ATAR Notes: Forum
Uni Stuff => Universities - Victoria => University of Melbourne => Topic started by: simpak on October 20, 2010, 11:15:55 pm
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You may have been following my path to self destruction over the past two or so months, when I first decided that I hated my course.
Well, not much has changed.
However, I do have to decide what to do with my life by the end of next week so I can at least give my tutors warning about potentially writing reference letters for my exchange stuff. There's also re-enrollment and subject choice, the ever increasing VTAC late application fee, what to focus the most attention on in the exam period.
After spending last night in tears for two hours because I couldn't find any tinned tomatoes in the pantry, I again return to my trusty VCE Notes people for help/to rant to.
Option 1: Continue with the initial pathway in a Bachelor of Arts (Media and Communications) Enriched Major degree! This means that I will take only Media and Communications subjects next year, and in third year. I would do a research project and an internship in my final year. Next year, I would exchange to the USA - preferably to be at UPenn. After this degree, employment opportunities are unlikely because it's very hard to get hired without doing freelance journalism for some extensive amount of time (I would rather jump off a tall building than find myself with this profession). Following this, if you do get employed, opportunities do not look appealing. Basically, I would have a degree, but unattractive employment opportunities. So let's change that.
Option 2: Continue with the initial pathway in a Bachelor of Arts (Media and Communications) degree, but modify to a double major degree! I would do at least two media subjects per year in second and third years, and then choose a second major. Which would be the only science major I am allowed to take - Psychology! Having done MBB1 and MBB2 this year, not a problem, it appears! Can still apply to UPenn and go on exchange same time next year. After this, I could (presumably?) do Psych honours as would a normal BA person (somebody please confirm this) and then potentially could do a Masters in Psychology or something similar with the ultimate goal of studying neuropsychologically related things, clinically or otherwise. Possibility of what employment?
Option 3: Continue with the initial pathway in a Bachelor of Arts (Media and Communications ) degree, either the double major or the enriched major, but then add on a fun little JD at the end of this process to escape into a career with actual employment opportunities and an Arts based life. As I was considering this when I chose Melbourne, it's not so far-fetched or a last minute decision - just one I haven't considered seriously in a while. Possibility of stable employment.
Option 4: Apply for a Bachelor of Biomedicine (first preference) or Bachelor of Science (second preference) through VTAC and get the hell away from the Arts department! Could then aim for GAMSAT and medicine, or major in neuropsychology, or major in other biologically relevant fields which I might enjoy because I do love biology. Potentially still have JD open to me at the end of this - all Arts is not lost. Have already completed all breadth requirements. Harder to do exchange. Possibility of stable employment.
THERE ARE HIDDEN QUESTIONS IN THE STATEMENTS ABOVE. Hint: Option 2. Someone please clear these up for me.
Given that I have been pondering this question for two months and still have no idea if I want to give up on Arts entirely, do miss science a lot, and do not particularly wish to be a journalist when I am older which of these options looks the best from where you stand? If it helps, I hate all other career paths Media and Comm will lead to - PR is boring and so is marketing/advertising.
Is it better to have an internship if I stick with this degree, or is it better to broaden my horizons?
Is it farfetched to still be considering a law degree given the above information (even if i double majored in psychology, I would possibly still go into law).
I rate exchange as a high priority - it was one of the major reasons I chose Melbourne Uni and something I have always wanted to do.
Given my muddled life and my mixed interests (which have pretty much been 50% love of arts 50% love of science my whole life, see VCE subjects) which option do you think is the most reasonable?
I honestly don't care if you don't know me at all and feel you can't answer that question, I am running out of time, am stuck in a rut and can't afford to keep losing two hours of my day when I lose an ingredient I needed to make dinner.
Edit: if you also know where I can find a non-specific to a course or field adviser to help me with my decisions, this would be good, or if the advisers at the Arts and Music student center are actually appropriate for my questions (because they seem to deal with major choice and etc more than this) then let me know and I will contact them).
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On a scale of 1 - 10, of what importance does job prospects/opportunities mean to you? 10 being really important.
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Ten.
I am at Uni for two reasons - to learn new things and to get a job.
And the learning is meant to lead in to the latter.
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If you just want to earn lots and lots of money (usually in peril of your conscience or your soul), you should quit uni, and apply for something that requires less deliberation, but higher pay offs.
Stockbroking, Real Estate, Ponzi schemes, Horse betting, Prostitution, Internet scams (Phishing) or Law. Actually Law requires effort. The other options provide a viable short-term alternative to Uni, and will give you the proper life and work experience that you seek.
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Hahaha I am not against uni as a whole - I like uni, I would prefer to stay in it.
Money isn't what I'm after - just stable employment. I don't want any get rich quick schemes but there is no stable employment in journalism today.
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Ten.
I am at Uni for two reasons - to learn new things and to get a job.
And the learning is meant to lead in to the latter.
Now close your eyes and make sure there is no music turned on. Picture yourself and reminisce... the past and your favourite memories. When I say, "dream job", what do you instantly think of?
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I honestly don't have one anymore :(
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Hahaha I am not against uni as a whole - I like uni, I would prefer to stay in it.
Money isn't what I'm after - just stable employment. I don't want any get rich quick schemes but there is no stable employment in journalism today.
Once upon a time Journalism was an honorable job - journalists were the exposers of the truth; the vanguards of democracy. Today the profession is too seeped in bias, moneyed, elaborate and driven by corporate profits and interest groups - rather than doing what they're supposed to: provide citizens with objective evidence/report the news.
Besides, with the death of newspapers, you don't need to be a "professional journo". You'll be surprised to know that bloggers hold more influence today than opinion journalists ever have.
How about part time blogging - first a hobby, and then get recognized - dream job?
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Hahaha I am not against uni as a whole - I like uni, I would prefer to stay in it.
