Subjects

The Monash University Foundation Year provides students with a basis to launch their academic journey. The broad range of subjects available enables students to select units that prepare them for their intended undergraduate degree.

For a detailed description of units download the Foundation Year Unit Guide

Accounting

Accounting is one of the most popular subjects in the program. Throughout this subject, students will have the opportunity to develop a strong foundation of accounting principles as well as a deeper understanding of the importance of accounting in the workforce.

Advanced Mathematics

Advanced Mathematics is designed to prepare students who intend to undertake tertiary courses with a high mathematical content, or that use a considerable amount of mathematical reasoning. The syllabus caters for more mathematically able students - giving them a chance to explore a wide range of mathematical concepts, knowledge and skills.

Biology

Biology is the study of living things, their structures, and their functions. It includes the study of how living things interact with each other and with their environment. The study of biology provides students with an understanding of the natural world and the role that humans play within it. It also provides the student with a scientific framework upon which to build hypothesis, and to design valid, controlled experiments.

Chemistry

Chemistry is concerned with the physical and chemical properties of substances, the nature of matter, and the study of chemical reactions and processes. This subject provides students with the fundamental principles of chemistry and the skills they require to undertake further study at university level.

Economics

The Economics subject is divided into two units: microeconomics and macroeconomics. Each unit is designed to provide students with a greater understanding of economic issues and the impact they have on our daily lives.

English (compulsory)

This course is intended to prepare students for tertiary level study by developing language skills (writing, speaking, and listening), research skills, and organisational and study skills. The course provides students with opportunities to develop the skills necessary to function as confident and competent listeners, speakers, readers and writers of Standard Australian English. These skills are intended to enable students to participate effectively in an Australian educational setting.

Fundamental Mathematics

Fundamental Mathematics has been designed to cater for students who plan to develop strong numeracy skills across areas of mathematics that have links to tertiary studies with a 'business' focus or to studies in other areas where strength in numeracy opens up a range of opportunities.

Note: It is NOT possible for students to study the following:

Both Fundamental Mathematics and Mathematics

Both Fundamental Mathematics and Advanced Mathematics.

Geography

This subject introduces students to the vitally important concepts of geography and the principles of sustainability. It then focuses on a detailed study of two of the critical environments of our planet: coasts and rainforests.

Globalisation

In this subject, we examine some of the recent history and key aspects of globalisation. We explore how, and to what extent, the apparent globalisation of the world is effecting governance, economics, and peoples, with a particular emphasis on how it shapes divisions of labour, health, and the environment. The course is designed to introduce students to the skills of analysis, research, and the presentation of ideas within an arts/humanities framework.

Information and Communication Technology

A working knowledge of computers has become a fundamental skill required in all aspects of industry. Therefore, the Information and Communication Technology (ICT) curriculum is designed to benefit students in all tertiary disciplines, not only those who intend to pursue further study or careers in the computing field.

Mathematics

The Mathematics subject has been designed to cater for a wide variety of student needs. It provides a range of knowledge, essential skills and methods to equip students for tertiary study. The Foundation Year Mathematics course has two units of study: Functions and Calculus, and Probability and Statistics.

Music

Music as a subject will focus on enhancing a student's ability to perform, create and appreciate. The subject will cover baroque, classical and twentieth century music in unit one and classical, romantic and contemporary music in unit two. The subject will consist of individual lessons, ensemble tutorials and master classes.

Music classes will be delivered at the Taylors College (CRICOS provider 01160J) premises at 399 Lonsdale Street, Melbourne - a five-minute walk from Monash College City campus.

Physics

Physics is often considered a challenging subject because it combines science with mathematics. It is a prerequisite for university degrees in multiple disciplines. This subject will provide students with the fundamentals of physics theory and the practical skill of how to apply them.

Extended format classes

The Extended format of the Foundation Year includes the following additional subjects.

• Extended English 1, 2, 3 and 4
• Extended Learning Studies
• Extended Business Communication
• Extended Introductory Maths.

Note: these subjects will not contribute to the final Foundation Year score.