This index directs you to relevant Degrees and Areas of Specialisation at UNSW. You can then use this information to search the UNSW Online Handbook for further information.

Anatomy

The study of the structure of the human body.
Degrees: Bachelor of Science, Bachelor of Science (Advanced Science), Bachelor of Medical Science
Area of Specialisation: ANATOMY

Animal Behaviour

See Zoology and Psychology in this index

Applied Mathematics

Mathematics for real world problems.
Degree: Bachelor of Science, Bachelor of Science (Advanced Science)
Area of Specialisation: MATHEMATICS

Astronomy

Investigates the nature and behaviour of planets. stars, galaxies and the Universe itself.
Degrees: Bachelor of Science, Bachelor of Science (Advanced Science)
Area of Specialisation: PHYSICS

Aviation

The theory and practice of flying and its management.
Degree: Bachelor of Aviation
Area of Specialisation: AVIATION

Behavioural Sciences

See Psychology in this index

Biochemistry

Looks at the chemical processes that occur within living systems.
Degrees: Bachelor of Science, Bachelor of Science (Advanced Science), Bachelor of Medical Science
Area of Specialisation: BIOCHEMISTRY & MOLECULAR BIOLOGY

Bioinformatics

An area of study that deals with the mass of data emerging from the Human Genome project - a combination of molecular biology and computing.
Degree: BE (Bioinformatics)
Areas of Specialisation: BIOCHEMISTRY & MOLECULAR BIOLOGY, COMPUTER SCIENCE, GENETICS & MOLECULAR GENETICS

Biological Science

Plants, animals, algae, fungi - their function and behaviour as well as relation to each other and to the environment.
Degrees: Bachelor of Science, Bachelor of Science (Advanced Science), Bachelor of Environmental Science
Area of Specialisation: BIOLOGICAL SCIENCE

Biomechanics

The undestanding of human movement.
Degree: Bachelor of Science
Area of Specialisation: SAFETY SCIENCE

Biomedical Science

See Medical Science in this index

Biotechnology

Encompasses all of the applications of biology, from developing and manufacturing healthier foods, through to design and production of new drugs using genetic engineering.
Degrees: Bachelor of Science, Bachelor of Science (Biotechnology), Bachelor of Science (Advanced Science)
Area of Specialisation: BIOTECHNOLOGY

Botany

Plants! All aspects of the structure and function of both green and non-green plants and the relation of plants to their environments.

See Biological Science in this index

Ceramics

Structure and properties of ceramic materials, their manufacture and design principles and use.

See Materials Science in this index

Chemistry

Involves all types of materials, their preparation and properties, their reactions, and their uses and applications.
Degrees: Bachelor of Science, Bachelor of Science (Advanced Science), Bachelor of Environmental Science
Area of Specialisation: CHEMISTRY

Clinical Psychology

The prevention, diagnosis or treatment of serious personal and family problems. See Psychology in this index

Cloning

Making a copy of an organism (e.g. bacteria or mammals) from one cell. See Molecular Biology and Genetics in this index

Coastal Management

See Environmental Science, Geography and Marine Science in this index

Cognition

Mental processes. See Psychology in this index

Computer Science

Study of methods for the representation, storage, manipulation and retrieval of information within a computing system.

See the School of Computer Science and Engineering.

DNA fingerprinting

Looking for patterns in DNA that identify an individual. See Molecular Biology in this index

Earth Science

See Geography and Geology in this index

Education

Training for secondary science and mathematics education.
Degree: Bachelor of Science/Bachelor of Education

Ecology

How organisms react with each other and the environment. Ecologists study the behaviour of populations of organisms.
Degrees: Bachelor of Science (Advanced Science), Bachelor of Environmental Science
Area of Specialisation: BIOLOGICAL SCIENCE

Engineering Physics

Experimental physics, electronics, computing and instrumentation, optoelectronics and communications, combined with engineering.
Degree: Bachelor of Science (Advanced Science)
Area of Specialisation: PHYSICS

Entomology

A field of zoology which studies animals of the 6 legged variety - insects. See Zoology in this index

Entrepreneurs in Science

A program exclusive to UNSW. Talented science students have the opportunity to study for a Diploma in Innovation Management, gaining the skills to turn scientific inventions into commercial business opportunities.
Degree: Diploma in Innovation Management
Area of Specialisation: Entrepreneurs in Science


Environmental Science

Earth systems and the management of those systems and also related legislation and policy making.
Degree: Bachelor of Environmental Science
Area of Specialisation: ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE

Ergonomics

Designing user-friendly products, work systems and work places for comfort and efficiency. See Safety Science in this index

Ethics

See Philosophy in this index

Financial Mathematics

Mathematical techniques used in the finance industry.
Degree: Bachelor of Science (Advanced Science)
Area of Specialisation: MATHEMATICS

Food Science and Technology

Involves the understanding and application of the basic sciences to the management of foods from the time of production right through to their use by the consumer.
Degrees: Bachelor of Science (Food Science and Technology), Bachelor of Science, Bachelor of Science (Advanced Science)
Area of Specialisation: FOOD SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY

