SCIENCE FIRST YEAR COURSE GUIDE Year Guide...Science first year course guide 1 CONTENTS Welcome to ANU 2 Studying at ANU 3 Frequently asked questions 4 Degree structures 6 First year

ANU Colleges of Physical & Mathematical Sciences Medicine, Biology & Environment

S C I E N C E F I R S T Y E A R C O U R S E G U I D E

Science

Science first year course guide 1

C O N T E N T S

Welcome to ANU 2

Studying at ANU 3

Frequently asked questions 4

Degree structures 6

First year science course list 8

Science majors and recommended courses for first year 14

Science minors and specialisations 15

Map of science areas at ANU 16

2 ANU College of Physical & Mathematical Sciences Medicine, Biology & Environment

W E L C O M E T O A N U

Studying science at ANU gives you more than an education.

Understanding science is more important now than it has ever been. We are increasingly dependent on science and technology to address the challenges our world faces. Whether it’s addressing climate change, stopping the spread of disease or reaching beyond our planet, scientists will provide the foundations to the solutions.

Science at The Australian National University (ANU) is a unique environment in which the highest quality undergraduate and graduate teaching is conducted alongside an extensive world-class research program. The University houses the largest university-based scientific research activity in Australia, which involves hundreds of leading scientists and many major national research facilities, such as particle accelerators, mass spectrometers, electron microscopes, computer clusters and astronomical observatories.

Science at ANU, with small class sizes and individual attention, will give you the networks, the research training and analytical and communication skills necessary to contribute to the changing world of the 21st century.

We offer excellent undergraduate programs in a wide range of fundamental and applied sciences taught by leading researchers in these fields. The strong relationship between our unique research environment and teaching programs ensures that courses are up-to-date, relevant and of the highest international standards.


S T U D Y I N G A T A N U

Academic AdviceScience Central, Building 42 (Peter Baume Building)

E [email protected] T 6125 2809 BOOK AN APPOINTMENT: W science.anu.edu.au/contact-us/student-appointment

Academic Skills & Learning CentreLevel 2, John Yencken Building (Building 45)

E [email protected] T 6125 2972 W academicskills.anu.edu.au

Student Welfare OfficerStudents’ Facilities Building 17a, Union Court

E [email protected] T 6125 2603

Counselling CentreFirst floor, Sports Union Building (Building 18) North Road, ANU Campus

E [email protected] T 6125 2442 W counselling.anu.edu.au

Access & Inclusion Ground Floor, Copland Building, building 24

E [email protected] T 6125 5036 W disability.anu.edu.au

Health Service Ground floor, Sports Union Building (Building 18) North Road, ANU Campus

T 6125 3598 W health.anu.edu.au

The transition to university can be challenging for both school leavers and mature age students. This booklet is designed to provide you with some information to make this transition a little easier. It includes information about degree structure, first year courses and some administrative details to help you settle into your studies.

As a university student you will encounter many new terms and be responsible for your enrolment and managing your degree. This is not always an easy thing to do when you are bombarded with information in your first few weeks of study. We hope this guide will help you with this by providing answers to questions new students often ask.

If at any time during your studies at ANU you feel you need extra help, whether with academic advice, study skills, health, legal or financial concerns or personal matters there are a number of free services you can access. Below are the contact details for these services:


F R E Q U E N T LY A S K E D Q U E S T I O N S

What is a program?A program is a specific academic sequence of study normally leading to the award of a degree, diploma or certificate, e.g. Bachelor of Science degree program.

What is a course?A course is a single element of study in a subject, normally of one semester’s duration, e.g. BIOL1003 - Biology 1: Evolution, Ecology and Genetics. Full time students normally undertake four courses per semester. A course can only ever be counted towards one major or minor/specialisation.

What are majors, minors and specialisations?Majors, minors and specialisations are groups of courses with a common theme that demonstrate you have concentrated your studies in a certain area. Each of the courses you take is worth a certain number of units, depending on how involved they are. Majors are 48 units and are required to complete some degrees. Minors are 24 units. Specialisations also require 24 units but must be taken in conjunction with an associated major.

