Master of Science

Handbook year	Information valid for students commencing in 2024
Course code	106904
Course type	Masters Degree (Coursework) (AQF Level 9)
Owner	Academy
College	Science and Engineering

Award Requirements

Admission Requirements

Course pre-requisites

Completion of an AQF level 7 bachelor degree in science with a minimum GPA of 5.0 (65%); or equivalent.

Minimum English language proficiency requirements

Applicants of non-English speaking backgrounds must meet the English language proficiency requirements of Band 1 – Schedule II of the JCU Admissions Policy.

Post Admission requirements

Some majors require attendance in intensive mode subjects on either the Townsville or Cairns campus. Students may be required to attend intensive mode classes at a campus other than that at which they are enrolled, at their own expense.

Global Change Biology major: A student enrolled in this major will be required to undertake mandatory field trips (or trip) for which they will have to pay an additional fee not included in the course tuition fees.

Academic Requirements for Course Completion

Credit points	36 credit points as per course structure
Course learning outcomes	On successful completion of the Master of Science, graduates will be able to: Integrate and apply an advanced body of theoretical and technical knowledge, including an understanding of recent developments, in one or more science disciplines Retrieve, analyse, synthesise and evaluate complex information, concepts and theories from a range of sources Plan and conduct reliable, evidence-based laboratory and/or field experiments/practices by selecting and applying methods, techniques and tools, as appropriate to one or more science disciplines Organise, analyse and interpret complex scientific data using advanced mathematical, statistical and technological skills Communicate theoretical propositions, methodologies, scientific data, arguments and conclusions clearly and coherently to specialist and non-specialist audiences through advanced written and oral English language skills and a variety of media Identify, analyse and generate solutions to unpredictable or complex problems, especially related to tropical, rural, remote or Indigenous contexts, by applying scientific knowledge and skills with initiative and expert judgement Critically review regulatory requirements, ethical principles and, where appropriate, cultural frameworks, to work effectively, responsibly and safely in diverse contexts Reflect on current skills, knowledge and attitudes to manage their professional learning needs and performance, autonomously and in collaboration with others Apply knowledge of research principles, methods, techniques and tools to plan and execute a substantial research-based project, capstone experience and/or piece of scholarship.

Inherent Requirements

Inherent Requirements	Inherent requirements are the identified abilities, attributes, skills, and behaviours that must be demonstrated, during the learning experience, to successfully complete a course. These abilities, attributes, skills, and behaviours preserve the academic integrity of the University's learning, assessment, and accreditation processes, and where applicable, meet the standards of a profession. For more information please visit: Master of Science.
Reasonable adjustments	All JCU students have the opportunity to demonstrate, with reasonable adjustments where applicable, the inherent requirements for their course. For more information please visit: Student Disability Policy and Procedure.

Course Structure

OPTIONS

Select a 36 credit point major (discipline) from Table A

TABLE A (MAJORS)

Credit points in major	36 credit points

MAJOR	AVAILABLE AT	NOTES
Aquaculture Science and Technology	JCU Townsville
Environmental Earth Science	JCU Cairns JCU Townsville
Environmental Management	JCU Townsville
Fisheries Science and Management	JCU Townsville
Geology	JCU Townsville
Global Change Biology	JCU Cairns JCU Townsville	Additional fees required for mandatory fieldtrip
Tropical Biology and Conservation	JCU Cairns JCU Townsville

Location

COURSE AVAILABLE AT	NOTES
JCU Cairns	Not all majors available at JCU Cairns
JCU Townsville

Candidature

Expected time to complete	1.5 years full-time or part-time equivalent
Maximum time to complete	5 years
Maximum leave of absence	2 years

Progression

Course progression requisites	Nil
Course includes mandatory professional placement(s)	There are mandatory field trip requirements for students undertaking the Global Change Biology major.
Special assessment requirements	Nil
Professional accreditation requirements	Nil
Supplementary exam for final subject	Not applicable

Credit

Eligibility	Students may apply for a credit transfer for previous tertiary study or informal and non-formal learning in accordance with the Credit Transfer Procedure. Credit will only be granted for subjects aligned to the current course’s learning outcomes and if the applicant demonstrates sufficient prior knowledge and skills to achieve the course learning outcomes in the time available in the course. Up to 12 credit points may be granted for an AQF Level 8 qualification in a Cognate* Science discipline as determined by the College of Science and Engineering. *Cognate discipline: Studies at a postgraduate level in a discipline that is closely aligned with or related to the major being undertaken.
Maximum allowed	12 credit points, unless part of an approved articulation process.
Currency	Credit will be granted only for studies completed in the 10 years prior to the commencement of this course.
Expiry	Credit gained for any subject shall be cancelled 15 years after the date of the examination upon which the credit is based if, by then, the student has not completed the course of study prescribed for the degree.
Other restrictions	Nil

Award Details

Award title	MASTER OF SCIENCE
Approved abbreviations	MSc
Inclusion of majors on testamur	Majors will appear on the testamur
Exit with lesser award	Students who exit the course prior to completion and have completed 24 credit points of appropriate subjects, may be eligible for the award of Graduate Diploma of Science. Students who have completed 12 credit points of appropriate subjects may be eligible to receive the award of Graduate Certificate of Science.
Course articulation	Students who complete the requirements for the Master of Science are eligible for direct entry into the 48 credit point Master of Science (Professional) and may be granted credit for all subjects completed under this course. Those students wishing to complete the Professional Employability Stream within the Master of Science (Professional) will need to have completed SC5200:03 Professional Employability within their major.
Special awards	Students may receive an Award of Recognition in accordance with the Recognition of Academic Excellence Procedure

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