Money isn't what I'm after - just stable employment. I don't want any get rich quick schemes but there is no stable employment in journalism today.
Once upon a time Journalism was an honorable job - journalists were the exposers of the truth; the vanguards of democracy. Today the profession is too seeped in bias, moneyed, elaborate and driven by corporate profits and interest groups - rather than doing what they're supposed to: provide citizens with objective evidence/report the news.
Besides, with the death of newspapers, you don't need to be a "professional journo". You'll be surprised to know that bloggers hold more influence today than opinion journalists ever have.
How about part time blogging - first a hobby, and then get recognized - dream job?
I don't want to work for myself ever. And I'm unsure if any of my dream jobs are centered around journalism.
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On a scale of 1-10, you answered 10 which means that job prospects are very important to you. So I would rule out option 1 because "employment opportunities are unlikely because it's very hard to get hired without doing freelance journalism for some extensive amount of time."
How keen do you want to do JD? Just be honest with yourself, do you want to do law for the sheer passion or just to fulfill your appetite? The meaning of 'passion' is not the same as 'appetite'. There's a clear difference.
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A little tip:
1. Register yourself on VTAC.
2. Randomly put courses.
3. Pay the "ever increasing late fee".
Why? Because then it won't be "ever increasing" and if you are adamant on a transfer, at least you can change them later on without penalty. If you don't want a transfer, at least you won't kick yourself in the backside thinking why you waited so long and wasted all that money.
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A little tip:
1. Register yourself on VTAC.
2. Randomly put courses.
3. Pay the "ever increasing late fee".
Why? Because then it won't be "ever increasing" and if you are adamant on a transfer, at least you can change them later on without penalty. If you don't want a transfer, at least you won't kick yourself in the backside thinking why you waited so long and wasted all that money.
You are quite the genius.
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On a scale of 1-10, you answered 10 which means that job prospects are very important to you. So I would rule out option 1 because "employment opportunities are unlikely because it's very hard to get hired without doing freelance journalism for some extensive amount of time."
How keen do you want to do JD? Just be honest with yourself, do you want to do law for the sheer passion or just to fulfill your appetite? The meaning of 'passion' is not the same as 'appetite'. There's a clear difference.
Well, in high school I wanted to do law for sheer passion. Then I became interested in journalism and half canned the idea.
But it never really died.
Being in the position I am, where anything looks better than this, I can't really give you an honest answer because all of them are 'to get away from journalistic death' but I am passionate about both arguing and clerical/paperwork things (call me insane, go ahead) so I guess you could say half for the passion and half for the appetite.
My dilemma in life is that I like too many things.
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If you're keen about law then I'd recommend you to do option 4 as you "potentially still have JD open to [you]" and to get "get the hell away from the Arts department!"
If the student exchange is hindering you from picking option 4, then you should [un]hinder it and omit the student exchange from your brain. I just feel it's not that important as doing a course you might seem to enjoy a little better and having the same(?) opportunity to do JD.
Do you know who James Matthew Barrie is? He is the creator of Peter Pan, if you didn't know. He once said, "You can have anything in life if you will sacrifice everything else for it.”
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Such a depressing quote, but it is true...
I am considering your thoughts. I was/still am/will always be dead set on exchange though.
I've always wanted to study in the US although couldn't afford to do it entirely. Exchange was my only option.
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Such a depressing quote, but it is true...
I am considering your thoughts. I was/still am/will always be dead set on exchange though.
I've always wanted to study in the US although couldn't afford to do it entirely. Exchange was my only option.
Go on the exchange, then transfer courses? Sometimes impractical things work out well at the end...
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OPTION 4
OPTION 4
OPTION 4.
According to what i read, it seems like your decision's more leaned towards biomed.
I mean you've already realized that you miss science, so why hesitate choosing the option that will demolish this dilemma once and for all?
Plus, with biomed, options are pretty wide and law is still possible.
AND theres still the 'possibility of stable employment' :D
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id say option 2 or 4
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I always enjoyed both science and humanities (in VCE and now) so I ended up having to pick one, much like you. I was choosing between media and comm. or biomedicine when I applied to VTAC.
Anyway, actual help...if you hate your degree then adding a second major isn't going to help so much. I'm leaning towards "transfer to a different degree". Science will let you take a Psychology major, Biomedicine won't. You can still go on exchange with science/biomed, it'll just be different subjects to take over there.
If you want someone to talk to, the MDHS student centre is predominantly...slow...with the exception of one of the women working there (who's awesome). Your best bet is to turn up at the 2nd floor of the Brownless and not leave until they answer your questions about a transfer. You'll probably see me there, trying to get answers as well :(
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If you don't want to be a journalist because you don't enjoy it and it's not what you want, then you should change something. If you don't want to be a journalist because it's a competitive industry, then I think you should stick with it. Everything gets competitive, every job has a competitive aspect to it, unless you're satisfied with entry level positions. I know it's off-putting, but it's not as though Law or Psychology are uncompetitive either.
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How badly do you want to "escape the arts faculty"?
(Totally sympathise with you there. Might be posting a help thread myself very similar to this one soon.)
In your position I would do biomed, see if I like the neuropsychology/biology/whatever it is. If you like it - more research - masters degrees - PhDs! If not - JD! Though I don't think a law degree improves your job prospects as much as you seem to think it does.
Re: exchange - have you considered an LLB instead of JD - I think it's easier to go on exchange
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I think BSci is your best bet.
This is coming from someone who understands how important it must be for you to go on exchange, since I've always had the same wish to do exchange too (albeit different countries... I don't quite understand why the US appeals to you, tbh =P).
Also, though I've not the passion for psychology, it seems to be the compromise between Arts and Science. This may be why you're drawn to it... it does sound perfect for you :)
http://www.bsc.unimelb.edu.au/bachelor/course
http://www.bsc.unimelb.edu.au/bachelor/study/psychology/structure
Obviously I don't go to UoM, but just looking at that link...
