You can still enrol for classes starting in July
This subject is accepting enrolments until 7 Aug
Scientific Computing
UndergraduateMAQ-FOSX10252025
Build data and IT skills that you’ll use throughout your science degree and career. You’ll learn how to collect, prepare, and process data using computers. See how spreadsheets can enhance the efficiency and accuracy of your scientific research.
- Study method
- 100% online
- Assessments
- 100% online
- Entry requirements
- Prior study needed
- Duration
- 13 weeks
- Start dates
- 24 Feb 2025,
- 28 July 2025
- Price from
- $1,195
- Upfront cost
- $0
- Loan available
- HECS-HELP and FEE-HELP available
Scientific Computing
About this subject
On successful completion of this subject, you will be able to:
- Demonstrate foundational knowledge of the role of data, computing and computing tools for science
- Determine the appropriate computing tool to manipulate, summarise, and visualise data.
- Prepare and clean data so that it can be used to address questions in science and industry.
- Apply computer scripting languages to the preparation and processing of data to enhance reproducibility in science.
- Explain the ethical implications of the use of computers for gathering, processing, and storing data.
- Interrogate data to address a topic of current interest to science and society.
- A week-by-week guide to the topics you will explore in this subject will be provided in your study materials.
This subject introduces essential concepts and techniques of computing for conducting science, with special emphasis on the preparation and manipulation of data. We discuss the role of computers and computing tools in science and focus on the use of spreadsheets and other data manipulation tools.
Learning in this unit enhances student understanding of global challenges identified by the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UNSDGs) Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure
Quiz/Test: One in-class quiz for each principal module: 1. computing, 2. data preparation, 3. presentation and reproducibility, 4. ethics
Project and Portfolio: Peer assessment of a project in several stages: 1. data preparation, 2. processing, 3. presentation
Reproducibility Project: Peer assessment of the reproducibility of a project- Diagnostic Test (10%)
- Media Presentation (40%)
- Reproducibility Project (50%)
For textbook details check your university's handbook, website or learning management system (LMS).
This research-intensive university in north-western Sydney offers a range of undergraduate and postgraduate degrees. With over 44,000 current students, Macquarie has a strong reputation for welcoming international students and embracing flexible and convenient study options, including its partnership with Open Universities Australia.
Learn more about Macquarie University.
Explore Macquarie courses.
- QS World University Ranking 2025, within Australia:
- 11
- Times Higher Education World University Ranking 2025, within Australia:
- 10
Entry requirements
Others
NCCW (2020 and onwards)
FOSE1025 Scientific Computing
Additional requirements
- Other requirements -
Students who have an Academic Standing of Suspension or Exclusion under Macquarie University's Academic Progression Policy are not permitted to enrol in OUA subjects offered by Macquarie University. Students with an Academic Standing of Suspension or Exclusion who have enrolled in subjects through OUA will be withdrawn.
Study load
- 0.125 EFTSL
- This is in the range of 10 to 12 hours of study each week.
Equivalent full time study load (EFTSL) is one way to calculate your study load. One (1.0) EFTSL is equivalent to a full-time study load for one year.
Find out more information on Commonwealth Loans to understand what this means to your eligibility for financial support.
What to study next?
Once you’ve completed this subject it can be credited towards one of the following courses
UndergraduateMAQ-BSC-DEG
Single subject FAQs
What’s a single subject?
Single subjects are the individual components that make up a degree. With Open Universities Australia, you’re able to study many of them as stand-alone subjects, including postgraduate single subjects, without having to commit to a degree.
Each of your subjects will be held over the course of a study term, and they’ll usually require 10 to 12 hours of study each week. Subjects are identified by a title and a code, for example, Developmental Psychology, PSY20007.
How can I use single subjects to get into a full degree?
First, find the degree that you would like to study on our website.
If that degree allows entry via undergraduate subjects, there will be information about this under the Entry Requirements section. You will find a list of 2-4 open enrolment subjects you need to successfully complete to qualify for admission into that qualification.
Once you pass those subjects, you will satisfy the academic requirements for the degree, and you can apply for entry.
Our student advisors are here to help you take that next step, so don’t hesitate to reach out when you’re ready! We’ve also made it easier to figure out the right way to get started on our pathways page.
Can anyone help me choose a subject?
Our student advisors are more than happy to help you plan your online study. Get in touch with an advisor by:
How do I pay for my subjects?
You can pay up front with your credit card, or you may be eligible for a HELP loan from the Australian government depending on your citizenship status and where you’ll live during your studies.
For more information about how to pay for your studies visit our fees page or contact a student advisor.
How do I enrol?
When you’ve made your choice, click ‘Enrol now’ on the relevant course page and follow the prompts to begin your enrolment. We’ll ask you to supply some supporting documentation, including proof of your identity, your tax file number, and a unique student identifier (USI) during this process.
Your university will get in touch with you via email to confirm whether or not your application has been successful.
If you get stuck at any time, reach out to us and we’ll talk you through it.
You can also take a look at our online self-service enrolling instructions.
When is the cut-off date for enrolling?
Close of enrolment times vary between universities and subjects. You can check the cut-off dates for upcoming study terms by visiting key dates.