Majors, minors and specialisations are only required in the following degrees:

> Bachelor of Environment and Sustainability

> Bachelor of Environment and Sustainability (Advanced) (Hons)

A minor/specialisation must be taken along with a major in the following degrees:

> Bachelor of Science

> Bachelor of Science (Advanced) (Hons)

> Bachelor of Interdisciplinary Studies (Sustainability)

> Bachelor of Interdisciplinary Studies (Sustainability) (Hons)

Do I have to know what my major and minor/specialisation are going to be in my first year?No. Your first year is a time for you to explore different subjects before deciding on your main areas of study. You don’t need to know what your major or minor/specialisation will be in first year. Sometime in your second year you will need to register your major and minor/specialisation with the Science Central.

What is a unit?Units are used to track your progress towards completing your degree program. Each semester-long course is worth a certain number of units. Most courses are worth six units. Full time students normally undertake four courses totalling 24 units, each semester.

What is the Programs and Courses website?Programs and Courses is the University’s online handbook and has everything you need to know about courses, the structure of your degree, majors, minors, specialisations, prerequisites, scholarships and more. You can access Programs and Courses through programsandcourses.anu.edu.au

What is a prerequisite?If the course you want to enrol in says there is a prerequisite course, it means you have to complete the prerequisite course before you can enrol in the one you want.

What is a first year course?First year courses are introductions to the subject area and provide you with a solid foundation for further study. You are allowed a maximum of 10 first year courses (60 units) in your degree which gives you the opportunity to change directions after your first year of study and can be taken in any year of your program. All first year courses have catalogue numbers that start with 1000, e.g. ENVS1001.

What is a later year course?Later year courses are those which build on the introductory courses in first year. They have 2000 or 3000 numbers, e.g. CHEM2201 and MATH3015.

Can I enrol in later year courses if I am only in my first year?Later year courses can be taken at any time as long as long as pre-requisites have been completed. Normally students would not be eligible to take later year courses in their first year of study.

What’s a non-science course?A non-science course is a course taught in a discipline that is not considered as science. In most science programs you can count up to 48 non-science units (eight courses) towards your degree which allows you to study in areas such as languages, history, business studies etc. There are some courses taught by other ANU Colleges that are considered science e.g. statistics, computer science, biological anthropology and will count as science towards your degree.


What’s a semester?The academic year is divided into two semesters which begin in February and July. Most courses are scheduled in one of these semesters. Full time students usually take four courses per semester.

What is ISIS?ISIS is the University’s student administration system. On ISIS you can:

> Access your personal and academic details

> Change your personal details

> Get your results

> Change your enrolment

> Re-enrol for the next semester

> Pay for your courses.

What’s my University ID and password?Your University ID and password are used to access ANU systems, such as:

> ISIS – the University’s enrolment and student information system

> Your ANU email account

> The ANU Library’s online resources

> Online course information through WATTLE

What is WATTLE?WATTLE provides online support for all your courses. Course outlines, registration for tutorials and practicals, discussion forums and noticeboards relating to your courses can all be accessed through WATTLE.

Do I have to use my ANU email account?Yes. All official ANU correspondence will be sent to your ANU email account so you need to either access it directly or have it diverted to the email address you would prefer to use. There are a number of important messages and reminders sent to student email accounts so it is important that you do keep a regular check on your account.

How long do I have to change my courses?You have 1 week after the start of semester to change courses. During this time you can add and drop courses on ISIS without it showing on your academic record. After the two week period you will need signed permission from the lecturer to add a course and will have to pay a late fee. You can drop courses up until the census date in each semester.

What is the census date?The census date is 31 March for semester 1 and 31 August for semester 2. Up until those dates you can drop courses with no academic or financial penalty. These are important dates to remember if you are considering dropping courses. If you drop a course after these dates you may receive a fail grade and will be liable for the fees.

How do I work out my timetable?Whether or not you are enrolled in courses you can access the class timetable at timetable.anu.edu.au and “build” a timetable with courses you want to take. This site also provides information about examinations and the location of your classes.

What if I have a clash in the timetable?Sometimes clashes are unavoidable but often manageable. Lectures are recorded and available on the WATTLE site for your courses. If you have a serious timetable clash you may need to choose different courses.

