1)    When do I have to make the final decision about what course I want to study?

The on time closing date for Universities Admissions Centre (UAC) applications is Friday 28 September 2007.  Students then have until midnight 4 January 2008 to make changes to their preferences.  Some courses require additional application criteria (application form/interview), which may need to be submitted by a certain date – students should check the 2008 Undergraduate Guide or the UAC Guide for details.

2)    Can I still apply? 

UAC has a number of applications closing dates/stages, which are:

• On time application close with a processing charge of $22 for 2007 Yr12 applicants: Fri, 28 September 2007
• Late applications close with processing charge of $97 late fee: Wed, 31 October 2007
• Late applications close with processing charge of $109 late fee: Fri, 30 November 2007
• Final closing date with processing charge of $120 late fee: Thur, 1 February 2008

Ciick here for UAC website.

After the UAC final closing date (1 Feb 08), the only way to make an application is to apply directly to the University as a Late Direct Applicant. You should contact the Student Administration Office (click here). 

3)    Do any of the courses have prerequisites for entry? 

Science undergraduate courses do not have prerequisites, only assumed knowledge.

This means that students are expected to have this knowledge when they start the courses. To assist students who do not have the recommended knowledge or assumed knowledge bridging courses are run in February. 

Click here to download the 2008 bridging courses registration form and more information. 

4)    If I haven’t studied science at school, can I still study science at UTS? 

Yes.  UTS Science courses do not have pre-requisites.  However, we presume students have a certain amount of knowledge in science – the assumed knowledge varies from course to course.  We recommend that you consider doing the relevant bridging courses to assist you in first year.  Bridging courses are designed to assist you with the basic knowledge needed to complete the first year subjects – they do not attempt to teach you Year 12 science. 

Click here to download the bridging courses registration form.

5)    What will the UAI be next year?

We do not know what the UAI will be for the following year.

The UAI is derived based on supply and demand basis, i.e. the number of places we have available and the number of people interested in those places.  Once students have lodged their final preferences in January, we spend about one week trying to determine how many offers we are able to take.  The best indication is the current year’s UAI with a slight variation for the following year.  However, this is not a guarantee, as the UAI normally fluctuates, i.e. either increases or decreases.

6)    What do I do if I don’t get the UAI?

Look around for a similar course with a lower UAI and apply for that. 

If it is another UTS degree within the same faculty, you can apply for an internal course transfer the following year.  If it is another UTS degree from a different UTS faculty OR a degree from a different University, you must apply via UAC. 

Whether you are accepted or not will depend on available places and your grades. You can use the additional year to effectively top-up your UAI.  Beginning another degree may not necessarily take you longer to complete, as you may be able to receive credit for subjects that you have already studied to your preferred degree.  You will need to continue to work hard to get the necessary admission grades (generally equivalent to the UAI), then reapply through UAC.  Admissions are not guaranteed and entry is still competitive. 

7)    Can I apply to transfer from one science program to another?

Yes.  You are able to transfer from one course to another so long as you meet the academic requirements.  Please remember, all applications for transfer between degrees and advanced standing are assessed on academic merit.  You should talk to the course director for more information.

Click here to download the list of courses directors for Science courses.

8)    Can I get credit towards a UTS degree based on previous studies?

Yes.  If your previous study is relevant, completed at an accredited institution and meets academic standards.  To apply for credit or advanced standings, please consult the relevant course director.

9)    How much does it cost to study at UTS?

The exact amount of fees a student pays depends on what level the student is studying at, whether they are a local or international student and what courses they intend studying. 

Click here for more course fees information that are relevant to you.

10)    I want to go overseas for a year. Can I defer?

Yes.  You can defer your study for one year, or a maximum of two years in total.

11)    Can I start my degree in the middle of the year?

No.  UTS Science does not normally accept mid-year intake. If you are not able to start this semester you may apply to defer your study to next year.

12)    Can I study part-time?

For most courses you can study part-time.  Part-time means that you study approximately half the subject load of a full time student.  Many courses offer some subjects at night, although some courses, such as medical science do not.  This may require that you take time off from your work to attend classes during the day.  A standard full-time load is 24 credit points and a part-time load is 12 credit points. Although, 18 credit points is classified as full-time for government reporting purposes.

13)    How many hours will I be at university per week?

In the first year, a full-time student can expect to have about 24 hours of ‘contact time’ a week, and for a part-time student about half of this.  On top of this you will be required to study and prepare for assessment, taking you, in a normal week about 40 hours of time dedicated to University study.

14)    What is the difference between studying a specialist science degree and the Bachelor of Science?

Specialist programs mean that you start studying towards your major from first semester. 

You have determined your major before you begin at UTS Science. These programs are designed for students who know what they want to do and meet the professional educational and skills needed for industry. Most subjects are ‘core’ with some choices for sub-majors and electives.

The Bachelor of Science allows you to do a broad range of subjects in first year to find out what you like, and then choose a major for second year.  Students are required to study a certain number of first year, second year and third year subjects including Mathematics or Statistics. They may transfer to another degree program if suitable academic progression is achieved.

15)    What is the difference between Forensics Science and Forensic Biology?

