Quota subjects
These subjects are usually laboratory or fieldwork subjects where enrolment capacity is limited by available resources. Students are selected on the basis of academic merit.
Several subjects offered by the University are termed 'quota subjects' or 'quota restricted subjects'. These are usually laboratory or fieldwork subjects where enrolment capacity is limited by available resources. All students are selected for these subjects on the basis of academic merit.
Selection will often use your overall course average marks, however the major/stream, course or results in a specific discipline area may also be used.
How do I apply to be considered for a quota subject?
Applications for quota subjects in 2023 will open during the re-enrolment period.
You must be enrolled in the subject by the application deadline in order to be considered. This deadline is referred to as the 'Last date to Self-Enrol' and can be seen on the individual handbook entry for each subject, in the 'Dates and Location' section.
For current University of Melbourne students
- Enrol in the subject via the Student Portal by the application deadline. If you meet the prerequisites but are unable to enrol via the portal you should submit an Enrolment Variation Form
- Selection will be undertaken by the teaching staff after the application deadline
- Once selection has been finalised, you will receive notification of your application outcome via email. It is expected that the notification will be sent out within 5-7 business days
- Unsuccessful applicants will be removed from the subject and advised via email
If you do not have the prerequisites for a subject, you will need to obtain written coordinator approval to enrol in the subject. Submit the approval through an Enrolment Variation Form. Obtaining a prerequisite waiver to apply for the subject does not guarantee a place in the subject; it simply allows you to be considered in the selection process.
For external applicants
External applicants (Community Access Program, Cross Institutional Study and Enabling Study) will be considered under a separate application process.
Application and selection
Selection into quota subjects is based on academic merit. Some subjects will also give preference to students within a certain major or course, or with results in a specific discipline. Students who have successfully completed the prerequisites will also be considered before those who have not. Please see the selection criteria for each subject listed above.
Please note: enrolling in a quota subject through your study plan DOES NOT guarantee a place. Email notifications will be sent to advise you on the outcome of your application.
Additional teaching requirements
Many quota subjects have additional requirements, which can include field trips and overseas travel. You should be aware that you may be asked to meet additional requirements for the subject; this could include paying a deposit or confirming details required for organising a field trip.
If you have been offered a place in a quota subject but have not met subject pre-teaching requirements by the due date, you may be withdrawn and your place in the subject will be allocated to the next student on the waiting list. You should ensure that you are in contact with the teaching staff and respond to any requests to confirm your place in the subject.
There are also a number of quota subjects available to Science students administered by the Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences.
Subjects are offered by the following teaching departments:
- Anatomy and Neuroscience
- Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
- Microbiology and Immunology
- Pathology
- Physiology
For quota subjects not listed above, check the Handbook entry and/or the relevant teaching department for application details.
Quota subjects offered by the Faculty of Science
The following Faculty of Science subjects have a quota limit.