Correct me if any of my assumptions are wrong, but:
* You would be able to credit your (6?) media and communication units as your breadth.
* You would be able to claim credit for the two psychology units you've studied so far.
* Not that it seems to bother you, but claiming full credit (or close to it) means you won't add unnecessary time to your degree.
* You would be able to double major in psychology and neuroscience/biology (note: I'm not a UoM student nor a science student, but if I'm interpreting this correctly, if you did psych/neuroscience double major, you would only have 1 free elective, see: http://www.bsc.unimelb.edu.au/bachelor/study/neuroscience/structure; there's 9 units to make up the neuroscience major... this only matters if you can't study enough psychology units on exchange)
* Exchange will probably still be possible for low-end psychology/neuroscience units (before the areas of study get more specific and complicated); meaning you'll probably need to consider exchange sooner rather than later. Note though, that you'll need to check science faculty exchange requirements, and see if your breadth units can be counted towards the minimum credit points required for exchange.
* Alternatively, you can ignore your media and communication units completely, and not try to claim credit for them. This way, you've got more flexibility when you go on exchange (note: check that you can use your breadth units for overseas study).
* Alternatively, you can do a single major (maybe still minor in neuroscience or biology?), so you've got plenty of room for exchange even if you can't study the psychology units you would need to study overseas.
* Alternatively, you may need to consider the possibility that you'll only get enough overseas psychology/neuroscience units approved to allow for one semester of overseas study.
* Once you've finished your degree, you would have the option of either moving onto JD or Master of Psychology... your choice would depend on how much you like psychology I guess, ha ha. I would like to point out though, that a psychology background is a powerful thing for a lawyer to have. A psychology undergraduate major wouldn't by any means "go to waste" if you were to move onto JD instead of Master of Psych.
I'm not sure who you would need to speak to, but it's very clear that you need to speak to someone at UoM with the knowledge to answer your questions.
Oh, also... if (for some reason) you decide against BSci or BBio, then I would suggest you at least try transferring out of your forced major. As in, try to transfer out of BArts (Media and Communication) into straight BArts.
Good luck with your decision Mavis... I remember a few years ago, I felt unbearably lost as well. I had no idea where my life was going, and I spent a week straight crying (even though I wasn't missing tomatoes). So while I'm not in your shoes, I do feel as though I understand some of the confusion and pain you must be feeling right now. I remember that the thing I felt most above all, was the sheer feeling of being lost - I had no idea where I was going with my life, and this terrified me. The older members on here helped me out immensely, and gave me the encouragement I needed to move forward. The big decisions are always the hardest. I know it's difficult now, but please trust me when I say that this is one of those "life" things where you'll come out the other end a better person - you'll be all the wiser, and stronger, once you get through this. It'll give you a much nicer, more realistic perspective on life. Hang in there!! :)
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OH MY GOD SO MANY REPLIES WHERE TO BEGIN.
"I mean you've already realized that you miss science, so why hesitate choosing the option that will demolish this dilemma once and for all?"
Because then I might miss my Arts stuff! I am so picky! I would take a semester off and deal with life if I could but I can't defer, which sucks. I think I would be able to see how much I would miss the Arts side of things if I wasn't currently in assignment/exam mode...although this has, of course, been going on all semester so it's not just periods of high stress.
"If you want someone to talk to, the MDHS student centre is predominantly...slow...with the exception of one of the women working there (who's awesome). Your best bet is to turn up at the 2nd floor of the Brownless and not leave until they answer your questions about a transfer. You'll probably see me there, trying to get answers as well"
Okay I may try this! What are you looking for answers on?
"If you don't want to be a journalist because you don't enjoy it and it's not what you want, then you should change something. If you don't want to be a journalist because it's a competitive industry, then I think you should stick with it. Everything gets competitive, every job has a competitive aspect to it, unless you're satisfied with entry level positions. I know it's off-putting, but it's not as though Law or Psychology are uncompetitive either."
I am beginning not to enjoy writing in journalistic styles or for journalism publications and just don't feel like I am passionate enough about it. I work best in a competitive environment and enjoy being in one, so it's not the competitive side of things which turns me away. It's just more that I realise that the jobs I will have to have, at least for a significant amount of time, are not those which I would enjoy and I'm not passionate enough to deal with having the bad jobs for x amount of time before getting somewhere which may be potential better, but which I may still not enjoy.
"How badly do you want to "escape the arts faculty"?
(Totally sympathise with you there. Might be posting a help thread myself very similar to this one soon.)"
Well, at the moment, quite a bit. But it's not writing essays and etc. that turns me away, but just a disinterest with the course material for my media and comm subjects (BOTH OF THEMMM). I find one to be utterly ridiculous and the other to be boring, draining, stressful and the bane of my existence. Other Arts subjects, like History and Psychology (which is only half an Arts subject mind you), I thoroughly enjoy.
"Re: exchange - have you considered an LLB instead of JD - I think it's easier to go on exchange"
You mean at Melbourne? You can't do that anymoreee?
Re: Fyrefly.
My course is like, shut off from the rest of the uni so I can't claim any Media Comm credits as breadth. However, I still have four subjects I can claim as breadth in BSci.
It's actually somewhat moreso the biological/neuroscience side of psychology which interests me to the greatest degree, rather than anything about social or personality psychology. Some cognitive is also interesting. But yes, that was why I was considering biomed for the neuroscience major side of things because if I were to do psychology that is the field in which I would ultimately hope to end up doing something in.
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What are you looking for answers on?
My major and whether I can take certain subjects etc. The new handbook comes out tomorrow, which might make it easier at least.