Where do I buy my books?There is a Co-Op Bookshop on campus in Union Court which will have all recommended textbooks for sale. The Student Association also has a second-hand bookshop in their office (Building 17a, Union Court).


D E G R E E S T R U C T U R E S

A typical degree structure (e.g. Bachelor of Science)The Bachelor of Science is a three year program providing students with the flexibility to access a broad range of science disciplines as well as courses from other areas of the University.

Most science courses are six units and a three year science degree requires completion of a total of 144 units. This is usually equivalent to 24 courses.

All science degrees require at least 36 units (6 courses) in science taken at the 3000 level (third year).

Structure of a single Bachelor of Science (BSc) degree

> 24 courses (144 units), made up of:

– No more than ten courses (60 units) of first year courses.

– At least 6 courses (36 units) from the 3000 series (third year science courses).

– At least a science major and a minor/specialisation or two science majors

To get the degree

> Students must complete a minimum of 24 courses (144 units) including16 courses (96 units) from the science course list

> Students may complete up to eight non-science courses.

Flexible Double Degree programsScience at ANU wants each and every one of our students to study a degree program in which they feel valued and which allows them to achieve the best possible result, both for their future and for their personal development. Our flexible double degrees are offered as part of this commitment to you and enable you to choose from a wide variety of degree combinations.

Double degrees work really well if you have a passion for study in one area, and want the depth of knowledge from the second degree to complement the first degree. For example, if you really want to be a psychologist but you’d love to have the skills from a degree in Criminology to broaden your career prospects – then a flexible double degree in Science (Psychology)/Criminology would be perfect. Or perhaps you want to study Medical Science but want the skills from an Arts degree, majoring in Philosophy – skills of critical analysis, ethics, philosophy, communication.

For details on Flexible Double Degree programs please visit anu.edu.au/study/study-options

Degree combinations are available in three groups:

> Arts, business, social sciences & science group

> Engineering & advanced computing group

> Law group

Please note, direct entry Honours science degrees are not available as part of a Flexible Double Degree.

Degree structure – named degreesWithin science you are also able to take a number of ‘named degrees’, e.g. Bachelor of Genetics. These degrees offer a more focused structure for students who wish to specialise in a particular field. Students in these degrees are not required to complete a major or minor/specialisation.

Each of these degrees has compulsory 1st year courses.


Compulsory or recommended first-year courses for named degrees (Please check specific requirements of your degree on programsandcourses.anu.edu.au)

Degree Semester 1 courses Semester 2 courses

Bachelor of Biotechnology BIOL 1003

CHEM 1101

BIOL1004

CHEM 1201

Bachelor of Genetics BIOL1003

CHEM1001

BIOL1004

CHEM1201

Bachelor of Environment and Sustainability

Bachelor of Environment and Sustainability (Advanced) (Honours)

ENVS1001 ENVS1003

Bachelor of Mathematical Sciences MATH1115

COMP1100

MATH1116

STAT1008

Bachelor of Medical Science BIOL1003

CHEM1101

BIOL1004

CHEM1201

Bachelor of Science (Psychology) & Bachelor of Psychology (Honours)

