Faculty of ScienceDepartment of Optometry & Vision Sciences

Bachelor of Science (Vision Science)

Vision Science is a major offered within the Bachelor of Science degree, which is available to students completing a continuing Bachelor of Science degree (commenced prior to 2008). Students enrolling in a New Generation Bachelor of Science degree (2008 onwards) should go to the Bachelor of Science web site for more information on the subjects and majors which will be available to them.

What is Vision Science?

Vision Science is the study of the physical, physiological and neurophysiological factors that influence sight and the visual system.

The Department of Optometry and Vision Sciences offers eleven one-semester subjects in the visual and optical sciences. They may be included in a Bachelor of Science course in conjunction with studies in physics, physiology, anatomy, biochemistry, psychology or other major streams of study.

The eye and vision are intriguing and intricate. Students interested in neuroscience and human behaviour will find the vision science stream a fascinating combination with the study of psychology, human physiology or neuroscience. Students who like mathematics and physics will find the optics subjects provide practical skills in understanding, evaluating and designing optical systems used in industry and research.

What Does a Vision Scientist Do?

A student who graduates with a vision science major in their Bachelor of Science studies will have acquired specific knowledge of the eye, vision and its processes, which will allow them to move into the optics, lighting or visual ergonomic industries, to name a few.

As with all Bachelor of Science graduates, students who undertake a vision science major will not only gain specific knowledge in this discipline, but will also develop a broad base of general science knowledge and highly transferable general skills which will allow them to enter many other areas of employment which can include pharmacology, biochemistry or neuroscience.

How do I Become a Vision Scientist?

To become a Vision Scientist you must complete the Bachelor of Science degree with a major in vision science, such as that offered by the Department of Optometry and Vision Sciences in the Faculty of Science, at the University of Melbourne.

What Prerequisites do I Need, to do Vision Science Subjects in First Year?

Any students enrolled in the Bachelor of Science and it's combined courses are eligible to take the first year Vision Science subjects.

The Vision Science subjects are also ideal electives for students seeking entry into courses such as the Bachelor of Optometry or the Bachelor of Veterinary Science.

How do I Choose a Vision Science Major?

Students are able to select subjects from a wide range of science disciplines. In their first year, students will select one of a number of standard first year packages.

The packages are:

The first year packages prepare students for a number of different specialist areas, allowing them to explore a variety of options before choosing a discipline in which to complete a major. For students planning on undertaking a major in vision science it is recommended that they select the Life Sciences or Physical Sciences packages.

It is not until the completion of a first year package that students, with the assistance of a Faculty Adviser, will select their second year subjects, including their major area of study.

What is a Major?

The term 'major' is used to denote the study of a discipline. The major a student chooses will include a progressive sequence of subjects through to the third year level. Majors are selected at the end of first year with the assistance of a Faculty Adviser.

The subjects which may be undertaken by students wishing to complete a major in Vision Science are as follows:

First Year

Life or Physical Sciences Package

Electives:

Second Year

Plus at least one of:

Third Year

Any FOUR of the following subjects:

What Will I Study?

The nine vision science subjects that provide a comprehensive account of the eye and visual function are:

The subjects will be useful to students of functional anatomy, neuroscience, physiology, biology, biochemistry, genetics or psychology who would like to have a detailed understanding of this major sensory modality to complement their major stream of study. Vision: How the Eye Sees the World would be an ideal subject for students considering majoring in Veterinary Science or Zoology as it covers comparative ocular anatomy.

The three optics based subjects that will be valuable to students who wish to develop an understanding of optical instrumentation and the measurement of optical radiation, light and colour. Physics and engineering students taking a combined engineering/science course may also find these subjects valuable. Psychology students with a special interest in perception will find the 655-152 subject useful for the understanding of optical apparatus for psycho-physical investigations and for the measurement of visual stimuli. The 655-210 subject is concerned with optical measurement, performance evaluation and optical design:

What is the Workload Like?

You attend lectures and practical classes for about 25 hours a week for the two 12 - week semesters. You are also expected to source and read textbooks and journal articles, and complete practical work and assignments outside of classes - remember, unlike high school, you need to take active responsibility for your own learning. You should treat your course like a full-time job, and expect to complete a minimum of 40 hours work per week (including your contact hours).

How Will I be Assessed?

Assessment of the course includes end-of-semester written examinations, practical work and assignments. There are practical and oral examinations in later years to test whether you are proficient in the techniques of examining the eye and vision.

What Will the Course Cost?

For information on course fees, go to:

How do I Apply for the Course?

All Australian citizens and permanent residents and New Zealand citizens, should lodge their application through the Victorian Tertiary Admissions Centre. The VTAC Guide 2006 is available from late July in major newsagencies throughout Australia. Alternatively the VTAC guide can be viewed on the Web at:

International students who are not studying in Victoria can apply directly to the University of Melbourne. Application forms are available from the Faculty of Science or from the University's International Centre. International students studying in Victoria must apply through VTAC.

Current University of Melbourne students should lodge an online "Application for Internal Transfer" with the Faculty of Science. The webiste usually opens for applications at the end of October. Students should refer to the Faculty of Science regarding important dates in the application process.

Can I transfer to the Bachelor of Optometry?

What are the Employment Opportunities?

In industry there are numerous problems that relate to vision, such as lighting for comfort and the design of computer screen displays for good legibility. The optical industry that produces spectacle lenses, contact lenses and other optical devices needs staff who know about vision and optics to help with product development and to provide expert advice to their clients.

Road research institutes employ Vision Scientists to deal with questions relating to how well drivers see and how roads, road signs and road lighting should be designed for good visibility. Aeronautical research institutes also utilise the skills of Vision Scientists to investigate visibility problems associated with aviation.

Some Vision Scientists explore the challenge of finding ways to make computers and robots perform as well as our eyes in seeing and deciphering visual material.

Vision Scientists can be researchers in optometry, neuroscience psychophysics or psychology research laboratories exploring the way the eye and the brain work to produce visual perception.

Developing applications for new and emerging technologies, such as virtual reality, digital imagery (eg cameras, television, DVD), and 'in-car' technologies also present challenges and opportunities for experts in the visual and optics fields.

For more information on potential careers in vision science and related fields, visit the website:

Where Can I get Further Information?

Access the University of Melbourne Undergraduate Studies Handbook for subject descriptions.

Selection into the Bachelor of Science is done by the Faculty of Science:

FACULTY OF SCIENCE
THE UNIVERSITY OF MELBOURNE VIC 3010, AUSTRALIA
Telephone: + 61 3 8344 6404
Facsimile: + 61 3 8344 5803

If you have any specific enquires about the subjects please contact:

DEPARTMENT OF OPTOMETRY & VISION SCIENCES
THE UNIVERSITY OF MELBOURNE VIC 3010, AUSTRALIA
Telephone: + 61 3 8344 7008/7012
Facsimile: + 61 3 9349 7498
Email: optom-info@ unimelb.edu.au
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