The Master of Science is a 72-unit program offered by the College of Science and Engineering. The Master of Science has specialisations in Chemistry, Computer Science, Mathematics, and Physics. There is a 54-unit pathway for students with a Bachelor degree in the same discipline as their specialisation.
Admission requirements
Applicants must normally hold an approved Bachelor degree or equivalent in a related discipline to the specialisation selected. The Master of Science is not available to students who hold an Honours degree in the same discipline as the specialisation selected.
The Dean (Education) may, under certain circumstances and subject to specific conditions, admit others who can show evidence of fitness for candidature.
Chemistry
Applicants must normally hold an approved Bachelor degree or equivalent with a major in chemistry or a closely related discipline from an approved institution. Knowledge of second year chemistry is assumed.
Computer Science
Applicants must normally hold an approved Bachelor degree or equivalent in computer science, information technology, ICT-based engineering or a closely related discipline from an approved institution. Applicants with an approved degree in behavioural science or psychology, which includes a major in artificial intelligence or computer science, are also eligible to apply. Knowledge of second year information technology is assumed.
Mathematics
Applicants must normally hold an approved Bachelor degree or equivalent in mathematics or statistics or a closely related discipline from an approved institution. Applicants with an approved degree that contains substantial mathematics or statistics (up to 2nd year level) are also eligible to apply. Knowledge of second year mathematics or statistics is assumed.
Physics
Applicants must normally hold an approved Bachelor degree or equivalent with a major in physics or a closely related discipline from an approved institution. Knowledge of second year physics and mathematics is assumed.
Course aims
This award aims to provide students with:
- a strengthened knowledge in both the theoretical and the practical aspects of the selected specialisation
- a strong understanding of professional and ethical responsibilities and a commitment to them
- well developed written and oral communication skills
- an ability to critically analyse and evaluate information and solve problems
- an awareness of social, economic, cultural and environmental aspects of the selected specialisation
- the ability to work professionally as an individual and as a member of multi-disciplinary teams
- an ability to undertake research in the selected specialisation
- an understanding of the need to undertake lifelong learning and the capacity to do so
- preparation for future professional roles as a scientist.
The award provides the foundations that will underpin ongoing professional development, preparing students for admission to a research higher degree or for a career as a professional.
Learning outcomes
On completion of the course, students will be able to:
- proficiently use cognitive, technical and creative skills to investigate, analyse and synthesise complex information, problems, concepts and theories in the systematic development of solutions to complex problems
- apply their skills and knowledge in a professionally responsible manner with a high level of personal autonomy and accountability
- communicate effectively with other scientists and the wider global community using a wide range of methods
- work professionally as an individual and in a team
- develop solutions appropriate to the social, political, international, economic and environmental contexts in which they are applied
- demonstrate knowledge of the research principles and methods applicable to the selected specialisation and complete a research project
Program of study
To qualify for the Master of Science (Specialisation), a student must complete 72 units, with a grade of P or NGP or better in each topic, according to the program of study detailed below.
Students entering with a Bachelor degree in the same discipline as the specialisation will be eligible to follow a 54 unit pathway. Students will need to contact the College Office for approval to undertake this pathway.
Master of Science (Chemistry)
Core - Year 1 topics
36 units comprising:
STEM8001 Research Methods and Professional Skills (4.5 units)
Plus 27 units selected from:
BIOL8004 DNA to Genome GE (4.5 units)
BTEC8002 Molecular Biotechnology(4.5 units)
CHEM8701 Applied Spectroscopy and Electrochemistry GE (4.5 units)
