The course contains a compulsory core of professional subjects relevant to all science disciplines. The subjects in the core provide a backbone of skills important to a professional scientist; be they engaged in research, science businesses, industries or government organisations. These are the skills of communication, critical analysis, project management and innovation and commercialisation. The professional strand is complemented by a choice of major study in a specific science or mathematics discipline. Students may have the option of undertaking a small research project, subject to approval by the faculty. For students with suitable achievement levels, an opportunity to undertake a more substantial research project is available by transferring into the Master of Science (Honours) (C04267). For those considering a research degree, the Master of Science (Honours) provides a pathway to a PhD. The final session of electives allows students to complement their existing skill set using tailored subjects from related disciplines across health, engineering and business.... [-]

Students work under the guidance of a supervisor who is a full-time academic staff member of the faculty. Students are examined through the presentation of a thesis, and may be required to take prescribed subjects in research methodology or any other subject deemed necessary by their principal supervisor. In addition, students are expected to undertake extra activities in consultation with their supervisor to enhance and develop their skills as a researcher, where these activities are documented each year in the form of a study plan.

The Master of Science (Research) aims to provide professional development of the candidate, providing experience in problem definition, hypothesis formulation and testing, data acquisition, analysis and interpretation, and project presentation.... [-]