1. Contact information and policies

This chapter gives contact details for staff of schools and departments of the Faculty of Science, and some key policies. Students enrolled in units of study offered by the faculty must familiarise themselves with these policies. Towards the end of the chapter, you find information on faculty life and representation, and employment for graduates in science. Information is accurate at 1 August 2009.

The Faculty of Science

Faculty and Student Information Office
Level 2, Carslaw Building, F07
University of Sydney NSW 2006

Counter hours
Monday to Thursday 10am to 4pm, Friday 10am to 1pm
Phone: +61 2 9351 3021
Fax: +61 2 9351 4846
Email:
Website: www.science.usyd.edu.au

Undergraduate degree advisers
BSc (Molecular Biology & Genetics)	Professor Iain Campbell
BSc (Molecular Biotechnology)	A/ Prof Kevin Downard
BSc (Nutrition)	A/ Prof Margaret Allman-Farinelli
B Medical Science	Mrs Helen Agus
B Psychology	A/ Prof Iain McGregor
B Liberal Arts & Science	Dr Fiona White & Dr Dirk Moses

Sub Deans for Undergraduate Matters
Biology	A/ Prof Peter McGee
Chemistry	A/ Prof Brendan Kennedy
Geosciences	A/ Prof William Pritchard
HPS	Dr Hans Pols
Mathematics	A/ Prof David Easdown
MMB	Mrs Jill Johnston
Medical Science	Dr Meloni Muir
Physics	Dr John O'Byrne
Psychology	Dr Fiona Hibberd

Schools, departments, centres

Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources

Room 304, McMillan Building, A05
Phone: +61 2 9351 6926
Fax: +61 2 9351 2945
Email:
Website: www.agric.usyd.edu.au/su/agric

Academic advisers
Agricultural Chemistry
Undergraduate	Dr Robert Caldwell
Honours	Professor Ivan Kennedy
Graduate	Dr Robert Caldwell
Soil Science
Intermediate year	Dr Stephen Cattle
Senior	A/Prof Balwant Singh
Honours	Professor Alex McBratney
Graduate	A/ Prof Balwant Singh

Discipline of Anatomy and Histology

Room S463, Anderson Stuart Building, F13
Phone: +61 2 9351 2497
Fax: +61 2 9351 2813
Email:
Website: www.anatomy.usyd.edu.au
Head of Department: Associate Professor Kevin Keay

Academic advisers
Anatomy
Undergraduate	Dr Denise Donlon
Honours	Dr Frank Lovicu
Graduate	Dr Frank Lovicu
Histology
All years	Professor Christopher R Murphy Professor Maria Byrne
Neuroscience	Dr Karen Cullen

Biochemistry

See 'Molecular and Microbial Biosciences'.

Bosch Institute

Medical Foundation Building, K25
92-94 Parramatta Road Camperdown NSW 2050
Phone: +61 2 9351 2841
Fax: +61 2 9351 4195
Email:
Website: www.bosch.org.au
Director: Professor Nick Hunt

School of Biological Sciences

Science Road Cottage, A10
Phone: +61 2 9351 2848
Fax: +61 2 9351 2558
Email:
Website: www.bio.usyd.edu.au
Head of School: Robyn Overall

Academic advisers
Junior year	Dr Adele Pile
Intermediate year	Dr Elizabeth May
Senior year	Dr Elizabeth May
Honours year	A/Prof Madeleine Beekman
Graduate adviser	Dr Glen Wardle

Cell Pathology

See 'Pathology'.

Central Clinical School

Immunology Discipline

Room 648, Blackburn Building, D06
Phone: +61 2 9351 7308
Fax: +61 2 9351 3969
Email:
Websitewww.infectiousdiseasesandimmunology.med.usyd.edu.au
Head of Discipline: Professor Warwick Britton

Academic adviser
All years	Dr Allison Abendroth

Infectious Diseases Discipline

Room 676, Blackburn Building, D06
Phone: +61 2 9351 2412 Fax: +61 2 9351 4731
Email:
Website: www.infectiousdiseasesandimmunology.med.usyd.edu.au
Head of Discipline: Associate Professor Colin Harbour

Academic adviser
All years	A/ Prof Colin Harbour
Honours	Dr Allison Abendroth

School of Chemistry

School of Chemistry, F11
Phone: +61 2 9351 4504
Fax: +61 2 9351 3329
Email:
Website: www.chem.usyd.edu.au
Head of School: Professor G G Warr

Academic advisers
Junior year	Dr Adam Bridgeman
Intermediate year	Dr Peter Rutledge
Senior year	Dr Rob Baker
Honours year	Dr Tim Schmidt
Graduate adviser	Dr Ron Clarke

Computational Science

See 'Physics'.

Computer Science

See 'Information Technologies'.

Centre for Research on Ecological Impacts of Coastal Cities

Old Geology Building, A11
Phone: +61 2 9351 4835
Fax: +61 2 9351 6713
Email:
Website: www.eicc.bio.usyd.edu.au
Director: Professor Antony J Underwood

Academic adviser
Graduate	Professor Antony Underwood

Environmental Studies

Admin: Room 435, Madsen Building, F09
Phone: +61 2 9351 4242
Fax: +61 2 9351 3644
Website: www.usyd.edu.au/envsci
Program Coordinator: Dr Phil McManus
Academic adviser: Dr Phil McManus

Academic advisers
Undergraduate	A/Prof Phil McManus
Graduate	A/Prof  Phil McManus

Fruit Fly Research Centre

Botany Building, A12
Phone: +61 2 9351 2298
Fax: +61 2 9351 4771
Email:
Website: www.bio.usyd.edu.au/fruitfly/index.htm
Chair: To be advised

School of Geosciences

Room 348, Madsen Building, F09
Phone: +61 2 9351 2912
Fax: +61 2 9351 0184
Email:
Website: www.geosci.usyd.edu.au
Acting Head of School: A/Prof Peter Cowell

Academic advisers
Geosciences
Junior year	Dr Kurt Iveson
Intermediate year	A/ Prof Gavin Birch
Senior year	Dr Stephen Gale
Honours year	A/ Prof Bill Pritchard
Graduate coursework adviser	Dr Derek Wyman

History and Philosophy of Science Unit

Room 441, Carslaw Building, F07
Phone: +61 2 9351 4226
Fax: +61 2 9351 4124
Email:
Website: www.usyd.edu.au/hps
Director: Dr Ofer Gal

Academic advisers
Undergraduate	Dr Dean Rickles
Honours	Dr Dominic Murphy
Graduate	Dr Hans Pols

Immunology

See 'Central Clinical School'.

Infectious Diseases

See 'Central Clinical School'.