Forensic Science

The application of science in legal contexts. See Psychology, Genetics, Chemistry and Materials Science in this index

Genetics

Study of the way in which biological information is transferred from one generation to the next.
Degrees: Bachelor of Science, Bachelor of Science (Advanced Science), Bachelor of Medical Science
Areas of Specialisation: GENETICS & MOLECULAR GENETICS, BIOLOGICAL SCIENCE

Genetic Engineering

Using molecular biology to alter genetic function, for research or to make useful products. See Molecular Biology and Molecular Genetics in this index

Geochemistry

The study of the chemical characteristics and processes associated with minerals, rocks, ores, soils, water and the atmosphere. See Chemistry and Geology in this index

Geography

Geography is about variation from one place to another, in people, economics, land and the environment.
Degrees: Bachelor of Science, Bachelor of Environmental Science
Area of Specialisation: GEOGRAPHY-HUMAN, GEOGRAPHY-PHYSICAL

Geology

The science of Planet Earth.
Degrees: Bachelor of Science (Applied Geology), Bachelor of Science, Bachelor of Science (Advanced Science), Bachelor of Environmental Science
Area of Specialisation: GEOLOGY

Geosciences

The study of the Earth's physical properties and processes using high technology equipment.
Degree: Bachelor of Science (Advanced Science)
Areas of Specialisation: GEOLOGY, PHYSICS

GIS

Geographical Information Systems, a spatial information tool. See Geography in this index

History and Philosophy of Science

History and philosophy of science is the discipline that deals with the nature, history, social shaping and social impacts of science, technology and medicine.
Degree: Bachelor of Science
Area of Specialisation: HISTORY AND PHILOSOPHY OF SCIENCE

Hydrology

Water and its properties. See Geography and Geology in this index

Immunology

How the body fights and protects itself from disease.
Degrees: Bachelor of Science, Bachelor of Science (Advanced Science), Bachelor of Medical Science
Area of Specialisation: IMMUNOLOGY

Information Systems

Concerns the provision of computer-based services to business.

See the School of Information Systems.

Innovation Management

A diploma program exclusive to talented UNSW Science students. It is studied in combination with an undergraduate science degree program and provides students with the skills and experience to turn scientific inventions into commercial business opportunities.
Degree: Diploma in Innovation Management
Area of Specialisation: Innovation Management


Marine Science

Study of all aspects of the marine environment from ocean currents and seabed properties to dolphin communication.
Degrees: Bachelor of Science, Bachelor of Science (Advanced Science), Bachelor of Environmental Science
Area of Specialisation: MARINE SCIENCE

Materials Chemistry

The fundamental chemistry, synthesis and characterisation of materials and the development of new materials for advanced technologies.
Degree: Bachelor of Science (Advanced Science)
Area of Specialisation: CHEMISTRY, MATERIALS SCIENCE

Materials Science

Explores the chemical, physical and mechanical properties of materials and their applications.
Degrees: Bachelor of Engineering (Ceramics, Materials, Metallurgical), Bachelor of Science, Bachelor of Science (Advanced Science)
Area of Specialisation: MATERIALS SCIENCE

Mathematics

The basic language of the physical and quantitative sciences, providing the vocabulary with which to formulate and analyse problems.
Degree: Bachelor of Science, Bachelor of Science (Advanced Science)
Area of Specialisation: MATHEMATICS

Media and Communications

Practical experience with digital media, production of audio visual and multimedia combined with studies in the sciences.
Degree: Bachelor of Science (Media and Communications)
Areas of Specialisation: MEDIA AND COMMUNICATIONS, SCIENCE COMMUNICATION/MEDIA & COMMUNICATION

Medical Chemistry

Studies involving a combination of synthetic and analytical chemistry with aspects of biochemistry and pharmacology.
Degree: Bachelor of Science (Advanced Science)
Areas of Specialisation: CHEMISTRY, BIOCHEMISTRY, PHARMACOLOGY

Medical Physics

The application of physics to the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of human disease and disability.
Degree: Bachelor of Science (Advanced Science)
Area of Specialisation: PHYSICS

Medical Science

The application of science to the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of human disease and disability. Provides an understanding of the different fields of science behind current medical practice.
Degrees: Bachelor of Medical Science, Bachelor of Science, Bachelor of Science (Advanced Science)
Areas of Specialisation: ANATOMY, BIOCHEMISTRY & MOLECULAR BIOLOGY, GENETICS & MOLECULAR GENETICS, IMMUNOLOGY, MICROBIOLOGY, PATHOLOGY, PHYSIOLOGY & PHARMACOLOGY

Metallurgy

The science and engineering of advanced metals and alloys. See Materials Science in this index

Meteorology

The science of understanding and predicting weather conditions. See Mathematics in this index

Microbiology

The smallest forms of life - bacteria, viruses, archae, fungi and protozoa; how they live and function.
Degrees: Bachelor of Science, Bachelor of Science (Advanced Science), Bachelor of Medical Science
Areas of Specialisation: MICROBIOLOGY, IMMUNOLOGY

