Ask The University of Melbourne

[simpak]

Hi, would you be able to clarify how transfers work within UoM?

If I say, got into BSci and wanted to transfer to BCom, I complete a year in BSci correct? Then depending on my grades I'll be able to transfer to BCom where I'll enter (confused about this) my first or second year in BCom? I'm not too sure how it all works, so if you would be able to clarify it that'd be great

Thanks!

First of all, there's no true transfer 'within' UoM. You complete a year of Science if you don't want your ATAR to be considered during the transfer, and would prefer university grades to be considered. You then reapply DIRECTLY TO VTAC, not to the university directly, even though you want to transfer to the same institution. This does not occur at all universities; it might be different for some of your friends.  If your transfer is successful, you would enter first year commerce, but you would be capable of crediting some subjects from Science. If you complete first year Commerce subjects as breadth in your Science degree (first year following VCE), you can cross-credit them once you've transferred, as first year Commerce points. Then, you can use some of the first year subjects you completed during your Science year (up to three if you plan on doing minimal breadth [4 total]) as breadth in Commerce. So you can essentially credit around 5 subjects you completed during Science (2 Commerce core, 3 Science breadth) following the transfer to Commerce.  But you will still have to complete other first year Commerce subjects to progress to most second year Commerce subjects and will therefore be considered a 'first year student' following your transfer. If you followed the plan above, you would need to complete at least 3 more first year Commerce subjects, more likely 4 to be on par with the majority of the cohort. It's likely your course structure will be slightly skewed if you choose to cross-credit following a transfer - that means there will be some 'overlap' rather than completing only Level 1 subjects in first year, Level 2 in second year etc. But that's not at all uncommon at university - plenty of students take subjects of a Level that does not match their current 'year'. However, there are rules about how many subjects you need to complete at the previous Level before you can enrol in a subject at the Level above. To look at how your course structure could best be planned out so you can finish the second degree in a comfortable amount of time and still major in your preferred specialty, try visiting or speaking with the Commerce student centre course planners about your specific situation and plans.

[simpak]

And now a question of my own!

If something is printed incorrectly on the academic transcript mailed at the end of my degree (received today), who do I contact about rectifying the matter and having the transcript reprinted/resent with the correct information listed?  Thanks!

[MathsNerd203]

Hi MathsNerd203, we have just received some more information from you in regards to Master of Teaching (Secondary) learning areas.

Students need to complete subjects in their undergraduate degree that meet the requirements of two learning areas. This is because the Master of Teaching (Secondary) doesn’t students about the disciplines (ie. students are expected to enter the course with some background knowledge).

The available learning areas and requirements can be viewed online.

- Bronwyn

So does  the Diploma in Mathematical Sciences count as a Major, Sub Major or a Part? The brochure says that to be qualified to teach the subject, you need to have completed the subject over two years, and I think the Diploma in Mathematical Sciences is only completed over one year.

[notveryasian]

So does  the Diploma in Mathematical Sciences count as a Major, Sub Major or a Part? The brochure says that to be qualified to teach the subject, you need to have completed the subject over two years, and I think the Diploma in Mathematical Sciences is only completed over one year.

The subjects within the Diploma count towards a "major study" for the M.Teach, as the diploma contains at least 8 subjects, which is 2 more than required for a "major study", which only requires 6.

[cooldude123]

Hi UoM, which libraries are open to non-UoM students to study? (It'd be nice to have something other than the State Library which often closes early)

[Stevensmay]

Hi UoM, which libraries are open to non-UoM students to study? (It'd be nice to have something other than the State Library which often closes early)

Baillieu, ERC and Giblin Eunson I know are all open for public access, not so sure about the smaller faculty libraries.
The exception to this is during SWOTVAC/exam period, as they get quite full around these times so places are normally only allowed for students.

[notveryasian]

Baillieu, ERC and Giblin Eunson I know are all open for public access, not so sure about the smaller faculty libraries.
The exception to this is during SWOTVAC/exam period, as they get quite full around these times so places are normally only allowed for students.

Also during the university semester, after regular hours you have to be a university student to have access to the libraries as they require a uni student card.