PSYC1003 PSYC1004


F I R S T Y E A R S C I E N C E C O U R S E L I S T

Course Code Course Title Semester 1 Semester 2

ASTRO1001 Astrophysics •

BIAN1001 The Human Voyage: Introduction to Biological Anthropology •

BIOL1003 Biology 1: Evolution, Ecology and Genetics •

BIOL1004 Biology 2: Molecular Biology •

BIOL1008 Human Biology •

BIOL1009 Diversity of Life •

CHEM1101 Chemistry 1 •

CHEM1201 Chemistry 2 •

COMP1100 Introduction to Programming and Algorithms • •

COMP1110 Introduction to Software Systems •

COMP1130 Introduction to Programming and Algorithms (Advanced) •

COMP1140 Introduction to Software Systems (Advanced) •

COMP1600 Foundations of Computing •

COMP1710 Web Development and Design •

COMP1720 Art and Interaction in New media •

COMP1730 Programming for Scientists •

EMSC1006 The Blue Planet: An Introduction to Earth System Science •

EMSC1008 Earth: The Chemistry and Physics of our Planet •

ENVS1001 Environment and Society: Geography of Sustainability •

ENVS1003 Introduction to Environmental and Social Research •

ENVS1004 Australia’s Environment •

ENVS1008 Sustainable Development •

MATH1003 Algebra and Calculus Methods •

MATH1005 Discrete Mathematical Models •

MATH1013 Mathematics and Applications • •

MATH1014 Mathematics and Applications 2 • •

MATH1042 Philosophy of the Cosmos •

MATH1113 Mathematical Foundations for Actuarial Studies •

MATH1115 Mathematics and Applications 1 Honours •

MATH1116 Mathematics and Applications 2 Honours •

PHYS1001 Foundations of Physics •

PHYS1004 Life Physics •

PHYS1101 Physics 1 • •

PHYS1201 Physics 2 •

PSYC1003 Psychology 1 •

PSYC1004 Psychology 2 •

PSYC1005 Life Issues: Applying Psychology •

SCOM1001 Science Communication 1 •

SCOM1002 Science Communication 2 •

STAT1003 Statistical Techniques •

STAT1008 Quantitative Research Methods • •


ASTRO1001

Semester 1

Astrophysics

Astrophysics examines unsolved mysteries of the universe, exoplanets, cosmology and aspects of the violent universe such as black holes.

BIAN1001

Semester 2

The Human Voyage: Introduction to Biological Anthropology

Introduction to biological anthropology takes an evolutionary approach to understanding human origins and behaviour.

BIOL1003

Semester 1

Biology 1: Evolution, Ecology and Genetics

Biology 1 introduces some of the major concepts in the study of life, focusing on evolutionary and ecological questions. The course consists of four modules: (a) Genetics; (b) Evolution; (c) Ecology and (d) Behavioural ecology.

Pre-requisites: none

BIOL1004

Semester2

Biology 2: Molecular and Cell Biology

Biology 2 provides and introduction to the molecular aspects of modern biology. It introduces the molecules that play a key role in biology, including DNA, proteins, and carbohydrates, and then goes on to describe their functions.


BIOL 1008

Semester 1

Human Biology

Human biology comprises an introduction to aspects of human biology with an emphasis on the interaction of organ systems such as the brain, heart and lungs and the digestive and endocrine systems. The course will also look at some of the major concerns of our lives, including sex, diet, exercise and disease.


BIOL1009

Semester 2

Diversity of Life

Diversity of Life introduces you to plants, animals and fungi from an evolutionary perspective. The course is divided between the field of botany and zoology and gives students a solid grounding in the evolution and diversity of multicellular organisms. The course is an excellent ‘free-standing’ option for students studying in other areas of science, or in a non-science degree.


CHEM1101

Semester 1

Chemistry 1

Chemistry 1 is designed to cover the needs of a wide variety of students by offering a broad introduction to a range of chemical concepts including: atomic structure and bonding; equilibrium; acids/bases and aqueous equilibria; introductory and advanced thermodynamics; electrochemistry; organic structure, isomerism & reactivity.

Pre-requisites: Preferably Year 12 Chemistry (or equivalent). If you have not completed Year 12 Chemistry it is recommended that you complete the Bridging course prior to commencement.

CHEM1201

Semester 2

Chemistry 2

Chemistry 2 covers the needs of a wide variety of students by offering a broad introduction to a range of chemical concepts. Topic covered in this course include: chemistry of the elements, intermolecular forces, solutions, kinetics and spectroscopy. The course will serve, in part, to reinforce and build on many of the concepts introduced in Chemistry 1.

COMP1100

Semester 1

Introduction to Programming and Algorithms

In general terms, an algorithm is a precise computational process for producing a specific result from some given input data. A program is a formal definition of an algorithm, in a notation that can be mechanically translated and then executed by a modern computer. This course introduces fundamental algorithmic structures such as composition (sequence), choice and repetition, predominantly using a functional programming language as the vehicle of expression, as well as fundamental data types and structures such as products (tuples), lists, and unions.

Pre-requisites: Assumed knowledge of ACT Maths Methods or NSW HSC Mathematics or equivalent.

COMP1110

Semester 2

Introduction to Software Systems

Introduction to Software Systems introduces students to the tools and techniques for developing software systems of a size and quality of an industrially relevant nature. The course teaches the fundamental strategies of abstraction, decomposition and reuse as methods for constructing such systems.


