specialisation:

• Explain and critique the effect of historical developments on current ICT societal issues.