Bachelor of Science (Professional), Major in Applied Mathematics

Program Overview

The Bachelor of Science (Professional) program at Swinburne University of Technology combines a strong foundation in science and mathematics with practical experience through a paid work placement. Students choose a major in Biochemistry, Chemistry, Environmental Science, or Physics, and gain valuable industry connections and knowledge through their year-long placement. The program prepares graduates for careers in various scientific fields, including mathematical research, quantitative analysis, financial analysis, and biological and climate modeling.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

The Bachelor of Science (Professional) course at Swinburne University of Technology incorporates real-world expertise from leading teachers, state-of-the-art facilities, and a broad selection of science majors to align with your goals and aspirations. With this course, you'll gain practical experience by working as a scientist for a whole year, getting paid for your work, and obtaining valuable knowledge and networks to give you a competitive edge.

Objective:

• To equip students with a strong foundation in science and mathematics, enabling them to pursue careers in various scientific fields.
• To provide students with practical experience through a 12-month paid work placement, enhancing their employability and industry connections.

Outline:

This interdisciplinary program combines coursework in Applied Mathematics with a choice of majors in Biochemistry, Chemistry, Environmental Science, or Physics. Throughout the four-year bachelor's degree, students will:

Year 1

• Complete core units in Chemistry, Introduction to Chemistry, Calculus and Applications, Introduction to Physics, Concepts of Biology, and Linear Algebra and Applications.
• Electives can be chosen to further explore areas of interest.

Year 2

• Continue coursework in Matrices, Vector Calculus and Complex Analysis, Modeling Nature's Non-Linearity, Societal Challenges in Science, Series and Transforms, and Quantitative Prediction.
• Elective units allow students to further specialize in their chosen major.

Year 3

• Undertake a 12-month professional work placement in industry, gaining valuable practical experience and building connections.
• Complete integrated professional placement units alongside the work placement.

Year 4

• Finish the program with core units in Grand Challenges in Science, Differential Equations, Optimization, and Stochastic Modelling.
• Elective units provide the opportunity to delve deeper into specific areas of interest.

Assessment:

The assessment methods used in the Bachelor of Science (Professional) program may vary depending on the specific units and modules. However, common assessment tasks include:

• Assignments:
Written assignments, problem-solving exercises, and research projects.
• Exams:
Midterm and final exams to assess students' understanding of the course material.
• Presentations:
Oral presentations to demonstrate students' communication and critical thinking skills.
• Laboratory Reports:
Detailed reports on laboratory experiments, including data analysis and interpretation.
• Projects:
Group projects and individual research projects to encourage collaboration and independent research.

Teaching:

The Bachelor of Science (Professional) program at Swinburne University of Technology is taught by a team of experienced and dedicated academics, researchers, and industry professionals. The teaching methods employed in the program include:

• Lectures:
Traditional lectures to introduce new concepts and provide an overview of the course material.
• Tutorials:
Smaller group sessions to reinforce lecture material, solve problems, and engage in discussions.
• Laboratories:
Hands-on laboratory sessions to provide practical experience and develop experimental skills.
• Workshops:
Interactive workshops to enhance students' practical skills and knowledge in specific areas.
• Industry Guest Speakers:
Guest lectures from industry professionals to provide insights into real-world applications of science and technology.

Careers:

Graduates of the Bachelor of Science (Professional) program from Swinburne University of Technology will be well-prepared for careers in various scientific fields, including:

• Mathematical Researcher:
Conducting research in mathematical theory and applications.
• Quantitative Analyst:
Developing and analyzing quantitative models for financial institutions and businesses.
• Financial Analyst:
Providing financial advice and analysis to individuals and organizations.
• Actuary:
Assessing and managing financial risks.
• Biological and Climate Modeller:
Using mathematical and computational models to study biological systems and climate change.