COMP1130

Semester 1

Introduction to Programming and Algorithms (Advanced)

This course is a variation on Introduction to Programming and Algorithms (COMP1100). The purpose of this variation is to provide an insight into how basic computer science material links into current research as well as to provide “behind the scene” perspectives and a more foundational approach to the material. It will do so by asking deeper technical and theoretical questions (compared to COMP1100) and by widening the horizon towards open and challenging questions and current research fields.

Pre-requisites: MATH1003 or a satisfactory result in ACT Specialist Mathematics Major-Minor or NSW HSC Mathematics Extension 1 or equivalent. Students with a good pass in ACT Specialist Mathematics Major or NSW HSC Mathematics or equivalent will be considered.

COMP1140

Semester 2

Introduction to Software Systems (Advanced)

This course provides an in-depth extension to COMP1110, which introduces students to the tools and techniques for developing software systems of a size and quality of an industrial relevant nature. This course covers a greater depth, with topics related to practice in computer science research.

COMP1600

Semester 2

Foundations of Computing

Foundations of computing presents some formal notations commonly used for the description of computation and computing systems.

COMP1710

Semester 1

Web Development and Design

This course introduces the construction of web sites and web interface/interaction design. There is a key focus on the on new media/multimedia and its delivery on the world wide web. The course introduces multimedia as a combination of text, graphics, video, animation and sound for the purposes of information access, storage and dissemination. Topics such as the nature and types of multimedia objects, components of a multimedia system, Web authoring, delivery tools, multimedia applications, spam, podcasts, RSS, web spam and societal implications of the web.


COMP1720

Semester 2

Art and Interaction in New Media

This course will introduce coding in the context of New Media. Topics covered may include the nature of New Media applications, New Media data formats and data manipulation, program organisation, control structures, writing and debugging New Media programs.

Students will experience and experiment with a large suite of programming components which have been used to construct interactive works of New Media art. They will learn how to conceptualise, brainstorm, plan and realise an original and creative New Media work of their own and embed that work in a web page.

Pre-requisites: None

COMP1730

Semester 2

Programming for Scientists

Programming for Scientists teaches introductory programming within a problem solving framework applicable to the sciences. The course emphasises technical programming, the simulation of scientific systems and the processing of scientific data.

EMSC1006

Semester 1

The Blue Planet: An Introduction to Earth System Science

The Blue Planet provides an integrated understanding of Earth as a system. The course includes topics such as; a history of Earth’s environment, systems theory, the biophysical processes that characterise the oceans, atmosphere and land surface, as well as an introduction to the global water and carbon cycles.


EMSC1008

Semester 2

Earth: The Chemistry and Physics of our Planet

This course provides an introduction to the key physical and chemical processes that shape our planet. The main emphasis will be on the fundamental processes that controlled Earth's formation and evolution, and those that currently control mountain building and earthquakes, continental crust formation and volcanoes.



ENVS1001

Semester 1

Environment and Society: Geography of Sustainability

This course critically analyses the relationships between people and their environments. It focuses on the big issues facing the globe - the equitable and sustainable use of this planet's resources. Different ways of conceptualising the nature of resources, the environment and society, and the contrasts and connections between scientific and social science theory and methods provide insights into the ways we can address those issues.


ENVS1003

Semester 2

Introduction to Environmental and Social Research

Effective research involves collecting and analysing data as well as successfully communicating the results. This course uses a problem-focussed approach to introduce fundamental research concepts by exploring how researchers describe and quantify vegetation communities and animal populations as well as human attitudes and behaviour.


ENVS1004

Semester 2

Australia’s Environment

This course builds an understanding of key processes that have shaped Australia's unique biophysical environment, as a basis for seeking solutions to current environmental issues. Through a coordinated series of modules and a field trip in the Murray-Darling Basin students acquire foundation knowledge across a range of environmental science disciplines, including landscapes, soils, vegetation, weather, climate and water.


ENVS1008

Semester 2

Sustainable Development

Twenty-five years on from the first call for sustainable development, we are still struggling with fundamental questions surrounding what it is, how we can usefully characterise it and, most importantly, how to actually achieve it. In this course we critically examine the concept of sustainable development, explore its history, and analyse the present-day challenges it presents.