School of Information Technologies (Faculty of Engineering and Information Technologies)

School of IT Building, J12
1 Cleveland Street
Phone: +61 2 9351 3423
Fax: +61 2 9351 3838
Email: info@it.usyd.edu.au
Website: www.it.usyd.edu.au
Head of School: Associate Professor Sanjay Chawla

Academic advisers
Undergraduate	Dr Josiah Poon
Honours year	Dr Josiah Poon
Graduate (coursework)	Dr Uwe Roehm
Graduate (research)	Dr Bernhard Scholz

University of Sydney Institute of Marine Science

Room 308, Madsen Building, F09
Phone: +61 2 9036 9246
Fax: +61 2 9351 3644
Website: www.usyd.edu.au/marine
Director: Professor Doug Cato
Deputy Director: Associate Professor Ross Coleman
USIMS Coordinator: Dr Michelle Blewitt

Academic advisers
Undergraduate	A/Prof Peter Cowell A/ Prof Ross Coleman
First year	Mel Neave Room 460, Madsen Building mneave@geosci.usyd.edu.au
Second year	Gavin Birch Room 462, Madsen Building gavin@geosci.usyd.edu.au
Third year	Stephen Gale Room 441, Madsen Building sgale@mail.usyd.edu.au
Hons	A/ Prof Bill Pritchard Room 439, Madsen Building pritchard@usyd.edu.au
Graduate	A/ Prof Ross Coleman

School of Mathematics and Statistics

Carslaw Building, F07
Phone: +61 2 9351 4533
Fax: +61 2 9351 4534
Email:
Email:
Email:
Email:
Website: www.maths.usyd.edu.au
Head of School: Professor Nalini Joshi

Academic advisers
Junior year	Student Office, Carslaw 520 Director, Ms Sandra Britton
Intermediate year
Applied Mathematics	A/Prof Charlie Macaskill
Mathematical Statistics	Dr Jennifer Chan
Pure Mathematics	A/Prof Robert Howlett
Senior year
Applied Mathematics	Dr David Ivers
Mathematical Statistics	Dr Samuel Mueller
Pure Mathematics	Dr Adrian Nelson
Honours year
Applied Mathematics	Dr Martin Wechselberger
Mathematical Statistics	Dr Michael Stewart
Pure Mathematics	Dr Laurentiu Paunescu
Director PG studies	Dr Mary Myerscough
Deputy Director	Dr Shelton Peiris
Talented Students Program	Dr Daniel Daners
Credit Transfer	Dr Adrian Nelson

Microbiology

See 'Molecular and Microbial Biosciences'.

Australian Key Centre for Microscopy and Microanalysis

Room LG21, Madsen Building, F09
Phone: +61 2 9351 2351
Fax: +61 2 9351 7682
Email:
Website: www.emu.usyd.edu.au
Director: Professor Simon Ringer

Academic adviser
Graduate	Dr Lilian Soon

School of Molecular and Microbial Biosciences

Room 435, Biochemistry/Microbiology Building, G08
Phone: +61 2 9036 5417
Fax: +61 2 9351 5858
Email:
Website: www.mmb.usyd.edu.au
Head of School: Associate Professor Arthur Conigrave

Academic advisers
Graduate adviser	Dr Kim Bell-Anderson
Biochemistry
Intermediate year Biochemistry	A/ Prof Gareth Denyer A/ Prof Charles Collyer
Junior and intermediate year Molecular Biology and Genetics	Dr Dale Hancock Ms Vanessa Gysbers
Medical Science	Mrs Helen Agus
Senior year	Mrs Jill Johnston
Honours year	Dr Stuart Cordwell
Human Nutrition
Intermediate year	Dr Kim Bell-Anderson
Senior year	Ms Soumela Amanatidis
Honours year	Ms Beth Rohrlach Ms Margaret Nicholson
Postgraduate	A/ ProfMargaret Allman-Farinelli (Clinical Training) A/ Prof Samir Samman (Research Training)
Microbiology
Intermediate year	Dr Andrew Holmes Ms Deborah Blanckenberg
Senior year	Mrs Helen Agus A/ Prof Dee Carter
Honours year and postgraduate	Dr Stuart Cordwell Dr Andrew Holmes
Molecular Biotechnology
Intermediate year	Dr Matthew Todd
Senior year	Dr Neville Firth
Graduate adviser	A/ Prof Kevin Downard

Nutrition

See 'School of Molecular and Microbial Sciences'.

Department of Pathology

Room 501, Blackburn Building, D06
Phone: +61 2 9351 2414/2600
Fax: +61 2 9351 3429
Email:
Website: www.pathology.usyd.edu.au
Head of Department: Professor Nicholas King

Academic advisers
Pathology
Undergraduate	Dr Bob Bao and Professor Nicholas King
Honours	A/ Prof Brett Hambly
Graduate	Dr Roger Pamphlett

Discipline of Pharmacology

Room 301, Blackburn Building, D06
Phone: +61 2 9351 3819
Fax: +61 2 9351 3868
Email:
Website: www.usyd.edu.au/su/pharmacology

Academic advisers
Pharmacology
Intermediate year	Contact the Discipline Office for the relevant unit of study coordinator
Senior year	Contact the Discipline Office for the relevant unit of study coordinator
Honours year	Dr Jasmine Henderson
Graduate adviser	A/ Prof Robert Vandenberg

School of Physics

Student Support Office Room 202
School of Physics, A28
Phone: +61 2 9351 3037
Fax: +61 2 9351 7726
Email:
Website: www.physics.usyd.edu.au
Head of School: Professor Anne Green

Academic advisers
Junior year	Dr Joe Khachan
Junior Deputy	Dr Richard Thompson
Intermediate year	A/Prof Manjula Sharma
Senior year	Professor Tim Bedding
Honours	Dr Stephen Bartlett
Medical Physics program	Dr Zdenka Kuncic
Nuclear Science program	Dr Reza Hashemi-Nezhad
Photonics & Optical Science program	Dr Boris Kuhlmey
Graduate research adviser	A/ Prof Geraint Lewis and A/Prof Serdar Kuyucak
Computational science:	A/Prof Mike Wheatland

Discipline of Physiology

Room E212, Anderson Stuart Building, F13
Phone: +61 2 9351 3478
Fax: +61 2 9351 8400
Email:
Website: www.physiol.usyd.edu.au
Head of Department: Associate Professor Rebecca Mason

Academic advisers
Intermediate year	Dr Meloni Muir
Medical Science	To be advised
Senior year	Professor Roger Dampney Dr Bill Phillips Dr Cathy Leamey Dr Dario Protti
Honours year	Professor David Allen
Graduate adviser	Dr Margot Day

