Program Overview

Foundation Studies prepares you for a successful transition to degree-level study, providing a pathway to the first year of study of a bachelor’s degree at Murdoch University.

This course is suited to you if you:

• Need an entrance qualification for Murdoch University
• Want to accelerate your university preparation after Year 11, or equivalent
• Want to change your degree stream after Year 11, or equivalent

Course Structure
For Foundation Studies you will complete eight units over two study periods, studying a combination of core and elective units. The units you will undertake will be determined by your chosen degree. All students must complete the two English units and at least one unit from each Discipline Group.

Each unit of study builds concepts from an introductory level through to university entrance level. The units are designed to develop your learning techniques as well as bridging gaps in your unit knowledge.

• English
  • Essential Australian Studies
  • Introduction to Academic Communication
• Mathematics
  • Introductory Mathematics
  • Mathematics for Science
• Science and Technology
  • Information Technology for Academic Studies
  • Computer Science
  • Physics
  • Chemistry
  • Biology
• The Arts
  • Introduction to Media
  • Media Production
• Business and Legal Studies
  • Accounting
  • Management
  • Economics

Leading to:  Bachelor of Science (Mathematical Science)
Whether you plan to work in science, information technology, business analysis, or enter the public sector as a policy or data advisor - mathematical and statistical skills are in high demand.

Learn to develop a flexible outlook, a range of technical skills and a deep understanding of how mathematics and statistics are applied in a variety of contexts. You will gain a balanced understanding of both mathematics and statistics, while integrating applied analytical methods and computational skills. You will also have the opportunity to develop consulting and research  skills relevant to both industry and community engagement.

Our flexible degree structure encourages you to broaden your skill-set by integrating another full major in your degree. This will give you a greater understanding of the way mathematics and statistics operate in the context of other disciplines.

This degree also offers you the opportunity to take the fourth year of study in the form of a research-intensive honours year, or to continue into a Master program.

Major: Mathematics and Statistics
Our major in Mathematics and Statistics is designed to provide you mathematical and statistical training for future employment in business, industry or government and as a basis for Honours or postgraduate study in Mathematics and Statistics. 

Get the opportunity to concentrate on mathematical modelling and applied mathematics, with special emphasis given to methods and applications in the life and environmental sciences, digital technologies and engineering. Alternatively, focus on applied statistics, with emphasis on methods and applications in the life and health sciences (biostatistics), the environment, commerce and industry.  

This major is designed to educate practical mathematicians and statisticians with a flexible outlook, high-level knowledge of both mathematics and statistics, a mix of technical and computational skills, and an awareness of the modern uses of mathematics and statistics. 

3 reasons to study Mathematics and Statistics at Murdoch 

• Practical real-world learning in applied methods for both mathematics and statistics; including training on computational methods, coding, real-world modelling and communication. 
• Broaden your skillset by undertaking a second major in a field of your choice. Not only will this broaden your skills and experience, but you will also develop the sought after skill of applying quantitative and computational methods to another discipline. 
• The combination of transferable skills and digital literacy makes our graduates highly employable.

What you’ll learn 

• An understanding of the breadth and depth of the mathematical sciences and advanced knowledge of the principles, concepts and methods of Mathematics and Statistics 
• How to apply mathematical and statistical principles, concepts and techniques to solve practical and abstract problems, and critically appraise the generality and limits of the solution 
• Formulate mathematical or statistical models for scientific, natural or technological phenomena or processes 
• Suitable numerical methods for the study of mathematical or statistical processes or problems, and use appropriate software to implement computational analyses in the context of mathematics and statistics