Vision Science major
The double major will encompass a wide range of disciplines within the health and medical sciences to prepare for study in Optometry. Level 1 and 2 will provide students with the background knowledge across all the biomedical scientific disciplines including, anatomy, physiology, biochemistry, genetics, immunology, haematology, microbiology, pathology, pharmacology and public health. The level 3 units will introduce students to the study of vision science.
Communication and research skills for the health professional will be presented throughout the major. The major will include studies on aspects of Australian society and culture, including Aboriginal health and migrant and refugee health.
This major is only available to students on direct pathways to the Doctor of Optometry and those offered specific entry at time of admission.
Outcomes
Students are able to (1) exlain basic body plan, organisation, histology, physiology, cell communication and cell biology; (2) understand basic chemistry, biochemistry, genetics and human heredity; (3) integrate knowledge on metabolic function and nutrition, cell cycle and signaling and disregulation causing cancer; (4) promote and participate in discussions on aspects of public and population health, epidemiology, Aboriginal, migrant and refugee health, healthcare systems and resource allocation in Australia; (5) understand basic body defences, including immune system structure and function, microbials and infection; (6) integrate knowledge on blood and blood pathologies, drug delivery and metabolism and associated pharmacological aspects; (7) discuss the importance of appropriate communication in the health profession; (8) demonstrate an understanding of religious, social and cultural differences within Australia; (9)
demonstrate basic research skills, including medical research design, evidence and association and statistical analyses; (10)
explain human embryology and development, the human genome and aetiology of disorders associated with genetic abnormalities; (11) understand the physical and biomedical sciences that underpin visual processes and ocular function.; (12) understand and perform basic optometric testing.
; and (13) understand and describe the role of the optometrist within the health care system.
Broadening guidelines
All students studying towards a Bachelor's Degree at UWA are required to Broaden their studies by completing a minimum of four units (24 points) of study outside their degree specific major. Broadening is your opportunity to explore other areas of interest, investigate new disciplines and knowledge paradigms and to shape your degree to suit your own aspirations and interests. Many of you will be able to undertake more than this minimum amount of broadening study and we encourage you to do so if this suits your aspirations. Over the next few months you will find here some broadening suggestions related to your degree-specific major. While we know that many students value guidance of this sort, these are only suggestions and students should not lose sight of the opportunity to explore that is afforded by your Broadening Choices. Advice can also be sought from your Allocated Student Advising Office.
Prerequisites
(1A) Mathematics Applications ATAR or equivalent or higher; or
(1B) MATH1720 as a bridging unit or statistics at a tertiary level.
(2A) Chemistry ATAR or equivalent; or
(2B) CHEM1003 as a bridging unit.
(3) Prior to commencing level 3, students must comply with the requirements of the:
(A) Faculty's Infection Control Guidelines; and
(B) requirements of the Apply First Aid Course Guidelines.
Vision Science can only be taken as a degree-specific major in the following degree courses:
BP006 Bachelor of Biomedical Science
BH005 Bachelor of Philosophy (Honours)
Overview of unit sequence
Vision Science is a degree-specific double major comprising:
- two Level 1 units
- four Level 2 units
- four Level 3 units
- two Level 3 complementary units
| Key to availability of units: |
|---|
| S1 = Semester 1; S2 = Semester 2 |
Students without WACE or ATAR Chemistry are required to complete CHEM1003 in first year AND students without WACE or ATAR Mathematics are required to complete MATH1720 in first year.
Level 1
Take all units (12 points):
| Availability | Unit code | Unit name | unit requirements |
|---|---|---|---|
| S1 | IMED1001 | Form and Function |
|
| S1 | IMED1002 | The Facts of Life |
|
Take all complementary units (12 points):
| Availability | Unit code | Unit name | unit requirements |
|---|---|---|---|
| S2 | IMED1003 | Cell Survival and Communication | |
| S2 | IMED1004 | Health and Society |
Level 2
Take all units (24 points):
| Availability | Unit code | Unit name | unit requirements |
|---|---|---|---|
| S1 | IMED2001 | Body Defences | |
| S1 | IMED2002 | Blood and Drugs | |
| S2 | IMED2003 | Medical Sciences Research Methodologies | |
| S2 | IMED2004 | Human Development and Genetics |
Level 3
Take all units (48 points):
| Availability | Unit code | Unit name | unit requirements |
|---|---|---|---|
| S1 | OPTM3101 | Science of the Eye and Visual System 1 |
|
| S1 | OPTM3102 | Principles of Optometry 1 |
|
| S2 | OPTM3103 | Science of the Eye and Visual System 2 | |
| S2 | OPTM3104 | Principles of Optometry 2 |
Choosing your degree-specific major
Specialised degrees – Bachelor of Advanced Computer Science (Honours), Bachelor of Automation and Robotics, Bachelor of Environmental Design, Bachelor of Music
You must satisfy the requirements of the degree-specific major in your degree before you complete your course.
Bachelor of Philosophy, Politics and Economics
This comprehensive degree does not allow you to choose a double major.
General degrees
You must satisfy the requirements of a degree-specific major before you complete your course. The flexible structure of an undergraduate course allows you to try out a number of different subjects to see what interests you before nominating your degree-specific major. You have the choice to either nominate your degree-specific major when you first enrol in the course or delay nominating it until your second year.
To plan the first year of your study without nominating a degree-specific major, you are advised to choose units that will pave the way to two or more degree-specific majors that are of interest to you. For examples of the choice of units available in first year, search the first-year study plans .
To fully understand the structure of an undergraduate course, read the course structure information and the Undergraduate Degree Course Rules.
There are more choices open to you. For more examples, search the study plans .