Published: 14 Jan 2019
Why do some people believe the Earth is flat
Although scientific evidence says the Earth is a sphere orbiting the Sun, there are some people around who still think our planet is flat... and social media plays a role
Science at Melbourne
Congratulations on receiving an offer for the Bachelor of Science for 2018! What now?
Science at the University of Melbourne attracts the best and brightest from around Australia and internationally. Taking in research and teaching in the biological, chemical and physical sciences, we offer a range of degrees, with over 10,000 undergraduate and graduate students.
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Bachelor of Science
The most flexible science degree in Australia - 1 degree, 40 majors, unlimited career opportunities. Learn about the course structure, our majors, and how to apply.
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Graduate courses
Find the Masters, PhD, Diploma or Certificate course that will take you where you want to go.
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Our world-class research
With world-renowned scientists, state-of-the art facilities and a strong culture of industry collaboration, the Faculty of Science is finding solutions to the issues that matter most.
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Where can science take you?
Meet our diverse students and graduates to see where a science degree could lead you.
Highlights
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Ask Alumni
Connect. Chat. Inspire.
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Explore our research on Pursuit
How do termite mounds filter methane (and what does this mean for climate change)? Find the answer and explore our cutting-edge research on Pursuit.
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Meet a scientist who leads outside the lab
Having an undergraduate in science and a postgraduate in business really gives me a complementary skill set and a deep knowledge in both areas. - Sarah Last
News from science at melbourne
Published: 11 Jan 2019
Motor neurone disease breakthrough: Patient trial shows impressive clinical results
A new drug delays motor neurone disease progression and improves cognitive and clinical symptoms according to trial results announced by a spin-out company from the Florey and University of Melbourne.
Published: 14 Dec 2018
Grant success with Bushfire and National Hazards CRC
The Bushfire and National Hazards CRC and its predecessors have been supporting research in the Faculty of Science since 2013. Recently, the BNHCR gave funding for three projects out of the School of Ecosystem and Forest Sciences.
Published: 11 Dec 2018
Seeing and avoiding the ‘blind spot’ in atomic force measurements
Researchers have discovered a ‘blind spot’ in atomic force microscopy – a powerful tool capable of measuring the force between two atoms, imaging the structure of individual cells and the motion of biomolecules.
Published: 04 Dec 2018
Mathematicians recognised by the Australian Mathematical Society
The Australian Mathematical Society (AustMS) has awarded Professor Peter Taylor its highest honour, the George Szekeres Medal, and Dr Nicholas Beaton, Professor Jan De Gier, and Professor Tony Guttmann were awarded the prize for best paper.
Published: 30 Nov 2018
Faculty of Science awarded Australian Research Council funding
Faculty of Science researchers will share in more than $12 million dollars of funding from the latest ARC round of grants.
Published: 21 Nov 2018
Dr Roslyn Hickson awarded the Victorian Young Tall Poppy Science Award
Dr Roslyn Hickson has been recognised with the Victorian Young Tall Poppy Science Award for her research using mathematical modelling to predict the spread of disease.
Published: 13 Nov 2018
Three researchers recognised with Woodward Medals
Published: 12 Nov 2018
Amgen Foundation partners with University of Melbourne on undergraduate research program for Australia, New Zealand and Oceania
Published: 09 Nov 2018
Peer mentors wanted for First Year Mentoring Experience
In 2019 the Faculty of Science is launching a tiered mentoring program for all Bachelor of Science students. A key component of this is The First Year Mentoring Experience, a peer mentoring program designed to support commencing Bachelor of Science students as they transition into tertiary study.
Published: 31 Oct 2018
Free movement can protect humans from environmental threats
Greater freedom of movement and investments in human rights and social opportunities can help protect humans from environmental threats like rising sea levels, new research says.
Published: 25 Oct 2018
Liam Hall awarded Victoria Fellowship
Dr Hall was one of six early career researchers awarded a 2018 Victoria Fellowship in Physical Sciences by VESKI at an awards ceremony on 24 October.
Published: 25 Oct 2018
Alison Harcourt named 2019 Victorian Senior Australian of the Year
Ms Harcourt was honoured for her seminal work in integer linear programming and other contributions to the mathematical and statistical sciences.
