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Streams of study

UNSW Foundation Studies offers 10 Streams of Study and in most cases students study a total of 48 units in each stream. The table below outlines the courses studied in each stream and the descriptions below the table list some of the possible degree pathways for the streams of study.

Please note, all 10 streams of study are offered in the Standard, Standard Plus and English Plus programs, but only the Physical Science and Commerce streams are offered in the Transition program.

Commerce and Business Streams

Course

Units

Commerce Stream

Commerce Actuarial Stream

Academic English

Teaching Weeks: Between 26 and 34 weeks. Variations in the number of teaching weeks exist between campuses and programs (note - the Transition Program operates over 13 teaching weeks).

Course Content: Course content as listed below is based on the Standard Program. Variations exist for each program. Specific course content areas are contextualised within the four macro skills:

Reading: skimming and scanning; comprehending main points; recognising styles appropriate to different contexts and purposes; critical reading; understanding relationships between ideas; understanding the meaning of unknown words; identifying bias, attitude and purpose; comparing and evaluating.

Listening: following and understanding the structure of an academic talk or discussion; comprehending the main points of a lecture or talk; taking effective lecture notes; recognising styles appropriate to different situations; understanding stress and intonation patterns; recognising marker words or phrases that indicate the level of importance of information; recognising the stage of information in a lecture; identifying the relationship between ideas.

Writing: producing a well-structured paragraph; essay-writing in an appropriate academic style at both paragraph and essay level; practising various written genres; developing primary and secondary research skills; note-taking; summarizing, paraphrasing, acknowledging and referencing; developing bibliographies; incorporating evidence of critical thinking skills

Speaking: becoming familiar with English spoken in an Australian academic context; participating effectively in a debate; participating effectively in small and large group tutorial discussions; preparing and presenting Summary and Seminar Presentations.

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Mathematics C

Teaching Weeks: Between 26 and 34 weeks. Variations in the number of teaching weeks exist between campuses and programs (note - the Transition Program operates over 13 teaching weeks).

Course Content: Course content as listed below is based on the Standard Program. Variations exist for each program. Course content includes:

Terms in Mathematics, Basic Number and Algebra Review, The Number Plane, Functions and Graphs, Differential Calculus, Logarithmic and Exponential Functions, Sequences and Series, Further Differential Calculus and Applications, Mathematics of Finance, Integral Calculus, Probability, Data Description and Probability Distributions.

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Mathematics S

Teaching Weeks: Between 26 and 34 weeks. Variations in the number of teaching weeks exist between campuses and programs (note - the Transition Program operates over 13 teaching weeks).

Course Content: Course content as listed below is based on the Standard Program. Variations exist for each program. Course content includes:

Terms in Mathematics, Indices and Logarithms, Algebra, Functions and Relations, Coordinate Geometry, Differential Calculus, Quadratic Theory, Trigonometry, Polynomials and More Algebra, Geometrical Applications of Differentiation, Sequences and Series, Mathematical Induction, Integral Calculus, Further Trigonometry, Calculus of Trigonometric Functions, Exponential and Logarithmic Functions, Applications of Calculus to the Physical World, The Inverse Trigonometric Functions, More Calculus, Further Polynomials, The Binomial Theorem, Probability.

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Economics

Teaching Weeks: Between 26 and 34 weeks. Variations in the number of teaching weeks exist between campuses and programs (note - the Transition Program operates over 13 teaching weeks).

Course Content: Course content as listed below is based on the Standard Program. Variations exist for each program. Course content includes:

Demand and Supply, Elasticity. The Market, The Price Mechanism, Government Interference in the Price Mechanism, Economics of The Firm , The Theory of Perfect Competition, Monopolistic Competition, Oligopoly Theory, Monopoly Theory, Efficiency and Competition, Circular Flow model, Inflation and Unemployment, Economic Growth, National Income and Expenditure Analysis, Keynesian economics; consumption, Savings, Investment, C+I, The Income-Expenditure model, equilibrium/disequilibrium, The multiplier, paradox of thrift, Inflationary-deflationary gap analysis, aggregate demand and supply, International Economics, The theory of trade: absolute and comparative advantage, Free trade and protection, The Balance of Payments, External imbalance, Floating exchange rates, Managed exchange rates and current ER issues, The Financial Sector, Monetary Policy Theory, Fiscal Policy Theory, Macroeconomic Policy.

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Accounting

Teaching Weeks: 13 weeks. Variations in the number of teaching weeks exist between campuses.

Course Content: Course content as listed below is based on the Standard Program. Variations exist for each program. Course content includes:

The accounting cycle, accounting conventions, basic accounting principles and the accounting equation, classify accounts under the five elements of the accounting equation, application of the double entry rule to transactions, prepare and balance ledger accounts in both the T format and the columnar format, prepare a chart of accounts, prepare specialized journals and the general journal, post to the ledger from journals, prepare a trial balance and various fully classified financial statements, calculate ratios used to analyze the financial statements.

