with STEM
Study Science at Macquarie
MARINE SCIENTIST
EXPLORE YOUR PASSION FOR DISCOVERY IN AN AREA THAT NEVER STANDS STILL with us
Science constantly evolves, with ideas, technology and medical treatments we take for granted today non-existent just a couple of decades ago. These remarkable advances are thanks to the relentless pursuit of discovery. The solutions to the world’s current and future problems also rest in the hands of tomorrow’s scientists.
When you study science you will develop transferable critical thinking, research and communication skills. You’ll also stand out from the crowd, whether you work in a related industry such as biotech, clinical trials, conservation, data analysis, drone applications and space technology, or if you choose to focus in other areas like finance, business, government or education.
And with a science degree from Macquarie, your experience will be enhanced by our beautiful campus, world-class facilities, inspiring researchers and unique approach to teaching.
So, if you don’t like standing still, or you want to use your career to make an impact, find out how studying science at Macquarie will set you up to become a changemaker.
Be a fromscientist day one
Macquarie University’s Bachelor of Science is hands-on from start to finish, equipping you with in-demand skills you need for present and future careers
Linda Beaumont
Deputy Dean, Education & Employability, Faculty of Science and Engineering
that by doing a degree with us you will develop the skills and knowledge to make a real difference to the world.
Science is a fascinating discipline that ignites our curiosity and enables us to transform the world with knowledge and innovation. A science degree equips you with logical reasoning, critical thinking and problem-solving skills, and prepares you to innovate and thrive in any career you choose.
I came into science in a very roundabout way. I left school when I was 15. It wasn’t until I was in my early twenties backpacking through Southern Africa that I realised I was loving everything that I was seeing and wanted to learn more about biology, conservation and animal behaviour. I went to TAFE, did an associate diploma and then studied a Bachelor of Science (Advanced Biology) at Macquarie University.
Straight away, I realised I absolutely loved learning and the best career for me would be one where learning was my everyday job, so I became an academic.
Whenever I’m on campus at Macquarie University, I think how fortunate I am. It’s a beautiful place with lots of action and a really caring community. What I love most is our belief that everyone has a place in higher education and
It’s an exciting time to be here too. We have a new major in Marine Science we’re very proud of. We have amazing facilities for teaching such as state-of-the-art wet and dry labs, an observatory, a fauna park, and our own nature reserve where students can do field work.
Studying science at Macquarie University means we immerse you in real hands-on scientific studies, and treat you like a scientist from day one. We invest in you to help you develop the skills and knowledge to become the problem solvers and innovators our world needs for a more socially and environmentally sustainable future.
Professor Linda
Beaumont
Deputy Dean, Education & Employability Faculty of Science & Engineering
By doing a degree in science you will develop the skills and knowledge to make a real difference to the world.”
Find your path
Take
1
How would you describe yourself?
A Creative and organised
B Empathetic and determined
C Curious and patient
D Focused and logical
e Resourceful and detail-oriented
f Problem-solver and analytical
2You’re looking for something to watch on TV. Which of these would you press play on?
A The Chemical World
B Life on Our Planet
C The Mind, Explained
D Return to Space
e Human: The World Within
f A Trip to Infinity
4
In the future, you’d like a job that…
A Combines science and developing new tech
B Is all about protecting the environment
C Involves working with and helping people
D Will have you exploring how the universe works
e Lets you work in a range of different areas, from medicine to zoos
f Puts your maths skills to good use
5Friends and family always ask your advice on…
A Everything! You’re really good at coming up with solutions
B Anything animal related
C Their lives
3What school subject do you look forward to all week?
A Chemistry
B Earth & Environmental Science
C Society & Culture
D Physics
E Biology
F Maths
Where would we find you on the weekend?
Conducting experiments or working on STEM kits
Cleaning up your local park or beach
Hanging out with friends and family
Stargazing in your backyard
Spending time outdoors
Solving puzzles or playing maths games
7Choose your dream workplace…
A A pharmaceutical company like Pfizer
B CSIRO, Australia’s national science agency
C The Australian Institute of Criminology
D The Australian Space Agency
e Taronga Zoo Sydney
D What space doco or podcast to listen to next
e Their health
f How to solve equations or their maths homework
f A bank or a tech company
Check
MAJOR EXPLAINER
Macquarie University’s Bachelor of Science has 11 incredible majors to choose from! Get up to speed on your choices here
Astronomy & Astrophysics
In this major you’ll:
• Learn about the large-scale structure of the universe via light, radio, x-ray and gravitational waves.
• Observe extrasolar planets, the life cycle of stars and galaxies.
• Apply astrophysics laws to astronomical phenomena to determine the origin, history and future evolution of the cosmos.
Biology
In this major you’ll:
• Explore our living planet and the complexity of ecosystems, from genes to organisms, plants and animals, and life processes.
