Faculty of Science

Secondary schools

Secondary schools play an integral part in the education and services that we provide to students, particularly in the area of student transition. Coming to university from secondary school can be a complex process for students. In conjunction with schools, we are able to provide services and programs to ease the way for students.

The Faculty of Science is committed to providing school students and staff with opportunities to experience science and the University environment. We offer a wide variety of on-campus events for science teachers and career advisor's. The calendar below provides an overview of Science-specific events/services. Please visit the Future students website for more information about the University's other programs.

Events Calendar

January
Siemens Science Experience - students learn about careers in science, technology and engineering by performing experiments, and taking part in lectures. Contact Janelle Turner (03) 8344 6814 or email jturner @ unimelb.edu.au Pre-Year 10
February
VCE Chemistry Instrument Workshops - students perform spectroscopic and chromatographic analyses of common consumer products. Year 12
March to October
Physics Gymnasium - monthly lectures and activities to stimulate students interested in physics. Year 10 - 12
May
BHP Billiton School Mathematics Competition - this event is open to all secondary school students. It is of a demanding standard, designed to identify real mathematical talent. Year 7 - 12
June
Maths Fair - a day consisting of the MIT Challenge; a problem solving competition; fun and games with maths; and research exhibits. Experience one of Victoria's premier showcases of applied mathematics and careers for mathematics and statistics graduates. Year 11 - 12
July
July Physics Lectures - a series of lectures in fundamental topics in physics. General
July to August
VCE Biology Workshops - VCE students complete biology experiments using University facilities. Students can also participate in a Science at Melbourne course and careers session. Year 12
VCE Chemistry Food Analysis Workshops - students analyse fat and protein content of Scotch Finger biscuits in a two-hour hands-on workshops. Year 12
August
Open Day - tour all of our departments, gather course and career information and participate in our fun activities. General
The Schools Maths Olympics - this competition combines mathematical problem solving ability with physical prowess. The top five teams are invited to compete in the University Maths Olympics held in August. General
November
Physics In - Service - a day of professional development seminars supporting the teaching of VCE Physics. Teachers
Chemistry November Lectures - a day of professional development seminars supporting the teaching of VCE Chemistry. Teachers
December
The University of Melbourne Science Summer School at Trinity College - this program is designed to give students an intellectual and social edge in their final year of secondary school, and introduce them to careers that require a background in science. Year 11
Course Information Day - scheduled after the release of VCE results, this is a timely opportunity for students to speak to Faculty staff and current undergraduates before making their final course decisions. Year 12
On demand
MUPPETS (Melbourne University Physics Promotion Effort to Schools) - a series of fun and entertaining 1-2 hour presentations of physics phenomena. All year levels
Chemistry Outreach - The Victorian Institute for Chemical Sciences (VICS) runs in-school and on-campus activities that engage students in a mixture of new research, important chemical principles and the chemistry of everyday life. In our new 2008 activities, students will test, smell, see and analyse the real and 'virtual' molecules of everyday life in the 'What's in That?' program. We will also take them on a trip through the elements in 'The Periodic Table' program. Details on these, and other VICS Outreach activities are at: All year levels
Master Class
The Masterclass program offers Year 10 students the chance to visit the campus and sample free lectures, workshops and practical classes as a way of experiencing student life. In 2007, these included classes in earth sciences, chemistry, genetics, marine biology and information systems. Year 10

For careers advisors

Graduates from the University of Melbourne who complete a degree in science are keenly sought after by employers in the public and private sectors. A degree in science can lead to a scientific career, a science-related career or a non-scientific career as Faculty of Science graduates are highly prized by employers for their rigorously developed scientific capabilities and broad range of transferable skills.

Choosing to study at the University of Melbourne enables students to take their place at the cutting edge of human knowledge in hundreds of potential science and technology careers.

Schools liaison program

The Faculty of Science has an active 'Schools Liaison Program' both on and off campus. It is important to give sufficient notice and it is not always possible to respond to every request.

For more information please visit the Future students website.

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