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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.

302408 v.4 Bachelor of Science (Actuarial Science)

BSc(Curtin)

Course CRICOS Code: 038785D
Registered full-time Duration for International Onshore Students on student visas: 3 Years


Course Overview

Bachelor degrees prepare students to develop broad and coherent knowledge and skills in a discipline for professional work and further learning corresponding to AQF level 7 qualifications.


This course is designed to provide graduates with the necessary skills in mathematics, statistics, finance, economics, accounting, law, computing and demographics to prepare them for employment as financial advisors in commercial organisations involving insurance companies, superannuation funds, banks, other financial institutions and governments.


Professional Recognition

This course is accredited by the Institute of Actuaries of Australia.


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 and include flexible entry pathways.


TEE Applicable Mathematics. Calculus is desirable. STAT is not acceptable for mature age entry but may be used to demonstrate English Competence requirements.


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.


Pathway to Further Study

Graduates may qualify for entry to a bachelor degree with honours and some graduate certificates, graduate diplomas and master degrees. For further details, see the University website http://curtin.edu.au.


Specific Course Completion Details

In certain cases, the need to complete special units may result in an extension of studies beyond the normal length of the course.



Course Organisation

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


Course Learning Outcomes

A graduate of this course can:

1. use their exposure to a process of identifying a problem, researching the data and applying a set of techniques to solve the problem

2. widen and deepen their high level of thinking skills by posing challenging problems that are relevant, motivational and involved in well-structured syndicated programs

3. analyse, identify and use the relevant material in an Actuarial Control Cycle Format from a wide array of available data sources to ensure that the information is monitored in the light of a possibly changing problem, new information and or a change in technique

4. stand up and present content in a refreshing and vigorous format by spending considerable time on the process of communication "how" to effectively and efficiently present with a high level of professionalism

5. apply computer modelling software appropriately in statistics, finance, risk management, optimisation and other relevant areas and use appropriate technology to acquire data (e.g. internet based, library based) and present information, such as computer linked displays and internet linked overheads

6. develop a high degree of flexibility and creativity to adapt to change and to introduce exciting solutions to problems where focus is paramount in the learning process

7. show a high level of awareness of international relevant developments and contemporary issues involving relevant international events

8. mix through syndicate work and informal functions to meet with others and understand each other to develop shared understandings of contemporary relevant issues which demonstrate a high and balanced level of cultural awareness and understanding

9. show a high standard of time management skills required through timely assignments, projects , attendance and other duties understand a duty of care, honesty, integrity, fairness and knowledge of principles, law and the requirements of the profession.


Duration and Availability

3 years full-time study or part-time equivalent


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 Structure Hrs/Wk Credit
Year 1 Semester 1
10987 v.5   Accounting 100 3.0 25.0
307590 v.2   Statistical Data Analysis 101 3.0 12.5
309010 v.2   Principles of Insurance and Superannuation 101 3.0 25.0
310532 v.1   Statistical Data Analysis 102 3.0 12.5
7062 v.6   Mathematics 101 5.0 25.0
  OR  
10926 v.5   Mathematics 103 5.0 25.0
  100.0
Year 1 Semester 2
306542 v.2   Principles of Actuarial Science 101 5.0 25.0
307554 v.1   Science Communications 101 2.0 12.5
307591 v.2   Statistical Data Analysis 103 3.0 12.5
312201 v.1 *   Actuarial Economics 102 4.0 25.0
7492 v.5   Mathematics 104 5.0 25.0
  100.0
Year 2 Semester 1
12607 v.4   Finance Principles 215 3.0 25.0
302315 v.2   Mathematical Statistics 202 4.0 25.0
8127 v.6   Advanced Calculus 201 4.0 25.0
  SELECT OPTIONAL UNITS TO THE TOTAL VALUE OF:   25.0
  100.0
Year 2 Semester 2
311622 v.1   Theory of Interest 202 3.0 25.0
311623 v.2   Practical Mathematical Financial Modelling 202 3.0 25.0
311624 v.1   Actuarial Statistics 301 3.0 25.0
  SELECT OPTIONAL UNITS TO THE TOTAL VALUE OF:   25.0
  100.0
Year 3
313563 v.1   Actuarial Science Major (BSc Actuarial Sci) 200.0
  OR  
313564 v.1   Actuarial and Applied Statistics Major (BSc Actuarial Sci) 200.0
  200.0
Optional Units to Select from in Year 2 Semester 1 Hrs/Wk Credit
310296 v.2   Supply Chain Modelling and Optimisation 201 4.0 25.0
311828 v.1   Scientific Computing 201 4.0 25.0
8140 v.6   Operations Research 201 4.0 25.0
Optional Units to Select from in Year 2 Semester 2 Hrs/Wk Credit
302292 v.1   Network Optimisation 202 4.0 25.0
302300 v.2   Applied Mathematical Modelling 302 4.0 25.0
310297 v.2   Logistics Modelling and Optimisation 202 4.0 25.0
8128 v.6   Linear Algebra 202 4.0 25.0
8393 v.9   Experimental Design and Analysis 202 4.0 25.0

*    Students who do not have a solid background in economics are required to contact the Course Coordinator for an alternate study plan.




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.