Key Centre for Polymer Colloids

Phone: +61 2 9351 3366
Fax: +61 2 9351 8651
Email:
Website: www.kcpc.usyd.edu.au
Director: Associate Professor S Perrier

School of Psychology

Room 325, Mungo MacCallum Building, A18
Phone: +61 2 9351 2872
Fax: +61 2 9036 5223
Email:
Website: www.psych.usyd.edu.au
Head of School: Professor Sally Andrews

Academic advisers
Junior year	Dr Caleb Owens
Intermediate year	Dr Fiona White
Senior year	Dr Fiona White
Honours year	Dr Fiona Hibberd
Doctor of Clinical Psychology	Dr Caroline Hunt
Doctor of Clinical Neuropsychology	Dr Caroline Hunt
Applied Science (Coaching)	Dr Anthony Grant
Graduate adviser	Dr Pauline Howie
Graduate Diploma Psychology	Dr Mariana Szabo
Applied Science (Health Psychology)	Dr Barbara Mullen

Important policies relating to undergraduate candidature

Restrictions (general)

1. A candidate for a degree must satisfy the minimum eligibility requirements before commencing the degree units of study. Units of study taken before satisfying these requirements cannot normally be counted for degree purposes.
2. A candidate may not take a unit of study in any subject without having previously completed the qualifying unit(s) of study appropriate to that subject. Except with the permission of the Head of Department, he or she must also complete the prerequisites and corequisites as prescribed.
3. The only combinations of units of study available are those permitted by the timetable. A candidate may attend summer school, winter school and evening units of study if they are available.

Time limits

The faculty resolved at its meeting on 14 March 1995 that, except with the permission of the faculty, students must complete the requirements for award of their degree within ten calendar years of admission to candidature. This rule applies to all students who first enrolled in their degree after 1995, and applies from 1998 to students who first enrolled in their degree before 1996.

Suspension

The faculty resolved at its meeting on 14 March 1995 that all students must re-enrol each calendar year unless the faculty has approved suspension of candidature. Candidature will lapse if a student has not obtained approval for suspension and does not re-enrol. A student whose candidature has lapsed must be selected for admission again (usually by submitting an application to UAC) or the International Office before they can re-enrol.

Satisfactory progress

A student shall not have made satisfactory progress in any semester if the student:

1. fails to complete successfully more than 50 per cent of the credit points in which the student was enrolled for that semester; and/or
2. fails to complete successfully on the second or later attempt the same unit of study; and/or
3. is consequently unable to complete the degree within the maximum permitted time while carrying a normal student load.
4. fails a mandated unit of study - a mandated unit of study is any unit of study which is compulsory in the degree program in which a student is enrolled.

A student who has not made satisfactory progress in accordance with the above will be placed on a faculty list of students at risk and will be required to take steps in accordance with the University’s 'At Risk' policy as implemented by the Faculty of Science.

1. A student who is placed on the Faculty's At Risk list for any three semesters shall be required to show good cause why they should be permitted to re-enrol in the degree;
2. A student who has failed to show good cause in accordance with 12.2.1 shall be excluded from the degree.
3. A student who has been permitted to re-enrol after having been asked to show good cause and is placed on a faculty list of students at risk for the fourth time will be automatically excluded from the degree.

Faculty of Science attendance policy

Students enrolled in courses and units of study under the administration of the Faculty of Science are expected to attend a minimum of 80 per cent of tutorials, seminars and practical sessions etc associated with those courses or units, unless granted exemption by the Dean or Head of the relevant department.

The Head of Department may set additional requirements for the minimum number of assessment items such as practical reports, tutorial papers, seminars, essays, exercises, quizzes etc which must be completed.

On the recommendation of the relevant Head of Department the Dean may determine that a student fails a unit of study because of inadequate attendance or insufficient assessment items completed.

Credit

The faculty resolved at its meeting on 14 March 1995 that students who have previously completed studies which are considered by the Faculty to be equivalent to any unit of study listed in the Tables may be given credit for that unit of study providing that the unit of study was completed not more than ten years before admission to candidature in the faculty.

Examinations and assessment

The faculty resolved at its meeting on 9 March 1993 that the various forms of assessment of a student’s performance in an undergraduate unit of study should include an examination or examinations conducted under University supervision and requiring written answers to unseen questions, provided that the general scope of a supervised examination paper may be made known to students in advance.

Results

For all junior, intermediate and senior units of study in the Bachelor of Science, Bachelor of Science and Technology, Bachelor of Medical Science, Bachelor of Liberal Arts and Sciences and Bachelor of Psychology degrees, the following mark ranges apply within the Faculty of Science:

HD	High Distinction	85 – 100
D	Distinction	75 – 84
CR	Credit	65 – 74
P	Pass	50 – 64
F	Fail	Below 46 or 50
AF	Absent Fail
DF	Discontinued – Fail
DNF	Discontinued – not to count as failure

Key policies for undergraduate and postgraduate coursework students

Students enrolled in units of study offered by the Faculty of Science are required to familiarise themselves with the following six policies:

• Special Arrangements
• Special Consideration
• At Risk
• Code of Conduct for Students
• Student Plagiarism: coursework policy and procedure
• Intellectual Property

Special Arrangements
Students who are experiencing difficulty in meeting their assessment requirements due to competing essential community commitments may apply for special arrangements for examination and assessment.

Special Consideration
Students who have a serious illness or who have experienced misadventure which may affect their academic performance in a course or unit of study may request that they be given special consideration in relation to the determination of their results.

At Risk
To progress through a degree course, students are required to:

1. achieve the minimum progression rate specified by the faculty. In the Faculty of Science, students must pass more than 50 per cent of the credit points attempted in each semester
2. pass any field or clinical work, practicum, or other unit of study mandated by the faculty (listed in your degree requirements).

If you do not meet the progress requirements, you will be identified as a student at risk. The details of the policy can be found at:
www.usyd.edu.au/secretariat/students/risk_index.shtml

Code of Conduct for Students
The University has clear expectations of students in respect of academic matters and personal behaviour.

Student Plagiarism: coursework policy and procedure
The University of Sydney expects high standards of academic honesty in all student work. In particular, the University is opposed to and will not tolerate plagiarism.

Intellectual Property
Students and staff should be familiar with University of Sydney policies on intellectual property. The relevant policies are the:

University of Sydney (Intellectual Property) Rule 2002
www.usyd.edu.au/senate/policies/Intellectual_Property_Rule.pdf

Intellectual Property Rule Guide
www.usyd.edu.au/senate/policies/Intellectual_Property_Rule_Guide.pdf

Additional important policies

The University of Sydney (Coursework Rule) contains important policies for all students. A faculty has authority to determine what constitutes satisfactory progress for all students enrolled in award courses in that faculty, in accordance with the policies and directions of the Academic Board.

