C04241v2 Master of Science

Overview

This course is designed to cater for two distinct groups of students: professional scientists wishing to update their industry-related skills for career advancement and students considering a research degree.

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, or in science management. Students also have the option of undertaking a research project, subject to approval by the faculty. For students with suitable achievement levels considering a research degree, this course provides a pathway to a PhD.

Students in the Marine Science and Management major are exposed to multi-disciplinary and cross-institutional coursework, with a capstone project taught at the Sydney Institute of Marine Science (SIMS) and multiple lecture series and practical components using real-life data from the Australian Integrated Marine Observatory System.

Course aims

The course provides graduates with analytic tools and disciplinary knowledge, combined with creative, logical approaches to problem-solving and professional skills that facilitate real world application of the science such as project management, IP management and commercialisation.

Career options

Career options vary according to the major chosen, but all graduates have training in the professional attributes that employers seek. The skills learnt expand career horizons and enhance prospects for promotion in the rapidly evolving science professions. Graduates in all majors may also proceed to a career in research through entry to a PhD.

• Graduates of the Biomedical Engineering major will be well prepared for careers in medical device and biotechnology companies, government policy and regulation, hospitals, and research organisations where the ability to combine biology and engineering knowledge and skills is required.
• Graduates of the Marine Science and Management major can pursue careers worldwide in private and public agencies, or as private consultants in fields such as policy and conservation, fisheries, environmental sustainability and management, impact assessment, tourism, and education.
• Graduates of the Environmental Change Management major may find management and leadership positions in government agencies, the private sector and community organisations concerned with biodiversity, coastal zone management, climate change adaptation, environmental policy, environmental remediation, environmental sustainability, fisheries, infrastructure, land and water resources, national parks and wildlife, planning, and natural resources management.
• Forensic Science major graduates may take up positions in police forensic laboratories, state and federal law enforcement agencies, government and private forensic or drug detection laboratories, customs and border protection agencies, and environmental protection agencies.
• Graduates of the Mathematical and Statistical Modelling major may expect to apply their logistic, statistical and modelling skills in careers in a wide range of diverse organisations and industries, including banking and finance, health, information technology, and market research.
• Career options for Medical Biotechnology major graduates include senior positions in public health units, hospitals or government departments, or as policy analysts or consultants, providing links with bodies such as state health departments. Graduates may also pursue management positions in diagnostic medical laboratories, or in pharmaceutical or biotechnology companies.
• Graduates of the Science Management major are focused towards careers in management of science industries and organisations. This major is specifically designed for science graduates who are making, or expect to make, the transition to management roles in their place of employment.

Credit recognition

Students enrolled in this course may be eligible for credit recognition of up to 24 credit points if the subjects previously studied are deemed by UTS: Science to be equivalent to those specified for their course.

To be considered for credit recognition, subjects must normally have been completed no more than five years prior to the commencement of this course.

Course duration and attendance

The standard course duration is 18 months full time, however most majors in the course may be completed in an accelerated full-time mode in 14 months.

Some subjects are offered in Summer session and in other short teaching sessions so students may fast-track their studies.

The course may also be completed in part-time mode, typically over 36 months. Part-time students must be prepared to attend some afternoon or morning classes during each teaching week.

Course structure

The course requires 72 credit points of study, comprising 24 credit points of professional stream subjects and a 48-credit-point major.

A non-specified major in which cross-disciplinary subject selection is possible is also offered.

The Physics and Advanced Materials major is not currently offered to international students.

Course program

Example programs for the accelerated mode commencing in either Autumn or Spring semesters for all majors except Forensic Science and Biomedical Engineering are shown below.

Other information

Further information is available from: