Breadth Frequently Asked Questions
What is a breadth subject?
A breadth subject is any subject you undertake that contributes to your breadth studies. This includes University Breadth Subjects (UBS).
What is a University Breadth Subject?
A "University Breadth Subject" (UBS) is a subject that has been specially developed for the Melbourne Model and examines current critical issues using techniques and approaches from multiple disciplines. All University Breadth Subjects can contribute to your breadth studies and are available to all New Generation degree students (including Engineering).
What are core disciplines?
Core disciplines are the main study areas of each New Generation degree.
What are levels?
Subject levels indicate the complexity of the subject content, with level 1 being the least complex and level 3 the most. The levels are based on the year of a degree in which each subject is usually undertaken. Level 1 subjects are generally undertaken in first year, level 2 in second year and level 3 in third year.
The higher the level, the more likely it is that the subject will have prerequisites.
What is a New Generation degree?
New Generation degrees are the new three-year programs that were introduced to the University in 2008. There are six New Generation degrees:
- Bachelor of Arts
- Bachelor of Biomedicine
- Bachelor of Commerce
- Bachelor of Environments
- Bachelor of Music
- Bachelor of Science
The 2008 revised Bachelor of Engineering is not technically a New Generation degree, but shares many similarities, including the capacity for breadth studies.
What are prerequisites?
A prerequisite is usually a subject that must be successfully completed before you enrol in another, more advanced subject. Prerequisites ensure that all students who enrol in a subject have sufficient background knowledge to cope with the subject content. If you haven't completed a stated prerequisite, you will not be permitted to enrol in the subject as it is anticipated that you will find the content too difficult.
Prerequisites are listed near the top of each subject entry in the Handbook (below 'Time commitment').
What are corequisites?
A corequisite is very similar to a prerequisite (see above), but the difference is that a corequisite may be studied at the same time as the subject that requires it. You will normally only be permitted to enrol in a subject that requires a corequisite, if you are concurrently enrolled in that corequisite subject (although it may also be possible for you to have completed a corequisite beforehand).
Corequisites are listed near the top of each subject entry in the Handbook (below 'Prerequisites').
The subject I was planning to do is no longer running, now what?
While the vast majority of subjects at the University will be available by the time you get to them, occasionally a subject may be discontinued. This has always happened and can occur for any number of reasons.
In nearly every case, where a subject is no longer available, an equivalent will be offered in its place. However, it's a good idea to have other options in mind, just in case. When you're planning your breadth studies, give yourself a couple of alternatives.
Will my breadth studies affect my GPA/application for graduate study?
When selecting you for a graduate course, most faculties will consider the studies you have completed that are directly relevant to the study area. However, in some cases, a GPA may be calculated using all of your studies.
Because these practices vary, you should check with the selecting faculty whether or not breadth will be used in a GPA calculation.
Can I change my breadth study areas?
Yes. As long as you meet all the breadth requirements for your degree, you can change the areas of your breadth studies.
However, be very careful that you will still be able to complete at least one (12.5 points) level 3 breadth subject and any specified prerequisites.