Science Degrees Online

Master of Science in Integrated Science and Technology

Department

Under the auspices of the Dean, the Master of Science in Integrated Science and Technology degree program is offered jointly by the Departments of Chemistry and Physics, Computer Science and Industrial Technology, and Mathematics.

College

Office of Research and Graduate Studies and the College of Science and Technology

Overview of the program

Southeastern’s Master of Science in Integrated Science and Technology (ISAT) degree program is the only graduate degree program in the state of Louisiana that is a Professional Science Master’s degree, developed through funding by the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation. It is an innovative, interdisciplinary program that emphasizes applications of chemistry, computer science, industrial technology, mathematics, and physics in a career enhancement degree. Students who complete the ISAT degree at Southeastern Louisiana University will be able to:

Integrate information and concepts across different scientific and technical disciplines.

Apply specialized knowledge from chemistry, computer science, industrial technology, mathematics or physics to solve problems that are critical to future growth of local business and industry.

Work effectively with people who possess various educational and experiential backgrounds.

Use appropriate technology in communication, information and knowledge management, modeling, forecasting, and decision-making.

The ISAT degree requires 33 hours of credit: 18 hours in the core curriculum including 6 hours of Applied Science seminars; 6 hours in a chosen discipline; 3 hours in a course cross-listed with the chosen discipline; and 6 hours of thesis or research project.

Concentrations

Chemistry
Computer Science
Industrial Technology
Mathematics
Physics

Strengths of the program

According to the Occupational Outlook Handbook, over the next seven years professional and related occupations will be the fastest growing occupational group in the United States. Computer and mathematical occupations, healthcare practitioners, technical occupations, and education will make up many of these new job opportunities. USA Today called the Professional Science Master’s Degree (PSM) “the hot degree no one seems to have heard of - yet.” It goes on to state, “The PSM is being call the MBA for scientists and mathematicians. It’s an education aimed at future managers who will be able to move comfortably in the business of science.”

While preparing for professional careers that integrate mathematics, science, and technology, ISAT students have the opportunity to work with highly qualified professors from three departments as well as leaders from industry and business. A strong core of interdisciplinary, experiential courses forms a foundation in mathematics, science, and technology. A variety of electives then allow students to focus on areas of interest.
Recent graduates of the ISAT program are currently enjoying careers at DuPont Chemicals, EATEL Corp., Interlox Co., Southeastern Louisiana University, and the U.S. Navy.

Preparing for a job in the program

The ISAT program prepares its graduates for careers in science and technology by developing expertise in:
Team management
Written and verbal communication
Project management principles
Current technology in manufacturing, transportation, and communication
Acquisition, control and statistical analysis of lab data
Utilization of computer software for the resolution of business and industrial problems

Careers in the program

A major in integrated science and technology prepares students for:

Industrial engineering specialist
Quality assurance manager
Data analyst
Information manager
Associate industrial engineer
High school science and mathematics teachers
Project manager
Information systems consultant
Network analyst

Starting Salaries after completing the program (estimates only)

$35,000 - $40,000

Related fields that might interest you

Actuarial science
Cryptography
Risk analysis
Bioinformatics
Biostatistics
Petrochemistry
Telecommunications

Some of these occupations may require additional schooling at Graduate or Professional schools. For information on training and qualifications needed for the specific fields you are considering, consult the Occupational Outlook Handbook or other career guidance resources. Also, take advantage of career planning services offered by the university.

How do I know this is the degree for me?
Common Strengths and interests of students in the program

Helpful qualities for ISAT majors include:

Good problem-solving skills
Good communication skills
An ability and desire to work in teams
A broad interest in mathematics, the sciences, and technology
Determination and motivation
Strong computer skills

Award

Bachelor of Science/Bachelor of Science Education
Length

Four years full-time or part-time equivalent.

Campuses

Melbourne (Bundoora), Bendigo, Albury-Wodonga
Course description

This double degree is a concurrent study program that combines studies in science with a teaching qualification It is deliberately designed to address the acute shortage of qualified science teachers around Australia. The advantage of this structure is that students gain valuable experience in the classroom whilst studying in science. This promotes a quality experience and understanding of the teaching of science.

Students must major in one of the following disciplines:
- Chemistry
- Mathematics
- Physics
- Computer science.

Students combine this major with another area of science in order to broaden their teaching options.

Key features of the course include:
- Opportunities for deep learning related to science teaching resulting from the concurrent program
- Placements in schools from second year onwards
- Final year education program.

The Faculty offers a range of competitive industry experience options through our Industry Cadetship and Integrated Business Learning programs and these vary by course and campus of enrolment. See details at
http://www.latrobe.edu.au/scitecheng/

Handbook (course structure, subject details for 2009 - may change for 2010)
Melbourne (Bundoora)
Albury-Wodonga
Major areas of study

Science (chosen from mathematics, statistics, chemistry, physics and computer science) and Education.
Overseas study opportunities

Overseas study opportunities are available.
Please see www.latrobe.edu.au/international/exchange for more information
Application

VTAC; UAC
Fee type

Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP)
Tuition fee (AUD)

Indicative (per 120 credit points):
Commonwealth Supported Place - $7260

Fees are indicative and may vary depending on units of study undertaken
Scholarships
Applicants who are Australian citizens or who hold permanent humanitarian visas are eligible for a range of University-wide scholarships, including Commonwealth Scholarships. For details please see http://www.latrobe.edu.au/scholarships/prospective/uniwide/index.html

The Faculty offers a wide range of scholarships, which can change regularly. Please see our website at http://www.latrobe.edu.au/scitecheng/scholarships/index.html for details.