Mineralogy

Examines the formation, occurrence, properties and uses of minerals. See Geology in this index

Molecular Biology

Understanding how biological molecules function and interact to determine the properties of living things.
Degrees: Bachelor of Science, Bachelor of Science (Advanced Science), Bachelor of Medical Science
Areas of Specialisation: GENETICS & MOLECULAR GENETICS, BIOCHEMISTRY & MOLECULAR BIOLOGY, BIOTECHNOLOGY, MICROBIOLOGY

Molecular Genetics

Study of how genes work at the molecular level.
Degrees: Bachelor of Science, Bachelor of Science (Advanced Science), Bachelor of Medical Science
Areas of Specialisation: GENETICS & MOLECULAR GENETICS, BIOCHEMISTRY & MOLECULAR BIOLOGY, BIOTECHNOLOGY

Nanotechnology

Development of the next generation of electronic devices, smaller than microchips.
Degree: Bachelor of Science (Nanotechnology)
Areas of Specialisation: PHYSICS, CHEMISTRY, MATERIALS SCIENCE

Neuroscience

The biological and behavioural aspects of the nervous system.
Degree: Bachelor of Science (Advanced Science)
Areas of Specialisation: ANATOMY, PHYSIOLOGY & PHARMACOLOGY, PSYCHOLOGY

Nutrition

The role of nutrients in human growth and function. See Food Science and Technology in this index

Occupational Health

The health and safety of people in the workplace, including cause of disease. See Psychology and Safety Science in this index

Oceanography

A branch of science dealing with the chemical, physical, geological and biological features of the oceans. See Marine Science and Mathematics in this index

Optometry

Health care profession concerned with the art and science of vision and the visual welfare of the community.
Degree: Bachelor of Optometry
Area of Specialisation: OPTOMETRY

Palaeontology

The study of fossils and ancient life. See Geology and Biological Science in this index

Pathology

Study of the nature and progression of disease.
Degrees: Bachelor of Science, Bachelor of Science (Advanced Science), Bachelor of Medical Science
Area of Specialisation: PATHOLOGY

Pharmacology

Examines drugs and their actions on living tissue.
Degrees: Bachelor of Science, Bachelor of Science (Advanced Science), Bachelor of Medical Science
Area of Specialisation: PHARMACOLOGY & PHYSIOLOGY

Philosophy

Philosophy examines reasoning, concepts and forms of arguments across a wide range of disciplines.
Degree: Bachelor of Science
Area of Specialisation: PHILOSOPHY

Physics

Investigation and application of the laws of nature that govern the behaviour of the universe.
Degrees: Bachelor of Science, Bachelor of Science (Advanced Science)
Area of Specialisation: PHYSICS

Physiology

The structure and normal functioning of animals.
Degrees: Bachelor of Science, Bachelor of Science (Advanced Science), Bachelor of Medical Science
Areas of Specialisation: BIOCHEMISTRY & MOLECULAR BIOLOGY, BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES, IMMUNOLOGY, PHYSIOLOGY & PHARMACOLOGY

Psychology

Behaviour and its underlying mental and neural processes.
Degrees: Bachelor of Psychology, Bachelor of Science, Bachelor of Science (Advanced Science)
Area of Specialisation: PSYCHOLOGY

Pure Mathematics

The study of structures underlying and interrelating mathematical knowledge.
Degrees: Bachelor of Science, Bachelor of Science (Advanced Science)
Area of Specialisation: MATHEMATICS

Remote Sensing

Spatial information technology. See Geography in this index

Risk Management

Looking at ways to minimise losses and maximise opportunity. See Safety Science in this index

Safety Science

The application of physical, behavioural and life sciences to the health and safety of people at work and in the community.
Degree: Bachelor of Science
Area of Specialisation: SAFETY SCIENCE

Science Communication

Translating scientific principles and applications into easily understood information for the use and interest of non-scientists (and other scientists!), from labels on products right through to use of the media.
Degrees: Bachelor of Science (Communication), Bachelor of Science (Media & Communication)
Area of Specialisation: SCIENCE COMMUNICATION/MEDIA & COMMUNICATION

Seismology

Earthquakes and the internal structure of the Earth. See Geology in this index

Soil Science

A close up look at soils. See Geography and Geology in this index

Spatial Information Systems

Describing, analysing and monitoring the changes taking place on the Earth's surface.
Degree: Bachelor of Science
Area of Specialisation: GEOGRAPHY-PHYSICAL

Statistics

The science and art of using factual material for inference and modelling.
Degrees: Bachelor of Science, Bachelor of Science (Advanced Science)
Area of Specialisation: MATHEMATICS

Teaching

Training for secondary science and mathematics education.
Degree: Bachelor of Science/Bachelor of Education

Zoology

The science of animals - their structure, behaviour, how they function, evolution of different species and adaptation to their environment.
Degrees: Bachelor of Science, Bachelor of Science (Advanced Science)
Area of Specialisation: BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES