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University of New England (UNE)

  • 5% international / 95% domestic

Master of Scientific Studies

  • Masters (Coursework)

The Master of Scientific Studies is a course work plus research degree designed to provide specialised training in a specific field of study.

Key details

Degree Type
Masters (Coursework)
Duration
2 years full-time, 6 years part-time
Course Code
MScStud, 000441G
Study Mode
In person, Online

About this course

The Master of Scientific Studies is a course work plus research degree designed to provide specialised training in a specific field of study. The degree involves advanced level course work study and students must complete one of the following majors: Biochemistry; Biodiversity Science; Biomedical Science
;
Chemistry; Genetics; Mathematics; Medicinal Chemistry; Quantitative Ecology or Zoology.

Students also complete either a thesis embodying the results of a research project or two mini-research projects. The research is completed under the supervision of a member of academic staff in an area relevant to the Major being completed.

Graduates who have included SCI599 in their program of study are eligible to apply for admission to candidature for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy (PhD).

Entry requirements

A candidate shall:

(a) hold an AQF Level 7 Bachelor degree in a relevant discipline* at the level of Credit (GPA 5) or above;
or

(b) hold an AQF Level 8 Graduate Certificate or Graduate Diploma or Bachelor with Honours in a relevant discipline* at the level of Credit (GPA 5) or above.

*Relevant disciplines include, but are not limited to:
Biochemistry; Biology; Botany; Chemistry; Genetics; Geology; Mathematics; Microbiology; Physics; Physiology; Statistics; and Zoology.
A degree will be considered relevant to a nominated major if it includes study that covers the minimum assumed knowledge. Where it is not clear from their academic background, applicants may include a cover letter with their application describing how they have achieved the minimum assumed knowledge.

Minimum Assumed Knowledge for Each Major

Biochemistry: two units of biology and two units of chemistry or equivalent

Biodiversity Science: two units of biology and two units in any biological or earth science at 200-level or above or equivalent

Biomedical Science: two units of biology and two units of chemistry or equivalent

Chemistry: four units of chemistry or equivalent

Genetics: two units of biology and two units of chemistry or equivalent

Mathematics: two units of (calculus-based) mathematics and an additional two units in mathematics at 200-level or above or equivalent

Medicinal Chemistry: two units of chemistry and an additional two units of chemistry, biochemistry or pharmaceutical science

Quantitative Ecology: one unit of statistics or probability, one unit of (calculus-based) mathematics, and two units of ecology, physical geography, or related sciences, or equivalent

Zoology: two units of biology and two units in any biological science at the 200-level or above equivalent

Note:
Students wishing to complete the course on a full-time basis are strongly encouraged to have greater than the minimum assumed knowledge and to begin their study in first trimester.

Study locations

Armidale

Online

What you will learn

Upon completion of this course, students will be able to:

  1. demonstrate through their own practice and research a mastery of scientific knowledge that includes knowledge of recent developments in science, established knowledge and practices and specialised skills in a chosen discipline;
  2. demonstrate through their own practice and research mastery of technical competencies in the field, laboratory and professional workplace related to their discipline area; and knowledge of research principles and methods applicable to their science discipline;
  3. demonstrate mastery of a body of scientific knowledge by planning and executing a substantial research-based project, capstone experience and/or piece of research that integrates their own research findings with the current body of disciplinary knowledge/paradigms; demonstrating a capacity to make original contributions to scientific knowledge;
  4. conduct a research investigation under academic supervision in a research environment by critically analyse a complex problem, identify research questions and apply established theories to their research question; justify and interpret theoretical propositions, methodologies, conclusions and professional decisions to specialist and non-specialist audiences; and analysing, interpreting and critically evaluating research findings;
  5. be effective communicators of science by communicating scientific ideas and research findings to specialist and non-specialist audiences using a variety of written and oral communication modes; and
  6. be accountable for their own learning and scientific work by applying creativity and initiative to new situations; operating with a high level of personal autonomy within a research environment; planning and executing a substantial research-based project, capstone experience and/or piece of research while complying with regulatory frameworks and practising professional ethics relevant to their disciplinary area.

Career pathways

Graduates are also qualified for employment in research organisations such as CSIRO and ANSTO, universities, environmental protection agencies and scientific research laboratories.

Graduate outcomes

Graduate satisfaction and employment outcomes for Science & Mathematics courses at University of New England (UNE).
91.7%
Overall satisfaction
77.8%
Skill scale
72.2%
Teaching scale
78.4%
Employed full-time