Multidisciplinary Science

Outline Outline

The application of science to real-world problems continues to evolve and become increasingly complex and truly multidisciplinary in nature. Nowadays, in many areas of scientific endeavour, no one science discipline is sufficient to deliver advances and innovation. This is reflected in multidisciplinary fields such as astronomy, biochemistry, bioinformatics, environmental science, forensic science and nanotechnology.

In this course you will learn to apply scientific principles and concepts to real-world problems that are multidisciplinary in nature. You'll also learn the communication, creative, entrepreneurial and cultural-awareness skills that are important in multidisciplinary, collaborative careers throughout government and industry.

You'll have a choice of studying one of four majors: Computational Sciences, Earth and Environmental Sciences, Engineering Science or Physical Sciences.

Computational Sciences

In this major you will study various aspects of modern computing and gain the knowledge and practical skills that are sought by employers. The course covers fundamental programming and introduces C and Java as the tools for learning core concepts such as object orientation and algorithms. You'll also learn Linux skills and study the fundamental aspects of artificial intelligence, computer science, and cybersecurity.

Earth and Environmental Sciences

In this major you will study Earth dynamics and its relationships with environmental science. Earth scientists are essential to resources and environmental industries and use sophisticated techniques for the analysis of earth and planetary materials. Environmental scientists apply their expertise in physical and biological sciences to generate innovative and sustainable solutions to environmental issues. Upon graduating, you'll have the skillsets for careers involved in monitoring the impacts of industrial, urban, mining and agricultural development; measuring and analysing pollutants; and developing conservation and management plans.

Engineering Science

In this major you'll gain the mathematical, practical and problem-solving skills to tackle various engineering challenges from a science perspective. This course has a cross-disciplinary focus so that you learn the fundamental principles of the various engineering fields, and also gain the theoretical grounding and practical knowledge to devise solutions to complex societal challenges. This major also provides a pathway to further discipline-specific engineering studies.

Physical Sciences

In this major you'll study fundamental aspects of physics, astronomy, chemistry, mathematics and geology, and how these are drawn together to tackle emerging scientific challenges. Physics and astronomy utilise the four known forces to explain relationships among the smallest through to the largest structures; chemists explore the properties and behaviour of matter; whereas geologists study the solid Earth, the composition of rocks and how these change over time. These scientific fields are all underpinned by mathematics as a framework for explaining observations and predicting outcomes.

Multidisciplinary Science as a pathway

If you haven't studied science before or you don't meet the prerequisites for our Science course majors, this course is also a pathway for admission to our Bachelor of Science majors and STEM courses - such as Computing, Engineering, Actuarial Science, Health Sciences and Medial Radiation Science. After you graduate, you may instead choose to study for a career in science education.

See our handbook for more course information.

What you'll learn

• have demonstrated knowledge and understanding across more than one field of study that is typically at a level that, whilst supported by advanced textbooks, includes some aspects that will be informed by knowledge of the forefront of the fields of study.
• apply their knowledge and understanding in a manner that indicates a professional approach to their work or vocation, and have competencies typically demonstrated through devising and sustaining arguments (to both specialist and non-specialist audiences) and solving problems across their fields of study.
• understand the constructs of the scientific method and apply these principles in representative exercises using digital technologies.
• gather and interpret relevant data (usually within and across their fields of study) to inform judgements that include reflection on relevant social, scientific or ethical issues, including being aware of the diversity of international perspectives associated with the sciences, and how these impact upon the practice of science.
• understand and appreciate cultural diversity and how it impacts on the practice of science.
• display a high standard of professional behaviour, including effective time management, both independently and as a team member.