And I suppose I'll try to bribe one of them to give me the MD cutoffs for 2011 :P
Did you ever email Hargeaves, he's usually half decent at replying to emails.
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Okay so you don't like your course subjects and you don't think you'll like the job it leads to... definitely drop it/change it. Why waste more years you could be spending on something you actually like?
Re: LLB my bad, I gather you want to stay at UoM then. Is Monash completely out of the question?
If you were to take option 2, how long would that take? Compared to completely switching to biomed or science? I'm getting the impression you are equally attracted to both.
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Okay so you don't like your course subjects and you don't think you'll like the job it leads to... definitely drop it/change it. Why waste more years you could be spending on something you actually like?
Re: LLB my bad, I gather you want to stay at UoM then. Is Monash completely out of the question?
If you were to take option 2, how long would that take? Compared to completely switching to biomed or science? I'm getting the impression you are equally attracted to both.
Because law is only offered at Clayton, Monash is soooooooo far away from me. Like four hours travelling a day. And I am happy with Melbourne as an institution, so I think I would rather stay.
Option 2 being double major? Well I would continue with this degree as per normal and finish 2012.
If I move I finish 2013. Undergrad that is. And then whatever I decide to do.
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What are you looking for answers on?
My major and whether I can take certain subjects etc. The new handbook comes out tomorrow, which might make it easier at least.
And I suppose I'll try to bribe one of them to give me the MD cutoffs for 2011 :P
Did you ever email Hargeaves, he's usually half decent at replying to emails.
Yesss I emailed him but it was mostly about credits for biomed should I move, so about my breadth and everything.
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I think BSci is your best bet.
This is coming from someone who understands how important it must be for you to go on exchange, since I've always had the same wish to do exchange too (albeit different countries... I don't quite understand why the US appeals to you, tbh =P).
Also, though I've not the passion for psychology, it seems to be the compromise between Arts and Science. This may be why you're drawn to it... it does sound perfect for you :)
http://www.bsc.unimelb.edu.au/bachelor/course
http://www.bsc.unimelb.edu.au/bachelor/study/psychology/structure
Obviously I don't go to UoM, but just looking at that link...
Correct me if any of my assumptions are wrong, but:
* You would be able to credit your (6?) media and communication units as your breadth.
* You would be able to claim credit for the two psychology units you've studied so far.
* Not that it seems to bother you, but claiming full credit (or close to it) means you won't add unnecessary time to your degree.
* You would be able to double major in psychology and neuroscience/biology (note: I'm not a UoM student nor a science student, but if I'm interpreting this correctly, if you did psych/neuroscience double major, you would only have 1 free elective, see: http://www.bsc.unimelb.edu.au/bachelor/study/neuroscience/structure; there's 9 units to make up the neuroscience major... this only matters if you can't study enough psychology units on exchange)
* Exchange will probably still be possible for low-end psychology/neuroscience units (before the areas of study get more specific and complicated); meaning you'll probably need to consider exchange sooner rather than later. Note though, that you'll need to check science faculty exchange requirements, and see if your breadth units can be counted towards the minimum credit points required for exchange.
* Alternatively, you can ignore your media and communication units completely, and not try to claim credit for them. This way, you've got more flexibility when you go on exchange (note: check that you can use your breadth units for overseas study).
* Alternatively, you can do a single major (maybe still minor in neuroscience or biology?), so you've got plenty of room for exchange even if you can't study the psychology units you would need to study overseas.
* Alternatively, you may need to consider the possibility that you'll only get enough overseas psychology/neuroscience units approved to allow for one semester of overseas study.
* Once you've finished your degree, you would have the option of either moving onto JD or Master of Psychology... your choice would depend on how much you like psychology I guess, ha ha. I would like to point out though, that a psychology background is a powerful thing for a lawyer to have. A psychology undergraduate major wouldn't by any means "go to waste" if you were to move onto JD instead of Master of Psych.
I'm not sure who you would need to speak to, but it's very clear that you need to speak to someone at UoM with the knowledge to answer your questions.
Oh, also... if (for some reason) you decide against BSci or BBio, then I would suggest you at least try transferring out of your forced major. As in, try to transfer out of BArts (Media and Communication) into straight BArts.
Good luck with your decision Mavis... I remember a few years ago, I felt unbearably lost as well. I had no idea where my life was going, and I spent a week straight crying (even though I wasn't missing tomatoes). So while I'm not in your shoes, I do feel as though I understand some of the confusion and pain you must be feeling right now. I remember that the thing I felt most above all, was the sheer feeling of being lost - I had no idea where I was going with my life, and this terrified me. The older members on here helped me out immensely, and gave me the encouragement I needed to move forward. The big decisions are always the hardest. I know it's difficult now, but please trust me when I say that this is one of those "life" things where you'll come out the other end a better person - you'll be all the wiser, and stronger, once you get through this. It'll give you a much nicer, more realistic perspective on life. Hang in there!! :)
Having a look at the neuroscience major, just be warily that the psychology units in the sample neuroscience major won't allow you to go on to do Psych Honours the year after. You need to do what's known as a APAC-accredited major which is all the psych units listed in the Psychology major section as well as the electives. This might affect your course structure as (at least at Monash), the APAC-accredited major is larger than the normal major (more subjects).
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Yeah I checked in to all of that recently, it doesn't affect me too poorly in either degree.
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If you do option 4, you get to do your degree with me haha. :P
That is if I make the ATAR cuttoff...
But yeah, you seem really into bio and med, so it sounds like the right thing for you.
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Yay Atars.
I am leaning science degree. I would stay here and psych major but I think I will off myself if I have to take anything called 'Writing Journalism' or 'Net Communications'.
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If you do option 4, you get to do your degree with me haha. :P
That is if I make the ATAR cuttoff...
But yeah, you seem really into bio and med, so it sounds like the right thing for you.
