ATAR Notes: Forum

Uni Stuff => Universities - Victoria => Monash University => Topic started by: julie9300 on August 14, 2012, 04:55:22 pm

Title: Course structure for Bachelor of Science?
Post by: julie9300 on August 14, 2012, 04:55:22 pm
Currently going over the VTAC guide and my top preference is a BSc at Monash. I was wondering what the course structure is like, as in, is it possible to do two majors and one minor? I want to major in mathematics and statistics and a biology-related subject, but I also want to complete a minor in chemistry (otherwise at least an elective). And if I were to do a double degree of arts/science, what's the maximum number of majors and minors I can have altogether? 2?

Also, regarding the Diploma of Languages, is that something I'm suppose to apply through VTAC? Or after I receive an offer from Monash?
Title: Re: Course structure for Bachelor of Science?
Post by: zool3 on August 14, 2012, 06:35:35 pm
you should be able to do double major and a minor if its just a single degree.

But as for a double, i'm doing Commerce and science, a double major is not possible for science as there aren't enough units to complete it. But you will still be able to do 1 major and 1 minor.
Title: Re: Course structure for Bachelor of Science?
Post by: TrueTears on August 14, 2012, 06:47:19 pm
Currently going over the VTAC guide and my top preference is a BSc at Monash. I was wondering what the course structure is like, as in, is it possible to do two majors and one minor? I want to major in mathematics and statistics
Certainly possible, just check the course handbook:

http://www.monash.edu/pubs/handbooks/aos/mathematics-and-statistics/

More specifically:

Quote
Double major sequence in mathematics and mathematical statistics (72 points)

    either STA1010 and MTH1030, or MTH1030 and MTH2010, or MTH1030 and MTH1000
    MTH2010 (if not already completed in level one), MTH2222, MTH2232
    Any three of ETC3400, MTH3230, MTH3241 and MTH3251
    the remaining units from level two and level three units listed above
    a total of at least 36 points at level three
Title: Re: Course structure for Bachelor of Science?
Post by: Gloamglozer on August 14, 2012, 07:55:01 pm
:o  I just realised that at Monash, you don't actually offer Discrete Maths per se and no operations research.
Title: Re: Course structure for Bachelor of Science?
Post by: Readinya on August 14, 2012, 08:51:00 pm
Here's the site for general coursemaps for science: http://sci.monash.edu/undergrad/programstudy/course-maps.html
Title: Re: Course structure for Bachelor of Science?
Post by: tcg93 on August 14, 2012, 09:58:33 pm
:o  I just realised that at Monash, you don't actually offer Discrete Maths per se and no operations research.
They're offered in different faculties - They have a discrete maths unit for computer science MAT1830, and operations research is called business modelling major and offered in BusEco (ETC2480 and other units)
Title: Re: Course structure for Bachelor of Science?
Post by: Gloamglozer on August 15, 2012, 01:31:28 am
:o  I just realised that at Monash, you don't actually offer Discrete Maths per se and no operations research.
They're offered in different faculties - They have a discrete maths unit for computer science MAT1830, and operations research is called business modelling major and offered in BusEco (ETC2480 and other units)

Ah right.  So operations research at Monash is much more applied and integrated into the business side of things.  UoM is more theoretical and focuses more on techniques in maximisation/minimisation and game theory.  Postgraduate OR is when you have the option to branch out to a more business approach.

And Discrete Maths at Monash is a first year unit and "skims over" (if I can use that word) Discrete Maths.  Discrete Maths is at UoM is a third year subject and although it is still introductory, it does cover Ramsey theory, which I don't think Monash one does based on reading the course outline.

But Monash offers a larger choice of undergraduate choice in maths subjects.  UoM used to offer the business maths specialisation until the Melbourne Model came in and it got the axe.  Monash also offers astrophysics as part of the maths, which is rather unique and something UoM doesn't offer.

EDIT:  I just realised I just gave a commentary on the differences between maths and Monash and UoM haha
Title: Re: Course structure for Bachelor of Science?
Post by: Tomw2 on August 15, 2012, 11:35:58 am
I want to major in mathematics and statistics and a biology-related subject, but I also want to complete a minor in chemistry (otherwise at least an elective).
[/quote]

First, are you doing spesh? Or just methods?

Also, you realise that mathematics and statistics IS a double major? So are you asking if you can get 3 majors and a minor/elective?
Title: Re: Course structure for Bachelor of Science?
Post by: Tomw2 on August 15, 2012, 12:59:49 pm
Just had a look at the possibilities, assuming you aren't doing specialist maths.