You may need to refer to the Coursework Rule from time to time, particularly in relation to discontinuation of enrolment and suspension of candidature, and unsatisfactory progress and exclusion.

The Coursework Rule can be found in the following locations:

• University Calendar (print or online version, found at
  www.usyd.edu.au/calendar)
• Policy Online (www.usyd.edu.au/policy)
• Handbooks website:
  www.usyd.edu.au/handbooks/university_information/
  01_uni_coursework_rule.shtml

See 'Essential Info for Students' at the back of this handbook for more information.

Special Arrangements

The University's assessment practices for 'Special Arrangements' and 'Special Consideration' are designed to ensure that conditions are as consistent as possible.

The Special Arrangements for Examination and Assessment policy is designed to support and assist students who are experiencing
difficulty in meeting their assessment requirements due to competing essential community commitments.

Special Arrangements may be made available to any student enrolled within a Faculty of Science unit of study, who is unable to meet assessment requirements or attend examinations, because of one or more of the following situations:

• Essential religious commitments or essential beliefs.
• Compulsory legal absence (such as jury duty, court summons).
• Sporting or cultural commitments, including political and union commitments, where the student is representing the University, state or nation.
• Australian Defence Force commitments (including Army Reserve).

Special Arangements may only be considered in the above circumstances if the commitment falls on the same day as an assessment task or examination. Special arrangements will not be made if the commitment falls before or after the assessment task or examination.

The application for Special Arrangements must be submitted no later than seven (7) days prior to the due date of the assessment or examination for which alternative arrangements are being sought.

Students may elect to include details on preparation time required for the essential commitment (for example, travel time, training camps etc) but the Faculty of Science is under no obligation to make additional arrangements for preparation time.

This information should be noted on the application form, and supporting documentation detailing the tasks and time required to prepare must be submitted.

In cases of an extended absence, the relevant School should discuss the option of withdrawal without failure with students. An 'extended absence' is defined, for the purposes of Special Arrangements, as being a period of more than two weeks.

To apply for Special Arrangements the student must obtain and complete a Special Arrangements application pack from the Faculty of Science Information Office or from the faculty website.

• For arrangements due to religious or ceremonial commitments the student must have a religious authority complete the Statement of Essential Religious or Ceremonial Commitment (SERCC).
• For arrangements due to compulsory legal absence, sporting or cultural commitments or Australian Defence Force commitments the student must attach the appropriate documentation (Jury Summons, Notification of Selection for Sporting Event or Brigade Statement etc.)

Original paperwork should be lodged at the Student Information Office of the Faculty of Science, with one copy for each piece of assessment for which consideration is being sought.

All copies of the application will be stamped by faculty staff on receipt. The student is required to distribute stamped copies of the application to the School administrative office as directed by faculty staff.

Students will be notified of the academic judgement concerning their application for Special Arrangements by the Faculty of Science, via an email to their University email account.

Special Consideration

Generally, serious illness or misadventure will be taken into account when considering a student's academic performance in a course or units of study. There is a clear distinction between long-standing illness or difficulties which prevent students from attending classes or completing required work or which seriously interfere with their capacity to study for long periods, and short-term serious illness or misadventure that may prevent a well-prepared student from sitting for an examination or completing a particular assignment.

Applications must be received within seven (7) days from the end of the period for which consideration is sought (ie from the assignment due date or date of examination).

To apply for Special Consideration a student must obtain and complete a Special Consideration application pack from the Student Information Office of the Faculty of Science or from the Faculty website.

• For consideration due to serious illness the student must have a registered medical practitioner or counsellor complete the Professional Practitioner's Certificate.
• For consideration due to misadventure the student must attach the appropriate documentation (police reports, counselling
  service statements etc).

Original paperwork should be lodged at the Student Information Office of the Faculty of Science, with one copy for each piece of assessment for which consideration is being sought. All copies of the application will be stamped by faculty staff on receipt. The student is required to distribute stamped copies of the application to the School administrative office as directed by faculty staff.

Students will be notified of the academic judgement concerning their application for Special Consideration by the Faculty of Science, via an email to their University email account.

At Risk

The University of Sydney, through its Academic Board, has always been concerned to develop policies and procedures that promote the welfare and well-being of students of the University.

In particular, the Academic Board recognises the value of reliably and efficiently monitoring the progress of students in their studies, and of having systems in place to promote the early detection of students who are making poor or unsatisfactory progress and are therefore at risk of exclusion from their degree.

A benefit of early detection of students in this at risk category is that it allows timely intervention, and the provision of advice and assistance to support students in their ongoing studies.

This Policy and Procedure sets out:

• the University of Sydney's commitment to early identification and support of students At Risk of exclusion from the degree course
• the principles and processes to be followed by faculties in detecting and dealing with students who might be categorised as At Risk.

The progression of students At Risk is promoted by:

• regularly/effectively advising students of Progress Requirements
• identifying students At Risk
• alerting students that they are At Risk
• providing assistance to address the risk
• tracking the progress of students after they are identified as being At Risk.

For full details of the policy, visit the University website:
www.usyd.edu.au/secretariat/students/riskstudents.shtml

General progress requirements
To progress through a degree course, students are required to:

1. achieve the minimum Progression Rate specified by the faculty. In the Faculty of Science, students must pass more than 50 per cent of the credit points attempted in each semester
2. pass any field or clinical work, practicum, or other unit of study mandated by the Faculty (listed in your degree requirements).

If you do not meet the progress requirements, you will be identified as a student At risk. At the end of each semester the faculty will produce a report listing all undergraduate students within the faculty determined to be At Risk, based on these triggers:

• failure to successfully complete more than fifty per cent of the credit points for which the student was enrolled in the semester just completed
• failure to complete a mandated unit of study, field or clinical work, or practicum, as appropriate. A mandated unit of study is any unit of study compulsory in the degree program in which a student is enrolled.
• failure twice to pass the same unit of study
• an unsatisfactory student attendance record
• inability to complete their degree within the maximum permitted time while carrying a normal student load (24 credit points per semester full-time, 12 credit points per semester part-time.

Stages in the At Risk process

The reports generated each semester will be used to manage and advise students At Risk.

STAGE 1

The Faculty of Science will write to all students listed in the At Risk report for the first time, giving the following information and advice:

• that the student has been identified as At Risk
• how the student has been identified as At Risk
• that the student is required to complete a Back on Track survey, identifying and explaining any reasons for their academic performance in the preceding semester(s) being of a standard that caused them to be identified as an At Risk student
• that the student is required to attend a Staying on Track information session, which will cover study skills and introduce the student to remedial learning services, counselling services and relevant student association representatives
• that all correspondence and documents relating to the student's At Risk status will be recorded on their Progression Profile.