Hah, i might get you two in my host group next year :P
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If you do option 4, you get to do your degree with me haha. :P
That is if I make the ATAR cuttoff...
But yeah, you seem really into bio and med, so it sounds like the right thing for you.
Hah, i might get you two in my host group next year :P
You interviewed too? I might know you, haha :P
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12am session on tuesday (first one)
You?
Not much of an interview lol
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Doing it as well hehe.. except I didn't need the interview ;D
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Haha yeah sure, because orientation week is not a waste of time or anything.
My host this year sent everyone a message for that 'second catch up' thing you're meant to have being all 'lol guise, actualz, I can't make it to drinks kay?'. Not even he wanted to bother.
Q: WHY CAN YOU NOT DOUBLE MAJOR IN SCIENCE.
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12am session on tuesday (first one)
You?
Not much of an interview lol
Same. What a joke haha. Which group were you in?
Haha yeah sure, because orientation week is not a waste of time or anything.
My host this year sent everyone a message for that 'second catch up' thing you're meant to have being all 'lol guise, actualz, I can't make it to drinks kay?'. Not even he wanted to bother.
Q: WHY CAN YOU NOT DOUBLE MAJOR IN SCIENCE.
Yeah, our job is mainly to give everybody a few people they can say hey if they run into during the week. The second meeting is pointless. :P
The double majoring thing shits me too. I can double major, I just can't input it on the new system. Pretty sure it's just a way to make sure that people complete at least one major by the end of their degree. If you do all the subjects you need for more than one major you can just claim them anyway.
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Doing it as well hehe.. except I didn't need the interview ;D
I forgot about and missed last year's interview. heh.
WHY CAN YOU NOT DOUBLE MAJOR IN SCIENCE
Majors/subjects are harder ;)
You can take 2 majors worth of subjects but you'll only be credited for 1 major on your official graduation thingamabob.
Same. What a joke haha. Which group were you in?
I can't remember but it had a couch and a female interviewer. And I had number...52 I think
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I can't remember but it had a couch and a female interviewer. And I had number...52 I think
Were you the Asian guy in the blue shirt? haha
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Oh okay that's alright then. I tried to look at the little 'course plan' scheduling pictures the other day but my brain couldn't handle the confusing colour scheme.
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I can't remember but it had a couch and a female interviewer. And I had number...52 I think
Were you the Asian guy in the blue shirt? haha
No, I'm not not asian. I'm caucasian and was wearing...erm...a light blueish top i think
I tried to look at the little 'course plan' scheduling pictures the other day but my brain couldn't handle the confusing colour scheme.
They're all horrible, just use the handbook and do it with a pen/paper instead. The study plan is a gigantic fucking joke, it's that horrible
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Don't try to identify each other!
It's so creepy when you meet people from VN.
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Haha I wasn't going to go any further with it. The coincidence amused me. :P
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Haha, the other day I got AMBUSHED by EvangelionZeta at the State.
Okay maybe it wasn't an ambush but a person I tutor is good friends with him.
Anyway, every time I meet someone from the internet it FREAKS ME OUT.
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I met nancy from the old BOS a couple of times (forgot her username, though). Other than that, I never have haha.
I'm with C&S, so I knew at least a quarter of the people in that room. It'd be funny if somebody I already knew was on here. :P
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It mostly happens when I go to tutor people from here.
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Think about it this way, it's no different from making friends with a new person in your course :)
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However, you already partially know them and still have to get used to their face.
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lol
no offense but you must be an awfully shallow person with awfully shallow interests and aspirations if you feel the need to ask internet strangers to determine you life.
(an aide: A JD (or a LLB) probably manages to be even more useless than a degree in 'media and communications'.The former is in in massive oversupply)
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lol
no offense but you must be an awfully shallow person with awfully shallow interests and aspirations if you feel the need to ask internet strangers to determine you life.
(an aide: A JD (or a LLB) probably manages to be even more useless than a degree in 'media and communications'.The former is in in massive oversupply)
...and this is exactly why you have negative karma.
Ignore this idiot, Mavis... we're happy to help =)
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Yeah, he's been banned permanently, what a loser
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Yay, hate mail! :D
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For the sake of not making a 900th thread, I shall ask my variety of questions here!
1. Re:enrollment
First of all just let me point out the skill involved in the creation of that awesome pun.
Anyway, my question is: if I re-enroll in my course now, but later decide to change to a different course do I have to pay any sort of cancellation fee/dues in general for this to occur or is it a relatively simple process?
Secondly: obviously, if I decide to move to a Bachelor of Science which is where things might be headed at the moment, I don't want to forfeit my place in my current course until I know I am accepted. Because of applying through VTAC that basically means I have to re-enroll and then apply to Science and wait until January. But what happens when I'm already enrolled at the University of Melbourne and I try to apply to the University of Melbourne? That is, if I am already enrolled at the University will they even consider my VTAC application and will it hinder my chances of transferring?
Course load/breath debacles
So, because I have already completed two Science subjects (MBB1 and MBB2) this year, along with four subjects which can be counted as breadth in a Science degree (Australian Politics, Literature and Performance, US History and Culture, Media and Everyday Life) I should technically only be undertaking two subjects per semester next year if I move.
1. Changes to the breadth requirements confuse me - someone explain how many breadths this means I have to do! I know there are some rules about how many of your breadths are allowed to be first year subjects but I don't really understand them - how many is it?
2. Because I'll only be taking two subjects per semester, does this mean I am classified as a part time student at least for first year? Or am I a full time student because, despite not taking four subjects per semester, I will have completed 100 credit points (more than this) at the end of my first year?
3. How do I go about claiming credit for breadths and the psychology subjects - do I wait until accepted or talk to somebody about this before I apply or does it have to be discussed in my application (although, VTAC wouldn't really allow that?)
