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Getting started in your graduate science degree

Welcome to the Faculty of Science! You are about to commence on an exciting and challenging journey. Settle into your graduate studies with a range of degree-specific resources, checklists and course planning advice and information. We hope you make the most of your experience at the University of Melbourne.

Before Orientation – get started

If you haven't yet, make sure that you've accepted your offer and enrolled in your course: Get Started at Melbourne

After that, explore different subject areas that may interest you and understand all the other great programs that make up your graduate experience in the Graduate Coursework Degrees Course Guide.

Science Graduate Coursework Orientation

The University's mid-year orientation program will take place from 20 - 24 July, 2026. The Faculty of Science Graduate Coursework Orientation will be held on Wednesday 22 July at the Carrillo Gantner Theatre (B02), Sidney Myer Asia Centre (Building 158). At this session, students will hear from a panel of current students, gain valuable tips on Graduate Academic Skills, and discovered the tools and support available to help them excel in their studies.

Register for Science Graduate Coursework Orientation

TimeActivity
9:45amStudents arrive
10:00am - 10:30amGraduate Students Welcome
10:30am -  11:00amGraduate Student Panel
11:00am - 11:40amInformation Sessions
11:45am -  1:00pmLunch

School-specific Orientation events

During and around Orientation week, the Faculty of Science will also hold multiple school-specific events for commencing graduate coursework students.

Register for School-specific Orientation events

DateTimeSchool/DepartmentEvent
Mon 20 July9am - 2:30pmSchool of ChemistryGraduate Coursework Induction Program - School of Chemistry
Mon 20 July11:00am - 1:00pmSchool of PhysicsMaster of Science Physics - Welcome and Orientation Session
Mon 20 July12:30pm - 1pmOffice of Environmental ProgramsOffice of Environmental Programs Tour (only one required)
Mon 20 July2pm - 3pmOffice of Environmental ProgramsOffice of Environmental Programs Information Session
Mon 20 July3pm - 4pmMaths and StatsMaster of Data Science Student Orientation: Meet your Course Coordinator
Tue 21 July10am - 11amSchool of BiosciencesMaster of Biotechnology Course Welcome and Information session
Tue 21 July11am - 12:15pmSchool of BiosciencesSchool of BioSciences EHS Safety and Building Induction
Tue 21 July12:15pm - 12:30pmSchool of BiosciencesScience Library Services Introduction
Tue 21 July12:30pm - 1:30pmSchool of BiosciencesLunch for new Master of Biotechnology, Master of Science and Bioscience Honours students
Tue 21 July1:30pm - 2:30pmSchool of BiosciencesMaster of Science BioSciences and BSc Honours Course Welcome and Information Session
Tue 21 July1:30pm - 2:30pmSchool of BiosciencesMaster of Biotechnology Internship and Research Project Information session
Wed 22 July11am - 1:30pmSGEASGraduate Research and Coursework Induction Session - School of Geography, Earth and Atmospheric Sciences
Wed 22 July2pm - 3:30pmMaths and StatsMaster of Science (Mathematics and Statistics) Student Orientation Session
Thu 23 July9am - 12pmSAFES

SAFES Master Program Orientation (SAFES-LEAP)

Master of Agriculture
Master of Environment
Master of Food Science
Master of Food Packaging Innovation
Thu 23 July12:30pm - 1pmOffice of Environmental ProgramsOffice of Environmental Programs Tour (only one required)
Thu 23 July1:30pm - 2pmOffice of Environmental ProgramsOffice of Environmental Programs Tour (only one required)
Mon 27 July12pm - 12:30pmOffice of Environmental ProgramsOffice of Environmental Programs Tour (only one required)
Mon 27 July1pm - 1:30pmOffice of Environmental ProgramsOffice of Environmental Programs Tour (only one required)
Students dancing

Extended Orientation

Dates: Week 1 - Week 5

Location: Parkville

Following orientation week, you will continue to be supported in your transition to university and your graduate degree. The Extended Orientation program will cover different topics in your first few weeks of study.

Check out the events below and register to secure your spot!

  • Welcome Lunch & Science Clubs Expo
    Monday 27 July, 12PM - 2PM
    Building 189, Market Hall

    Our Science Clubs are coming together for an exciting event showcasing everything they do. Meet new friends, explore student groups, and start building your science community. Plus, fun activities, a little bit of friendly competition and plenty of prizes to win!

    Register here

  • International Student Welcome
    Wednesday 5 August, 12PM - 2PM
    Student Pavilion Kitchen and Lounge

    Are you an international student?  This event is designed for you!

    Connect with other international students, enjoy food, decorate yourself with henna, chat with support services and capture lasting memories at our polaroid photo booth.

    Register here

  • University of Melbourne Employability Week
    10 - 14 August

    Explore a week of career-building workshops and events run by our central teams to help you build skills and prepare for future opportunities.

    Check out the full program!

    Button up! Badge making with Science
    Thursday 13 August, 11:30AM and 12:30PM
    Student Pavilion Kitchen

    Create a reusable name tag for your next networking event. Find out about careers in STEM and speak to a STEM Careers Coordinator. Places are limited so register quick!

    Register for the 11:30 AM session

    Register for the 12:30 PM session

  • August Wellbeing Brunch
    Wednesday 26 August, 11:30AM - 1:30PM
    Building 189, G01 & G02

    Join us at our first Wellbeing Brunch of the semester. Meet fellow Science students and enjoy a hearty meal and coffee, tea or hot chocolate on us! There will also be tons of fun activities!

    Register now