Course

Master of Science

Approved Abbreviation: MSc


Western Sydney University Course Code: 3647.4

CRICOS Code: 064316F


Students should follow the course structure for the course version relevant to the year they commenced. This version applies to students whose commencement year in this course is 2011 or later.

Commencement Year Spring 2010 - 3647.3 Master of Science

Commencement Year Autumn 2010 - 3647.2 Master of Science

Commencement Year 2009 - 3647.1 Master of Science

This program provides advanced theoretical and practical knowledge in a range of specialist scientific fields, through lectures, workshops, projects and directed study. Students can develop understanding of specialist fields in which they have little previous knowledge, or extend their previous expertise.

The following choice of specialisations is offered:

  • Occupational Safety, Health & Environmental Management
  • Climate Change and Environmental Management
  • Biotechnology

A generic option is also available.

Study Mode
One year full-time or two years part-time.

Admission

Eligibility for admission to the Master of Science is based on the following requirements:

An undergraduate degree in any discipline

or

Graduate Diploma or Graduate Certificate in any discipline and one year full-time equivalent work experience in occupational health and safety, environmental management, occupational hygiene, climate change, natural resource management or biotechnology.

Applications from Australian and New Zealand citizens and holders of permanent resident visas must be made via the Universities Admissions Centre (UAC).

Applicants who have undertaken studies overseas may have to provide proof of proficiency in English. Local and International applicants who are applying through the Universities Admissions Centre (UAC) will find details of minimum English proficiency requirements and acceptable proof on the UAC website. Local applicants applying directly to the University should also use the information provided on the UAC website.

http://www.uac.edu.au/

International applicants must apply directly to Western Sydney University via the International Office.

International students applying to The University through the International Office can find details of minimum English proficiency requirements and acceptable proof on their website.

http://www.uws.edu.au/international

Overseas qualifications must be deemed by the Australian Education International - National Office of Overseas Skills Recognition (AEI-NOOSR) to be equivalent to Australian qualifications in order to be considered by UAC and Western Sydney University.

Course Structure

For Specialisations offered, please see below.

Master of Science (generic option)

Qualification for this award requires the successful completion of 80 credit points, including the units listed below.

Choose one of

300396Developing Professional Practice
300683Principles and Practice of Biotechnology 1

Choose one of

300397Perspectives of Sustainable Development
300678Advanced Analytical Techniques

Choose one of

300398Methods of Researching
300768Methods of Scientific Researching

Choose one of

300742Science and Health Research Project PG
300767Science Research Project PG

Two or three units chosen from the prescribed list of science units below. Depending on whether 300742 (20 credit points) or 300767 (30 credit points) is chosen.

Students wishing to exit with a Graduate Diploma are required to complete 60 credit points consisting of the following units.

Choose one of

300396Developing Professional Practice
300683Principles and Practice of Biotechnology 1

Choose one of

300397Perspectives of Sustainable Development
300678Advanced Analytical Techniques

Choose one of

300398Methods of Researching
300768Methods of Scientific Researching

Three units chosen from the prescribed list of science units below.

Graduate Certificate in Science (generic option)

3649.4 - Graduate Certificate in Science

Qualification for this award requires the successful completion of 40 credit points, including the units listed below.

Choose one of

300396Developing Professional Practice
300683Principles and Practice of Biotechnology 1

Choose one of

300397Perspectives of Sustainable Development
300678Advanced Analytical Techniques

Two units chosen from the prescribed list of science units below.

300677Safety and Risk Management
300391Occupational Health Management
300690Environmental Assessment
300681Climate Change Impacts
300686Sustainable Resource Management
300679Air, Water and Noise Management
300682Occupational and Environmental Hygiene
300678Advanced Analytical Techniques
300688Noise Assessment and Control
300680Biotechnology Analytical Techniques
300683Principles and Practice of Biotechnology 1
300684Principles & Practice of Biotechnology 2
300685Special Issues in Science - PG

Note: 300685 Special Issues in Science - PG is only available to Masters students - permission of Head of Program required for enrolment

400850Professional Topic

Note: 400850 Professional Topic is only available to students who wish to pursue a research higher degree after graduation - permission of Head of Program required for enrolment

Note: Enrolment in units other than those listed above is possible with Head of Program permission.

Specialisations

The Specialisations will be offered in mulit-modal mode through a combination of compulsory on-campus workshops, facilitated on-campus tutorials (compulsory for International students; optional for domestic students - tutorial material and processes will be duplicated on vWestern Sydney University so non-attending students are not disadvantaged) and extensive use of vWestern Sydney University. For most units face-to-face on-campus attendance will be equivalent to two to three hours per week over a 14 week semester.

ST3013Occupational Safety, Health & Environmental Management

The Occupational Safety, Health & Environmental Management specialisation provides advanced theoretical and practical knowledge in the occupational health, safety and environmental management field. It is most suited for students who are already working in this field, although can be undertaken by students in allied fields who want a career change to Health, Safety and Environment roles. Students will learn to critically evaluate the social, economic and environmental impacts of policy and management decisions and analyse current and emerging issues in health, safety and environmental management. They will also develop the skills to develop new or adapt current strategies and to take a leadership role in responding to change in this very dynamic and challenging field. Students enrolled in the Masters will be required to undertake a half year pilot research project and develop a change management strategy for a current OSHEM issue. The specialisation is offered in both full time and part time modes with a multimodal attendance pattern through a combination of compulsory on-campus workshops, facilitated on-campus tutorials, and extensive use of the University`s e-learning support system.

ST3020Climate Change & Environmental Management

This specialisation provides professional environmental resource managers a range of opportunities to upgrade their leadership skills and competencies of climate change mitigation and adaptation. The complex and uncertain nature of climate change will require increased foresight and the application of a range of practical skills across many sectors and professions for climate change adaptation and mitigation process. This specialisation will provide knowledge, skills and practices to effectively prepare towards responding to climate change and building resilience in communities, resources and industries. Students will have opportunities in learning the impacts of soils, climate, water and their interactions on rural, peri-urban and urban landscapes. They are able to analyse strategies and tactics employed in their own area of work to minimise risks and maximise opportunities related to climate change and climate variability. Experience gained will enhance their skills and competencies for evaluating and adapting appropriate resource management strategies and policy development. They will also develop the skills to develop new or adapt current strategies and to take a leadership role in responding to change in this very dynamic and challenging field. Students enrolled in the Masters will be required to undertake a half year pilot research project and develop a change management strategy for a current SRM issue. It is offered in both full time and part time modes with a multimodal attendance pattern through a combination of compulsory on-campus workshops, facilitated on-campus tutorials, and extensive use of the University`s e-learning support system.

ST3017Biotechnology

This specialisation aims to provide advanced education in biotechnology and to prepare students for diverse careers in this field. It is designed mainly for students who have a first degree in basic biological or chemical sciences but little prior education in biotechnology. Biotechnology applies scientific and engineering principles to the processing of material by biological agents to provide goods and services. The requirements for biotechnologists are as diverse as the purposes for which microbial, plant and animal cells have been harnessed to produce food, medicines and chemicals useful to mankind. This specialisation will encourage students to actively participate in the learning process. Opportunities for student planning and development of projects based upon a strong understanding of fundamental concepts and processes will be provided. Multidisciplinary knowledge and practical skills will be integrated to provide a hands-on problem solving approach. Students enrolled in the Masters will be required to undertake a full year biotechnology research project. It is offered in both full time and part time modes with compulsory on-campus attendance required.



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