Off campus study - science

So I guess this is a double barreled question:

- have you or do you study predominantly off campus

- have you done a science degree/course as a mature age student?

I'm seriously considering applying to study a Bachelor of Science majoring in physics. I'd be doing it part time and still need to decide whether to do a math or science minor.
The lab based work you do both at home and in a 3-5 day block per semester.

Kids will be 6 and almost 3 if I start in first semester '12. I also work full time as a sysadmin in IT.

So I'm kinda worried about fitting it in, but I really, really want to do it, it's something I've been thinking about for a good 5-10 years. If anyone has any experience in studying a highly involved/complex course off campus and with a family, I'd love to hear all about it.

I did a math degree (B Sci) by correspondence... and it was FANTASTIC. I only did one physics subject though (although I use particle physics at work, lol). There were a few blocks on campus I could have attended, I did a few, they were great. I loved getting all my stuff posted to me, printed at the beginning of the semester, it was so easy to be organised. I had no kids at the time, but I did work full time (well, I worked 4 days a week and did 3 subjects a semester). I also took advantage of the summer semester. I was at USQ and don't regret it at all. Best of luck with your decision.

Go for it it hun you have talked of studying for so long!! (can't say i find your idea of physics and maths riviting but you will love it!!!)

I as you know am studying part time off campus with very little face to face time and it is bloody hard but if you are prepared for late nights and minimal fun its doable (we can chat online at 1 am to keep each other sane!)

Good luck

I did a lot of my undergrad in animal science off campus. I didn't have kids then. But I have been doing my PhD mostly off campus over the last four years. And I started that after having DS. If it is something you really want to do then you may as well start now.

I love distance study. Email makes contacting lectures really easy and they are generally very good at getting back to you quickly.

One thing I wish someone told me before I went to uni was to look at what my degree would allow me to do. Will physics give you a "trade" or will you need to do more study? Just a thought. ox

It's tough. I'm writing my thesis, started when DS was 6 weeks old and have 4 weeks left to go. To be honest, it's not my best work. It's hard finding time to work on it, I will always prioritise DS over study though, so I'm happy to just pass (never thought I would say that!)

Studying, being Mummy and working sounds very full on, something will suffer, and it will most likely be your spare time and your sleep. If you LOVE what your studying then that makes it much much easier, because then study becomes your me time.

And get a cleaner and a bunch of take out menu's, or cook lots when you do cook and freeze it. But definitely get a cleaner!

I don't really need it to give me a trade, I guess I'm not doing it for employment opportunities so much as personal development. I like math and science, specifically light and astronomy.
I can always stay a UNIX admin.

It doesn't really matter though because it's not looking good. Monash are giving me the run around, on one hand they say science is available for off campus study, then they say oh but not physics. Nice, so why are all the physics courses listed on the off campus science page? *sigh*

CQU do a Bachelor of Applied Physics?

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CQU do a Bachelor of Applied Physics?

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Thanks (and you too Sopdet) I will check out the CQU website. It doest want to play on iPhone.
A lot will depend on the residential component but if it's only a week per semester it may be OK.

Seems like CQU have either cancelled or are in the process of canceling their physics course.

USQ has a physics major available only via distance. See here.

Thanks !

Also don't forget you can use the good guides (google it) to search for courses according to criteria

Thanks again.
So far, UNE are they only place I've found where I can study by distance Ed. And get block labs 1 week a semester.

But the don't offer the subjects (astronomy and astrophysics) that I want. Swinburne do, in a postgraduate program, but the cost doubles.

More thinking to be done.
I think I'm really in love with the program at Monash *sigh* I wish I could make it work.

CSU have a longstanding Distance Ed thing going, maybe see if they offer something that would interest you?

Would cross-institutional study be an option for the subjects you're really keen on?

I'm not sure. I think I'm just going to have to suck it up and either study postgrad or accept that it won't work unless I can find a way to go during the day

What makes you hesitant about postgrad? I've found postgrad coursework not much different to u/g coursework...

The fact that there's no CSP so the cost is approx double that ofthe undegrad course

Instead of doing postgrad coursework have you considered doing postgrad research in that field? As I understand domestic students are exempt from tuition fees for both MPhils and PhD. I know of people who have really changed fields when going to postgrad research (e.g. going from music to animal science). And you can still do it part time.

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Instead of doing postgrad coursework have you considered doing postgrad research in that field? As I understand domestic students are exempt from tuition fees for both MPhils and PhD. I know of people who have really changed fields when going to postgrad research (e.g. going from music to animal science). And you can still do it part time.

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Could I do that not coming from a science background (well not since yr 12)? I think its something I'd look at.. I like research :) I think I'd still want to do a foundation physics subject to start but if this is an actual option it'd be great

Is there a way to link your study to your job? Work-related study is tax deductible. Some employers offer education assistance as well.

What is CSP? Is that like HECS/HELP? I know part of my MBA was covered through HELP, part through work and a lot by me.

I am not sure but definitely ask. You may just have to do a bridging course or something similar. What is your undergraduate in?
Monash seem to have a master preliminary course which does have fees but has commonwealth supported places. To get into that course if you don't have undergrad in science they have these relevant entry requirements:

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Graduates with honours in a different field

For graduates with honours in a different field (not regarded as a suitable preparation for direct admission to their proposed graduate studies), or for applicants applying several years after graduation and whose subsequent training and experience is deemed inadequate for direct admission to the proposed graduate studies, or non-university graduates with a diploma or other qualifications, admission may be approved if they are judged to have sufficient aptitude for research in the proposed field and a suitable motivation towards relevant studies.

Other applicants

For those who are not recent graduates but hold a Bachelor's degree and do not meet the entry requirements stated above, but can demonstrate relevant research experience in the field of study to be pursued, a strong case for admission may be made by the head of school to the dean for consideration of admission into the course.

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Hi Hun

I'm studying law and social work externally. I also have two kiddies and work fulltime as a program manager. I say go for it! If you're committed you'll make it work. I love external study as I can work it around my life.



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Could I do that not coming from a science background (well not since yr 12)? I think its something I'd look at.. I like research :) I think I'd still want to do a foundation physics subject to start but if this is an actual option it'd be great

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Most uni's run foundation units in maths and physics and they even offer these via correspondence, if you want help let me know. It helps to start with a Masters by Research with a few coursework units (audit them, you might not necessarily need to be enrolled) and upgrade to a PhD later if you are changing topics from undergrad quite a lot.

You usually need an honours degree to do postgrad research.

You know you can use fee help now for postgrad? And it doesn't add a 20% loan fee (last time I checked) for postgrad, so the cost difference may not be so big (**I could be wrong on this!)

Check all unis for the CSPs - some will offer them while others are only fee-based, even for the same course.

I have also generally found it more helpful to talk to academics in the area you want to study rather than uniadvice. Often uniadvice get it wrong, and the academics have much more incentive to get students into their programs (ie funding!).

Don't give up hun.

My degree is in IT. Honors was not an option, its a 4 year degree though.
Swinburnes post grad course does look pretty cool. I might give them a call.
Thanks everyone