Published: 22 Oct 2018
The invisible colours protecting birds from overheating
Some Australian birds can control their temperature and avoid overheating by reflecting near-infrared wavelengths of sunlight, regardless of their feather colour
Published: 16 Oct 2018
Getting it right: the most complex space telescope ever built
As the Hubble Space Telescope prepares to mark its 30th year, what can we expect from its successor, the James Webb Space Telescope?
Published: 16 Oct 2018
Decoding data to predict landslides
A new software tool predicts landslide boundaries two weeks before they happen
Published: 11 Oct 2018
UK Biobank: largest human genetic study is launched
Associate Professor Stephen Leslie, Dr Damjan Vukcevic and Dr Allan Motyer are part of the team that has published the world’s largest genetic study on humans.
Published: 10 Oct 2018
Alison Harcourt featured on ABC 7.30
Ms Alison Harcourt, an 88 year-old statistician who works at the School of Mathematics and Statistics, was featured on the ABC 7.30 program on Monday night.
Published: 10 Oct 2018
Launch of the new ARC Training Centre for Chemical Industries
Senator for Victoria, James Paterson, launched the new ARC Training Centre for Chemical Industries at the University of Melbourne on Friday 21 September.
Published: 14 Sep 2018
Women leaders in STEMM selected for the Homeward Bound project
Seven University of Melbourne staff members and associates have been selected to participate in the Homeward Bound global leadership initiative for women in STEMM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics and Medicine).
Published: 13 Sep 2018
Associate Professor Wai-Hong Tham wins 2018 David Syme Research Prize
Associate Professor Wai-Hong Tham has been awarded the 2018 David Syme Research Prize - one of Australia’s oldest annual research awards - for her work towards a malaria vaccine.
Published: 13 Sep 2018
Three Minute Thesis Winner
This is the first time I participated in the 3MT contest and I am amazed by how much I have learned in the process. Based on feedback from the judges and other participants, my talk has “evolved” a lot during the three rounds of competition. I feel like I have gained a great amount of clarity about my research, and this is very useful for my career and my PhD.
Published: 03 Sep 2018
Peking University Camp
From 2 – 11 July 2018, the Faculty of Science hosted a group of students and a travelling academic from the College of Environmental Science & Engineering at Peking University for a week-long study tour.
Published: 17 Aug 2018
Three Faculty of Science professors recognised as Redmond Barry Distinguished Professors
Professor Karen Day, Professor David Gardner, and Professor Stuart Wyithe from the Faculty of Science have been awarded the title of Redmond Barry Distinguished Professor by the University of Melbourne.
Published: 16 Aug 2018
The great (climate) depression
New economic modelling shows a US$23 trillion loss in global GDP, with the economies of many countries collapsing, if we allow global temperatures to rise by 4 degrees by 2100
Published: 16 Aug 2018
Making cities work for every urban-dweller
It’s the urban age for people – and for other species too – so it’s time to start planning for all the plants and animals that call our cities home
Published: 16 Aug 2018
Decoding data to predict landslides
Professor Antoinette Tordesillas teams up with former Chief Scientist of Australia and Group Chief Scientist of Rio Tinto Ltd. Professor Robin Batterham to develop a new software tool that can predict landslide boundaries two weeks in advance.
Published: 06 Aug 2018
The sleepy lizard awakens new tools for climate change research
The way Australia’s sleepy lizard reacts to water shortages gives us an insight into the effects of climate change on animals.
Published: 03 Aug 2018
ARC invests in University of Melbourne researchers
Professors Jon Barnett and Madeleine van Oppen were among those awarded Laureate Fellowships by the Australian Research Council, with five Future Fellowships also awarded to Faculty of Science researchers.
Published: 03 Aug 2018
Dr Simon Mutch joins inaugural STEM Ambassador Program
Science and Technology Australia (STA) has announced its 10 inaugural STEM Ambassadors, who will who will work to build deeper understanding by federal parliamentarians of the impact of science, technology, engineering and mathematics in Australia.
Published: 26 Jul 2018
Burramys Genetic Rescue Team, including Dr Andrew Weeks, announced as finalists in the Australian Museum Eureka Prizes
Congratulations to Dr Andrew Weeks and the Burramys Genetic Rescue Team for their nomination as a finalist in in the Research Innovation Category of the Australian Museum Eureka Prizes.