4. If I apply to exchange at the end of 2011 I will only have two subjects per semester and therefore, a non-appropriate weighted average. I can imagine they would take the Psychology subjects and add them on to my average for each of those once I gain credit. Is this correct? However, do I get to choose which breadth subjects count when? So, for instance, if I got a 90 in one subject and I want to make that count as my first semester 2011 breadth and then an 87 in another and then an 86 in another still, am I allowed to choose when those count so that my exchange application is more likely to be accepted/I am more likely to get funding/everything? Ie, have my breadth for 2011 semester 1 the 90 subject and in semester 2 the 87 subject and leave out the 86 subject from my weighted average until Sem 1 2012.
Or would they consider every subject ever taken in that equation, so it wouldn't really matter when the breadths are counting, they will all count because I have already done them - I can imagine I would be able to use at least three of my four as breadth credits?
The last question is potentially really confusing so if nobody gets it, let me know and I'll rephrase.
The fun of funding!
If I pay for one semester next year, considering I already paid for one this year (upfront) does this mean I get an extra year on my 'seven maximum' years of CSP placement. Or, because I have been in a CSP place, this does not occur? The whole seven year thing just confuses me - because I would be going back to first year I technically lose a year of CSP eligibility?
Might sound like a stupid question, but I thought I would ask!
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With fees, you should double-check, but paying upfront wouldn't extend the time in which you're eligible for a CSP. The point is that your courses have been subsidised, not that you can defer paying them, unfortunately. On the plus side, if you do have to move to full fee, FEEHELP also defers the fees like CSP does, it's just that you end up paying more in the long run.
Can't you transfer from one degree to another at Melbourne Uni and not worry about VTAC? It doesn't make much sense to me that you wouldn't be able to do an internal transfer.
I don't know anything about the new breadth requirements but you would probably be able to do more than two subjects per semester if you transferred, you would just require permission to make pre-requisites become co-requisites, which can be surprisingly easy, depending on who is running the courses. But yes, if you take only two subjects a semester you become a part-time student, regardless of how many units you have already completed. This is unless you take summer courses, in which case, as long as you've taken the equivalent of 6 courses over the year, you can be considered full-time.
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Not to Science and Biomed beginning 2011 (I think? or maybe since 2010). It's only because I have completed a full year, too - if I hadn't, I wouldn't have to apply through VTAC.
It really makes no sense to me either.
Okay - being part time to begin with doesn't bother me as long as I'm allowed to be considered full time by second year. You need to take a full time load to go overseas.
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Can't you transfer from one degree to another at Melbourne Uni and not worry about VTAC? It doesn't make much sense to me that you wouldn't be able to do an internal transfer.
Unfortunately not for end of year transfers. Only mid year transfers involved just the uni. For end of year transfers you're competing with all the year 12s and all the non year 12s for a place and it's all facilitated by VTAC.
Now with mavisgibbons second-last post:
1. Re-enrolling: Regardless of whether or not you think you will stay or go, re-enrol. That way, you have secured your place in your current course just in case your transfer fails. I am unaware of any fees associated with leaving your course but it should be a relatively simple process (for science, engineering and biomed students I know it is) because your Student Centre should give you a form and you complete it and something along the lines of that.
2. Breadth: Basically as a minimum, you can do 4 breadth subjects (2 level 100 and 2 level 200 subjects). You can still do the standard 6 (2 level 100, 2 level 200 and 2 level 300) if you want. As part of the B.Sci, the maximum amount of level 100 breadth subjects you can do is 3. So you can only claim credit for 3 out of the 4 subjects you have done in your current degree.
3. Credit: This is also known as "advanced standing". When you have a successful transfer, I would strongly go to the Eastern Precinct Student Centre (EPSC) and make an appointment to see a student advisor who can advise you on advanced standing and where to go from here. With regards to course planning, these student advisors are the experts. Also, it's also best to attend the advanced standing information session during Academic Advice Day - I'm sure that session will have a plethora of information.
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Thanks so much for your help!
Should I try going to the EPSC earlier than that to run all this past them and get a clearer picture? I could go during this week but I don't know how busy they are during SWOTVAC? I emailed them the other day about something to do with this and they were quite helpful.
Which is a lot more than I can say for the Arts and Music Student Centre.
I have emailed them three times in the past 2.5 weeks and I have not heard a thing back.
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Thanks so much for your help!
Should I try going to the EPSC earlier than that to run all this past them and get a clearer picture? I could go during this week but I don't know how busy they are during SWOTVAC? I emailed them the other day about something to do with this and they were quite helpful.
Which is a lot more than I can say for the Arts and Music Student Centre.
I have emailed them three times in the past 2.5 weeks and I have not heard a thing back.
Yeah, the EPSC are really reliable and good with responding to emails. I guess you could you go the EPSC and check up on them but since you're not a science/engineering or biomed student, I'm not sure if they'll let you make an appointment with a student advisor. Even still, I would definitely go in and check it out.
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Thanks so much for your help!
Should I try going to the EPSC earlier than that to run all this past them and get a clearer picture? I could go during this week but I don't know how busy they are during SWOTVAC? I emailed them the other day about something to do with this and they were quite helpful.
Which is a lot more than I can say for the Arts and Music Student Centre.
I have emailed them three times in the past 2.5 weeks and I have not heard a thing back.
Yeah, the EPSC are really reliable and good with responding to emails. I guess you could you go the EPSC and check up on them but since you're not a science/engineering or biomed student, I'm not sure if they'll let you make an appointment with a student advisor. Even still, I would definitely go in and check it out.
The woman who replied to my last email said someone would still talk to me if I came in so I might give it ago.
Thanks for answering stuff for me :)
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Yeah, the EPSC are really reliable and good with responding to emails.
Hmph, not for everyone.
Contacted them Monday, received a reply email on friday...stating that my email had been forwarded to a supervisor who would contact me eventually.