Students enrolled in postgraduate coursework degrees of less than two years (full-time) duration who are listed in the At Risk report are required to consult an Academic Advisor and attend a Staying on Track information session.

STAGE 2

The faculty will write to all students listed in the At Risk report for the second time, giving the following information and advice:

• that they have been identified as At Risk for the second time
• how they have been identified as At Risk for the second time
• that all correspondence and documents relating to their At Risk status will be recorded on their Progression Profile.
• that they are required to complete a Staying on Track Survey (Stage 2) which will:
  (i) invite each student to identify and explain any reasons for their academic performance in the preceding semester(s) being of a standard that caused them to be identified as an At Risk student
  (ii) ask that they provide information about any support services or other relevant remedial action they may have taken since they were identified as Stage 1 At Risk
  (iii) require students to consult with their year adviser or Associate Dean.
• that they are required to attend a Staying on Track information session, if they have not already done so.

Students enrolled in postgraduate coursework degrees of less than two years (full-time) duration who are listed in the At Risk report for a second time proceed directly to stage 3.

STAGE 3

The Faculty of Science will write to the all students listed in the At Risk report for the third time, asking them to show good cause why they should not be excluded from their degree course.

The faculty will consider and rule on whether a student has shown good cause in accordance with Division 6 of the University of Sydney (Coursework) Rule 2000 (as amended).

Where a student has not established good cause, the Dean may, in accordance with clause 16 of the University of Sydney (Coursework) Rule 2000 (as amended):

1. exclude the student from the degree course; or
2. permit the student to re-enrol in the degree course subject to restrictions on units of study, which may include:
   (i) completion of a unit or units of study within a specified time;
   (ii) exclusion from a unit or units of study; and
   (iii) specification of the earliest date on which a student may re-enrol in a unit or units of study.

The faculty will normally provide reasons for their decisions in their advice to the student, and record those reasons on the Progression Profile.

STAGE 4

The Faculty of Science will automatically exclude the following students from their degree:

• all students listed in an At Risk report for the fourth time after having been asked to 'show cause' and permitted to re-enrol after stage 3
• all students enrolled in award programs of two years or less (full-time) duration and listed in an At Risk report for the third time after having been asked to 'show cause' and permitted to re-enrol after stage 3.

Students first enrolled prior to 2008
The At Risk policy applies to all students from 1 January 2007. A student's record prior to 2007 is not considered when making the decision whether a student should appear on the At Risk list. Any undergraduate coursework student who appears on the At Risk list at the end of semester 1, 2007 will enter the process at stage 1.

Students enrolled in specialist undergraduate degrees
This covers students in specialised degrees such as Bachelor of Science (Nutrition), Bachelor of Science (Marine Science), Bachelor of Science (Molecular Biotechnology), Bachelor of Science (Molecular Biology and Genetics) and Advanced Mathematics streams. The At Risk rules supplement the existing progression rules for these degrees. They do not replace the existing progression requirements for these degrees.

Students enrolled in Applied Science coursework degrees
The At Risk rules supplement the existing progression rules for these degrees. They do not replace the existing progression requirements for these degrees. Satisfactory progress requirements are detailed in the resolutions for each degree.

Code of Conduct for Students

1. Principles

This Code of Conduct has been formulated to provide a clear statement of the University's expectations of students in respect of academic matters and personal behaviour.

Study at the University presents opportunities for interacting with other members of the University community. The University recognises and values the diversity of student experiences and expectations, and is committed to treating students, both academically and personally, in a fair and transparent manner.

All students, in return, are required to comply with the requirements set down in this Code of Conduct.

The University reaffirms its commitment to:

• high academic standards, intellectual rigour and a high quality
  education
• intellectual freedom and social responsibility
• recognition of the importance of ideas and the pursuit of critical and open enquiry
• tolerance, honesty and respect as the hallmarks of relationships throughout the University community
• high standards of ethical behaviour.

All students are required to be aware of and act consistently with these values.

2. Coverage

This Code of Conduct applies to all students of the University of Sydney, in respect of all actions and activities (including inaction or inactivity) relating to or impacting on the University or its students and employees. It must be read in conjunction with the statutes, rules, and resolutions of the University.

Definitions

In this Code of Conduct:

Student means all students of the University of Sydney, including but not limited to fee paying students, HECS-HELP students, FEE-HELP students, audit students, Centre for Continuing Education Students, Centre for English Teaching students, exchange students, Study Abroad students, Summer School students and Winter School students.

Employee means all staff of the University of Sydney, including full-time, part-time and casual staff.

4. Personal conduct

All students must:

• Treat all employees, honorary appointees, consultants, contractors, volunteers, any other members of the public, and other students with respect, dignity, impartiality, courtesy and sensitivity.
• Maintain a cooperative and collaborative approach to inter-personal relationships.
• Act honestly and ethically in their dealings with University employees, honorary appointees, consultants, contractors, volunteers, any other members of the public and other students.
• respect the privacy of University employees, honorary appointees, consultants, contractors, volunteers, any other members of the public and other students.
• Ensure that they do not act in a manner that unnecessarily or unreasonably impedes the ability of University employees, honorary appointees, consultants, contractors, volunteers, any other members of the public and other students to carry out their study, research or work at the University, including in the University of Sydney Library, lecture theatres and laboratories.
• Ensure that they do not act in a manner that unnecessarily or unreasonably impedes the ability of University employees, honorary appointees, consultants, contractors, volunteers, any other members of the public and other students to access or use the resources of the University, including the University Library resources, lecture theatres and laboratories.
• Ensure that they do not become involved in or encourage discrimination against or harassment or bullying of University
  employees, honorary appointees, consultants, contractors, volunteers, any other members of the public or other students.

5. Academic conduct

All students must:

• Ensure that their enrolment and progress in their award course is lawful and consistent with the statutes, rule and resolutions of the University of Sydney.
• Not enrol in additional units of study outside the degree resolutions, even if the student information system allows it when enrolling online.
• Take responsibility to maintain current information in the student information system, and observe key dates and deadlines.
• Read all official correspondence from the University, including email.
• Act ethically and honestly in the preparation, conduct, submission and publication of academic work, and during all forms of
  assessment, including formal examinations and informal tests.
• Avoid any activity or behaviour that would unfairly advantage or disadvantage another student academically.
• Conform to the University's requirements for working with humans, animals and biohazards.
• Behave professionally, ethically and respectfully in all dealings with the University's learning partners during extramural placements and practicums.
• Use the University's resources, including information and communication technology resources, in a lawful and ethical manner and for University purposes only, unless express permission has been granted for non-University or private usage.

