CourseMaster's Degree (Coursework)MSc

S6000 Master of Science

Faculty of Science

Master of Science (S6000) is a 2 years full-time, 96-credit-point, master's degree (coursework) course from the Faculty of Science, taught at Clayton. In 2020 you can choose from 4 specialisations. Map your units semester by semester with the MonMap planner.

Credit points
96
Duration
2 years full time
4 years part time
Campus
Clayton
On campus

This is the 2020 handbook entry. See the 2027 entry.

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Requisite map

The 2020 handbook lists no units for S6000 itself. Pick an area of study to see its units.

Overview

The Master of Science is an advanced program for science graduates with an undergraduate degree in a cognate discipline. It is designed for two distinct groups of students: the professional scientists aiming to extend their industry-related knowledge and skills for career advancement, and those considering a research degree. In the first year of the course, you will complete advanced studies in your chosen field as well as a project in your chosen topic. In the second year of the course, you will complete further studies to deepen your knowledge in your chosen field. These studies will culminate in a capstone unit involving a research project which could be theoretical in nature or applied to an industry context.

The Master of Science is available in the following disciplines:

  • Astrophysics
  • Atmospheric science
  • Earth science
  • Physics

Course structure

The handbook's description of this structure

The course comprises 96 points structured into four parts, Part A. Advanced studies, Part B. Research project, Part C. Extended studies, and Part D. Advanced research project. All students complete Part C and Part D. Depending upon prior qualifications you may receive credit for Part A and Part B.

  • If you are admitted at entry level 1 you complete 96 points, comprising Part A, Part B, Part C and Part D.
  • If you are admitted at entry level 2 you complete 48 points, comprising Part C and Part D.


Part A. Advanced studies
These studies consolidate your theoretical and/or technical knowledge in an area of specialisation and provide an introduction to research methodologies appropriate to your chosen discipline.

Part B. Research project

This part is designed to develop your ability to establish, plan and execute a research project under the guidance of an academic supervisor.

Part C. Extended studies

These studies will deepen your understanding of specific topics and advanced elements within your chosen discipline.

Part D. Advanced research project

This is the culmination of the program. You will establish, plan, execute and report on an advanced research project. You will work closely with an academic supervisor on a chosen topic.

The course comprises 96 points structured into four parts, Part A. Advanced studies, Part B. Research project, Part C. Extended technical studies, and Part D. Advanced research project. You must complete Part C and Part D. Depending upon prior qualifications you may receive credit for Part A and Part B.

  • If you are admitted at entry level 1 you complete 96 points, comprising Part A, Part B, Part C and Part D.
  • If you are admitted at entry level 2 you complete 48 points, comprising Part C and Part D

Units are 6 points unless otherwise stated.

Part A. Advanced studies (24 points)
You complete:

Astrophysics

  • ASP4020 Astrophysics coursework A (12 points)
  • ASP4021 Astrophysics coursework B (12 points)

Atmospheric science
a. Three of the following units (18 points):

  • EAE4020 Statistics for climate science
  • EAE4021 Advanced dynamical meteorology
  • EAE4022 General circulation of the atmosphere
  • EAE4023 Atmospheric modelling
  • EAE4024 Boundary layer meteorology
  • EAE4026 Remote sensing of the atmosphere

b. One unit (6 points) from the following:

  • ATS2910 Professional and academic presentation skills
  • EAE5258 Geographical information systems (GIS) for environmental science
  • ENS5320 Climate change, energy and human security
  • FIT5147 Data exploration and visualisation
  • FIT9133 Programming foundations in python
  • Units listed under Part A section a. or b. in the Earth science specialisation

Earth science
a. Three units (18 points) from the following:

  • EAE4060 Advanced field geology
  • EAE4061 Geology and tectonics of New Zealand
  • EAE4062 Applied analytical geochemistry
  • EAE4063 Mineral exploration simulation
  • EAE4064 Contemporary environmental earth science problems
  • EAE4066 Applied geophysics and earth imaging
  • EAE4067 Remote sensing
  • EAE4068 Spatial data analysis
  • EAE4069 3D data analytics, geological and resource modelling
  • EAE5258 Geographical information systems (GIS) for environmental science
  • ENS5320 Climate change, energy and human security
  • ENS5330 Water security and environmental pollution

b. One unit (6 points) from the following:

  • EAE4070 Coursework Victorian institute of earth and planetary sciences
  • FIT5147 Data exploration and visualisation
  • FIT9132 Introduction to databases
  • FIT9133 Programming foundations in python
  • MAT9004 Mathematical foundations for data science
  • MGF5600 Managing innovation
  • MGF5962 Principles of management

Physics

  • PHS4020 Physics coursework A (12 points)
  • PHS4021 Physics coursework B (12 points)


Part B. Research project (24 points)
You complete:

Astrophysics

  • ASP4000 Astrophysics research project (24 points)

Atmospheric science

  • EAE4000 Atmospheric science research project A (12 points)
  • EAE4001 Atmospheric science research project B (12 points)

Earth science

  • EAE4010 Earth science research project A (12 points)
  • EAE4011 Earth science research project B (12 points)

