Bachelor of Psychological Science (Honours)

at University of Wollongong - Wollongong Campus Australia

Information and systems security is becoming increasingly important for everyday life: we want technology to protect our digital information such as IDs, assets and data security, and to secure email and online privacy for individuals, homes, families and offices.

Employees with skills in information and systems security are in strong demand across all sectors: from banking to finance, insurance, retail, government and defence, all fields where there is sensitive data and information that is at risk of being hacked and breached via the internet.

This degree
Computer scientists focus on the theoretical foundations and practical approaches to computation and its applications. They design methods and tools and write programs for computer applications. These applications can be in areas such as computer systems to control machinery, information management and big data, applications for mobile devices, stock market trend analysis, game design, visualisation of chemical reactions, neural network design, computational geometry for robot navigation, patient monitoring in hospitals, and much more.

You will be able to choose your major in your second year after studying a common core of subjects that links our computer science, IT and information systems degrees. Find your strengths and interests as you study the fundamentals of computer science and IT: programming, problem solving, network and communications, web technology, data management, system analysis, human–computer interaction, and project management. You’ll also complete a final-year capstone team project.

You can also choose to study a double degree with Engineering, Mathematics, Science, Creative Arts or Business. These programs of study will provide you with a broad experience of technology using various industry products such as Microsoft, Apple, Oracle, SAP and Cisco.

What you will study
The Digital Systems Security major focuses on the theoretical and practical applications of information and digital security across a range of subjects: operating systems security such as physical security, file and data protection, heterogeneous computing, systems architecture, cryptography and its secure applications, and network and telecommunications security.

The Bachelor of Creative Arts - Bachelor of Science combines the practical, numeracy and computer skills of science with the knowledge of contemporary arts, art theory and history within Australia and how that fits within an international context, reflecting on social, cultural and ethical issues.  Bringing together the study of a creative arts discipline with science suggests endless possibilities for interdisciplinary communication and understanding, increasingly necessary in a world confronted with many apparently intractable problems.

The Bachelor of Creative Arts prepares you to become part of the creative industries, one of the fastest growing sectors in the world. A Bachelor of Science offers you skills that are becoming increasingly important in Australia with forecasted growth in the professional, scientific and technical services industries. This means that exciting new employment opportunities and career options for graduates are being created each day.

In Australia, over 600,000 people create a living from working in film, television and radio as well as pod and webcasting; writing and editing; recording and performing; advertising and marketing; visual arts, design and architecture; as well as in museums (art and science), galleries, theatres and arts organisations. Science is the search and application of information and understanding of the natural and social world using an evidence-based approach.

What you will study

The Bachelor of Creative Arts involves the study of theory and practice-based work in the following major study areas: Creative Writing, Music, Visual Arts or Visual Arts and Design.

You will also choose one major from the Bachelor of Science degree: Cell and Molecular Biology, Chemistry, Ecology and Conservation Biology, Environment, Geology or Physical Geography.

Science Education at UOW involves learning science and how to teach it effectively. As a science teacher you will teach the structure and behaviour of both the physical and natural world through observation and experiment. UOW educated science teachers have practical teaching skills and a high-level knowledge of science.

Science Education at UOW qualifies you to be a high school science teacher. You will complete extensive professional experience throughout your degree, which allows you to learn by observation and apply your skills in the classroom. You may also have opportunities for rural and international professional experiences, and to study overseas with UOW's international exchange and study abroad partners, and to join international cultural immersion programs.

UOW offers up to five Science Secondary Education Scholarships to students starting this degree with an ATAR above 80 and Band 5 in at least one science subject.

What you will study
During this four-year degree you will study a combination of science and education subjects allowing you to practically apply both disciplines throughout your degree.

Science subjects including biology, chemistry, earth and environmental science, and physics are complemented with education subjects about teaching and learning strategies including learning and development, pedagogy (the method and practice of teaching), professional teaching skills, curriculum studies and meeting learners' needs.

Teaching is an academically rigorous profession and teachers play a critical role in our communities. Strengthening requirements for studying teaching degrees is an initiative of the NSW Government to ensure that initial teacher education programs prepare high quality graduate teachers who can respond to the needs of all learners to make a positive impact on student learning. At UOW we are committed to ensuring our graduates are of the highest standard by setting appropriate entry criteria and maintaining a strongly developmental program that supports teacher education students from diverse backgrounds with diverse experiences, abilities and perspectives to become the teachers of the future.

If you've enjoyed studying for your Bachelor of Arts degree, why not consider an Honours year? This normally involves one additional year of study following the successful completion of a three-year undergraduate degree. Your Bachelor of Arts studies would have introduced you to a wide range of topics and issues, and an Honours project lets you explore one of these in much greater depth. Honours research topics are various and negotiable: if you are really interested in a topic and want to find answers, you'll be encouraged and supported to do so.

From a potential employer's perspective, whatever your topic, being able to demonstrate your ability to achieve a complex goal, meet deadlines, investigate independently, use resources effectively and write coherently will be highly regarded.