6. Authority

This Code of Conduct was approved by the Academic Board pursuant to the University of Sydney (Academic Governance) Rule 2003 on 2 February 2005.

For further details on the Code of Conduct for Students, see the Academic Board Policies website: www.usyd.edu.au/ab/policies.

Student plagiarism: Coursework policy and procedures

Part A – Purpose

1. Academic honesty and prohibition on plagiarism

(1) The role of the University of Sydney is to create, preserve, transmit and apply knowledge through teaching, research, creative works and other forms of scholarship. The University is committed to academic excellence and high standards of ethical behaviour as the cornerstones of scholastic achievement and quality assurance. The University requires all students to act honestly, ethically and with integrity in their dealings with the University, its employees, members of the public and other students.

(2) The University of Sydney is opposed to and will not tolerate Plagiarism. It is the responsibility of all students to:

• (a) ensure that they do not commit or collude with another person to commit Plagiarism;
• (b) report possible instances of Plagiarism; and
• (c) comply with this Policy and Procedure.

(3) The University will treat all identified cases of student Plagiarism seriously, in accordance with this Policy and Procedure, and with Chapter 8 of the University of Sydney By-Law 1999 (as amended) which deals with Student Discipline.

Part B – Preliminary

2. Commencement and coverage

This Policy and Procedure commences on 4 April 2005. It replaces all previous policies and procedures relating to Plagiarism by students enrolled in course work degrees, to the extent that any such previous policies and procedures are inconsistent with this Policy and Procedure.
www.usyd.edu.au/senate/policies/Plagiarism.pdf

The University's Code of Conduct for Responsible Research Practice and Guidelines for dealing with Allegations of Research Misconduct are accessible on the University's website at:
www.usyd.edu.au/policy.

3. Authority

The Policy and Procedures were approved by the Vice-Chancellor on 15 February 2005.

4. Definitions

In this Policy and Procedure:
Acknowledgement of the Source means identifying at least:

1. the author or person who owns the Work; and
2. the place from which the Work or part of the Work was sourced.

Dishonest plagiarism is defined by Part B Clause 7.
Examiner means the person responsible for assessing the Work.
Legitimate Cooperation means any constructive educational and intellectual practice that aims to facilitate optimal learning outcomes through interaction between students, including:

1. researching, writing and/or presenting joint Work;
2. discussion of general themes and concepts;
3. interpretation of assessment criteria;
4. informal study/discussion groups; and
5. strengthening and development of academic writing skills through peer assistance.

Negligent plagiarism is defined by Part B Clause 6.
Nominated Academic means the relevant Heads of School and/or Associate Deans responsible for handling plagiarism, as nominated by the Dean of the Faculty in accordance with the University's Delegations of Authority.
Plagiarism is defined by Part B Clause 5.
Work means ideas, findings or written and/or published material.
Written Warning means a warning issued under Part D Clauses 11(2)(b) or 12(4)(b).

5. Plagiarism

(1) Plagiarism for the purpose of this Policy and Procedure (which applies to students enrolled in course work degrees) means presenting another person's Work as one's own Work by presenting, copying or reproducing it without Acknowledgement of the Source.

(2) Plagiarism includes presenting Work for assessment, publication, or otherwise, that includes:

• (a) sentences, paragraphs or longer extracts from published or unpublished Work (including from the Internet) without Acknowledgement of the Source; or
• (b) the Work of another person, without Acknowledgement of the Source and presented in a way that exceeds the boundaries of Legitimate Cooperation.

(3) Plagiarism can be negligent (Negligent plagiarism) or dishonest (Dishonest plagiarism).

6. Negligent plagiarism

(1) Negligent plagiarism means innocently, recklessly or carelessly presenting another person's Work as one's own Work without Acknowledgement of the Source.

(2) Negligent plagiarism often arises from a student's fear of paraphrasing or writing in their own words, and/or ignorance of this Policy and Procedure. It arises from:

• (a) failure to follow appropriate referencing practices;
• (b) failure to determine or verify and acknowledge the source of the Work.

7. Dishonest plagiarism

(1) Dishonest plagiarism means knowingly presenting another person's Work as one's own Work without Acknowledgement of the Source.

(2) Alleged plagiarism will be deemed to be alleged Dishonest plagiarism where:

• (a) substantial proportions of a student's Work have been copied from the Work of another person, in a manner that clearly exceeds the boundaries of Legitimate Cooperation;
• (b) a student's Work contains a substantial body of copied material (including from the Internet) without Acknowledgement of the Source, and in a manner that cannot be explained as Negligent plagiarism;
• (c) there is evidence that the student engaged another person to produce or conduct research for the Work, either partly or wholly, for payment or other consideration; or
• (d) the student has previously received a Written Warning.

Part C – Preventing plagiarism

8. Compliance statements

All students are required to submit a signed statement of compliance with all Work submitted to the University for assessment, presentation or publication. A statement of compliance must be in the form of:

1. a University assignment cover sheet;
2. a University electronic form; or
3. a University written statement; certifying that no part of the Work constitutes a breach of this Policy.

Part D – Procedure for dealing with plagiarism

9. Procedural fairness

The University is committed to dealing with student plagiarism in accordance with the principles of procedural fairness, including the right of a student to:

1. be informed of the allegations against them in sufficient detail to enable them to understand the precise nature of the allegations and to properly consider and respond;
2. have a reasonable period of time within which to respond to the allegations against them;
3. have the matter resolved in a timely manner;
4. be informed of their rights under this Policy and Procedure and under Chapter 8 of the University of Sydney By-Law 1999 (as amended);
5. invite a support person or student representative to any meeting regarding alleged Plagiarism;
6. impartiality in any investigation process; and
7. an absence of bias in any decision-maker.

10. Identification and assessment of alleged plagiarism

(1) Where an Examiner detects or is made aware of alleged Plagiarism by a student, the Examiner must report the alleged Plagiarism to a Nominated Academic.

(2) Where:

• (a) an Examiner reports alleged plagiarism to a Nominated Academic; or
• (b) a Nominated Academic otherwise becomes aware of alleged plagiarism;

the Nominated Academic must, in consultation with the Examiner, make a preliminary assessment of whether the alleged Plagiarism would, if proven, constitute Negligent plagiarism or Dishonest plagiarism.