Published: 26 Jul 2018
Feral cat observed hunting at nest boxes: another threat to the critically endangered Leadbeater’s possum?
New evidence has raised concerns about the possibility of feral cats preying upon the critically endangered Leadbeater’s possum, with a cat detected on cameras at two nest boxes used by the possums.
Published: 24 Jul 2018
Tropics expansion nudges cyclone formation into new areas
A new paper by Dr Sharmila Sur and Prof Kevin Walsh has found that tropical cyclones are forming further from the equator as the planet warms, bringing new regions into the zone of the intense storms, including parts of eastern Australia.
Published: 20 Jul 2018
Peking University students visit University of Melbourne
The Faculty of Science recently hosted a group of students and a travelling academic from Peking University on a week-long study camp.
Published: 20 Jul 2018
Faculty of Science students take science on the road
As soon as exams were over for the Semester, 11 enthusiastic Faculty of Science students hit the road for the Science Delivery Winter Roadshow.
Published: 18 Jul 2018
First child assisted with oxygen from FREO2 life-saving low pressure oxygen store in Uganda
The FREO2 low pressure oxygen system is live and has assisted a child in Mbarara, Uganda for the first time.
Published: 18 Jul 2018
Prof van Oppen edits new edition of coral bleaching book
Professor Madeleine van Oppen has helped edit a coral bleaching book, aimed at an academic audience.
Published: 18 Jul 2018
How commuting is transforming our cities
Twice a day, every weekday – millions of us spend time in cars, buses, trains and trams commuting. Although many of us hate it, the experiences of our daily journeys are transforming life in our cities
Published: 12 Jul 2018
John McKenzie ECR Award applications are now open
Applications for the Faculty of Science John McKenzie Early Career Researcher (ECR) Award are now open. The award provides seed funding of $20,000 for early career researchers with an academic appointment in one of the Faculty’s seven Schools and aims to assist awardees to establish their research program, particularly in the Faculty, but also more broadly with partners external to the University of Melbourne.
Published: 06 Jul 2018
From gravitational waves to mobile phones: 50 years of physics
To celebrate 50 years of the July Lectures in Physics, we look back at four physics discoveries that have changed the world.
Published: 05 Jul 2018
Bringing back the northern white rhino from ‘extinction’
There are only two female northern white rhinos left in the world, but the species could soon make a comeback thanks to assisted reproductive technologies and a little help from their southern cousins.
Published: 03 Jul 2018
All the forests in the world from a single layer of cells
Researchers have discovered the workings of wood-making cells inside trees, settling a century-old debate about how plants make bark and wood.
Published: 27 Jun 2018
Quantum leap in computer simulation
Physicists have successfully run the largest quantum computing simulation to date, a key step in becoming quantum-ready.
Published: 15 Jun 2018
Chemical Industries Training Centre hosts industry breakfast
Professor Sue Thomas, CEO of the Australian Research Council, and representatives from major chemical companies, industry groups and partner universities joined University of Melbourne staff for a breakfast hosted by the ARC Training Centre for the Chemical Industries at the Woodward Conference Centre on Thursday.
Published: 14 Jun 2018
Agriculture researchers honoured at Australian Academy of Technology and Engineering (ATSE) Innovation Dinner
Dr Angela van de Wouw (School of BioSciences) and Dr Shu Kee (Raymond) Lam (Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences) received the prestigious ICM Agrifood Award at the ATSE Innovation Dinner, recognising their contribution to the Australian agriculture and food sector.
Published: 08 Jun 2018
What are the long-term health risks of having your tonsils out?
For the first time, researchers have examined the long-term effects of removing tonsils and adenoids in childhood, finding the operations are associated with increased respiratory, infectious and allergic diseases.
Published: 08 Jun 2018
Fighting back against the Australian blowfly
Melbourne researchers have been collecting blowfly samples from across Australia as part of the fight against flystrike.
Published: 07 Jun 2018
Finding the building blocks of wood
Scientists are looking inside plant cells to learn how wood is formed and how that process can help develop materials for the future.
Published: 07 Jun 2018
Crowdsourcing security intelligence
Inspired by how bees make collective decisions, researchers are exploring how crowdsourcing techniques may help intelligence analysts produce the best-reasoned analysis from the available data.
