Policy
Types of science sequences
A sequence in a science area of study can be one of four basic types:
- a ‘level-one sequence’ comprises approved combinations of two 6-point science units at level one in that, or a closely related, area of study;
- a ‘minor sequence’ comprises approved combinations of four 6-point science units at levels one, two and three in that, or a closely related, area of study;
- a ‘major sequence’ comprises approved combinations of eight 6-point science units at levels one, two and three in that, or a closely related, area of study;
- a ‘double major sequence’ comprises approved combinations of twelve 6-point science units at levels one, two and three in that, or a closely related, area of study.
In addition, two additional types of sequences can be derived from these basic types of approved:
- a ‘major and minor sequence’ in the same science area of study comprises ten 6-point science units which includes separate approved major and minor sequences in that area of study, but with two six-point level-one science units in common;
- a ‘double major sequence’ in the same science area of study can also comprise twelve 6-point science units which includes two approved major sequences in that area of study, but with a minor sequence in common and no more than two six-point level-one science units overall.
Instances of these last two types of sequences do not need to be approved separately but are based upon existing approved minor and major sequences.
Level-one sequence
A ‘level-one sequence’ in a science area of study comprises any pair of 6-point level-one science units in the same, or a closely-related, area of study. Normally, this combination of units is among those required for the completion of a minor sequence in that area of study.
[The mathematics sequence MTH1030 and MTH2010 is the normal recommended combination of units taken by students who have completed VCE Specialist Mathematics – in that context, MTH2010 is considered to also be a level-one unit.]
Minor sequence
A ‘minor sequence’ in a science area of study comprises 24 points of science units in the same, or a closely-related, area of study with no more than 12 points of those units at level one.
In addition:
- a minor sequence will normally include a 12-point level-one sequence in the same, or a closely related, area of study;
- where no units are offered in the area of study at level one, the minor sequence should normally include one of a limited number of 12-point level-one sequences in relevant areas of fundamental science;
- a specialist minor sequence must include at least one unit in that specialist area at either level two or three, and preferably at least two specialist units (including a sequence core unit);
- in special cases, the Associate Dean (Education) may approve specific combinations of units as a minor sequence, where they total no less than 24 points and are broadly consistent with the requirements for an approved minor sequence.
Further, a student is considered to have completed separate minor sequences where more than two 6-point level-one science unit are in common, and no units at levels two or three are counted towards both minor sequences.
Major sequence
A ‘major sequence’ in a science area of study comprises 48 points of science units in the same, or a closely-related, area of study with no more than 12 points of those units at level one and at least 18 points of those units at level three.
In addition:
- a major sequence will normally include a minor sequence in the same, or a closely related, area of study;
- where no units are offered in the area of study at level two, the major sequence should normally include one of a limited number of relevant minor sequences;
- a specialist major sequence must include at least two units in that specialist area at levels two or three, including at least one at level three, and preferably at least three specialist units (including at least two sequence core units);
- in special cases, the Associate Dean (Education) may approve specific combinations of units as a major sequence, where they total no less than 48 points and are broadly consistent with the requirements for an approved major sequence.
Further, a student is considered to have completed separate major sequences where no more than two 6-point level-one science units are in common, and no units at levels two or three are counted towards both major sequences.
In some cases, the completion of a major sequence may specify additional requirements beyond the 48 points of science units in that area of study, for example the completion of up to two additional specified units, or a co-requisite minor sequence, in a supporting areas of science.
Double major sequence
A ‘double major sequence’ in a science area of study comprises 72 points of science units in the same, or a closely-related, area of study with no more than 12 points of those units at level one and at least 36 points of those units at level three.
In addition:
- a double major sequence will normally include a major sequence in the same, or a closely related, area of study;
- a generic double major sequence will be assumed to exist where it is the natural extension of an approved major sequence that is created by adding appropriate additional elective units in that area at levels two and three;
- a specialist double major sequence must include at least three units in that specialist area at levels two or three, including at least two at level three, and preferably at least four specialist units (including at least three sequence core units);
- in special cases, the Associate Dean (Education) may approve specific combinations of units as a double major sequence, where they total no less than 72 points and are broadly consistent with the requirements for an approved (or implied) double major sequence.
In some cases, the completion of a double major sequence may specify additional requirements beyond the 72 points of science units in that area of study, for example the completion of up to two additional specified units, or a co-requisite minor sequence, in relevant areas of science.
Approval of science sequences
New sequences of any of the types outlined above, and amendments to existing sequences, must be approved by Faculty Board, through the Faculty Education Committee, based upon submission of the approved form. Information to be provided includes (among other things) information on the reason for the new sequence, the objectives of the sequence and the precise sequence requirements. Prior to its submission to the Faculty Education Committee, the proposed new or amended sequence must be approved by the heads (or nominees) of all schools or departments that teach units which are included in the sequence requirements.
Following the approval of an amendment to a sequence by the Faculty Board, and unless otherwise determined, currently-enrolled students will still be able to complete the sequence under the previous requirements over the period for which the component units remain available. |