I managed to sort my issue out myself by talking to my head of department but still...
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Part 6000 in the saga: Mavisgibbons sends a verging-on-d-&-m email to core subject tutor.
Thirty seconds after pressing the button, regrets it.
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The last time I tried to send an email to a university staff member it was to ask about getting a pre-requisite waiver for a second year subject.
I received an email back a week later with a prerequisite waiver for masters.
Err...thanks?
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I love sending emails to staff.
"Hey I hated this subject, just wanted to ask you if you think I should continue with the course".
Oh yeah you have to mark my 6500 word folio in a week, hope you won't be thinking about how much I hated your teaching then.
FAIL.
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BEE TEE DUBS what is the chance of my transfer failing considering my course is like, 95 ENTER and Science is what? 89? and I have a straight H1 average, weighted at 86%?
And I have done all VCE Re-reqs.
In fact, while we're on that...
For things like Chemistry, with 'Year 12 Chemistry' required, because I am NY12 DOES MY YEAR 12 CHEM STOP COUNTING?
In fact, while we're on THAT...
Do the majority of non physics/chem/maths related majors with pre-requisites pretty much just require Biol and Chem first year?
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BEE TEE DUBS what is the chance of my transfer failing considering my course is like, 95 ENTER and Science is what? 89? and I have a straight H1 average, weighted at 86%?
And I have done all VCE Re-reqs.
In fact, while we're on that...
For things like Chemistry, with 'Year 12 Chemistry' required, because I am NY12 DOES MY YEAR 12 CHEM STOP COUNTING?
In fact, while we're on THAT...
Do the majority of non physics/chem/maths related majors with pre-requisites pretty much just require Biol and Chem first year?
The chance of your transfer failing is probably very low given that. :)
As for year 12 pre-reqs, it's usually just a quick way to tick off that you've got enough knowledge to get stuck into the subjects, so just showing them you've done year 12 chem at some point will be fine. I've got out of year 12 pre-reqs before, anyway; they're not strict. :P
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And I can't think of any courses that have bio as a must have. Plenty with chem though, so you only need one.
But yeah, your transfer will go through fine with that average
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Are you allowed to double major in a BSc?
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Are you allowed to double major in a BSc?
Nope.
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Yeah, the EPSC are really reliable and good with responding to emails.
Hmph, not for everyone.
Contacted them Monday, received a reply email on friday...stating that my email had been forwarded to a supervisor who would contact me eventually.
I managed to sort my issue out myself by talking to my head of department but still...
Hmm, maybe I should rephrase myself and say for "general enquiries" so that the first person reading the email can respond to without forwarding your enquiry to someone else. Subject waivers will obviously take a little longer since they are assessed on a personal basis.
Are you allowed to double major in a BSc?
Nope.
Yep. With the core and breadth program, the degree is already jam packed as it is for some people.
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Are you allowed to double major in a BSc?
Nope.
Double major in computer science and mathematics and statistics (http://www.unimelb.edu.au/HB/areas/SCOMSCI.html and http://www.unimelb.edu.au/HB/areas/SMATH.html)
Completion of the following subjects will lead to a major in computer science and a separate major in mathematics and statistics with a specialisation in discrete mathematics. Both Departments have endorsed the following recommend subject sequence.
First year
433-171 Introduction to Programming (or advanced version 433-151)
433-172 Algorithmic Problem Solving (or advanced version 433-152)
620-141 Mathematics A (or advanced version 620-121)
620-142 Mathematics B (or advanced version 620-122)
620-143 Applied Mathematics (or advanced version 620-123)
620-131 Scientific Programming and Simulation
Plus two additional subjects
Second year
433-252 Software Engineering Principles and Tools
433-253 Algorithms and Data Structures
433-254 Software Design
433-255 Logic and Computation
620-201 Probability
620-222 Linear and Abstract Algebra
620-261 Introduction to Operations Research
620-262 Decision Making
Third year
433-303 Artificial Intelligence
433-330 Theory of Computation
433-352 Data on the Web
620-352 Graph Theory
620-353 Discrete Mathematics
620-381 Computational Mathematics
Plus one other 300-level Mathematics and Statistics subject and one other 300-level Computer Science subject. Suggestions include 620-361, 620-351, 620-362, 620-374, 433-380, 433-361.
Maybe it's an exception?
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Hmm, maybe I should rephrase myself and say for "general enquiries" so that the first person reading the email can respond to without forwarding your enquiry to someone else. Subject waivers will obviously take a little longer since they are assessed on a personal basis.
I just wanted to know about the problems with the IT system :'(
Maybe it's an exception?
No, you're looking at a site from before the melbourne model was implemented. Check the 2011 handbook - if that doesn't say you can do it, then you can't do it.
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I was gonna say...
SO MANY SUBJECTS.
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No, you're looking at a site from before the melbourne model was implemented. Check the 2011 handbook - if that doesn't say you can do it, then you can't do it.
Nooooooooooooooooooooooooooo :(
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Are you allowed to double major in a BSc?
You can't technically register two majors, but it is possible for some people to complete all of the required subjects for two majors.
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BEE TEE DUBS what is the chance of my transfer failing considering my course is like, 95 ENTER and Science is what? 89? and I have a straight H1 average, weighted at 86%?
And I have done all VCE Re-reqs.
In fact, while we're on that...
For things like Chemistry, with 'Year 12 Chemistry' required, because I am NY12 DOES MY YEAR 12 CHEM STOP COUNTING?
In fact, while we're on THAT...
Do the majority of non physics/chem/maths related majors with pre-requisites pretty much just require Biol and Chem first year?
Physio and anatomy majors need 2 semesters of Biol. If you are after health science majors or want to complete the MD pre-reqs, you need 2xBiol and 2xChem
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BEE TEE DUBS what is the chance of my transfer failing considering my course is like, 95 ENTER and Science is what? 89? and I have a straight H1 average, weighted at 86%?