MATH1003

Semester 1

Algebra and Calculus Methods

Algebra and Calculus Methods covers the elementary and calculus methods necessary for mathematical modeling.

Pre-requisites: ACT Mathematical Methods or NSW HSC Mathematics or equivalent

MATH1005

Semester 1

Discrete Mathematical Models

Discrete Mathematical Models provides and introduction to discrete mathematics and its use in mathematical modeling. Emphasis will be placed on developing facility, technique and use in applications.

Pre-requisites: ACT Mathematical Methods or NSW HSC Mathematics or equivalent

MATH1013

Semester 1

Semester 2

Mathematics and Applications 1

Mathematics and Applications 1 places an emphasis on understanding mathematical material and its application across a range of fields, including the physical and biological sciences, engineering and information technologies and economics and commerce. This course can also serve as an important base for future mathematics courses.

Pre-requisites: MATH1003 or a satisfactory result in ACT Specialist Mathematics Major-Minor or NSW HSC Mathematics Extension 1 or equivalent. Students with a good pass in ACT Specialist Mathematics Major or NSW HSC Mathematics or equivalent will be considered.

MATH1014

Semester 1

Semester 2

Mathematics and Applications 2

Mathematics and Applications 2 builds on MATH1013. It emphasises an understand of the fundamental results from calculus and linear algebra, which can both be applied across a range of fields, including the physical and biological sciences, engineering and information technologies and economics and commerce. This course can also serve as an important base for future mathematics courses.

MATH1042

Semester 1

Philosophy of the Cosmos

Philosophy of the Cosmos is a course designed for science and non-science students that aims to provide a conceptual understanding of some of the many faces of the large-scale universe. The course is provided jointly by the Departments of Mathematics and Philosophy.



MATH1113

Semester 2

Mathematical Foundations for Actuarial Studies

Mathematical Foundations for Actuarial Studies provides a study of the fundamental concepts of calculus and linear algebra. The use and understanding of proof and abstract ideas will allow students to develop analytical skills which will form a foundation for further study in the quantitative areas of actuarial studies.

Pre-requisites: MATH1003, or a satisfactory pass in the ACT Specialist Mathematics double major, NSW HSC Mathematics Extension 2 or equivalent. Students with excellent results in either the ACT Specialist Mathematics major-minor, NSW HSC Mathematics Extension 1, or equivalent, may be permitted to enrol.

MATH1115

Semester 1

Mathematics and Applications 1 Honours

Mathematics and Applications 1 Honours begins an in-depth study of the fundamental concepts of calculus and linear algebra. The use and understanding of proof and abstract ideas will allow students to develop analytical skills which will form a base for further study in fundamental mathematics. The course will also provide a foundation for a wide range of quantitative areas such as actuarial studies, computer science, engineering, economics, statistics and physics.

Pre-requisites: A satisfactory pass in the ACT Specialist Mathematics double major, NSW HSC Mathematics Extension 2 or equivalent. Students with excellent results in either the ACT Specialist Mathematics major-minor, NSW HSC Mathematics Extension 1, or equivalent, will be considered.

MATH1116

Semester 2

Mathematics and Applications 2 Honours

Mathematics and Applications 2 Honours follows on from MATH1115, providing an in-depth development of fundamental concepts of calculus and linear algebra, with a particular emphasis on the underlying foundations of mathematics. This course is an Honours Pathway Course.

PHYS1001

Semester 1

Foundations of Physics

Foundations of Physics introduces students to the key concepts in physics in the areas of mechanics, electricity and magnetism and waves and optics. It is an algebra-based course suitable for those who wish to undertake some physics but do not have a strong mathematical background. This course can be taken as a bridging course by students without prior physics background who wish to enrol in Advanced Physics in subsequent years.

Pre-requisites: No previous knowledge of physics is assumed though some background will be useful. Only basic mathematical methods will be employed.

PHYS1004

Semester 2

Life Physics

The concepts of physics can be used to help understand many systems and processes in living organisms and the environment. Life Physics is intended to provide non-physics students studying science (particularly those interested in biology and medical science) and students in the other Colleges with an introduction to the fundamental concepts of physics in the context of biological, medical and environmental examples.


