Merit Pathway - Opportunities for gifted students enrolled in the Bachelor of Science
Introduction
Do you have an interest and passion for science and are looking for opportunities and challenges beyond that available in the standard undergraduate science degree? If so, the Merit Pathway in the Bachelor of Science may be for you. This program provides activities and options that will enrich your undergraduate experience. You will develop new skills to enhance your future in science and learn more about what it means to perform scientific research.
You will:
- receive a personalised mentoring and information program throughout the degree.
- find out about seminars and activities in your discipline area.
- be exposed to cutting edge research within the Faculty.
- have the opportunity to collaborate with some of our leading researchers.
- gain insight into what it means to have a career in scientific research.
- have your participation in the Merit Pathway included on your academic transcript.
Research Projects
The Merit Pathway provides a unique opportunity to conduct a small research project as part of your undergraduate degree. You can get a taste of what is involved in performing scientific research and make a contribution to the development of new knowledge in your discipline area. You will gain the knowledge and skills to give you a head-start for further studies in Honours or a Research Higher Degree.
The projects are offered in second and third year in the special elective courses SCIT2500 and SCIT3500. These courses are only available to students in the Merit Pathway. You do not have to take these courses in order to be a part of the Merit Pathway and can still participate in the other activities.
Posters for some of the projects conducted in SCIT2500 in 2011 are given below
- Functional Characterisation of Dynamin in Human Spermatozoa
- Purification of Escherichia coli Proteins XerD and FtsK-γ: A Preparatory Step in Solving Protein Structure
- An Assessment of Soil Temperature Variation in the Upper Hunter Valley
- A Golden Opportunity: Determining the Environmental and Biological Variables Influencing the Growth Rate of the Green and Golden Bell frog (Litoria aurea)
Summer vacation scholarships are also available. Successful scholarship applicants will undertake research projects over a 6-week placement during the summer vacation.
Admission
Students are invited to apply for admission to the Merit Pathway by the Pro Vice Chancellor.
Admission for first year students is based on their ATAR which must be at least ≥ 90
Admission in subsequent years is by cumulative GPA which must be ≥ 6.0.
Variations to these requirements, where a student has demonstrated exceptional performance in prior studies or other experience, may be considered and are at the discretion of the Merit Pathway Convenor.
Students must maintain a cumulative average GPA of 6.0 in order to remain in the pathway.
Students who have been invited to apply for admission to the Merit Pathway or who would like to be considered for admission must complete the application form.
Welcome and Information Session
A welcome and introduction session will be held in early Semester 1 and will include:
- an introduction to the Merit Pathway.
- a discussion of what it means to "do research".
- an overview of research areas and strengths in the Faculty of Science and IT.
- an opportunity to connect with other students in the Merit Pathway,
- research project experiences from students who have completed SCIT 2500.
- food and refreshments.
- handout package of information.
Contact
Merit Pathway Convenor
Dr. Vicki J. Keast
School of Mathematical and Physical Sciences
The University of Newcastle
Callaghan NSW 2308
Australia
Ph: + 61 2 4921 6653
Fax: + 61 2 4921 6907
email: vicki.keast@newcastle.edu.au