And I have done all VCE Re-reqs.
In fact, while we're on that...
For things like Chemistry, with 'Year 12 Chemistry' required, because I am NY12 DOES MY YEAR 12 CHEM STOP COUNTING?
In fact, while we're on THAT...
Do the majority of non physics/chem/maths related majors with pre-requisites pretty much just require Biol and Chem first year?
Physio and anatomy majors need 2 semesters of Biol. If you are after health science majors or want to complete the MD pre-reqs, you need 2xBiol and 2xChem
Why thank you! I was probably just going to do Biolx2 Chemx2 anyway, so this suits me.
Avoid Calculus/Physics yay.
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Okay so, lawl, apps in tomorrow.
Still doing a biomed v. sci toss up for first pref.
While sci is generally more open I can do the whole psych path from Arts course, and can't do the biomed path so easily...
ANY LAST MINUTE HELP
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Okay so, lawl, apps in tomorrow.
Still doing a biomed v. sci toss up for first pref.
While sci is generally more open I can do the whole psych path from Arts course, and can't do the biomed path so easily...
ANY LAST MINUTE HELP
This is probably useless but remember that in biomed is tailored towards humans. subjects such as chem and bio will be more human orientated than they in regular science, where I am told you study things such as plants in biology. also the physics isn't as heavily related to radiotherapy and medicinal treatment. however I have been told physics for biomed exams are hard and the course is taught at a frenetic pace.
everyone says that if you are unsure of what you want to do in future then science is better, but if you are set on some form of medicine, dent, physio etc, then biomed is the way to go.
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ATTN: I am going to Melbourne to get an academic transcript and give it to VTAC, does this qualify as 'entire academic record including GPA'? We don't get a GPA. I AM APPLYING TO THE SAME INSTITUTION this is so stupid it pisses me off.
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What do you mean we don't get a GPA?
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As in a proper one on a scale of 1-7ish. Is ours just like, average at the bottom of a transcript.
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this is in reference to half of page one since i cant really be bothered reading the other 5 pages...
become julian assanges lover and go into the business of wikileaks and be hated by every government :) but freedom of speech is also good too and and and and people will love you and donate money to you if you get locked up as well! the prospects
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Okay guys I applied.
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Hooray. For biomed or science?
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Biomed = 1, Sci = 2 but I might change it. I have till Monday, right?
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So I didn't change my preferences in the end, which I'm pleased with but I have a question for future reference as a just-in-case backup plan.
When my friend, last year, was tossing up between Arts at Latrobe and Arts at Melbourne, she put Latrobe first, but soon after decided she would rather Melbourne. Unfortunately, pref. change was closed.
So she had to do some crazy process to try and get an offer for her second preference despite being offered her first.
And she ended up getting said offer?
But I don't know what this process is, anyone care to help me out?
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You'll get your first preference, relax
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No I mean if I decide my first preference is actually my second preference! Haha. But it's okay, irregular offer, I remember now.
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I drew a diagram in the hopes it would help you answer a question for me, oh lovely people.
Okay so this is a complete theoretical back-up-plan-what-if.
If I decided I did in fact want to do clin neuropsych after I had already transferred to biomed, WOULD I HAVE TO BE TRAPPED?
That is, is this pathway possible, if worst came to worst and I thought I had made a mistake transferring in the first place?
(http://img521.imageshack.us/img521/9043/theoretical.jpg)
From first year BA, to first year BBmed, to SECOND year BSci.
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So confused, lol. Worst comes to worst, wouldn't you just take an extra year and not worry about all that stuff?
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ANOTHER EXTRA YEAR? Arghghghghghghh money/7 year cap/general anger at lack of direction.
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Pretty sure the 7 year cap doesn't apply to most postgrad courses. Ask the uni about it.
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Haven't been through the whole thread so I'm not sure whether you've finalised your decisions yet, but if you're after money, have you considered going into the residential industry? You could work as a display home sales consultant and earn around $150,000 to $200,000 and you only need to complete the relevant TAFE course (which lasts around only a year).
So if you're still stuck, have a go at this! ;) Finish the course in a year, find some work at a building firm and who knows, you might like it (and earn big money!).
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I do love houses.
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SOLD.
It would be pretty tempting.. it's only a desk job!
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Move to uPenn now. Be a faculty-whore there instead of at UoM. Acquire a broad network. Use network to make money and learn at the same time.
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Haven't been through the whole thread so I'm not sure whether you've finalised your decisions yet, but if you're after money, have you considered going into the residential industry? You could work as a display home sales consultant and earn around $150,000 to $200,000 and you only need to complete the relevant TAFE course (which lasts around only a year).
So if you're still stuck, have a go at this! ;) Finish the course in a year, find some work at a building firm and who knows, you might like it (and earn big money!).
Yeah, it's a good way for some people to make a living but Real Estate definitely isn't for 95% of people. You need to have a serious zing for appearing attractive and trustworthy to people, have a consistently positive attitude in front of people and yeah. But then again, I have no idea what Mavis is like in real like, maybe you are this person!
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Move to uPenn now. Be a faculty-whore there instead of at UoM. Acquire a broad network. Use network to make money and learn at the same time.
Move to Harvard now. Be a shut in geek with a penchant for pranks and create a "FaceMash" website. Crash the university servers and steal another student's idea. Become a billionaire.
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Move to uPenn now. Be a faculty-whore there instead of at UoM. Acquire a broad network. Use network to make money and learn at the same time.
Move to Harvard now. Be a shut in geek with a penchant for pranks and create a "FaceMash" website. Crash the university servers and steal another student's idea. Become a billionaire.
I should do it, everyone knows that old Facewhatsit site is getting old and tired.