Additional costs (AUD)

Depending on the units chosen, approximate costs may include: laboratory coat - A$30, dissecting kit - A$40.
Middle Band

Applicants who have successfully completed any of Chemistry, Physics or Specialist Mathematics will be deemed to have an ENTER 1.5 points higher for each study up to a maximum of 3 points. In addition, re-ranking is also based on criteria associated with the La Trobe University Rural and Regional Student Access Scheme. Performance in prerequisite studies will be considered.
Selection

Albury-Wodonga: ENTER 71.85
Bendigo: ENTER 73.70
Melbourne (Bundoora): ENTER 70.00

Extra requirements

Non Year 12 applicants may complete the VTAC Pi form. Special Entry Access Scheme (SEAS) forms are also available from VTAC and the Faculty.
Prerequisites

VCE Units 3 & 4: either Mathematical Methods (either) or Specialist Mathematics, and a score of at least 30 in English (any) . NSW HSC: Band 3 in English (any) and Band 3 in Mathematical Methods or Band 2 in Specialist Mathematics.
Semester starts

Semester 1 (March)
Industry experience

The following types of industry experience are available in this course.
Workplace experience for academic credit
Additional information

Students at Albury-Wodonga must transfer to either the Melbourne (Bundoora), or the Bendigo campuses after first year in order to complete the degree. Please note that not all specialisations are available at every campus.
Career opportunities

This course is designed to address the shortage of Science teachers in secondary schools in the disciplines of mathematics, chemistry, physics and information technology and provides the opportunity for students to complete a full science qualification concurrently with advanced teaching qualifications. It is also excellent preparation for careers in science communication.
Professional recognition

Graduates will be eligible for teacher registration in Victoria and are also recognised, according to the Commonwealth Mutual Recognition legislation, for registration in another jurisdiction in Australia and New Zealand, where registration is a necessary requirement for employment. Depending on the specific studies chosen, accreditation with the relevant Science association is possible.

Award

Bachelor of Finance/Bachelor of Science
Length

Four years full-time or part-time equivalent. Honours is available to students who demonstrate exceptional results in either or both degrees and requires an additional year of study for each degree.
Campuses

Melbourne (Bundoora)
Course description

This double degree is designed to enhance employability in the finance sector by combining studies in finance with science studies, such as mathematics, statistics, and computer science, with options to add subjects to at least sub-major level from any discipline.
Students who have an aptitude for mathematics will be able to apply advanced skills to the development and analysis of financial products and the forecasting of exchange rates, interest rates and other financial variables. This is a rapidly developing area of finance and underlies the increasing reliance on financial derivatives and options.

First year studies include:
. Accounting
. Mathematics
. Statistics
. First year science major
. Economics

Later-year studies include:
. Corporate finance
. Science electives
. Business electives
. Banking and financial law
. Financial risk management
. Business electives
Handbook (course structure, subject details for 2009 - may change for 2010)
Melbourne (Bundoora)
Major areas of study

Business, banking, economics, finance, corporate finance, investment and portfolio management, personal finance, financial risk management, international finance. Mathematics, physics, computer science, science and statistics.
Overseas study opportunities

Overseas study opportunities are available.
Please see www.latrobe.edu.au/international/exchange for more information
Fee type

Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP)
Scholarships
Applicants who are Australian citizens or who hold permanent humanitarian visas are eligible for a range of University-wide scholarships, including Commonwealth Scholarships. For details please see http://www.latrobe.edu.au/scholarships/prospective/uniwide/index.html

Middle Band

Applicants who have successfully completed Physics or Specialist Mathematics will be deemed to have an ENTER 1.5 points higher. Performance in prerequisite studies will be considered.
Selection

ENTER: 91.95
Extra requirements

Non-Year 12 applicants may complete the VTAC Pi form. Special Entry Access Scheme (SEAS) forms are also available from VTAC.
Prerequisites

VCE Units 3 & 4: a study score of at least 20 in English (any) and Mathematical Methods (either), or Specialist Mathematics.
Semester starts

Semester 1 (March)
Career opportunities

Graduates who have combined mathematics and finance are sought after by financial firms. Their capacity to evaluate risk and to forecast the impact of shocks to the financial markets allows firms to better gauge their buying and selling decisions. Graduates tend to find work as financial analysts, forecasters and specialists in pricing derivatives, such as conventional and exotic options, and are well prepared for scientific management.
Professional recognition

An appropriate choice of subjects can lead to membership of the Australasian Institute of Banking and Finance and the Australian Mathematical Society. Students taking a major accredited by the Statistical Society of Australia Inc. are entitled to Graduate Statistician status upon joining the Society.