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Computing Studies

Teaching Weeks: Between 26 and 34 weeks. Variations in the number of teaching weeks exist between campuses and programs (note - the Transition Program operates over 13 teaching weeks).

Course Content: Course content as listed below is based on the Standard Program. Variations exist for each program. Course content includes:

Fundamental software skills (MS Office, Web design and Photoshop) and theoretical content (Hardware, Software, Internet, World Wide Web, Web 2 and beyond, Ubiquitous Computing, Communications and Networking and Systems Analysis and Design.). The Computing Studies course prepares students for future study and a career in any context.

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Legal Studies

Teaching Weeks: Between 26 and 34 weeks. Variations in the number of teaching weeks exist between campuses and programs (note - the Transition Program operates over 13 teaching weeks).

Course Content: Course content as listed below is based on the Standard Program. Variations exist for each program. Course content includes:

Introduction to World Political Systems, The Australian Constitution, High Court of Australia, Parliament, Comparative Legal Systems, Australian Legal System, Classifications of Law, The Australian Court System, Statutory Interpretation, Criminal law, Legal processes, A fair trial, Civil and criminal trials, Standards of proof, Procedural fairness, Examination of witness, Grounds for Appeal, Rules of evidence, Introduction to Commercial Law, Corporations Law, Negligence, Contracts, International Sales Contracts, Resolving Business Disputes, Intellectual Property Law, E-Commerce and the Law.

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Total units

Stream description

For students intending to study Business, Accounting or Economics.

For students with higher mathematical ability and intending to study Actuarial Studies or Econometrics.

Commerce and Business Streams – Possible Degree Pathways

The Commerce and Business streams of study lead into the following undergraduate degree programs:
Accounting, Finance, Economics, Law, International Business, Banking & Finance, Actuarial Studies, Tourism & Hospitality, Information Systems, Arts, Social Science

Download Commerce and Business Streams course info.

Science Streams

Course

Units

Physical Science Stream

Life Science Stream

Academic English

Teaching Weeks: Between 26 and 34 weeks. Variations in the number of teaching weeks exist between campuses and programs (note - the Transition Program operates over 13 teaching weeks).

Course Content: Course content as listed below is based on the Standard Program. Variations exist for each program. Specific course content areas are contextualised within the four macro skills:

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Mathematics S

Teaching Weeks: Between 26 and 34 weeks. Variations in the number of teaching weeks exist between campuses and programs (note - the Transition Program operates over 13 teaching weeks).

Course Content: Course content as listed below is based on the Standard Program. Variations exist for each program. Course content includes:

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Chemistry

Teaching Weeks: Between 26 and 34 weeks. Variations in the number of teaching weeks exist between campuses and programs (note - the Transition Program operates over 13 teaching weeks).

Course Content: Course content as listed below is based on the Standard Program. Variations exist for each program. Course content includes:

Fundamental concepts; names of common elements, symbols, formulas and equations; mole concept and mole calculations; periodic table - patterns and trends; atomic structure and chemical bonding, VSEPR theory; states of matter - properties and structure; solutions; gas laws; fuels, calorimetry, enthalpy and thermochemistry. Electrolytes and solubility/precipitation; net ionic equations; reactions of acids and bases; chemical equilibria (Ka and Ksp); oxidation-reduction reactions; electrochemical cells. Organic compounds, nomenclature and typical functional group reactions.

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Physics

Teaching Weeks: Between 26 and 34 weeks. Variations in the number of teaching weeks exist between campuses and programs (note - the Transition Program operates over 13 teaching weeks).

Course Content: Course content as listed below is based on the Standard Program. Variations exist for each program. Course content includes:

Classical mechanics: motion, vectors, Newton’s laws, universal gravitation, momentum, work, energy, power, conservation laws, motion of rigid bodies, statics, rotational motion. Wave motion and Optics: nature of waves, sound, light, geometrical optics, image formation, optical instruments, interference, diffraction, polarisation. Electricity and Magnetism: electrostatics, direct currents, Ohm’s law and electric circuits, magnetism, electromagnetic induction, electromagnetic waves. Radioactivity, fission and fusion reactions, mass-energy equivalence.

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Biology

Teaching Weeks: Between 26 and 34 weeks. Variations in the number of teaching weeks exist between campuses.