[Sam3344]

Hi UoM, Is there ANY chance at all that I might be offered a Biomed place - even second round - with an ATAR below 95 (Access cut-off) as an Access applicant with Financial disadvantage, PLUS additional categories (medical, and difficult circumstances)? My ATAR is 91.5, (two over 40 results, plus over 30 in the Biomed prerequisites of Chem and Maths, but disappointing result in Chinese). I have BioMed as 1st pref, with Science as 2nd. I know I can do Med from B.Sc, but have my heart set on Biomed course. Is it possible?

[jp96]

Hey, I'm confused regarding the "levels" of the BSci subjects (and any other courses I guess). Must a level 1 subject be completed in the first year of study? What if, say, I don't enroll in any physics subjects in my first year, but decide to pursue physics in my second year? I assume that would mean I'd be doing as level 1 subject in my second year - is this normal / possible? Do the semesters play a role or is it just the years?

[Stevensmay]

Hey, I'm confused regarding the "levels" of the BSci subjects (and any other courses I guess). Must a level 1 subject be completed in the first year of study? What if, say, I don't enroll in any physics subjects in my first year, but decide to pursue physics in my second year? I assume that would mean I'd be doing as level 1 subject in my second year - is this normal / possible? Do the semesters play a role or is it just the years?

Generally a level 1 subject is your first year, level 2 second year and so on. Level 4-9 subjects are honors/masters/postgrad.
Depending on what subjects you would like to take in your second year, some of them may require you to do Physics first. In this case you will either have to do Physics first year or extend the length of your degree.

You certainly can do Physics in second year though, just depends on what other subjects you would like to take. There are restrictions on how many points of each level you can take, which can be found at https://handbook.unimelb.edu.au/view/2015/755BB#structureId

[unimelb]

Hi all, my name is Simone and I will be answering your enquiries from the Office of Admissions.

Hi there.
Pretty sure there is a Science student society at UOM, but I can't seem to access the webpage since the site is down. Where can I find more information about it?
Thanks

Hi mikehepro,
Information about the SSS can be found at their UMSU page http://union.unimelb.edu.au/clubs/science-students-society/, or via their facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/MelbUniSSS.

Could you please clarify what is the difference between the WAM (weighted average mean) which the uni now calculates for students and the GPA (grade point average).
Thanks

Hi M-D,
Your GPA is simply your grades for your subjects divided by the number of subjects you have completed (assuming a subject is worth 12.5 points). For instance, if you complete four 12.5 point subjects and receive the following grades: 76, 81, 78, 90, your GPA is the sum of those divided by 4 (i.e. 81.25).

Your WAM on the other hand is a weighted GPA, where third year subjects are weighted more than second year subjects, which in turn are weighted more than first year subjects.

Another way to explain it is through this equation: First year average X (1/6) + Second year average X (2/6) + Third year average X (3/6) = WAM.

Can you do a double major within the bachelor of music (e.g. major in performance and composition)?

Hi YellowTongue,
The VCA student centre have advised that while double majors are not available, the majors offered are flexible enough that you can undertake subjects from all other areas of the Bachelor of Music. For instance, you can undertake a major in performance, but also take subjects from composition, provided you have met the pre-requisites.

Hi, would you be able to clarify how transfers work within UoM?
If I say, got into BSci and wanted to transfer to BCom, I complete a year in BSci correct? Then depending on my grades I'll be able to transfer to BCom where I'll enter (confused about this) my first or second year in BCom? I'm not too sure how it all works, so if you would be able to clarify it that'd be great
Thanks!

Hi myanacondadont,
In order to be able to transfer mid-year, your ATAR and your tertiary GPA must be considered. Due to the limited places and high numbers of application, your ATAR generally must be greater than 95 to be considered, and your tertiary grade point average must also be considered.

If you look to transfer after one year, your tertiary grade point will be the primary determinant of your application rather than your ATAR.

With respect to where you start in the BCom, it depends on the subjects you undertake through the Bachelor of Science, and whether they count towards first year Commerce subjects. If they do not, you may be able to credit towards your Commerce breadth component, which is a maximum of six subjects. In this case you will still commence first year Commerce subjects, however the total remaining duration of your course will be shortened by six subjects. It really depends on the subjects that you undertake through your Bachelor of Science.

And now a question of my own!

If something is printed incorrectly on the academic transcript mailed at the end of my degree (received today), who do I contact about rectifying the matter and having the transcript reprinted/resent with the correct information listed?  Thanks!