• Apply knowledge of biological principles in the lab and field.
• Assess ethical and societal implications of biological and environmental changes that impact life on Earth.
Biotechnology
In this major you’ll:
• Discover how molecules form, interact and influence the structure and function of biological systems.
• Apply this knowledge to solve theoretical puzzles and real-world challenges.
Chemistry
In this major you’ll:
• Explore the periodic elements and develop technical skills that are in-demand.
• Gain the innovative, creative thinking skills needed to contribute to groundbreaking solutions.
Earth & Environmental Sciences
In this major you’ll:
• Study Earth from its core to the living environment and atmosphere.
• Venture through billions of years to understand evolution and the human-environment relationship.
• Develop laboratory and fieldwork skills and discover solutions to secure the safety of our environment.
Human Biology
In this major you’ll:
• Learn about the intricacies of human biology, from cellular functions and organ systems to genetics and health.
• Delve into the complexity of the human body, its evolution, and the interplay of genetics and environment in shaping health and disease outcomes.
Marine Science
In this major you’ll:
• Study marine organisms through to Australia’s iconic marine megafauna to explore the links between biology, ecology and environmental science.
• Find solutions to manage, mitigate and resolve marine environmental issues.
Mathematics
In this major you’ll:
• See how maths underpins all areas of STEM and is the universal language for innovation.
• Engage with challenging and interesting mathematical theory.
• Work on problem-solving projects that include computational tools, modelling and analysis of real-world scenarios.
Physics
In this major you’ll:
• Appreciate how physics underpins all natural sciences and is key to the development of technologies.
• Discover how it contributes to diverse fields through the application of the laws of physics, mathematical models, and computational techniques that seek to answer complex universal questions.
Psychological Science
In this major you’ll:
• Explore human behaviour and mental processes through scientific methods.
• Delve into cognition, emotion, development, and social interactions.
• Gain insights into the workings of the human mind and behaviour.
Statistical Data Science
In this major you’ll:
• Gain in-demand skills in developing and applying methods for collecting, analysing and interpreting data
• Learn how to convert data into meaningful information that supports decision-making in all facets of industry and government.
DEEP SEA STUDY
Don’t hold your breath! Now is the time to dive into a marine science major
The way the current is going, marine science roles are on the up, with our ‘blue economy’ crying out for passionate graduates fluent in regenerating ecosystems, assessing water quality and managing marine environments.
Employers as diverse as fisheries, museums, research departments, labs, unis and marine parks are seeking candidates passionate about aquaculture and conservation.
And the best way to get skilled up? A Bachelor of Science with a major in Marine Science.
And with Macquarie University boasting units like Aquatic Ecosystems, Blue Planet and Marine Megafauna it’s the perfect place to kickstart your pathway.
Internationally recognised as the number one uni for ‘Life Below Water’ Macquarie has a top 100 spot in the QS World University Rankings for Earth and Marine Science. Students benefit from cutting-edge labs and research facilities, industry partnerships and expert teachers.
What to enrol in?
Science)
UAC code 300555
Dr Jessica Boomer (Lecturer in Climate Adaptation in the School of Natural Sciences) says the marine science major is “exciting because it links biology and ecology to environmental science for understanding and managing marine environmental issues”.
“It provides students with invaluable hands-on experience through practicalbased tasks, allowing them to apply theoretical knowledge in real-world settings.”
— Cassie Steel
SKILLS BOOST
macquarie university lecturer
Fishing for a pathway
Luke Walker grew up on the Central Coast of NSW, so when he made the switch from engineering to Marine Science at Macquarie University, it felt like a natural fit.
“The ocean has always been a big part of my life,” he says. “I wanted to follow something I really cared about, contribute to a good cause and spend time outdoors.”
During his undergraduate degree Luke applyied for internships, put his hand up for field trips and even attended a scientific voyage in the Southern Ocean. “These opportunities have been critical to my learning and enjoyment,” Luke says. “If it weren’t for them I wouldn’t have pursued the career that I have in marine research.”
Now in his second year of a PhD in marine ecology, Luke is passionate about conservation and the legislation surrounding fisheries and offshore generation technologies.
✔ Data analytics ✔ Biology ✔ Operational skills ✔ Health & safety luke walker marine ecologist
Marine biologist
Marine scientist
Climate change consultant
Marine science researcher
Environmental conservationist
Marine park scientist
Ecotourism consultant
Going with the flow
It took Steph Bagala a while to settle on a tertiary study pathway, but eight years out of high school she enrolled in a Bachelor of Science at Macquarie University. Voluntary stints at the Uni’s marine labs and the Sydney Institute of Marine Science solidified that a career in marine ecology was her calling.
“I wanted to really gain an idea of what I wanted to focus on,” she says. “Volunteering allowed me a lot of varied opportunities too — I made a lot of connections and built my reputation.”
A few years and a Master of Research later and Steph has firmly cemented her pathway in the marine science world. She’s now in the third year of a PhD at Macquarie where she’s looking at fish usage of oyster reefs to better inform future restoration projects.
“I’ve really enjoyed the combination of theory and hands-on experience I’ve gained at uni,” she says of her epic study stint. “Finding like-minded colleagues and friends has also been one of the best things to have come from my experience.”
space study
Look up and lock in a career helping us understand our universe
Ever wondered how the world works and where we fit in? Astrophysics is all about that! It uses science to understand everything from how planets form to the entire universe itself.
As Macquarie University Astronomy & Astrophysics Discipline Lead Matthew Owers says, astrophysics does two amazing things: it grounds us and inspires us to think big.
Think of the Hubble and James Webb telescopes — these were massive projects that took years and people from all over the world to build. It’s not just about space; these projects bring people together and drive innovation.
“Many of the innovations required for these large-scale projects are transferrable to other areas that are useful in everyday life, but it is the collaborative big thinking that these types of projects involve that I think is most important for current and future society,” Matthew says.
Right now, Australia’s local space sector needs STEM grads!
What to enrol in?
Bachelor of Science and(AstronomyAstrophysics)
UAC code 300555
Space companies are crying out for skilled scientists, with The Australian Space Agency aiming to significantly grow our space sector and create thousands more local jobs over the next decade or so. And it’s not just the space industry seeking grads, there are employers in research, education and precision manufacturing.
Studying astronomy provides a solid foundation in mathematics, data analysis and physics, along with programming, which is relevant to careers in science and beyond. With an Astronomy and Astrophysics major at Macquarie, you’ll learn to solve maths and experimental
EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES Astrophysicist Astronomical research and instrumentation specialist Computing and modelling adviser
Education adviser Industrial researcher Remote specialistsensing Scientific officer
Scientific researcher
problems. You’ll use cutting-edge computational labs and software.
The best part? Discovering something new! Imagine being the first person to find an obscure object in space and then telling everyone about it. Plus, you get to work with people from all over the world who share your passion.
Studying Astronomy and Astrophysics at Macquarie University is also your ticket to the best seats in stargazing.
Macquarie’s on-campus Astronomical Observatory is open to the public on Friday and Saturday nights, and it’s Macquarie student volunteers that get to guide people through one of the most impressive facilities for viewing planets, moons and stars in the country.
Plus, students can go on field trips to major professional astronomical observatories in New South Wales.
Inspiring women in STEM
Final year Macquarie University student Claudia Fava has taken her love of STEM and astrophysics to set a course for a bright career in research and academia. In the
meantime, she has been busy using astrophysics to encourage more women into STEM fields.
“Women like Macquarie University’s Professor Orsola De Marco illuminated how astrophysics could serve as a catalyst for inspiring others in STEM,” Claudia says.
And what could be more inspiring than looking for life on other planets? Which is a focus of Claudia’s field of astrochemistry.
“Astrochemistry, while niche, holds significant promise in combining chemistry and astrophysics to explore cosmic processes and environments. This interdisciplinary approach offers insights into the existence of extraterrestrial life and the origins of chemical elements,” Claudia says. — Charis Palmer
show me the money
Astrophysicist Up to $109K
Scientific researcher up to $105K
Remote sensing specialist up to $115K*
SKILLS BOOST
✔ Modern mechanics
✔ Observational astronomy
✔ Data science
fava astrophysics student
Have you considered…
Not sure what to specialise in? Welcome to the club! Enrol in a Bachelor of Science and choose from a multitude of majors — including these four in-demand fields
Need proof that a Bachelor of Science can supercharge your CV? According to a recent report, a science grad’s advanced research, problem solving and analytics smarts are up there with some of the most in-demand skills in Australia.
Yep, not only are university-trained scientists skilled up to tackle some of the world’s biggest global problems, they’re also the future champions behind game-changing innovations that’ll benefit fields as diverse as conservation, medicine, energy, education, banking and biotech. — Cassie Steel
Statistical Data Science
If you rate maths as much as you do science, statistical data science skills could be a major plus - with data analysis skills among the fastest growing emerging skills sought by all employers, according to the Australian Government. Data scientists are the behind-the-scenes heroes of the science world, using their maths smarts to tackle the world’s biggest problems.
Macquarie University Statistics Lecturer
Dr Thomas Fung is particularly passionate about the way his department prioritises practical, real world teaching methodologies.
dr thomas fung macquarielectureruniversity
“Students integrate knowledge and skills and apply them to projects based on real-world data analysis provided by our industry partners,” he says. “They get plenty of opportunities to immerse themselves in captivating case studies.”