Course Content: Course content as listed below is based on the Standard Program. Variations exist for each program. Course content includes:

Cell structure and function; mitosis and meiosis; chemical components of cells, DNA. Classification hierarchy; classes of plants and animals. Ecosystems and biogeochemical cycles. Ecological change. Structure and function in plants. Translocation, transpiration, photosynthesis. Digestive, circulatory, respiratory, excretory, skeletomuscular, coordination and immune systems in animals. Microstructure of cells; cellular respiration, photosynthesis and reproduction; sexual reproduction in humans and flowering plants. Mendel’s laws of genetics; nature of genes; mutations. Biological evolution; natural selection and its genetic basis; biotechnology.

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Computing Studies

Teaching Weeks: Between 26 and 34 weeks. Variations in the number of teaching weeks exist between campuses and programs (note - the Transition Program operates over 13 teaching weeks).

Course Content: Course content as listed below is based on the Standard Program. Variations exist for each program. Course content includes:

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Total units

Stream description

For students with higher mathematical ability and intending to study an Engineering or Science degree.

For students with higher mathematical ability and intending to study a Biological/Health Science degree.

Science Streams – Possible Degree Pathways

The Science streams of study lead into the following undergraduate degree programs:
Engineering, Medicine, Renewable Energy & Photovoltaics, Aviation, Computer Science, Optometry, Vision Science, Nanotechnology, Science, Medical Science, Health & Exercise Science, Biological & Biomedical Sciences, Environmental Sciences & Management, Biotechnology, Psychology, Food Science & Technology

Download Science Streams course info.

Arts Streams

Course

Units

Arts/Social Studies Stream

International Studies Stream

Arts/Law Stream

Academic English

Teaching Weeks: Between 26 and 34 weeks. Variations in the number of teaching weeks exist between campuses and programs (note - the Transition Program operates over 13 teaching weeks).

Course Content: Course content as listed below is based on the Standard Program. Variations exist for each program. Specific course content areas are contextualised within the four macro skills:

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Essentials of Mathematics

Teaching Weeks: Between 26 and 34 weeks. Variations in the number of teaching weeks exist between campuses.

Course Content: Course content as listed below is based on the Standard Program. Variations exist for each program. Course content includes:

Basic Skills, Geometry and Similarity, Business Applications of Arithmetic, Measurement, Statistics, Algebra and Coordinate Geometry, Probability, Trigonometry, Calculus.

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Economics 1

Economics 1*

Teaching Weeks: Between 13 and 21 weeks. Variations in the number of teaching weeks exist between campuses and programs (note - the Transition Program operates over 13 teaching weeks).

Course Content: Course content as listed below is based on the Standard Program. Variations exist for each program. Course content includes:

* The Economics 1 course is based on the first semester of the full program.

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Legal Studies

Teaching Weeks: Between 26 and 34 weeks. Variations in the number of teaching weeks exist between campuses and programs (note - the Transition Program operates over 13 teaching weeks).

Course Content: Course content as listed below is based on the Standard Program. Variations exist for each program. Course content includes:

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Australian Studies

Teaching Weeks: Between 26 and 34 weeks. Variations in the number of teaching weeks exist between campuses.

Course Content: Course content as listed below is based on the Standard Program. Variations exist for each program.

This course engages students in a multidisciplinary examination of geographical, social, cultural, political, legal and historical changes that have shaped contemporary Australian lifestyles and identity. Topics cover select aspects of Australian natural and human environment; history; indigenous issues; media studies; civics and citizenship; politics; and culture.

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Australian Studies 1

Australian Studies 1*

Teaching Weeks: Between 13 and 21 weeks. Variations in the number of teaching weeks exist between campuses.

Course Content: Course content as listed below is based on the Standard Program. Variations exist for each program.

* The Australian Studies 1 course is based on the first semester of the full program.

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Computing Studies

Teaching Weeks: Between 26 and 34 weeks. Variations in the number of teaching weeks exist between campuses and programs (note - the Transition Program operates over 13 teaching weeks).

Course Content: Course content as listed below is based on the Standard Program. Variations exist for each program. Course content includes:

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International Issues and Perspectives

Teaching Weeks: Between 26 and 34 weeks. Variations in the number of teaching weeks exist between campuses.

Course Content: Course content as listed below is based on the Standard Program. Variations exist for each program.

This course challenges students to respond to future and contemporary problems confronting the international community. Through a problem-based learning approach this multi-disciplinary course provides opportunities for students to further develop their academic skills and ability to reflect meaningfully on their learning. Students are challenged to develop informed opinions on international, regional and global issues that recognise multiple perspectives. In semester one, students are taught a problem solving process and use this to respond to challenges predicted to emerge in the future. In semester two, students develop their own personal approach to problem-solving and use this to respond to contemporary international issues. Students are required to participate in both team and independent problem solving assessment tasks.

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Total units

Stream description

For students intending to study a general degree across a broad range of Arts related fields.

For students intending to study a degree with an International Studies component requiring NO mathematics.

For students intending to study an Arts related degree with a Law component.