Hi simpak,
You can contact Student Administration by either visiting them on the ground floor of the Baldwin Spencer building, or calling the University on 13 MELB (13 6352).

So does the Diploma in Mathematical Sciences count as a Major, Sub Major or a Part? The brochure says that to be qualified to teach the subject, you need to have completed the subject over two years, and I think the Diploma in Mathematical Sciences is only completed over one year.

Hi MathsNerd203,
The Education faculty have suggested contacting a course adviser, Susan, who will be able to further assist you with her enquiry. She can be contacted on [email protected].

Also during the university semester, after regular hours you have to be a university student to have access to the libraries as they require a uni student card.

Hi notveryasian,
This is correct. After regular hours, the main libraries operate as a study hall that require student card access. For further information please visit http://library.unimelb.edu.au/hours/library_opening_hours.

Hi UoM, Is there ANY chance at all that I might be offered a Biomed place - even second round - with an ATAR below 95 (Access cut-off) as an Access applicant with Financial disadvantage, PLUS additional categories (medical, and difficult circumstances)? My ATAR is 91.5, (two over 40 results, plus over 30 in the Biomed prerequisites of Chem and Maths, but disappointing result in Chinese). I have BioMed as 1st pref, with Science as 2nd. I know I can do Med from B.Sc, but have my heart set on Biomed course. Is it possible?

Dear Sam3344,
Unfortunately students who have already been considered for round one will not be re-considered for round 2. Second round offers are reserved for students who did not have their results available in time for round 1, and negotiated offers.
As your ATAR does not meet the required score of 95 to ensure guaranteed entry via Biomedicine, it depends on the severity of your circumstances as to whether the benefit afforded to you via the Access scheme will be enough to lift your ATAR to the required clearly-in score for the Bachelor of Biomedicine (not the guaranteed 95.00 ATAR). For further information I would recommend speaking to the Office of Admissions on 13 MELB (13 6352).

Hey, I'm confused regarding the "levels" of the BSci subjects (and any other courses I guess). Must a level 1 subject be completed in the first year of study? What if, say, I don't enroll in any physics subjects in my first year, but decide to pursue physics in my second year? I assume that would mean I'd be doing as level 1 subject in my second year - is this normal / possible? Do the semesters play a role or is it just the years?

Hi jp96,

It is exactly as stevensmay explained. Generally level 1 subjects are completed in first year, as they provide the pre-requisites to complete second year subjects, however most degrees have some space for electives so you can complete first year subjects later on. It simply depends on the subjects you would like to undertake.

[TheDragonBorn]

Hi M-D,
Your GPA is simply your grades for your subjects divided by the number of subjects you have completed (assuming a subject is worth 12.5 points). For instance, if you complete four 12.5 point subjects and receive the following grades: 76, 81, 78, 90, your GPA is the sum of those divided by 4 (i.e. 81.25).

Your WAM on the other hand is a weighted GPA, where third year subjects are weighted more than second year subjects, which in turn are weighted more than first year subjects.

Another way to explain it is through this equation: First year average X (1/6) + Second year average X (2/6) + Third year average X (3/6) = WAM.

So will the entrance into the Engineering masters program in 2016  be dependent on getting 65% WAM or just 65% average mark?

[Teba]

hey univisity of melbourne,
I was just wondering would special consideration include not being in the country for long . im in year 11 and i have been 3 years in australia i wanna do bio medicine
PS im a kwonger

[Stevensmay]

hey univisity of melbourne,
I was just wondering would special consideration include not being in the country for long . im in year 11 and i have been 3 years in australia i wanna do bio medicine
PS im a kwonger

Have a look here , which details what SEAS categories are available. There's a possibility you fall under category 1.
These then intertwine with Unimelb as so.

I remember reading somewhere that being a KLD scholar does have some advantage, unfortunately I cannot remember where so I'll let Unimelb handle that one! For pre-reading you can check this out.

[Mieow]

hey univisity of melbourne,
I was just wondering would special consideration include not being in the country for long . im in year 11 and i have been 3 years in australia i wanna do bio medicine
PS im a kwonger

I'm pretty sure as a Kwonger you have Guaranteed Entry if you get a 95 ATAR, but I think there were some other conditions for biomedicine