Employment opportunities: Data analyst, financial analyst and statistician, climate change scientist, biostatistician
Skills boost: Statistics, computer science, research, data analytics
Show me the money: The annual income for a data scientist in Australia is up to $135K*
jariya chanachai biology phd student
Biology
Biology is the study of life — and in the science world, there’s a lot to assess. At Macquarie, topics like organisms to ecosystems, genetics, plants, animal behaviour and ecophysiology and adaption allow students to gain qualifications to work both in the field or in the lab.
“I’m passionate about conservation science research,” says postgraduate biology student Jariya Chanachai, who’s currently deep into a PhD via the school of natural sciences. “Being able to apply all the knowledge I’ve learnt in my undergraduate degree to this research is both exciting and rewarding.”
Employment opportunities: Conservation biologist, ecological consultant, natural resource manager, genetic counsellor
Skills boost: Biology, maths, communication, data science
Show me the money: The typical salary of an experienced biologist? $81K*
Biotechnology
The relationship between science and tech is never more celebrated than in a biotech major, where students learn the skills to mix specialist areas molecular biology and applied microbiology to create advancements in fields like energy, food and medicine.
“During my studies, I had the opportunity to engage directly with the biotech industry through an internship,” says graduate Shahla A Kangachar, who went on to do a masters in biotechnology at Macquarie University. “Undertaking a major research project further deepened my research skills and reinforced my passion for discovery and innovation.”
Employment opportunities: Biotechnologist, biochemist, food scientist, energy sector advisor
Skills boost: Biology, design & technology, statistics, chemistry
Show me the money: The highest-paying role in biotech is a Chief Medical Officer, with an average annual salary of $270K*
Earth and Environmental Sciences
A major in Earth and Environmental Sciences will set you up with the skills to tackle a host of epic eco-challenges - think: climate change, natural disasters and non-renewable resources!
And when it comes to employability? Demand is increasingly on the up for big names like the Australian Space Agency, CSIRO, the Bureau of Meteorology — all looking for grads with the kind of practical, hands-on experience Macquarie students are famous for.
“Macquarie’s field-based learning compliments our lab-learning, and the application of theoretical knowledge,” says Professor Nathan Daczko, Macquarie’s Earth and Environmental Sciences discipline lead. “Many units of study combine both field and lab studies plus industry engagement to solve real-world problems.”
Employment opportunities:
Job ready
Macqurie
University’s connections to industry paid off for science and applied statistics graduate Sean Diprose.
He enrolled in a Professional and Community Engagement (PACE) unit in Science and Engineering during his undergraduate degree. “This allowed me to get study credit towards my degree while working as a network analytics intern at Optus’ Macquarie Park campus,” Sean says. After that he secured another internship while studying part time.
“I think I was incredibly employable at that point, and by the time I completed my studies I had my choice of three graduate offers to choose from,” Sean adds.
He’s now working full time as a senior insights analyst at the Commonwealth Bank, and remains a big fan of data science.
“I don’t think it’s possible to accurately predict the impact statistical data science will have in the future, especially given the rapid rate at which generative AI is developing,” Sean says.
nathan daczko macquarie university professor
Climate scientist, disaster management advisor, environmental planner, natural resource manager
Skills boost: Geology, biology, leadership, maths
Show me the money: In Australia, straight-up environmental scientists take home between $80-$100K* a year.
“I’m happiest when I’m hands on with preparing, analysing, or presenting data. I don’t really mind where I end up so long as I am able to solve real problems for real people and continue to develop as a data practitioner as I go,” he adds.
Find out more about science majors
YOU’LL FEED YOUR CURIOSITY with us
The future is filled with innovations we can’t even begin to imagine – innovations that will be brought to life by curious minds. From biotech to astrophysics, marine science to mathematics, studying a Bachelor of Science at Macquarie is the first step on the path towards a career saving lives, exploring space, enhancing and protecting the natural world, or running a multi-million-dollar organisation.
At Macquarie you’ll have the opportunity to combine complementary, or even contrasting, fields of study, giving you a diverse skill set and expanding your career options. In addition to acquiring in-depth knowledge of your chosen area and valuable skills in mathematics, statistics or coding, you’ll gain a host of transferable skills needed for success in the workforce of the future. It’s why Macquarie is ranked #1 for positive overall experience and facilities and resources in the QILT Student Experience Survey 2021 and 2022.
You’ll learn from world-renowned researchers addressing the big issues facing our global society, from our changing environment to future materials and fuels, and biotechnology. Become part of a community that has led breakthroughs in climate change research, photonics, evolutionary biology and medical research.
You’ll feed your curiosity by studying complementary disciplines or non-science units that build a unique set of attributes and enhance your experience within our vibrant campus, which also includes an 11-hectare fauna park, where world-class environmental research is conducted by leading academics.
DO YOU WANT TO USE YOUR CURIOSITY TO CREATE A BETTER FUTURE? LEARN MORE