BP330 - Bachelor of Space Science

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Plan: BP330P23 - Bachelor of Space Science
Campus: City Campus

Overview

Program details
Purpose of the Program
Articulation and pathways
Entrance requirements
External accreditation and industry links
Student expenses and charges in addition to fees
Library, IT and specialist resources

Program details

Award title: Bachelor of Space Science
Award abbreviation: BSpaceSci
Total credit points: 288
Career: UGRD
Duration: 3 years full time, 6 years part time
Location: Onshore, City Campus
Owning school: Science (171H)
Owning school URL: www.rmit.edu.au/about/schools-colleges/science
ASCED code: 010301
CRICOS code: 110983G

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Purpose of the Program

This program allows you to prepare for an exciting career in the space industry, a rapidly growing global industry with expected ongoing growth in the medium term. In addition to physics, you will study complementary geospatial science courses in GEOM2160 Satellites and Space Debris and GEOM2093 GNSS Surveying. These interdisciplinary linkages will provide you with the basic building blocks of scientific knowledge and engineering fundamentals in the field of space science and technology. Knowledge is always complemented with practical experiences in laboratory and modelling courses. Since mathematics provides the necessary scaffolding for doing space science, two mathematics (MATH2469 A Calculus Toolbox for Scientists and MATH1143/MATH1144 Vectors and Calculus) and one statistics course (ONPS2700 Data for a Scientific World) are also core courses in the space science program. Combining the expertise of the Schools of Science and Engineering, the BP330 Bachelor of Space Science prepares you to meet the challenges of a fast-moving and technology-driven space industry. 

The common first year provides a transformative learning experience, in which you will learn and explore core science concepts across physical, life, data and mathematical science disciplines and develop and strengthen key scientific and transferable skills that will underpin your future studies and careers. This breadth of experience will enhance your employability for roles such as  Space Weather Analyst, Spaceflight Controller, Satellite Engineer, Satellite Analyst, Launch Engineer, Mission Manager and entry onto the Australian Public Service Graduate Program. You will be able to tailor your program by choosing a minor or a selection of science options courses.

The learning activities and experiences in this program are designed to foster your development as an independent learner so you will be able to extend your capabilities once you graduate. The teaching methods may include lectorials, seminars, tutorials, workshops, practical and laboratory sessions, site visits and provision of online materials. 

The BP330P23 Bachelor of Space Science provides you with a capstone experience, which will give you the opportunity to integrate, critically reflect on and consolidate what you have learnt in your program. Your capstone experience will be ONPS2186 Applied Science Project 1 and either ONPS2668 Applied Science Project 2 or ONPS2543 Science Work Experience 1, where you will use all your knowledge and skills to work, individually or in teams, to develop and implement your own research project. 

Further course selection can be individualised to an extent by taking other elective courses offered by the University. This allows you a degree of flexibility to help you achieve your professional and academic goals. 

While most courses in the program are delivered on campus, other courses are delivered via a combination of predominantly online activities supported by some campus-based activities. The two Minor options in Geospatial Science or Mathematics for Space Science allow you to develop additional interests and expertise. These options can be undertaken in years 2 and 3 of the program.

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Articulation and pathways

Pathways

Pathways refer to related programs for which you may be eligible once you have graduated from your current program. As a successful graduate of this program, you may (upon application) be eligible to proceed to honours (eg BH012 Bachelor of Science (Honours)), masters by coursework, masters by research and PhD programs. Acceptance into these programs would be subject to each programs' entry requirements. For example. previous graduates have completed Honours projects in satellite trajectory modelling, asteroid detection and space radiation simulation, and some have gone on to PhD studies. 

Credit Transfer and Recognition of Prior Learning  

If you have already developed areas of skill and knowledge included in this program (for example, through prior studies or work experience), you can apply for credit once you have enrolled in this program. There is information on the RMIT University website about how to apply for Credit: https://www.rmit.edu.au/students/student-essentials/enrolment/apply-for-credit

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Entrance requirements

Program entry requirements

Successful completion of an Australian Year 12 senior secondary certificate of education, or equivalent.