PHYS1101

Semester 1

Semester 2

Physics 1

Physics 1 introduces foundational concepts in the areas of mechanics, electricity and magnetism. It develops skills and knowledge for solving interesting physics problems – emphasizing reasoning from fundamental principles, such as energy and momentum conservation.

Pre-requisites: Year 12 Physics and Mathematics: NSW students should have qualifications equivalent to Mathematics Extension I. ACT students should have at least a major/minor in Advanced Mathematics Extended.

PHYS1201

Semeter 2

Physics 2

Physics 2 follows on from Advanced Physics 1, PHYS1101. It introduces foundation concepts in the areas of waves, electromagnetism, thermal physics and special relativity.

PSYC1003

Semester 1

Psychology 1: Understanding Mind, Brain and Behaviour

Understanding how people think and behave is one of the greatest challenges facing science. Considering brain processes and the biological constraints on behaviour is vital in discerning human behaviour and subsequent pathology. There are three streams to this course: cognitive psychology, developmental psychology, and research design & statistics.



PSYC1004

Semester 2

Psychology 2: Understanding People in Context

Psychology 2 is structure around the areas of biological psychology, social psychology and personality. It attempts to integrate these so far as possible to address our basic understanding about how people behave and feel in the complex and dynamic world around them.


PSYC1005

Semester 2

Life Issues: Applying Psychology

Life Issues provides an introduction to how theory and research in psychology can be applied to a wide range of questions that people often ask about themselves, their families and relationships, their work, their future, society and the environment.


SCOM1001

Semester 1

Science Communication 1

This course provides an introduction to contemporary social and communication issues in science, technology, and society. Why communicate science with the public, the media or the government? What are the best ways to go about it and what are the potential pitfalls? And what kinds of factors affect public attitudes to science?


SCOM1002

Semester 2

Science Communication 2

How is evidence from scientific and social-science research used in public debates about science-related matters? What kinds of evidence and arguments are the most persuasive? In this course you will learn how to evaluate the quality and credibility of public debates about science, and techniques for researching public attitudes to science and the science-society relationship.


STAT1003

Semester 1

Statistical Techniques

Statistical Techniques introduces students to the methods and philosophy of modern statistical data analysis and inference, with a particular focus on applications in the life sciences. The course has a strong emphasis on computing and graphical methods, and uses a variety of real-world problems to motivate the theory and methods required for carrying out statistical data analysis.


STAT1008

Semester 1

Semester 2

Quantitative Research Methods

Quantitative Research Methods provides basic training in the gathering, description and analysis of quantitative information in the social, business, management and financial sciences.


Please note this list should be used as a guide only; courses may vary from year to year. See programsandcourses.anu.edu.au for up to date information.

Note that some courses require previous Year 12 study in the subject area. Some semester 2 courses may also require completion of a semester 1 course. More information about first-year science courses, including pre-requisites, assessment requirements and key contacts are available at Programs and Courses (programsandcourses.anu.edu.au). Please note that this list is to be used as a guide only. Please contact a science academic advisor for specific course and major information and advice.