CHEM8702 Inorganic and Organometallic Chemistry GE (4.5 units)
CHEM8711 Organic Synthesis and Mechanism GE(4.5 units)
CHEM8712 Introduction to Polymer Science GE (4.5 units)
FACH8702 Drug Action, Metabolism, Toxicology and Analysis GE (4.5 units)
NANO8702 Frontiers of Nanotechnology GE (4.5 units)
STEM8100 Research Project in Science GE (4.5 units)
Plus 4.5 units selected from:
ENGR9704 Project Management and Innovation (4.5 units)
INNO9001 Innovative and Creative Thinking: Recognising Opportunities GE(4.5 units)
Core - Year 2 topics
36 units comprising**:
CPES7701 Advanced Research Skills (4.5 units)
CPES7711 Advanced Techniques in Chemical and Physical Sciences (4.5 units)
CPES7721 Advanced Chemical and Physical Sciences (4.5 units)
CPES9700A Masters Research Project (4.5/22.5 units)
CPES9700B Masters Research Project (4.5/22.5 units)
CPES9700C Masters Research Project (4.5/22.5 units)
CPES9700D Masters Research Project (4.5/22.5 units)
CPES9700E Masters Research Project (4.5/22.5 units)
OR
CPES7701 Advanced Research Skills (4.5 units)
STEM9100A Masters Research Project (4.5/13.5 units)
STEM9100B Masters Research Project (4.5/13.5 units)
STEM9100C Masters Research Project (4.5/13.5 units)
Plus 18 units selected from:
BTEC9010 Medical Biotechnology GE (4.5 units)
BTEC9012 Environmental Biotechnology GE (4.5 units)
CHEM8701 Applied Spectroscopy and Electrochemistry GE (4.5 units)
CHEM8702 Inorganic and Organometallic Chemistry GE (4.5 units)
CHEM8711 Organic Synthesis and Mechanism GE(4.5 units)
CHEM8712 Introduction to Polymer Science GE (4.5 units)
ENGR9704 Project Management and Innovation (4.5 units)
FACH8702 Drug Action, Metabolism, Toxicology and Analysis GE (4.5 units)
INNO9001 Innovative and Creative Thinking: Recognising Opportunities GE(4.5 units)
MATH8702 Methods of Applied Mathematics GE (4.5 units)
MATH8712 Partial Differential Equations GE (4.5 units)
MATH8731 Algebra GE (4.5 units)
PHYS8701 Nuclear and Statistical Physics GE (4.5 units)
PHYS8702 Solid State Physics and Optoelectronics GE (4.5 units)
PHYS8711 Quantum Physics GE (4.5 units)
*With the permission of the Director of Studies, one of these topics can be substituted with any appropriate science topic at level 7000 or above.
**The Masters Thesis can only be taken by students who have achieved a credit average or higher. Students are advised to discuss thesis ideas with suitable supervisors before selecting this option. Note that students who wish to use their masters qualification to satisfy entry into a Flinders University research higher degree program are required to have completed an 18-unit thesis.
Master of Science (Computer Science)
Core - Year 1 topics
4.5 units comprising:
STEM8001 Research Methods and Professional Skills (4.5 units)
Option - Year 1 & 2 topics
18 units selected from the following topics:
COMP9712 Computer Programming 3 GE (4.5 units)
COMP9721 Enterprise Information Security GE (4.5 units)
COMP9722 Theory and Practice of Computation GE (4.5 units)
COMP9732 Enterprise Cloud Systems GE (4.5 units)
COMP9742 Intelligent Systems GE (4.5 units)
COMP9751 Interactive Computer Systems GE (4.5 units)
COMP9752 Computer Game Development GE (4.5 units)
COMP9771 Advanced Database GE (4.5 units)
Plus
ENGR9742 Standards, Ethics and Compliance (4.5 units)
ENGR9704 Project Management and Innovation (4.5 units)
Plus either**
COMP9700A Masters Thesis (4.5/18 units) AND
COMP9700B Masters Thesis (4.5/18 units) AND
COMP9700C Masters Thesis (4.5/18 units) AND
COMP9700D Masters Thesis (4.5/18 units)
OR
COMP9710A Masters Project (4.5/9 units) AND
COMP9710B Masters Project (4.5/9 units)
Plus sufficient units of option topics selected from Table A from the following groups: *
- Group C (Computer Science/Information Technology)
- Group D (Digital Media)
- Group S (Software Engineering)
- Group M (Mathematics)
to ensure that 72 units of study are completed.
*With the permission of the Director of Studies, up to 9 units may be substituted with appropriate topics in Neuroscience, Cognitive Science, Human Factors or Digital Media or by alternative appropriate topics in Computer Science. Such topics must be level 7000 or above.
** The Masters Thesis can only be taken by students who have achieved a credit average or higher. Students are advised to discuss thesis ideas with suitable supervisors before selecting this option. Note that students who wish to use their masters qualification to satisfy entry into a Flinders University research higher degree program are required to have completed an 18-unit thesis.