For information on international qualifications and corresponding entry requirements that are equivalent to Australian academic entry requirements, see Country equivalents web page.

Prerequisites

Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE) prerequisite units 3 and 4 - a study score of at least 20 in one of: Maths: General Mathematics or Maths: Mathematical Methods or Maths: Specialist Mathematics, or equivalent studies; and a study score of at least 25 in English other than EAL; or a study score of at least 27 in English as an Additional Language (EAL).

English language requirements

A minimum IELTS (Academic module) overall score of 6.5, with no band below 6.0, or equivalent. For equivalents to English entry requirements, see the English equivalents web page.

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External accreditation and industry links

This program is not accredited by any external industry or professional body.

Graduates of this program may be eligible for membership of the following organisation/s:

  • Australian Institute of Physics (AIP)  
  • Space Industry Association of Australia (SIAA)
  • National Space Society of Australia (NSSA)
  • Space Association of Australia Inc (SAAI)

The benefits of membership of the Space Industry Association of Australia (SIAA) are to raise your profile, build networks and expand engagement with decision makers. Benefits of joining the Australian Institute of Physics (AIP) are regular conferences and other professional events, and the awarding of medals, awards and honours. Members of the Space Association of Australia (SAAI) grants you access to monthly meetings, exhibitions, displays, lectures and visits to aerospace facilities and other interesting places not normally seen by the general public. As a member to National Space Society of Australia (NSSA), you will gain access to educational resources, networking opportunities, discounts to event registration fees and volunteer opportunities within the Society.

Industry Links 

This program has an Industry Advisory Committee (IAC). Membership is diverse and drawn from external industry and professional institutions. This committee helps inform program development and ensure that program content and student learning outcomes remain closely aligned with the needs of future employers. In addition, academic staff maintain connections with industry to develop and deliver work integrated learning experiences as well as offer advice on professional careers. 

Feedback from the IAC has been fundamental to the design of the BP330 Bachelor of Space Science program as an interdisciplinary degree based on a core of physics, mathematics, geospatial science and engineering.

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Student expenses and charges in addition to fees

Once you are enrolled as a student in this program you will need to allow for expenses other than university tuition fees.  Additional expenses may relate to the purchase of lecture notes, textbooks, stationery, consumables such as printer paper, fees levied by commercial internet service providers for internet access outside of the university campus, and other relevant costs.

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Library, IT and specialist resources

Library resources and services

RMIT Library provides extensive resources, services and study space. All RMIT students have access to scholarly resources including course related material, books, e-books, journals and databases. Computers and group study rooms are available at each Library. One-on-one study support is available for assistance with assignment preparation, academic writing, referencing, maths and study skills. To contact Library staff for help, phone, email or chat via the Ask the Library service.

Find more information on Library resources and services at: http://www.rmit.edu.au/library.

IT and Wireless

If you have a laptop or other wireless-enabled device you can connect to RMIT’s fast Wi-Fi. While on campus, no matter how you work or where you work, you’re able to connect, collaborate and create using this secure network.

In addition, with myDesktop, you can access your RMIT desktop and applications from home or wherever you have an internet connection.

Online learning tools and content

As a student in this program you may access online learning tools and content for your program and associated courses from the student portal https://www.rmit.edu.au/students.

Services available to you as a student at RMIT University  

RMIT University provides a range of services, resources and opportunities to support your learning and wellbeing so you can achieve your study and career goals.  

  • Transition to RMIT  
  • Disability, long-term illness, mental health support: Equitable Learning Service can create a tailored plan that supports your needs and identifies ongoing assistance so you can participate in your studies.   
  • Career Development and employment: get help finding a job, planning your career and exploring opportunities like volunteering, global study experiences and scholarships.  
  • Health and wellbeing: access medical and psychological support services as well as fitness and faith-based facilities. health, housing and financial matters  
  • Accommodation: help finding accommodation if you’re joining RMIT from interstate or overseas or leaving home for the first time.   
  • Build connections with peers: participate in arts, sport, recreation, fitness activities   

We also offer a dedicated support service for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students: Indigenous students - RMIT University 

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