Published: 07 Jun 2018
Master of Forest Ecosystem Science alumna awarded Future Forests Fellowship
Sarah Dickson-Hoyle has recently been awarded the Future Forests Fellowship from the University of British Columbia (UBC) in Canada, where she will complete her PhD studies in place-based fire management under the supervision of Dr Lori Daniels, a disturbance ecologist.
Published: 05 Jun 2018
What happens to wildlife in a city that never sleeps?
Artificial lights have brightened the night in cities across the world and urban wildlife is being forced to adapt – but what happens when, after 3.5 billion years of evolution, light invades what should be darkness?
Published: 29 May 2018
Speeding natural selection in the name of conservation
A breeding experiment to genetically adapt quolls to resist toxic cane toads could lead to a new tool to help endangered creatures from corals to Tasmanian Devils.
Published: 22 May 2018
School of Physics professors inducted into the Australian Academy of Science
Professor Rachel Webster and Professor Lloyd Hollenberg from the School of Physics have been elected as new Fellows of the Australian Academy of Science for their outstanding contributions to science and scientific research.
Published: 16 May 2018
The big picture of the Kilauea eruption
Hawaii’s Kilauea is one of the world’s most active volcanoes - but what does this recent eruption tell us about what’s going on deep underground?
Published: 11 May 2018
Faculty of Science research recognised at the 2018 University of Melbourne Excellence Awards
Two research projects, both from The Waterways Ecosystem Research Group (WERG) in the School of Ecosystem and Forest Sciences, have been recognised in the 2018 University of Melbourne Excellence Awards.
Published: 10 May 2018
Smashing through science’s glass ceiling
Professor Frances Separovic was the featured guest of the most recent Eavesdrop on Experts podcast. Speaking with presenter Dr Andi Horvath, she reflects on the road she has travelled, from school in Broken Hill to Deputy Director of the Bio21 Institute.
Published: 09 May 2018
MySwan now available as an app for download
MySwan, a long running citizen sciences project from the School of BioSciences, is now available as an app for download on iOS and Android.
Published: 03 May 2018
Associate Dean (International) receives Distinguished Alumnus Award at Virginia Tech
Associate Dean (International), Associate Professor Alex Johnson, recently received the 2017-18 Distinguished Alumni Award from the Department of Horticulture, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, at Virginia Tech.
Published: 02 May 2018
Why parts of Earth have barely changed in 3 billion years
Earth’s transition from a volcanic state to modern plate tectonics created super-stable rocks that are the source of much of our mineral wealth.
Published: 30 Apr 2018
Women in STEM travel to Antarctica with Homeward Bound
University of Melbourne alumna Dr Marie Clark has taken part in a 3-week voyage to Antarctica as part of the Homeward Bound program, an initiative to nurture the leadership and strategic capabilities of women in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics).
Published: 30 Apr 2018
Creating Pandora on Earth
China’s Zhangjiajie UNESCO Global Geopark looks like a scene from Avatar, but it wasn’t created by computers; water, time and tectonics combined to create this other-worldly wonder.
Published: 30 Apr 2018
Your grandchildren may retire before we have gender equality in science
The gender gap for women working in science, technology, engineering, mathematics and medicine (STEMM) is likely to persist for generations, unless we take proactive steps.
Published: 10 Apr 2018
Prof James McCaw featured on ABC Radio National
Professor James McCaw was recently featured on ABC Radio National discussing the importance of mathematical modelling of infectious diseases.
Published: 05 Apr 2018
The First Fleet and Australia’s unforgiving weather
Passengers onboard the First Fleet received a harsh introduction to their new home’s climate before they even landed. Their diaries and letters reveal just how hard it was.
Published: 05 Apr 2018
Quantum boost for medical imaging
Physicists have demonstrated how, using light, a diamond layer and quantum mechanics, they could potentially “light up” our molecular insides for more powerful MRIs.
Published: 20 Mar 2018
The genes that turn malaria into a killer
A small group of proteins are associated with the most severe strains of malarial infection and their discovery is a step towards a vaccine against the deadliest forms of the disease.
Published: 16 Mar 2018
A brief history of Hawking’s scientific legacy
Professor Stephen Hawking changed the way we understand the universe and leaves a legacy of theory ranging from black holes to the quantum effect on time.
