First Year FAQs

What is a 'major'?

A major is a specialisation in the senior year of your degree. Most degrees require a major; specialist degrees such as the Bachelor of Science (Molecular Biology and Genetics) and the Bachelor of Medical Science, however, do not. It is useful to have an idea of what major, or group of majors, interest you now, so that you can plan your junior and intermediate years properly.

The Bachelor of Science majors Neuroscience and Nanoscience and Technology require earlier planning than most others. If you are interested in these then read Table I (Bachelor of Science) carefully.

A Science major is usually defined as 24 credit points of study at the Senior level in a single Science Area and an Arts major is usually defined as 36 credit points of senior (2XXX or 3XXX) units. Neuroscience and Psychology both have additional requirements. Depending on the majors chosen, it is possible to complete more than one major in your degree.

How many credit points should I take per semester?

You should take 24 credit points each semester if you are a full-time student. There is an upper limit of 30 credit points per semester. If you take fewer than 18 credit points in each semester you will automatically become part-time.

To finish your degree in the recommended minimum time you will have to take 48 credit points per year, or 24 per semester. If you enrol part-time you can take as few credit points as you like. You must keep in mind however that you have a 10 year limit to finish your degree.

Students wishing to accelerate their degree programs may consider undertaking units offered at Summer School or undertaking up to 30 credit points each semester. The degree summaries and sample programs in this handbook assume you will enrol full-time.

Do I need to be full-time?

International Students must enrol full-time in a minimum of 24 credit points per semester unless there are exceptional circumstances. Failure to enrol in 24 credit points per semester may have serious ramifications for your visa.

Australian citizens and permanent residents are considered full-time if they are enrolled in 18 or more credit points per semester. Australian citizens and permanent residents who wish to receive a transport concession card must be full-time students.

If you receive any financial support, whether from a University scholarship or from the government, you may need to enrol as a full-time student. Check the terms and conditions of that support before going part-time.

Can I take units of study from other faculties?

Students in the Bachelor of Science can take units of study from other faculties however there are limits, and exclusions. You should refer to the degree resolutions for specific information about your particular degree. The Bachelor of Science allows for up to 48 credit points of Non-Science units of study to be included in the 3-year program. Junior Econometrics (ECMT units) and General Statistical Methods (STAT units) are specifically excluded from the BSc. Students in specialist programs and combined degrees may have less flexibility.

Can I get credit for previous tertiary study?

Yes. The amount of credit you may receive depends on your individual circumstances, but in general the total amount of credit granted may not be greater than 96 credit points and may not include more than 48 credit points from degrees that have been completed.

On the day that you enrol you must lodge an application for credit from previous study. Because of the large numbers of applications received at enrolment there can be a considerable delay in processing your application, but all credit offers from on-time applications will be sent to students well in advance of the last day to add a unit of study for the semester in which they enrol.

The faculty must see originals of your academic transcripts, as well as detailed descriptions of prior units of study completed, as at the time of completion of the units. Descriptions will normally be an extract from a Handbook or a unit of study syllabus/outline, and should include the credit point value, learning outcomes, assessment details, texts and references, and contact details for each unit of study. You must bring this information with you on the day that you enrol.

On enrolment day you will have to make unit of study choices as if you have had no previous university study. Alternatively, you may be able to obtain special permission to enrol in Intermediate or Senior units of study by taking a copy of your transcript and unit of study descriptions to Academic advisers for each individual unit of study. Unit of study Academic advisers are listed under unit of study descriptions in this Handbook.

Information on the current application process for credit, including the application form, is available from the Faculty of Science website.

Are there any bridging courses available?

There are bridging courses in Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics and Physics, designed to cover the assumed knowledge that students would normally cover in the HSC. They run in February each year after enrolment and are recommended for students who either did not take a subject at the HSC or feel they need some revision.

Who can enrol in Advanced Science units of study?

Advanced units of study are available to those students enrolled in any program in the Faculty of Science who have performed at a high level in science subjects in the HSC or who perform well in their studies at the University.

Students should consult the unit of study tables for assumed and prerequisite marks in the HSC required to enrol in advanced units of study.

For students in an Advanced degree it is recommended that you enrol in no more than 24 credit points of advanced units of study in a year. Advanced units of study are very demanding and students are required to perform at a higher standard than in the normal units of study.