The Honours year has two functions at UOW; as an in-depth project at the end of undergraduate study, and as a bridge between undergraduate study and advanced research. Studying Honours will:

• Teach you research skills, navigation skills and how to use information systems (archives, the library, databases and electronic research networks)
• Provide an opportunity to articulate complex ideas in both verbal and written format
• Provide the experience of working closely with a supervisor on a project and preparing a major project to meet a deadline
• Experience in devising, researching and delivering an individual topic of study in an extended thesis of approx. 15,000 to 18,000 words

The Master of Professional Accounting (MPA) is designed for students who want a career in the accounting profession. The learning experience and knowledge areas for this program are focused on the practice of accounting.

The course first introduces the fundamental principles of accounting, economics, and aspects of the economic system and then proceeds to the study of specific knowledge areas which are vital for accounting professionals. You will develop knowledge and skills to apply accounting principles in the preparation and interpretation of financial statements and, enable you to research current accounting issues. You will also have an understanding of the differences between accounting principles and taxation law and the tax implications of business activities.

The Master of Engineering (Civil) provides graduate Engineers with discipline-specific knowledge and technical skills in advanced civil engineering. This degree covers many areas including sustainable infrastructure, environmental protection, the conservation of resources, as well as the traditional disciplines of structural, geotechnical and transportation engineering. This course is also suitable for practising civil engineers with relevant work experience in engineering infrastructure constructions.

This degree

The Master of Engineering delivers expert skills and applied competencies required for the professional engineer. It is designed to train and enhance professional practice, advance technical and specialist skills, and provide an opportunity to put theory into practice with applied projects and research. The degree also delivers communication, strategic and project management skills essential to the practising engineer.

What you will study

You will complete core subjects in Professional Communications and Engineering Workplace Practice, Innovation and Design, Structural Design Based on Australian Standards, Advanced Computer Applications, Sustainable Roads and Railway Engineering, Construction Management and Engineering Research Methods. For the Civil Engineering major you will study subjects in Advanced Foundation Engineering, Advanced Soil Mechanics, Engineering Hydrology and Tunnelling and Underground Construction. You will also complete an advanced project.

The Bachelor of Arts in Western Civilisation will expose you to ideas that have been inspiring people since their inception — in Ancient Greece and Rome, the Middle Ages, the Renaissance, the Enlightenment and the Modern Era. You will have the unique opportunity to directly engage with a carefully curated selection of some of the most influential works in the Western tradition of thought and art.

This degree also offers thirty generous scholarship opportunities valued at up to $30,000 per annum across the full course of study, as well as an opportunity to engage in a bespoke scholarly experience.

What you will study
You will philosophically reflect on questions about art, literature, science and religion while also investigating such topics as the nature of selfhood, truth, reason and wisdom. You will discover how great ideas and art can shape us - our understanding of ourselves and the world - and how ideas can make a difference for good or ill.

You will develop informed and reasoned views about significant contemporary concerns, such as the value of democracy, benefiting from your acquired knowledge of the history of ideas. You will become acquainted with diverging perspectives from within various Western traditions of thought and art as well as under-represented voices and perspectives from outside of those traditions.

You will choose one major from the following: Archaeology and Ancient History; Creative Writing; History; Indigenous Studies; Languages; Sociology; English Literatures; Philosophy; Politics; International Relations; Global Sustainable Development.

The Master of Information Technology (Enterprise Networking) involves an in-depth study of the organisational, economic, regulatory and socio-technical issues that arise in the implementation of IT in business and government, and how to effectively manage those issues.

This degree is suitable for those without an IT background seeking to develop the fundamental skills required to work in the sector, or to undertake a management role in which an understanding of IT implementation is essential.

What you will study
You will study core subjects in programming, data management and security, information design and content management, e-business technologies, strategic network design, systems development and business process management. You will also complete a minor research project or report.

This degree
With the proliferation of mobile and other devices with network capability, along with the rising popularity of the Internet, users and application providers expect services to be available anytime and anywhere. This course in Enterprise Networking provides you with the skills to project manage and administer computer networks and security risks.

This course will prepare you for a career in network administration or network design and management, or network security engineer or administrator.

Nutritionists are scientists who attain, maintain and promote the health of the public through nutrition research, communication of nutrition information or public health forums. Dietitians are specialist nutritionists who, in addition to these research and public health roles, are accredited to work with individuals and groups to help improve their health outcomes and quality of life. This occurs in settings such as the community, hospitals, private practice, research, and food service.

The course is designed to meet the core fields of competency, including the key areas of professional practice, improving nutrition outcomes for individuals, groups and communities, critical thinking and evidence-based practice and collaboration with stakeholders. These skills can then be applied to all areas of practice including clinical dietetics in hospitals and private practice, community and public health nutrition, food service systems management, and research.

High achieving students may be offered entry into the Bachelor of Nutrition and Dietetics (Honours) (Dean's Scholar).

Human Geography is the study of people and place. Human Geographers examine social and environmental problems in a holistic way, and apply spatial thinking to help resolve social conflicts and environmental crises. At UOW, Human Geographers investigate solutions to issues around climate change, economic development, environmental management, population and cultural change, and urban, rural and regional planning.

This degree
The Bachelor of Science (Human Geography) program at UOW includes the opportunity to undertake practicals and fieldwork, taking advantage of the local Illawarra environment including urban and heritage landscapes, coastal landscapes, rainforest escarpment and freshwater ecosystems.

What you will study
As a Science student, you will learn skills in logical and critical thinking, creative problem-solving, practical research, organisation and project management, numeracy, statistical literacy, computer applications (including geographic information systems), and strong communication.