Published: 16 Mar 2018
It’s not just antenna size, but scales that matter for lonely male moths
Male moth antennae act like sieves, separating female sex pheromones from environmental dust.
Published: 15 Mar 2018
Ashley Fletcher attends COP23 in Germany
Master of Environment student Ashley Fletcher got a taste of the highs and lows in the battle to implement a global agreement to reduce greenhouse gas emissions when she represented the University of Melbourne at the 2017 United Nations Climate Change Conference in Germany in November.
Published: 14 Mar 2018
Trailblazing for women in science
The first female chemistry professor in Victoria, Frances Separovic forged her career against the odds, and has just been named a ‘trailblazer’ on the Victorian Honour Roll of Women.
Published: 07 Mar 2018
Will water ever be worth more than oil?
Is water a commodity or a right? Cape Town could be the first of many cities around the world to experience the reality of water demand far outstripping supply
Published: 06 Mar 2018
Extinct Tasmanian tiger now back in 3D
Using 3D scanning, researchers are peeking under the preserved skin of Tasmanian tiger specimens to reconstruct its growth and development
Published: 04 Mar 2018
Forecasting flu outbreaks
New software based on statistical probability principles is helping forecast our flu season, and could also identify the level of threat of a bioterrorist attack
Published: 02 Mar 2018
Protecting our coasts naturally
Nature could offer better protection for our coastlines than hard, grey concrete - as we face the effects of climate change like rising sea levels
Published: 28 Feb 2018
The tip of the CRISPR iceberg
CRISPR, biology’s methodological wunderkind, is becoming synonymous with the controversial field of human gene editing. But it’s revolutionising much wider scientific discovery too.
Published: 26 Feb 2018
The threatened species in our urban jungle
Far from being a biodiversity wasteland, urban environments are home to some of Australia’s most threatened species
Published: 23 Feb 2018
Smart-er meter policy
A new report argues that changes are needed for a consumer-focussed smart meter rollout.
Published: 23 Feb 2018
Miss Lambert’s Thylacine skull
Pioneering women zoologists and explorers played an instrumental role in natural history collections around the world
Published: 23 Feb 2018
Grasshoppers: The new poster bug for insect conservation
Land clearing has all but wiped out Key’s matchstick grasshoppers in Victoria, but there is hope for this uniquely Australian insect
Published: 02 Feb 2018
Maths students trade study for trading
Over the recent summer holidays, four maths students from the Faculty of Science undertook a Trading internship at Optiver, a leading technology driven trading firm based in Sydney.
Published: 31 Jan 2018
The problem with being young in India
In this podcast, Jane Dyson, Glyn Davis and Craig Jeffrey discuss the plight of unemployed young people in India.
Published: 23 Jan 2018
New Creswick Heritage Walk takes in University of Melbourne Creswick Campus
University of Melbourne’s Creswick campus is one of two new private land partners included in the Creswick Heritage Walk, which was launched in December.
Published: 16 Jan 2018 under News
Sienna teams up with University of Melbourne to provide future innovators hands-on experience
Sienna Cancer Diagnostics has hosted Master of Biotechnology Industry Projects for the last three years. Read this story from Sienna on how our Biotech students are helping them deliver on their strategic goals.
Published: 11 Jan 2018
Grace Boxshall, 2017 Muriel Ramm Science Bursary awardee
Master of Science (BioSciences) student Grace Boxshall was the 2017 recipient of the Muriel Ramm Science Bursary, which is helping support her living costs during her research project on variable toxicity in species of Agaricus mushroom.
Published: 09 Jan 2018 under News
Master of Biotechnology student published in peer reviewed journal
Master of Biotechnology student Ruchir Raman has written an article that was published in the respected Taylor & Francis journal GM Crops & Food.
Published: 03 Jan 2018 under Pursuit
Sounds like Science Fiction
Some of the technological innovations of 2017 sound more like sci-fi, but according to the brains behind a few of them, the future is still full of surprises
Bring your passion for science and engineering, and join our scientific leaders in the search for solutions to today's most challenging problems.
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Bachelor of Science
The most flexible science degree in Australia - 1 degree, 40 majors, unlimited career opportunities. Learn about the course structure, our majors, and how to apply.