It's pretty flexible, but you would not be able to fit a triple major in (ie maths + statistics + bio-related).

See attached BSc course map I put together for reference below. Managed to get a Double major in maths & stats, a minor in chemistry and a minor in biological or medical science (several options). Click on any of the unit codes and it will take you to the Monash handbook entry for that subject.

- Stuff highlighted in yellow is the double major sequence in Mathematics & Mathematical Statistics
- Stuff highlighted in blue is the chemistry minor
- Stuff highlighted in green is the additional bio/med sci minor options: the 1a+1b sequence is molecular biology, 2a+2b is biochemistry, 3a+3b is developmental biology and 4a+4b is microbiology. There are others to choose from, but these seemed most relevent.

There's lot's of ways it could be put together, this is just one. I'd recommend taking the course plan to the science student services office and get one of the advisors to go over the option with you.
Title: Re: Course structure for Bachelor of Science?
Post by: slothpomba on August 15, 2012, 01:10:38 pm
Currently going over the VTAC guide and my top preference is a BSc at Monash. I was wondering what the course structure is like, as in, is it possible to do two majors and one minor?

The course structure is very flexible, you can even do a major outside science (you of course must also have one inside science otherwise no point in a science degree).

However, as in the handbook "Double major in mathematics and mathematical statistics", is already a double major. I have serious doubts that you will have enough room to complete an addition major on top of this (eg. 3 majors).

There might be another mechanism by which you can do this (a diploma in mathematics or something), so, look into that.

You can also email the science faculty or the "ask monash" page. They're usually pretty helpful.

The diploma is not something you apply for through VTAC (afaik). You apply for it to the university.

Title: Re: Course structure for Bachelor of Science?
Post by: julie9300 on August 15, 2012, 04:21:31 pm
The diploma is not something you apply for through VTAC (afaik). You apply for it to the university.

Does this apply for all universities?

There might be another mechanism by which you can do this (a diploma in mathematics or something), so, look into that.

I've considered that but I couldn't find any information on a diploma in mathematics at Monash.
Also is it possible to do 2 diplomas? (seeing how I also wanna do diploma of languages)


First, are you doing spesh? Or just methods?

Also, you realise that mathematics and statistics IS a double major? So are you asking if you can get 3 majors and a minor/elective?

Only methods.
Sorry, I meant just mathematics. I saw on VTAC that one of the major studies at Monash was 'Mathematics and statistics' so I assumed it was just one area of study.
Title: Re: Course structure for Bachelor of Science?
Post by: Tomw2 on August 15, 2012, 05:10:37 pm
Since you are not wanting a double maths major, you obviously do not need to do 2 diplomas, nor would you be permitted to anyway.

See attachments below.

One is an example of a BSc with a double major in Mathematics & a bio or med science of your choosing, plus a minor in chemistry.

The other is an example of the same BSc combined with a diploma in languages over 4 years. That should be perfect for what you have said you are interested in doing.

Title: Re: Course structure for Bachelor of Science?
Post by: xnashtx on August 15, 2012, 09:01:26 pm
Since you are not wanting a double maths major, you obviously do not need to do 2 diplomas, nor would you be permitted to anyway.

See attachments below.

One is an example of a BSc with a double major in Mathematics & a bio or med science of your choosing, plus a minor in chemistry.

The other is an example of the same BSc combined with a diploma in languages over 4 years. That should be perfect for what you have said you are interested in doing.

Thanks, the guide was really helpful. I noticed that there was no elective option in the BSc and diploma in languages one, is it cause the diploma takes the place of electives?
Title: Re: Course structure for Bachelor of Science?
Post by: Tomw2 on August 15, 2012, 10:20:40 pm
Thanks, the guide was really helpful. I noticed that there was no elective option in the BSc and diploma in languages one, is it cause the diploma takes the place of electives?

No worries.

I altered the second one to accomodate a 2nd major. There is not official 'elective' box on that plan because it was taken up by the 2nd major.

The diploma of languages doesn't take up any blocks in the BSc, it just adds another year to the course. The result is you cannot do all the first year unit sequences in first year (see the BIO1011 & 1022 sequence in the plan for example).
Title: Re: Course structure for Bachelor of Science?
Post by: Tomw2 on August 17, 2012, 06:45:47 am
Oh and Julie9300, you're welcome.
 ::)