Forensic Science is a four-year honours degree that has a strong chemical criminalistics basis (fingerprints, trace evidence and etc). 

Forensic Biology is a three-year degree with an option for honours later. It focuses on the biological aspects of forensic science including DNA profiling, crime scene investigation, techniques for investigating human remains, forensics statistics and etc.

16)    What is the difference between Medical Science and Biomedical Science Degrees?

While Medical Science and Biomedical Science degrees share many common subjects, particularly the electives but the overall focus of the degrees are very different.

The Biomedical Science degree is orientated more to laboratory-based discipline areas including biochemistry, microbiology, immunology, haematology, cytopathology, and molecular biology. Graduates can expect to find employment in a range of areas including biomedical and pathology industries; biotechnology companies, hospitals and privately based biochemistry, microbiology, haematology and pathology laboratories, just to name a few.

The Medical Science degree provides broader generic skills and knowledge relevant to jobs requiring physiology, pathophysiology, psychophysiology, medical devices and diagnostics, behavioural science, neuroscience and pharmacology.  Graduates can expect to find employment in a range of areas including pharmaceutical and biomedical industries; toxicology services; biotechnology companies; other vocationally areas of occupational health and safety, biomedical engineering, osteopathy, public health and health administration.

Nevertheless, graduates from both degrees can find employment in any of these specific areas should they chose to take relevant elective subjects from the other degree program as part of their second major.  Both degrees prepare graduates for medical research in research institutes, hospitals, industry and universities or entry into the graduate medicine or dentistry programs.

17)    Can I study Medical Science or Forensic Science subjects in the Bachelor of Science?

Preference is given to students enrolled in these specific degree programs. However, some of these subjects are available as electives and will be accommodated if there are sufficient places for more students.  Students must meet the prerequisite requirements for each subject. 

Click here for the Faculty handbook for information on specific prerequisites.

18)    I am not going to get the UAI to get into Forensic Science or Medical Science but I really want to study this degree. What should I do?

Students should consider studying a year of the Bachelor of Science, Bachelor of Science in Applied Chemistry or the Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Science, and apply for an internal course transfer after the first year. 

If positions are available in Forensic Science or Medical Science in the second year, students will be offered these places according to their academic merit.  However, should there be no available places or students do not qualify academically, they should be happy with their chosen degrees.

19)    If I cannot decide what type of science I want to study, which is the best course to do?

The Bachelor of Science degree program because you do not have to select your specialist area of study until you have completed your first year.  Subject to satisfactory academic performance you can apply for internal course transfer to other UTS Science degrees if you prefer at the end of the first year.

20)    What subjects are compulsory in science courses?

All science courses have some subjects that are compulsory, but it depends on which course you are pursuing.  In the Bachelor of Science, you must study mathematics or statistics and complete a certain number of first, second and third year science subjects.  For other highly specialised courses like Forensic Science, all subjects are compulsory.  However, most courses in Science at UTS do allow you to complete some electives.  Visit www.handbook.uts.edu.au for more details on each course and the subject requirements.

21)    How do I enrol in the Diploma of Scientific Practice?

Once you have completed at least one year of study, preferably two years, you are eligible to enrol in the Diploma of Scientific Practice.  The Diploma is a one-year placement in industry, nearly always paid employment, working in a scientific environment.  The year is an addition to the minimum required to complete your degree.  To enrol, you should consult your course director or contact the Student Administration Officer in the Faculty.

22)    Can I go into teaching after a Science degree?

Yes.  You can study a Graduate Diploma in Education at UTS at the completion of your Science degree.  Students who have a credit average may apply to commence the Graduate Diploma after the completion of second year. This will take an additional year to become a qualified secondary school science teacher. 

Click here for more information.

23)    I am a Non-Recent School Leaver, how do I apply for UTS Science courses? 

You need to apply through UAC.

UAC Guides can be purchased at newsagents in August. We also strongly recommend that you submit a Personal Statement to UTS outlining your experience and motivation. The Personal Statement is your chance to tell us about yourself. 

Click here to download The Personal Statement.

24)    How can I find out more information about Science courses?

Click here for the most up-to-date Science courses information.

Click here for UTS Science online handbook.

Click here for the UAC website.

25)    Are there any scholarships available?

There are NO specific science scholarships available at the Faculty of Science.  However, there maybe scholarships offered by the University from time to time.

Click here for more scholarship details.  

26)    When does Uni start?

Autumn semester teaching commences from Monday, 26 February 2007.

However, Orientation programs are conducted for new students from Monday, 12 February to Friday, 23 February 2007.  The Faculty Welcome will be held on Thursday 22 February from 3 - 5pm in the University Hall.  We strongly suggest that you attend the Orientation session as it will provide you with an opportunity to meet other Science students, familiarise yourself with the campus, processes and uni life.

28)    If I am an international student, how do I apply?

International students must apply via UTS International Office.

International students must apply for full time study load with at least 18 credit point per semester.  You are encouraged to apply early as the application procedures will take between four to six weeks.  Two weeks after receiving your application , UTS will mail you a letter acknowledging receipt of your application.  The International Office will adivse you in writing whether your application is successful or otherwise at the completion of the application procedure, approx six weeks from the day you lodge your application.

Click here for application procedures and online application.