(3) The Nominated Academic and the Examiner will make a preliminary assessment of whether the alleged plagiarism would, if proven, constitute Negligent plagiarism or Dishonest plagiarism on a case by case basis, taking into account factors such as:

• (a) the extent of the alleged plagiarism
  measured against the student's original contribution to the Work;
• (b) the percentage value of the Work in the unit of study or course;
• (c) the student's overall academic performance in the unit of study or course; and
• (d) the circumstances in which the plagiarism
  is alleged to have occurred.

11. Negligent plagiarism

(1) Cases of alleged Negligent plagiarism will be handled by the Nominated Academic in accordance with this clause and with Part D Clause 9 (Procedural Fairness) above.

(2) Where, following discussion with the student, a Nominated Academic forms the view that the Student is guilty of Negligent plagiarism, the Nominated Academic will:

• (a) counsel the student by explaining referencing guidelines, providing a copy of this Policy and Procedure, and referring the student to services for assistance; and
• (b) issue a Written Warning about the consequences of any subsequent breaches of this Policy.

(3) A copy of a Written Warning issued under Clause 11(2)(b) above must be:

• (a) signed and dated by the Nominated Academic and the student;
• (b) retained by the student; and
• (c) placed on a central file maintained by the Registrar.

(4) Where, following discussion with the student, the Nominated Academic forms the view that the student is guilty of Negligent Plagiarism, the Nominated Academic may also take other appropriate action, including:

• (a) requiring the student to resubmit the Work for assessment;
• (b) requiring the student to undertake another form of assessment;
• (c) requiring the student to undertake other remedial action; or
• (d) applying a fail grade to the Work or part thereof.

12. Dishonest plagiarism

(1) Cases of alleged Dishonest plagiarism will be handled in accordance with this clause and with Part D Clause 9 (Procedural Fairness) above.

(2) The Nominated Academic will make a preliminary assessment of whether the alleged Dishonest plagiarism is serious enough, if proven, to constitute potential student misconduct under Chapter 8 of the University of Sydney By-Law 1999 (as amended).

(3) In making his or her assessment under Part D Clause 12(2) above, the Nominated Academic will take into account:

• (a) whether the student has previously received a Written Warning;
• (b) the extent of the alleged Dishonest plagiarism measured against the student's original contribution to the Work;
• (c) the percentage value of the Work in the unit of study or course;
• (d) the capacity of the alleged Dishonest plagiarism to adversely affect the student's peers and/or teachers; and
• (e) the capacity of the alleged Dishonest plagiarism to impact adversely on the actual or perceived academic standards of the University.

(4) Where the Nominated Academic assesses that the alleged Dishonest plagiarism is not serious enough, if proven, to constitute potential student misconduct under Chapter 8 of the University of Sydney By-Law 1999 (as amended), the Nominated Academic will, following discussion with the student:

• (a) counsel the student by explaining referencing guidelines, providing a copy of this Policy and Procedure, and referring the student to services for assistance; and
• (b) issue a Written Warning about the consequences of any subsequent breaches of this Policy.

(5) A copy of a Written Warning issued under Part D Clause 12(4)(b) above must be:

• (a) signed and dated by the Nominated Academic and the student;
• (b) retained by the student; and
• (c) placed on a central file maintained by the Registrar.

(6) Where the Nominated Academic assesses that the alleged Dishonest plagiarism is not serious enough, if proven, to constitute potential student misconduct under Chapter 8 of the University of Sydney By-Law 1999 (as amended), the Nominated Academic may also, following discussion with the student, take other appropriate action, including:

• (a) requiring the student to resubmit the Work for assessment;
• (b) requiring the student to undertake another form of assessment;
• (c) requiring the student to undertake other remedial action;
• (d) applying a fail grade to the Work or part thereof; or
• (e) applying a fail grade to the unit of study.

(7) Where the Nominated Academic assesses that the alleged Dishonest plagiarism is serious enough, if proven, to constitute potential student misconduct under Chapter 8 of the University of Sydney By-Law 1999 (as amended), the Nominated Academic will refer the alleged Dishonest plagiarism to the Registrar.

(8) The Nominated Academic will refer the alleged Dishonest plagiarism to the Registrar in all cases of alleged Dishonest plagiarism where the student has previously received a Written Warning.

13. Appeals

An appeal by a student against a decision made under Part D Clauses 11(4)(a)-(d) and 12(6)(a)-(e) of this Procedure will be handled by the University in accordance with the Resolutions of Senate and the Academic Board on Student Appeals against Academic Decisions.

Faculty of Science intervention and support strategies

The Faculty of Science has always been concerned to develop policies that promote the welfare and well-being of its students. A number of University and faculty rules and policies require the faculty to intervene and support students who may be at risk of not meeting progression requirements. These policies are:

• Any Satisfactory Progress requirements that are found in the resolutions for particular degrees.
• The University's Students At Risk policy.
• For international students, the National Code for Education Providers 2007.

An intervention is an action taken in relation to an individual student by the faculty in applying policies that deal with satisfactory progress. An intervention can take a number of forms, but is typically a referral to particular student support services or a direction in relation to a student’s studies.

A support strategy is a plan or process to assist an individual student or group of students within the faculty to better achieve academic success.

All students should take advantage of the faculty’s support strategies and the University’s student support services. Do not wait until you are in severe difficulties to seek assistance!

The faculty has a number of strategies and intervention possibilities in place. These include, but are not limited to, the following:

Making available information on degree requirements in the Faculty of Science
The faculty publishes handbooks on an annual basis. Handbooks become available in the August prior to the calendar year, so the 2010 Handbook is available from August 2009. Handbooks are available online, for purchase in hardcopy format from the Student Centre, and are available at many public libraries.

Each Faculty of Science student receives an enrolment guide at in-person enrolment. These guides set out relevant contacts and degree rules. In addition, the faculty distributes information on University student support services.

Provision of specialist administrative staff
Administrative staff are available at the Faculty of Science office counter and by email and by telephone to assist with queries relating to degree requirements and other administrative matters. For opening times and contact details, see www.science.usyd.edu.au.

Faculty of Science Transition Workshop
To enable new first year undergraduate students to study effectively and enjoy a positive student experience, the Faculty of Science offers a transition workshop each year. Workshops are held prior to the commencement of the academic year. Details on registration are available at enrolment sites or on the faculty webpage at enrolment periods.

Faculty of Science website
The faculty's website is specifically for students enrolled in the Faculty of Science, and contains relevant information on degree requirements and many other things.