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PhDs and Masters by research
Start your research career here with a graduate course at Melbourne.
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Masters by coursework, Diplomas and Certificates
Find the Masters, Diploma or Certificate course that will take you where you want to go.
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Which major is right for you?
Are you confused about which of our 40 majors you'll pick in your BSc? We're here to help.
Why study science at Melbourne?
When you study science at Melbourne, you'll be joining the best and brightest students from around Australia and the world.
Whether you're starting out with a Bachelor of Science, taking your professional career to the next level with a coursework-based Masters, or focusing on research with a PhD or research Masters, you'll learn from staff at the forefront of their field.
We rank #1 in Australia for Biological Sciences, Chemistry, Physics & Astronomy, Statistics, Mechanical, Aeronautical & Manufacturing Engineering, Electrical & Electronic Engineering, and Computer Science. In all fields of science, we rank in the top 3 in Australia, and in the world's top 50. (QS World University Rankings, 2017)
And while we're talking rankings, in Melbourne, you'll be living in the heart of the world's most livable city (The Economist, 2017).
We offer a comprehensive range of science areas, so you can tailor your studies to suit your goals. And we know that university-based learning is only half the story. We offer industry internship placements, internship subjects, field trips and opportunities for overseas study.
Welcome! Here you'll find the Faculty of Science's resources for current students.
For any enquiries about your course, get in touch with Stop 1.
News and events for science students
Staying in touch
Don't forget to read our e-newsletters, BSci-NEWS and GradSci-NEWS, sent to all current students.
To stay up to date between editions, like our Science Student News page on Facebook.
With a reputation as a global research leader, with world renowned scientists, state-of-the art facilities and a strong culture of industry collaboration, the Faculty of Science is finding solutions to the issues that matter most.
Engage with us
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Industry engagement
Research collaborations, technology licensing, student internships and more.
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PhD and Masters degrees
Start your research career here with a graduate course at Melbourne.
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Find a researcher
Search our academic staff directory to find a supervisor, collaborator or expert.
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Research events
What's on in Science at Melbourne, including seminars, workshops, exhibitions and launches.
Research themes
Research in the Faculty of Science falls into these broad themes:
Biotechnology
Environmental Sciences
Environment, Earth & Climate Sciences
Evolutionary Biology
Forests, Fires & Landscape
Fundamental Physical, Chemical & Mathematical Sciences
Molecular, Cellular & Biomedical Sciences
Nanoscience & Materials
Plant Biology & Improvement
Social & Environmental Change
Sustainable Cities
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Schools
Our schools and institutes are the engine rooms of our research.
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Research centres
Our research centres create the critical mass required for the discovery and development of solutions to society's major issues.
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Facilities, resources and equipment
Our world-leading technology platforms, facilities and research services.
Research stories
We currently have no upcoming events scheduled.
See the University's events calendar for more options.
The Faculty of Science values strong relationships with our alumni, supporters and the wider community. We are committed to bringing science to the community and creating excitement about scientific research and discovery.
We invite all friends and supporters to engage with us and help us to continue being Australia's leading scientific teaching and research hub.
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Alumni
Being a valued member of our community doesn't stop at graduation. Stay connected with a community of over 50,000 Science Alumni.
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Science in Schools
We provide professional development for science and careers teachers, high-quality communications to secondary students about courses and careers, and activities for students with a passion for science.
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Giving to Science
Your gifts enable us to continue a tradition of teaching and research excellence.
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Industry engagement
Research collaborations, technology licensing, student internships and more.
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Events
What's on in Science at the University of Melbourne, including seminars, workshops, exhibitions, launches and more.
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International collaborations
The Faculty has strong international connections through both research collaborations and student exchanges and is actively pursuing new opportunities in curriculum development.
We are one of the most highly regarded science faculties in Australia, and throughout our history have been recognised internationally for our role in expanding the frontiers of knowledge for the betterment of society.
Comprising seven schools, the Faculty offers a range of undergraduate, honours, graduate and research degrees; enrolling over 10,000 undergraduate and graduate students.
We have a history of leadership in research, innovation, teaching and learning and play an important role in Australia's participation in the global knowledge economy.
The Faculty of Science is a thriving, passionate and internationally networked community. We are proud of who we are and our achievements.