Offered in Summer
| Subject code | Subject title | Teaching department | Study period | Application deadline | Selection criteria |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| BOTA30006 | Field Botany | BioSciences | Summer Term | 12/12/2022 | 1) Course WAM. Preference is given to students in Plant Science major, Ecology and Evolution Biology major and MSc (BioSciences) students. |
| GEOG30025 | Biogeography and Ecology of Fire | Geography | January | 24/11/2022 |
1) Completed marks in Geography subjects; 2) Course WAM. Preference is given to Geography major or MSc (Geography) students. |
| GEOG90027 | Biogeography and Ecology of Fire | Geography | January | 24/11/2022 |
1) Completed marks in Geography subjects; 2) Course WAM. Preference is given to Geography major or MSc (Geography) students. |
| ZOOL30008 | Experimental Marine Biology | BioSciences | February | 12/12/2022 | 1) Course WAM. Preference is given to students in the Marine Biology major. |
Offered in the first half of the year
| Subject code | Subject title | Teaching department | Study period | Application deadline | Selection criteria |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| GEOG30022/ GEOG90052 | Riverine Landscapes: Hydrology & Ecology | Geography | Not offered in 2023 | Not offered in 2023 | 1) Course WAM |
Offered in Winter
| Subject code | Subject title | Teaching department | Study period | Application deadline | Selection criteria |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| GEOG30006/ GEOG90007 | China Field Class/China Field Class PG | Geography | Not offered in 2023 | Not offered in 2023 | 1) WAM of completed marks in Geography subjects; 2) Course WAM. Preference is given to Geography major or MSc (Geography) students. |
| MAST90007 | Statistics for Research Workers | Mathematics and Statistics | Winter Term | 18/06/2023 | 1) Students who require this subject as Core to their Course will receive preference. 2) Following that, selection will be based by the date of enrolment. |
| SCIE90013 | Science Communication for Research Scientists | BioSciences | Winter Term | 17/02/2023 | 1) In order of enrolment |
Offered in the second half of the year
| Subject code | Subject title | Teaching department | Study period | Application deadline | Selection criteria |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| BIOL30002 | Experimental Reproductive Physiology | BioSciences | Semester 2 | 04/07/2023 | 1) Course WAM. Some high-achieving students with high grades in subjects equivalent to the prerequisites may be admitted, but only with permission from the coordinator. |
| BOTA30004 | Vegetation Management and Conservation | BioSciences | Semester 2 | 10/07/2023 | Preference of places will be granted in the following order |
| GEOG30026/ GEOG90025 | East Timor Field Class | Geography | May | 10/03/2023 |
1) WAM of completed marks in Geography subjects; 2) Course WAM. Preference is given to Geography major or MSc (Geography) students. |
| SCIE90012 | Science Communication | BioSciences | Semester 2 | 04/07/2023 | 1) Course WAM |
| ZOOL30009 | Tropical Field Ecology | BioSciences | Semester 2 | 04/08/2023 | 1) Course WAM |
| ZOOL20006 | Comparative Animal Physiology | BioSciences | Semester 2 | 04/07/2023 | 1) Course WAM |
Offered in November
| Subject code | Subject title | Teaching department | Study period | Application deadline | Selection criteria |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| BOTA30001 | Marine Botany | BioSciences | Not offered in 2023 | Not available in 2023 | 1) Course WAM. Preference is given to students in the Plant Science or Marine Biology majors. |
| FRST90030 | Forests in the Asia Pacific Region | Ecosystem and Forest Science | Not available in 2023 | Not available in 2023 | 1) In order of enrolment. |
| GEOG30023/ GEOG90026 | Global Climate Change in Context | Geography | November | 15/08/2023 | 1) WAM of completed marks in Geography subjects; 2) Course WAM. Preference is given to Geography major or MSC (Geography) students. |
Preference of places in BOTA30004 – Vegetation Management and Conservation
- Undergraduate Students with the Plant Science Major
In the event that the number of enrolments from this major exceeds the quota, students will be selected on the basis of WAM, from highest to lowest, until the quota is filled. - Undergraduate Students where this subject features as part of their Major Elective options
In the event that the number of enrolments exceeds the quota based on Majors featuring this subject as an elective option, preference will be retained for students from point 1 and the latter students will be selected on the basis of WAM, from highest to lowest, until the quota is filled. - All other Undergraduate students where the subject is offered as an elective or breadth can request approval to enrol from the Subject Coordinator
The student request should be made in writing via a short Email of 50 words maximum outlining their experience, interests, or desires relevant to the inclusion of the subject in their curriculum.
oIn the event that the number of enrolments exceeds the quota based on all other Undergraduate students, preference will be retained for students from points 1 & 2 and the latter students will be selected on the basis of WAM, from highest to lowest, until the quota is filled. - Graduate students in the following courses:
- Graduate Diploma in Science (Botany) students
- MSc (BioSciences), and
- MSc (Ecosystem Sciences) students.
In the event that the number of enrolments exceeds the quota based on all other Graduate students from the above courses, preference will be retained for students from points 1 to 3 and the latter students will be selected on the basis of WAM, from highest to lowest, until the quota is filled.