Implementing progression requirements

• The faculty administers progression requirements for undergraduate specialist degrees on an annual basis. Students who do not meet the progression requirements will be notified within 4 weeks of second semester results becoming available that they have not fulfilled satisfactory progression requirements. Students will be notified of the intervention to be implemented.
• The faculty administers progression requirements for postgraduate coursework degrees on a semester basis. Students who do not meet the progression requirements will be notified within 4 weeks of semester results becoming available that they have not fulfilled satisfactory progression requirements. Students will be notified of the intervention to be implemented.
• The faculty administers the University’s At Risk policy on a semester by semester basis. Students are notified in accordance with the At Risk policy set out in Chapter 1 of the Faculty of Science Handbook.
• The faculty has a staff member dedicated to administration for International Student candidatures. The International Student Adviser works closely with the International Office to facilitate compliance with the ESOS code.

Interventions
Interventions are made with regard to the particular policy or rule being applied. Interventions include:

• Completion of a back on track survey by Students At Risk.
• Requirement to attend at an information session to raise awareness of student services.
• A referral to attend particular student services.
• An interview with the Associate Dean or other course adviser.
• Recommendations on study patterns.
• Recommendation on suspension or withdrawal from study.

Where a student has failed to make satisfactory progress as required, subsequent interventions include:

• Transfer to a more appropriate degree program as provided in degree resolutions or as recommended by an Associate Dean.
• Transfer to a more appropriate stream in a degree as provided in degree resolutions or as recommended by an Associate Dean.
• Direction to move from full-time to part-time enrolment.
• Direction to suspend studies for a period.
• Mandatory attendance at specified Learning Centre courses.
• Case management on an individual student basis.
• Exclusion for a specified period from a degree.

Support Strategies
The faculty supports students by:

• Making information on degree requirements easily available.
• Making information on University student support services easily available.
• Offering a Transition Workshop.
• Offering the Talented Student Program to support the development of talented Science students.
• Providing specialist administrative staff to advise on faculty policy and procedures.
• Providing individual consultations, by appointment, with Associate Deans.

The Schools within the Faculty of Science support students through:

• Issuing unit of study outlines detailing requirements and learning outcomes.
• Making available specialist administrative staff to advise on School policy and procedures.
• Making available specialist academic advisers to advise on academic matters within the School.

Faculty life and representation

Student membership of the faculty

The Constitution of the Faculty of Science provides that, in addition to the ex officio and academic staff members of the Faculty, there shall be the following categories of membership:

1. Not more than three persons distinguished in the field of Science and its teaching, appointed by the faculty on the nomination of the Dean.
2. Not more than six students, undergraduate or postgraduate, enrolled as candidates for a degree or diploma in the Faculty of Science elected in the manner prescribed by resolution of the Senate.
3. Not more than five persons, who have teaching, research or offer appropriate associations with the work of the faculty, appointed by the faculty on the nomination of the Dean.

Two of the six students are elected annually by the undergraduate students in the faculty, two are elected by the postgraduate students and one each is nominated by each of the Sydney University Science Society and the Sydney University Postgraduate Representative Association.

The Senate resolutions for the student membership of the Faculty of Science are set out in full in the University of Sydney Calendar.

Students may request permission to attend faculty meetings as observers. Details are available from the faculty office.

Sydney University Science Society (SCISOC)

As a student in the Faculty of Science you are a member of the Sydney University Science Society (SCISOC), the faculty society. SCISOC promotes activities of both an educational and a social nature.

The Society holds a number of activities throughout the year, including barbecues every two weeks and the highlight of the Science student year – the Annual Science 'Bucky' Ball. The Society appoints sports directors who help organise interfaculty sport.

The society runs a stall during orientation week, where t-shirts are sold and you can find out more about what the SCISOC does. The Aqua Regia (official publication of SCISOC) which heralds information concerning the activities of SCISOC and Science departmental societies, is produced weekly and can be found on official departmental noticeboards.

The postal address is Faculty of Science, Carslaw Building F07, University of Sydney, 2006.

The affairs of the society are governed by a council consisting of office bearers, delegate members from member societies, student members of faculty and nine members elected at the annual general meeting, at least three of whom are first year students. You are encouraged to attend the AGM (held in Semester 1) and to take an active part in the society and on council. Council meets regularly during term and all members are invited to attend the meetings. These are advertised in the Daily Bull. Your attendance will ensure that SCISOC effectively meets the needs of science students on campus. For more information, visit the website at www.sci.soc.usyd.edu.au.

Member societies

A number of the departments within the Faculty of Science have departmental societies, for example the Alchemist’s Society, Biochemical Society, Biological Society, School of Geosciences Society (includes Geography, Geology, Environmental Science and Marine Science), Mathematical Society, Medical Science Society, Microbiology Society, Physics Society, and Psychological Society.

These societies organise talks, films, field trips and other activities relating to their particular discipline, as well as parties, wine and cheese evenings and other social activities. Most departmental societies have a stall during the orientation period.

Employment for graduates in Science

The field of employment for science graduates is extraordinarily wide, ranging from dedicated research scientist in a university or research laboratory to managing director of a large corporation, school teacher, technical representative, laboratory bench worker, production superintendent, consultant geologist, bird banding biologist, actuary, computer sales representative, beachcomber ... the list is endless and will depend on a student's subject choices and interests.

Many science graduates choose to undertake further study to prepare for employment. There is a wide range of Graduate Diplomas and coursework masters degrees available. These include Molecular Biotechnology, Bioinformatics, Nutrition and Dietetics, Information Technology, Environmental Science, Marine Ecology and Psychology.

Some science graduates complete a Bachelor of Engineering degree after an additional two years’ study. This qualifies them as professional engineers, with a wide range of additional job opportunities in chemical, civil, electrical, mechanical and mining engineering.

If you wish to consider this option, it is important to make sure that you choose the appropriate prerequisite subjects in your science degree.

It is prudent to plan your course with a career in mind, or a couple of careers if possible. For example, even though you might be sure you want to teach mathematics, you might include some computer science in your course so that if you did not like teaching you would have another choice of career.

Alternatively, you might have your heart set on being a biologist, but as an insurance policy in case you could not get a job as a biologist, you might consider also majoring in biochemistry, microbiology or chemistry to widen the scope.

This is not to say you should give up too easily if you want to be a biologist. In areas where jobs are not too plentiful you have to start right at the beginning of your course to prepare to secure that job on graduation. Some suggestions are to learn scuba-diving, join the bush-walking or speleological clubs, work in the vacation for one of the national parks – for nothing if necessary – and make as many personal contacts as you can.

Such evidence of keenness and initiative impresses an employer. As you will have understood, it is not only your academic ability an employer looks at but also your personality, evidence of a sense of responsibility and activities beyond the set curriculum.

Similarly, if you want a job related to chemistry, physics, geology, computer science, biochemistry, etc, do your best to obtain a vacation job that will enable you to claim relevant experience when applying for your first job. These vacation jobs are hard to get, admittedly, but the extra legwork and initiative involved in finding one will pay off in the long run.