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Curtin University
Courses Handbook 2014

This handbook contains information for courses and units at Curtin in 2014.
Information for the previous year's courses and units is available at Courses Handbook 2013.

308719 v.2 Master of Science - Science

MSc(Curtin)

Course CRICOS Code: 061489J
Registered full-time Duration for International Onshore Students on student visas: 2 Years


Course Overview

Master degrees (coursework) prepare students to apply advanced knowledge for professional practice, scholarship and further learning corresponding to AQF level 9 qualifications.


This course is designed for students with a Science undergraduate pass degree intending to broaden and extend their academic and research background in science and technology. The program is particularly useful for graduates in one scientific discipline wishing to study in another area of science, or for students seeking employment in a multidisciplinary science environment. Major areas of study are Computer Science, Mathematical Sciences, Industrial Engineering, Dryland Agricultural Systems, Environmental Biology and Management, and Sustainable Aquaculture, Geophysics and Sustainability Management. The course recognises the multidisciplinary nature of many current areas of science and technology and its application in solving real world problems. Several major research project units within the course provide students with opportunities to develop high levels of communication and research skills whilst developing a deeper understanding in a specific area of interest.


Career Opportunities

Master of Science graduates may be employed in a wide range of commercial, industrial or government organisations, for example, as research scientists in multidisciplinary research teams, or as science and technology advisors to the industrial and commercial sector. Students considering a career in any of the applied sciences will find the course particularly stimulating. A high level of international professional mobility can be expected by graduates.


Additional Course Expenses

Students may be expected to purchase a number of textbooks and other essential study materials.



Course Entry and Completion Details

Applicants are required to meet University academic and English language entry standards; details are provided at http://futurestudents.curtin.edu.au. Subject to the duration of the course applicants usually require a bachelor degree or equivalent (and may require relevant work experience), bachelor honours degree, graduate certificate or graduate diploma.


Specifically, applicants require a bachelor degree in science or an approved equivalent. Students are required to have achieved competency in their chosen major area of study to the level of second year in a related BSc. An honours degree in science or relevant graduate diploma is a prerequisite for direct entry into the second year of this course.


Credit for Recognised Learning

Applications for credit towards a course are assessed on an individual basis. Credit reduces the amount of learning required to complete the course and may be granted for formal education qualifications, non-formal learning from non-award programs of study and informal learning through work experiences. Further information can be found at http://futurestudents.curtin.edu.au.


Intermediate Awards

A student who has successfully completed the requirements of an approved intermediate award may apply for graduation in that award subject to approval of Head of School/Department. Fees apply. Intermediate awards approved for this course:


Graduate Diploma in Science (Dryland Agricultural Systems); Graduate Diploma in Science (Environmental Biology and Management); Graduate Diploma in Science (Computer Science); Graduate Diploma in Science (Mathematical Sciences); Graduate Diploma in Science (Industrial Engineering) and Graduate Diploma in Science (Physics); Graduate Diploma in Science (Sustainable Aquaculture); Graduate Diploma in Science (Geophysics); Graduate Diploma in Science (Sustainable Management).



Course Organisation

Master degrees (coursework) contain a series of units in a specialised area of study which may include compulsory (core), optional or elective units to cater for student preferences. They may also contain a range of majors/streams for students to choose from.


Course Learning Outcomes

A graduate of this course can:

1. understand at a deep level a range of science philosophies, theories, principles and concepts, and their inter-relationships, in the contexts of historical and contemporary science practice and research

2. effectively use higher order thinking tools in critical, creative and reflective ways to produce innovative scientific solutions to an identified important science research problem which either extends discipline domain knowledge or integrates different fields of study

3. communicate in a scholarly style, through a written dissertation, papers and oral presentations, the results of a specific research study, which extends professional practice and leadership in the science field of research

4. work independently, and within teams, in an ethical way using problem solving and decision making skills appropriate to the area of chosen research and within the expected standards of the scientific research method which results in enhanced professional practice

5. expertly use information technology and a variety of tools to work with data and information associated with the chosen area of research.

6. proficiently use and apply established and emerging technologies particularly within the context of a chosen research project to manage, conduct and draw appropriate conclusions about a science research investigation

7. expand their ongoing education and training within the field of science and research

8. comprehend that Science is an international discipline with varying perspectives as demonstrated in the diversity of opinion identified while undertaking this course

9. understand the global and cultural issues within their chosen area of study and how these impact on the practise of their profession


Duration and Availability

This full fee paying course is two years' full-time or equivalent part-time study when entry is gained through a bachelor degree in science or one year's full-time or equivalent part-time study, when the entry requirement of honours or graduate diploma has been met. Flexibility in modes of study exists to meet individual study requirements for instance, a mix of full and part-time study, or students may undertake intensive periods of course study or project work over the summer or vacation periods.


Location and delivery Mode


Year Location Period All* Internal Partially Online Internal^ External Fully Online#
2014 Bentley Campus Semester 1   Y      
2014 Bentley Campus Semester 2   Y      

The information displayed above refers to study periods and locations where the course is available for first time entry. Students are normally only offered or admitted to a course once.

* The course itself may not be available either solely internally or externally but individual units may be offered in either or both of those modes. Prospective students should contact the Course Coordinator for further information.

^ Course and associated units are offered in this mode permitting International Onshore student enrolment.

# Course and associated units are offered in this online only mode and DO NOT permit International Onshore student enrolment.



Course Organisation Note

Students undertaking undergraduate units within the Master of Science will be expected to demonstrate a high level of understanding in the specific topic.



Course Structure Hrs/Wk Credit
310861 v.1   Computer Science Major (Master of Science) 400.0
  OR  
314669 v.1   Sustainability Management Major (Master of Science) 400.0
  OR  
314670 v.1   Geophysics Major (Master of Science) 400.0
  OR  
313574 v.1   Dryland Agricultural Systems Major (Master of Science) 400.0
  OR  
314013 v.1   Environmental Biology and Management Major (Master of Science) 400.0
  OR  
314405 v.2   Sustainable Aquaculture Major (Master of Science) 400.0
  OR  
310708 v.2   Industrial Engineering Major (Master of Science) 400.0
  OR  
310709 v.2   Mathematical Sciences Major (Master of Science) 400.0
  400.0



Further Information

For more information about the course, please contact the Faculty of Science and Engineering on telephone (08) 9266 4600, email ssse@curtin.edu.au, or visit our website: http://scieng.curtin.edu.au


Course Structure Disclaimer

Curtin University reserves the right to alter the internal composition of any course to ensure learning outcomes retain maximum relevance. Any changes to the internal composition of a course will protect the right of students to complete the course within the normal timeframe and will not result in additional cost to students through a requirement to undertake additional units.




Handbook Disclaimer

The online handbook is the repository of Curtin University of Technology (“Curtin”) course information. While Curtin makes all reasonable endeavors to keep its online courses handbook up-to-date, information within this website is subject to change from time to time. Curtin reserves the right to change the contents and/or the method of assessment, to change or alter tuition fees of any unit of study, to withdraw/any unit of study or program which it offers, to impose limitations on enrolment in any unit or program, and/or to vary arrangements for any program without notification via the website.

For course overviews and enrolment information please visit our future students website.