Arts Streams – Possible Degree Pathways

The Arts streams of study lead into the following undergraduate degree programs:
International Studies, Languages, Media & Communications, Education, Arts, Arts/Law, Social Work, Criminology, Social Science, Australian Studies, Music, Humanities

Download Arts Streams course info.

Design and Building Streams

Course

Units

Built Environment Stream

Design and Media Stream

Fine Arts Stream

Academic English

Teaching Weeks: Between 26 and 34 weeks. Variations in the number of teaching weeks exist between campuses and programs (note - the Transition Program operates over 13 teaching weeks).

Course Content: Course content as listed below is based on the Standard Program. Variations exist for each program. Specific course content areas are contextualised within the four macro skills:

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Mathematics C

Teaching Weeks: Between 26 and 34 weeks. Variations in the number of teaching weeks exist between campuses and programs (note - the Transition Program operates over 13 teaching weeks).

Course Content: Course content as listed below is based on the Standard Program. Variations exist for each program. Course content includes:

• or

Essentials of Mathematics

Teaching Weeks: Between 26 and 34 weeks. Variations in the number of teaching weeks exist between campuses.

Course Content: Course content as listed below is based on the Standard Program. Variations exist for each program. Course content includes:

Basic Skills, Geometry and Similarity, Business Applications of Arithmetic, Measurement, Statistics, Algebra and Coordinate Geometry, Probability, Trigonometry, Calculus.

• or

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Computing Studies

Teaching Weeks: Between 26 and 34 weeks. Variations in the number of teaching weeks exist between campuses and programs (note - the Transition Program operates over 13 teaching weeks).

Course Content: Course content as listed below is based on the Standard Program. Variations exist for each program. Course content includes:

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Design

Teaching Weeks: Between 26 and 34 weeks. Variations in the number of teaching weeks exist between campuses.

Course Content: Course content as listed below is based on the Standard Program. Variations exist for each program.

The Design course gives students the skills to undertake design based courses in the future. The 3 types of classes: lectures, tutorials and studios offer a range of opportunities to develop and broaden knowledge of design research and critical analysis. Students learn to use conceptual frameworks to better understand design and art across the fields of architecture, interior architecture, graphics, jewellery, wearables, landscape, product and fashion design. Lectures and tutorials explore personal and historical perspectives about design and art in context, moving to a fuller understanding of contemporary works and practices. Personal perceptions, critical thinking and analysis, modernism, design process, practices, cutting edge technologies, trends and forecasting, collaborative and global projects, influences and impacts of globalisation, social justice issues and sustainability issues are covered to highlight the role and value of design. Tutorial activities, case studies and field visits give students the opportunity to study the evolution of design and its impact in local and international contexts. In studio students gain an understanding of visual language and conceptual thinking as they undertake 4 projects that challenge and extend intellectual, creative and technical skills.

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Australian Studies

Teaching Weeks: Between 26 and 34 weeks. Variations in the number of teaching weeks exist between campuses.

Course Content: Course content as listed below is based on the Standard Program. Variations exist for each program.

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Australian Studies 1

Australian Studies 1*

Teaching Weeks: Between 13 and 21 weeks. Variations in the number of teaching weeks exist between campuses.

Course Content: Course content as listed below is based on the Standard Program. Variations exist for each program.

* The Australian Studies 1 course is based on the first semester of the full program.

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International Issues and Perspectives

Teaching Weeks: Between 26 and 34 weeks. Variations in the number of teaching weeks exist between campuses.

Course Content: Course content as listed below is based on the Standard Program. Variations exist for each program.

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Total units

48 or 50

Stream description

For students intending to study a degree in the Built Environment area requiring a higher level of mathematics.

For students intending to study a degree in the Design and Media area.

For students intending to study a Design degree with NO requirement for mathematics.

Design and Building Streams – Possible Degree Pathways

These streams of study lead into the following undergraduate degree programs:
Architectural Studies, Architectural Computing, Interior or Landscape Architecture, Industrial Design, Planning, Media & Communications, Design, Digital Media, Graphic Design, Art Theory & History, Fine Arts, Social Science, Construction Management & Property

Download Design and Building Streams course info.

See a full list of degree options for each stream area see the list below or look at the UNSW Undergraduate Handbook.

UNSW Entry Requirements can be found in the UNSW Undergraduate Handbook

GPA and Assessment Information

UNSW Foundation Studies is an education group of UNSW Global Pty Limited, a not-for-profit provider of education, training and advisory services and a wholly owned enterprise of the University of New South Wales. UNSW Foundation Studies programs are delivered under UNSW CRICOS Provider No. 00098G. UNSW Global Pty Limited CRICOS Provider No. 01020K. UNSW Global Pty Limited ABN 62 086 418 582. Page last updated 01.05.12