Master of Science (Mathematics)
Core - Year 1 topics
4.5 units comprising:
STEM8001 Research Methods and Professional Skills (4.5 units)
Option - Year 1 & 2 topics
22.5 units selected from the following topics*:
MATH8702 Methods of Applied Mathematics GE (4.5 units)
MATH8711 Complex Analysis GE (4.5 units)
MATH8712 Partial Differential Equations GE (4.5 units)
MATH8731 Algebra GE (4.5 units)
STAT8701 Statistical Science GE (4.5 units)
STAT8702 Stochastic Processes GE (4.5 units)
Plus either**
MATH9700A Masters Thesis (4.5/18 units) AND
MATH9700B Masters Thesis (4.5/18 units) AND
MATH9700C Masters Thesis (4.5/18 units) AND
MATH9700D Masters Thesis (4.5/18 units)
OR
MATH9710A Masters Project (4.5/9 units) AND
MATH9710B Masters Project (4.5/9 units) AND
COMP8781 Computer Mathematics GE (4.5 units)
Plus one of
COMP8702 Computer Programming 1 GE (4.5 units)
ENGR8800 Engineering Programming GE (4.5 units)
Plus 27 units of topics selected from Table A from Group M (Mathematics).
*With the permission of the Director of Studies, one of these topics can be substituted with any appropriate science topic at level 7000 or above.
** The Masters Thesis can only be taken by students who have achieved a credit average or higher. Students are advised to discuss thesis ideas with suitable supervisors before selecting this option. Note that students who wish to use their masters qualification to satisfy entry into a Flinders University research higher degree program are required to have completed an 18-unit thesis.
Master of Science (Physics)
Core - Year 1 topics
36 units comprising:
STEM8001 Research Methods and Professional Skills (4.5 units)
Plus 27 units selected from:
ENGR9861 Electromagnetics and Electromagnetic Waves GE (4.5 units)
MATH8702 Methods of Applied Mathematics GE (4.5 units)
MATH8711 Complex Analysis GE (4.5 units)
MATH8712 Partial Differential Equations GE (4.5 units)
MATH8731 Algebra GE (4.5 units)
NANO8702 Frontiers of Nanotechnology GE (4.5 units)
PHYS8701 Nuclear and Statistical Physics GE (4.5 units)
PHYS8702 Solid State Physics and Optoelectronics GE (4.5 units)
PHYS8711 Quantum Physics GE (4.5 units)
PHYS8721 Quantum Concepts GE (4.5 units)
PHYS8731 Classical Physics GE (4.5 units)
PHYS9712 Thermodynamics and Energy Systems GE (4.5 units)
STEM8100 Research Project in Science GE (4.5 units)
Plus 4.5 units selected from:
ENGR9704 Project Management and Innovation (4.5 units)
INNO9001 Innovative and Creative Thinking: Recognising Opportunities GE(4.5 units)
Core - Year 2 topics
36 units comprising**:
CPES7701 Advanced Research Skills (4.5 units)
CPES7711 Advanced Techniques in Chemical and Physical Sciences (4.5 units)
CPES7721 Advanced Chemical and Physical Sciences (4.5 units)
CPES9700A Masters Research Project (4.5/22.5 units)
CPES9700B Masters Research Project (4.5/22.5 units)
CPES9700C Masters Research Project (4.5/22.5 units)
CPES9700D Masters Research Project (4.5/22.5 units)
CPES9700E Masters Research Project (4.5/22.5 units)
OR
CPES7701 Advanced Research Skills (4.5 units)
STEM9100A Masters Research Project (4.5/13.5 units)
STEM9100B Masters Research Project (4.5/13.5 units)
STEM9100C Masters Research Project (4.5/13.5 units)
Plus 18 units selected from:
ENGR9704 Project Management and Innovation (4.5 units)
ENGR9861 Electromagnetics and Electromagnetic Waves GE (4.5 units)
INNO9001 Innovative and Creative Thinking: Recognising Opportunities GE(4.5 units)
MATH8702 Methods of Applied Mathematics GE (4.5 units)
MATH8711 Complex Analysis GE (4.5 units)
MATH8712 Partial Differential Equations GE (4.5 units)
MATH8731 Algebra GE (4.5 units)
NANO8702 Frontiers of Nanotechnology GE (4.5 units)
PHYS8701 Nuclear and Statistical Physics GE (4.5 units)
PHYS8702 Solid State Physics and Optoelectronics GE (4.5 units)
PHYS8711 Quantum Physics GE (4.5 units)
PHYS8721 Quantum Concepts GE (4.5 units)
PHYS8731 Classical Physics GE (4.5 units)
PHYS9712 Thermodynamics and Energy Systems GE (4.5 units)
STEM8100 Research Project in Science GE (4.5 units)
*With the permission of the Director of Studies, one of these topics can be substituted with any appropriate science topic at level 7000 or above.
** The Masters Thesis can only be taken by students who have achieved a credit average or higher. Students are advised to discuss thesis ideas with suitable supervisors before selecting this option. Note that students who wish to use their masters qualification to satisfy entry into a Flinders University research higher degree program are required to have completed an 18-unit thesis.