S C I E N C E M A J O R S A N D R E C O M M E N D E D C O U R S E S F O R F I R S T Y E A R

Science Majors Recommended First Year Courses

Biochemistry BIOL1003, BIOL1004, CHEM1101 and CHEM1201

Biological Anthropology BIAN1001 and any one of: BIOL1003 and BIOL1008

Cell and Molecular Biology BIOL1003, BIOL1004, CHEM1101, CHEM1201

Chemistry CHEM1101 and CHEM1201

Computer Science COMP1600, COMP1100/1730/1130 and COMP1110/1140

Earth Science EMSC1006 and EMSC1008

Environmental Science ENVS1004, EMSC1006 and ENVS1003

Evolution Ecology and Organismal Biology BIOL1003, BIOL1004, BIOL1009

Geography ENVS1001 and one of ENVS1004,ENVS1008, EMSC1006

Human Biology BIOL1003, BIOL1004, CHEM1101, CHEM1201

Human Evolutionary Biology BIOL1003, BIAN1001

Marine Science EMSC1006 and one of CHEM1101, CHEM1201, BIOL1009

Mathematical Economics MATH1115 and MATH1116; ECON1101 and ECON1102

Mathematical Finance STAT1003 OR STAT1008; FINM1001; MATH1115 and MATH1116

Mathematical Modelling COMP1100/COMP1730, STAT1003 OR STAT1008

Mathematics MATH1013 or MATH1115 and MATH1014 or MATH1116

Resource and Environmental Management ENVS1004 and ENVS1003

Physics PHYS1101, PHYS1201, MATH1013/1115 and MATH1014/1116

Psychology PSYC1003 and PSYC1004

Quantitative Biology BIOL1003, MATH1013,/1115, MATH1014/1116, STAT1003,1008

Science Communication SCOM1001 and SCOM1002

Statistics MATH1115, STAT1003

Sustainability Studies ENVS1001, ENVS1003 and ENVS1008

Theoretical Physics PHYS1101,PHYS1201, MATH1013/1115 and MATH1014/1116

Water Science EMSC1006 and one of CHEM1101, PHYS1001/1101, MATH1003/1013/1115

Science majors, minors and specialisations may vary from year to year. Please note that it may not be possible to do two majors in a Flexible Double Degree. Students should seek academic advice to confirm.


S C I E N C E M I N O R S A N D S P E C I A L I S A T I O N S

Specialisation and co-requisite majorsSpecialisations must be linked to a co-requisite major

Specialisation Co-requisite major(s)

Advanced Chemistry Chemistry

Advanced Mathematics Mathematics and Mathematical Modelling

Advanced Physics Physics and Theoretical Physics

Astronomy and Astrophysics Mathematics, Physics, Theoretical Physics and Mathematical Modelling

Biochemistry Chemistry, Cell and Molecular Biology

Biomedical Science Biochemistry, Cell and Molecular Biology, Human Biology

Earth Physics Physics, Mathematics, Mathematical Modelling, Earth Science and Water Science

Evolution and Ecology Evolution, Ecology and Organismal Biology

Geochemistry and Petrology Earth Science and Marine Science

Genetics Cell and Molecular Biology, Human Biology, Biochemistry, Evolution, Ecology and Organismal Biology

Marine Geosciences Earth Science, Marine Science and Biology

Mathematical Physics Mathematics and Physics

Microbiology and Immunology Cell and Molecular Biology, Human Biology, Biochemistry, Evolution, Ecology and Organismal Biology

Neuroscience and Physiology Psychology, Biochemistry, Cell and Molecular Biology, Human Biology

Optics Physics and Theoretical Physics

Plant Science Cell and Molecular Biology, Evolution, Ecology and Organismal Biology

Professional Science Engagement Science Communication

Psychology Psychology

Advanced Quantitative Biology and Bioinformatics

Mathematics or Mathematical Modelling, Cell and Molecular Biology, Evolution, Ecology and Organismal Biology

> Abnormal Psychology

> Applied Statistics

> Biodiversity Conservation and Management

> Biological Anthropology

> Biological Neuropsychology

> Biology

> Chemistry

> Climate Science and Policy

> Cognitive Psychology

> Computer Science

> Developmental Psychology

> Earth and Marine Science

> Engineering Sciences

> Environmental Policy

> Evolution and Ecology

> Forest Science and Policy

> Geography

> Human Ecology

> Integrative Methods in Environment and Society

> Mathematics

> Philosophy and Science

> Physics

> Science Communication

> Social Psychology

> Soil and Land Management

> Sustainable Development

> Water Science and Policy

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C O N T A C T U S

Science Student Administration OfficeThe Science Student Administration Office provides information and administrative support for students and the general public.Open Monday–Friday, 9am–5pmLevel 2, Building 42 (Peter Baume Building)

T +61 2 6125 2809 F +61 2 6125 0102W science.anu.edu.au

facebook.com/ScienceANU

E [email protected] Provider #00120C

Documents

SCIENCE FIRST YEAR COURSE GUIDE Year Guide...Science first year course guide 1 CONTENTS Welcome to ANU 2 Studying at ANU 3 Frequently asked questions 4 Degree structures 6 First year