Questions about transferring to Science at UoM

[Nintendo6T4]

(Please move this if I'm posting in the wrong thread!)

Sorry to bring here yet another dozen questions, but I just can't get my head around external transfers.

I've changed my mind yet again and am planning on doing a transfer to UoM. If I want to do a Biochemistry and Molecular Biology major there, which of the following eight units are required? If I'm missing any prerequisites for second-year units in Melbourne Science, please tell me.

(By the way, I'm currently enrolled as a BSc/BCompSc student.)

Semester 1:
BIO1011 - Biology I
FIT1029 - Algorithmic problem solving This unit seems intimidating in terms of content; not sure if I want to do it...
MTH1020 - Analysis of change
CHM1011 - Chemistry I

Semester 2 (if I'm unable to transfer to Melbourne in July then I'll simply change to Monash's single Science—hence the Psych unit):
BIO1022 - Biology II
PSY1022 - Psychology 1B
MTH1030 - Techniques for modelling
CHM1022 - Chemistry II

Unfortunately, a mid-year transfer seems unlikely as my ATAR was a fair bit below this year's Clearly-In. Also, I hear that a Pi form is required for non–Year 12 entrance into any university, including UoM. Do you have any advice as to how I can turn in a good form? And finally, what documents do I need to provide when applying for a transfer?

EDIT: Would CHM1031 (Chemistry in context I) be a better option for someone new to Chemistry? I didn't do VCE Chemistry.

[domislong]

I can't really give you any advice on transferring to UoM and prerequisites, that's just something you'll have to look into. There's plenty of info online. If you're still confused, talk to someone at the science office.

In terms of your Monash units, I would suggest completing first year sequences before you commit to a major. You seem a bit undecided on what your interests are. There's nothing wrong with that, just don't dive straight in without getting your feet wet first.

As for first year chemistry, year 12 chem is not a prerequisite but it is required knowledge. I'd definitely suggest CHM1031 as you have no prior experience. You can transition into the main stream in semester two (CHM1022) if you do well.

So my advice is to keep the maths and biology sequences, and chemistry too if you're interested. FIT1029 isn't an especially difficult unit, the amount of content is actually quite bare. The university introduced it to help first years learn how to approach problems and create solutions, instead of just rote-learning answers to classic problems. It's a good introductory unit especially if you're doing any programming, but by no means necessary unless you're completing a CS minor or major.

If you're still undecided on where to place the extra 12 credits, I'd recommend another first year sequence just to expand your horizons. If you find yourself interested in pursuing a minor or major in one of these subjects then you'll need those first year units under your belt.

[DisaFear]

Some info here on the UoM site

[killer_bot]

Unfortunately, a mid-year transfer seems unlikely as my ATAR was a fair bit below this year's Clearly-In. Also, I hear that a Pi form is required for non–Year 12 entrance into any university, including UoM. Do you have any advice as to how I can turn in a good form? And finally, what documents do I need to provide when applying for a transfer?

I heard that UoM still looks at your ATAR score when transferring at the end of the year.

EDIT: Would CHM1031 (Chemistry in context I) be a better option for someone new to Chemistry? I didn't do VCE Chemistry.

As for first year chemistry, year 12 chem is not a prerequisite but it is required knowledge. I'd definitely suggest CHM1031 as you have no prior experience. You can transition into the main stream in semester two (CHM1022) if you do well.

Also, what do you mean year 12 chem is not a prerequisite for first year chemistry? The OP is interested in transferring courses from Monash to UoM which has VCE chemistry as a prerequisite. Wouldn't they still look at that even if he applies as a non-school leaver?

[domislong]

Well if you look at the handbook http://monash.edu/pubs/handbooks/units/CHM1011.html you'll see that the unit is taught under the assumption that the student has completed VCE chem, but it is not explicitly stated as a prereq. I believe extension students in year 12 can enrol in CHM1011 and 1022 while studying units 3/4 simultaneously.

My advice was directed more by the fact that OP has never studied chemistry before, so will probably struggle in CHM1011.

UoM has a different progression for students without VCE chem. They study a foundation unit then proceed with the regular chem 1 and 2, requiring a summer unit.
http://www.chemistry.unimelb.edu.au/students/courseplan.html

Monash has shit all summer units, so they just assimilate students into the same stream after the first semester.

This is the progression:

Monash: CHM1031 S1 -> CHM1022 S2
UoM: CHEM1007 S1 -> CHEM1003 S2 -> CHEM1004 Summer

So the choice is, do you start with CHM1031 and face possible problems with unit equivalences between universities, or do you continue with CHM1011 and attempt to achieve good grades for a subject of which the content is aimed at students who have studied VCE chemistry.

Once again, I advise OP to speak with someone at the Science office. Also consider why you want to change universities.

[Nintendo6T4]

Unfortunately, a mid-year transfer seems unlikely as my ATAR was a fair bit below this year's Clearly-In. Also, I hear that a Pi form is required for non–Year 12 entrance into any university, including UoM. Do you have any advice as to how I can turn in a good form? And finally, what documents do I need to provide when applying for a transfer?

I heard that UoM still looks at your ATAR score when transferring at the end of the year.

Ah, ****. There be no escaping chequered pasts. VCE 2.0, here I come...

As for UoM's VCE prequisites, I needn't worry—I did Physics in Year 12, as well as Methods.

Oh, and I've decided to go on with CHM1011; as domislong said, in doing CHM1031 there could be big issues with unit equivalences.

Thanks for taking the time to help. I'll ask the office (both Monash's and UoM's) at the first possible opportunity.