(Australian) Stuck in 2nd year Chemistry with low gpa :'(

Click For Summary

Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around a student's challenges in transferring from a Chemistry major within an Applied Sciences degree to a Computer Science program at Monash University in Australia. The student expresses concerns about their low GPA, failed courses, and the implications of starting over in a new field, including financial considerations related to HECS limits.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Homework-related
  • Meta-discussion

Main Points Raised

  • The student feels trapped in their current Chemistry major and is struggling academically, having failed two courses.
  • Some participants suggest considering a diploma from a technical college (TAFE) as a potential pathway to gain entry into a Computer Science program.
  • There is mention of the possibility of transferring to universities with lower entry requirements to improve academic standing before applying to Monash.
  • The student lists potential postgraduate options, expressing dissatisfaction with available career paths and concerns about financial implications of further education.
  • One participant shares their personal experience of shifting from programming to mathematics, indicating a possible career pivot.
  • Another participant inquires about the duration of the student's university studies, suggesting a focus on the timeline of their academic journey.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express varying opinions on the best course of action for the student, with no clear consensus on the most effective path forward. Some advocate for pursuing a diploma, while others suggest completing the current degree or exploring different universities.

Contextual Notes

The discussion highlights the complexities of transferring degrees, including academic performance, financial considerations, and personal career aspirations. There are unresolved questions regarding the feasibility of the proposed options and their implications for the student's future.

Who May Find This Useful

Students facing similar challenges in academic transfers, those considering a shift in their field of study, and individuals interested in the Australian higher education system may find this discussion relevant.

goldennote
Messages
2
Reaction score
0
Here's the deal,
I got into Applied Sciences degree and now find myself going down a Chemistry major route and doing really badly at it. I cannot move to a Computer Science in my course so I have to transfer.
So I can at least have grounds to be awarded a minor.
In order to transfer to a degree in my uni (Australia) to a different one Monash and do Bachelor of Science, they say they prefer a Credit Average and I feel I am totally screwed now 1.5 years in. So far I have failed two courses.

If I start from scratch in Computer Science I have to start all over again from scratch and risk my hecs limit, meaning I have to pay full fees. What can I do?
HECS are University places subsidized by the Australian government.
I want out!
At the moment I can't travel, my skills are untransferrable or go on exchange overseas it just sucks.
 
Physics news on Phys.org


goldennote said:
Here's the deal,
I got into Applied Sciences degree and now find myself going down a Chemistry major route and doing really badly at it. I cannot move to a Computer Science in my course so I have to transfer.
So I can at least have grounds to be awarded a minor.
In order to transfer to a degree in my uni (Australia) to a different one Monash and do Bachelor of Science, they say they prefer a Credit Average and I feel I am totally screwed now 1.5 years in. So far I have failed two courses.

If I start from scratch in Computer Science I have to start all over again from scratch and risk my hecs limit, meaning I have to pay full fees. What can I do?
HECS are University places subsidized by the Australian government.
I want out!
At the moment I can't travel, my skills are untransferrable or go on exchange overseas it just sucks.

Hey there goldennote and welcome to the forums.

I live in Australia and I currently study and have a background in programming just so you know where I am coming from.

If you can't transfer using your current results in your current degree, one course of action might be to go to a technical college (like TAFE) and getting a diploma in some part of IT. Using this as a bridge, if you get high enough marks in your diploma, I'm sure universities have methods of admission that allow you to use your diploma to gain entry, and maybe to get specified credit for certain courses.

Granted, this is a longer way than the usual method of transferring, but apart from that I can't think of a way to get into a course like computer science.

One other way that might work is if you try universities with lower entry requirements, get good marks in your first year and then transfer to somewhere like say Monash.

I think out of the above suggestions, TAFE might be a good option, especially if you don't have much experience with IT, programming, or both. It should provide some hands on experience in which you can decide whether you want to stick it out and get a degree. Personally I got sick of programming 9-5 and went into mathematics but that's just me.

Good luck!
 


chiro said:
It should provide some hands on experience in which you can decide whether you want to stick it out and get a degree. Personally I got sick of programming 9-5 and went into mathematics but that's just me.

Good luck!

Arrgh I can't switch to either of those majors!
It should provide some hands on experience in which you can decide whether you want to stick it out and get a degree.
Trouble is, I might as well just complete my current degree!
My only post grad. choices are:
-Teaching
-Anayltical Chemist! ( I don't want this job)
-No visa eligbility.
-Graduate Diploma in Arts $$$
-Postgraduate Diploma in Science (Can't do Computer Science) $$$
-Masters? $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$
I go to Diploma:
...
No teaching eligibility
 
Last edited:
goldennote said:
If I start from scratch in Computer Science I have to start all over again from scratch and risk my hecs limit, meaning I have to pay full fees.

How many years have you been studying at university?
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 26 ·
Replies
26
Views
7K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
6K
Replies
7
Views
3K
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
2K
  • · Replies 12 ·
Replies
12
Views
3K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
3K
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
2K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
3K
Replies
12
Views
4K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
2K