Physics

  • PHS4000 Physics research project (24 points)


Part C. Extended studies (24 points)
You complete:

Astrophysics

  • ASP5020 Advanced astrophysics coursework A (12 points)
  • ASP5021 Advanced astrophysics coursework B (12 points)

Atmospheric science
a. Three units (18 points) from the following:

  • EAE5020 Statistics for climate science
  • EAE5021 Advanced dynamical meteorology
  • EAE5022 General circulation of the atmosphere
  • EAE5023 Atmospheric modelling
  • EAE5024 Boundary layer meteorology
  • EAE5026 Remote sensing of the atmosphere

b. One unit (6 points) from the following or listed in a. above:

  • EAE5258 Geographical information systems (GIS) for environmental science
  • ENS5320 Climate change, energy and human security
  • FIT5147 Data exploration and visualisation
  • Units listed under Part C section a. or b. in the Earth science specialisation


Earth science
a. Three units (18 points) from the following:

  • EAE5060 Advanced field geology
  • EAE5061 Geology and tectonics of New Zealand
  • EAE5062 Applied analytical geochemistry
  • EAE5063 Mineral exploration simulation
  • EAE5064 Contemporary environmental earth science problems
  • EAE5066 Applied geophysics and earth imaging
  • EAE5067 Remote sensing
  • EAE5068 Spatial data analysis
  • EAE5069 3D data analytics, geological and resource modelling
  • EAE5258 Geographical information systems (GIS) for environmental science
  • ENS5320 Climate change, energy and human security
  • ENS5330 Water security and environmental pollution

b. One unit (6 points) from the following:

  • FIT5147 Data exploration and visualisation
  • MGF5600 Managing innovation
  • MGF5962 Principles of management

Physics

  • PHS5020 Advanced physics coursework A (12 points)
  • PHS5021 Advanced physics coursework B (12 points)


Part D. Advanced research project (24 points)
You complete:

Astrophysics

  • ASP5000 Advanced astrophysics research project (24 points)

Atmospheric science

  • EAE5000 Advanced atmospheric science research project A (12 points)
  • EAE5001 Advanced atmospheric science research project B (12 points)

Earth science

  • EAE5010 Advanced earth science research project A (12 points)
  • EAE5011 Advanced earth science research project B (12 points)

Physics

  • PHS5000 Advanced physics research project (24 points)


You should note that units successfully completed at level 4 in Part A cannot be taken at level 5 in Part C.

Areas of study

Learning outcomes

These course outcomes are aligned with the Australian Qualifications Framework and Monash Graduate Attributes.

Upon successful completion of this course it is expected that you will be able to:

  1. 1

    Demonstrate an advanced understanding of knowledge in a science discipline through the integration of theories, principles and concepts in the context of contemporary science practice and research

  2. 2

    Think critically, creatively, and reflectively to analyse complex problems and to generate innovative solutions which either extend discipline domain knowledge or integrates different fields of study

  3. 3

    Effectively communicate ideas and results to technical and non-technical audiences alike in a variety of formats in a professional context, and work productively within a team of experts in the field

  4. 4

    Work competently, independently and ethically in an interdisciplinary, academic and/or professional context.

Entry requirements

English language

Monash minimum: Level A, that is: IELTS: 6.5 overall (no band lower than 6.0); or TOEFL Paper-based test: 550 with a TWE of 4.5; or TOEFL Internet-based test: score of 79 overall with minimum scores: Writing: 21, Listening: 12, Reading: 13 and Speaking: 18; or Equivalent approved English test

More information

Progression to further studies

Successful completion of this course may provide a pathway to a graduate research degree.

Other information

The Master of Science is an advanced program for science graduates with an undergraduate degree in a cognate discipline. It is designed for two distinct groups of students: the professional scientists aiming to extend their industry-related knowledge and skills for career advancement, and those considering a research degree. In the first year of the course, you will complete advanced studies in your chosen field as well as a project in your chosen topic. In the second year of the course, you will complete further studies to deepen your knowledge in your chosen field. These studies will culminate in a capstone unit involving a research project which could be theoretical in nature or applied to an industry context.

The Master of Science is available in the following disciplines:

  • Astrophysics
  • Atmospheric science
  • Earth science
  • Physics

Common questions

How long is Master of Science?

2 years full time, 96 credit points. At 24 credit points a semester, that is 4 semesters of full-time study.

What specialisations can I take in Master of Science?

4 specialisations in 2020, including Astrophysics, Atmospheric science, Earth science and Physics.

Where can I study Master of Science?

At Clayton.

How do I plan my Master of Science units?

Open the course in the MonMap planner. It lays out your semesters, checks prerequisites as you drag units in, and tracks the credit points each requirement still needs.

Course details

Qualification
Master's Degree (Coursework)
AQF level
Level 9
Credit points
96
Full time
2 Years
Part time
4 Years
Maximum time
4 years
Faculty
Faculty of Science
CRICOS code
096867K
Abbreviation
MSc
Award titles
Master of Science in Atmospheric scienceMaster of Science in AstrophysicsMaster of Science in Earth scienceMaster of Science in PhysicsGraduate Diploma of Science (exit only)GradDipSci (exit only)