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Overview

Vision Science is the study of the sensory processes that underlie vision, and the development and use of vision-related technologies. This is broad discipline degree that provides comprehensive knowledge and direct training in areas relevant to a career in Vision Science such as: Optics, anatomy and functioning of the eye, … For more content click the Read More button below. This degree is designed to develop scientists who can work with ophthalmic industries in the development of new technologies, diagnostic instruments, and patient care options, as well as develop persons who can liaise with ophthalmic practitioners dealing with the patient directly. Students who complete this degree may be elligible to transfer to the Master of Clinical Optometry degree, see Additional Information below.

Learning Outcomes

1.
Effectively communicate information in both oral and written formats.
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  • Leaders
  • Professionals
2.
Work effectively with others.
  • Professionals
  • Leaders
  • Global Citizens
3.
Apply knowledge and principles in Vision Science and Optometry to work in Ophthalmic Industry.
  • Scholars
  • Professionals
  • Leaders
  • Global Citizens
4.
Apply enquiry-based learning and analytical skills to adapt knowledge and skills in Vision Science and Optometry.
  • Leaders
  • Scholars
  • Professionals
5.
Articulate broad and coherent disciplinary theoretical and technical knowledge in Vision Science and Optometry and their areas of practice.
  • Professionals
  • Scholars
  • Leaders
6.
Demonstrate an awareness of national and international issues relevant to Vision Science and the Optometry profession.
  • Global Citizens
7.
Use enquiry-based learning and demonstrate analytical skills in the review, consolidation and synthesis of knowledge in Vision Science and Optometry.
  • Scholars

Program Structure
144 Units of Credit:

Students must complete 144 UOC as a standalone program.

1. 132 UOC Core courses in Stages 1 to 3
2. 12 UOC General Education courses

General Education

Students must take 12 UOC of the following courses.

Any course defined as a Science course cannot be taken as General Education (GE). All other courses can be used to fulfil the GE requirement of this program, including GEN# coded courses. Any exceptions to these rules must be approved by the Associate Dean (Academic Programs) or nominee.

Excluded General Education Courses

Students may not undertake any of the following excluded courses.

Related Programs

Related Programs

Bachelor of Vision Science - BVisScMaster of Clinical Optometry - MClinOptom3182 - Vision Science / Clinical Optometry
Bachelor of Science - BSc3970 - Science

Program Requirements

Progression Requirements

Pathways

Honours Programs

Bachelor of Science (Honours) - BSc(Hons)4500 - Science (Honours)

Post Graduate

Doctor of Philosophy - PhD1487 - Vision Science
Master of Clinical Optometry - MClinOptom8095 - Clinical Optometry

Professional Outcomes

Career Opportunities

Recognition of Achievement

University Medal

Award of Pass with Distinction

Additional Information

Definition of 'Science' courses

Table 1

Translational arrangements

Students who are either currently enrolled or have completed a Bachelor of Science with a Major in Vision Science may be eligible to transfer into the Bachelor of Vision Science program if their WAM is 70 or above or have completed a minimum of 36 UoC and are of good academic standing. The following courses are not required, but are recommended as good complementary courses for this major.

  • MATH1131 Mathematics 1A (6 UOC) or MATH1141 Higher Mathematics 1A (6 UOC)
  • PHYS1111 Fundamentals of Physics (6 UOC) or PHYS1121 Physics 1A (6 UOC) or PHYS1131 Higher Physics 1A (6 UOC)
  • CHEM1011 Chemistry A: Atoms, Molecules and Energy (6 UOC)

To comply with the Bachelor of Vision Science program structure, students will be required to complete the following additional core courses in the program:

Stage 2

  • OPTM2133 The Clinical Environment (6 UOC)
  • OPTM2233 Optical Dispensing (6 UOC)

Stage 3

  • OPTM3233 Working in the Clinical Environment (6 UOC)
  • OPTM3201 Applied Vision Science (6 UOC)
  • OPTM3105 Disease Processes of they Eye 1 (6UOC)
  • OPTM3205 Disease Processes of they Eye 2 (6UOC)

Transfer into the Master of Clinical Optometry program: Students who transfer and complete the Bachelor of Vision Science may be eligble for admission into the Master of Clinical Optometry Program subject to a number of conditions. To be considered for entry into the Master of Clinical Optometry, students must maintain at least an overall CREDIT average (65.00% WAM) in the Bachelor of Vision Science program. However, completion of a Bachelor of Vision Science degree does not guarantee a place in the Master of Clinical Optometry as only a limited number of places will be available.

Progression

Bachelor of Vision Science (3 years, 144 UOC) ----> Master of Clinical Optometry (2 years, 96UOC)

Students who complete the Bachelor of Vision Science may be eligible for admission into the Master of Clinical Optometry via the following pathway.

Bachelor of Vision Science students may apply for entry into the Master of Clinical Optometry at the end of their degree subject to a number of conditions. Progression into the Master of Clinical Optometry will be a competitive process that is based on academic performance. To be considered for entry into the Master of Clinical Optometry, students must maintain at least an overall CREDIT average (65.00% WAM) in the Bachelor of Vision Science. However, completion of a Bachelor of Vision Science does not guarantee a place in the Master of Clinical Optometry as only a limited number of places will be available. Students who are unsuccessful in obtaining a place in the Master of Clinical Optometry are expected to graduate with a Bachelor of Vision Science or may wish to apply for Science honours program (see below).

Bachelor of Vision Science (3 years, 144 UOC) ----> Science Honours (4500, Vision Science stream) 1 year, 48UOC

Students who complete the Bachelor of Vision Science may be eligible for admission into the Science Honours program (4500, Vision Science stream). To be considered for entry into Science Honours students must have at least an overall CREDIT average (65.00% WAM) in the Bachelor of Vision Science.

Program Fees

At UNSW fees are generally charged at course level and therefore dependent upon individual enrolment and other factors such as student's residency status. For generic information on fees and additional expenses of UNSW programs, click on one of the following:

Pre-2019 Handbook Editions

Access past handbook editions (2018 and prior)