Field of Education Classification

Natural and Physical Sciences is the study of all living organisms and inanimate natural objects, through experiment, observation and deduction.

The theoretical content of Broad Field 01 Natural and Physical Sciences includes:

• atmospheric sciences
• biological processes
• chemical reactions
• geological composition and structures
• laboratory methodology
• mathematical and statistical techniques
• observation and measurement
• scientific method
• subatomic particles and quantum mechanics
• thermodynamics and entropy

The main purpose of this broad field of education is to develop an understanding of the workings of the universe, and to extend the body of scientific knowledge.

This broad field comprises the following narrow fields:

Information Technology is the study of the processing, transmitting and storage of information by computers.

The theoretical content of Broad Field 02 Information Technology includes:

• computation theory
• computer programming
• data format and coding
• management, storage and retrieval of information in a computer environment
• robotics programming and artificial intelligence
• systems analysis

The main purpose of this broad field of education is to develop an understanding of information systems, programming languages, information management and artificial intelligence, the ability to apply them to solve problems.

This broad field comprises the following narrow fields:

Exclusions: Computer hardware design and construction. This is included in Detailed Field 031305 Computer Engineering. Computer operation and using software packages. This is included in Detailed Field 080905 Practical Computing Skills.

Engineering and Related Technologies is the study of the design, manufacture, installation, maintenance and functioning of machines, products, systems and structures; and the composition and processing of metals, ceramics, foodstuffs and other materials. It includes the measurement and mapping of the earth's surface and its natural and constructed features.

The theoretical content of Broad Field 03 Engineering and Related Technologies includes:

• aeronautics
• engineering and manufacturing technology
• food technology
• land information technology and remote sensing
• materials science
• principles of design and drafting, planning and commissioning
• plant and machine maintenance

The main purpose of this broad field of education is to develop an understanding of the conversion of materials and energy, and the measurement and representation of objects, and the operation of plant, machinery and transport systems.

This broad field comprises the following narrow fields:

Exclusions: Architecture and building. This is included in Broad Field 04 Architecture and Building.

Architecture and Building is the study of the art, science and techniques involved in designing, constructing, adapting and maintaining public, commercial, industrial and residential structures and landscapes. It includes the study of the art and science of designing and planning urban and regional environments.

The theoretical content of Broad Field 04 Architecture and Building includes:

• aesthetics and space dynamics
• building economics
• building science
• building techniques and technologies
• construction management
• architectural design and drawing
• town planning

The main purpose of this broad field of education is to provide an understanding of integrating structural and aesthetic elements in buildings, and construction methods, techniques and materials.

This field comprises the following narrow fields:

Agriculture, Environmental and Related Studies is the study of the theory and practice of breeding, growing, gathering, reproducing and caring for plants and animals. It includes the study of the interaction between people and the environment and the application of scientific knowledge to the environment to protect it from deterioration.

The theoretical content of Broad Field 05 Agriculture, Environmental and Related Studies includes:

• crop production
• animal production and management
• environmental impact and assessment
• forestry resources management
• soil and water conservation
• aquatic resource management

The main purpose of this broad field of education is to develop an understanding of the management and use of natural resources, and the production of primary agricultural products.

This broad field comprises the following narrow fields:

Exclusions: Veterinary science. This is included in Narrow Field 0611 Veterinary Science.

Health is the study of maintaining and restoring the physical and mental well‑being of humans and animals.

The theoretical content of Broad Field 06 Health includes:

• disease processes and mechanisms
• restoration and maintenance of health
• diagnosis
• principles and practices of public health

The main purpose of this broad field of education is to develop an understanding of the principles and practices of identifying, treating, controlling and preventing injury and diseases. It is also involves developing an understanding of the principles and practices of providing preventative, curative, rehabilitative and palliative care.

This broad field comprises the following narrow fields:

Exclusions: Medical Science. This is included in Detailed Field 019901 Medical Science.

Education is the study of the process of learning. It includes the theories, methods and techniques of imparting knowledge and skills to others.

The theoretical content of Broad Field 07 Education includes:

• curriculum development
• processes of learning and skill acquisition
• teaching methods

The main purpose of this broad field of education is to develop an understanding of the processes and methods of teaching and learning in pre‑schools, schools, tertiary educational institutions and informal settings.

This broad field comprises the following narrow fields:

Management and Commerce is the study of the theory and practice of planning, directing, organising, motivating and co‑ordinating the human and material resources of private and public organisations and institutions. It includes the merchandising and provision of goods and services and personal development.

The theoretical content of Broad Field 08 Management and Commerce includes:

• management and administration
• human and material resources management
• sales and marketing
• finance and financial management
• human behaviour and time management

The main purpose of this broad field of education is to develop an understanding of the theory and practice of decision making and policy formation, organisational development, planning, financial management and the marketing and selling of goods and services.

This narrow field comprises the following narrow fields:

Society and Culture is the study of the physical, social and cultural organisation of human society and their influence on the individual and groups.

The theoretical content of Broad Field 09 Society and Culture includes:

• belief and value systems
• cultural expression
• human development and behaviour
• human populations and their environments
• politics of power
• social organisation and structure
• social research methodology

The main purpose of this broad field of education is to develop an understanding of human behaviour and interaction, beliefs and values, cultural expression, and social structure and organisation.

This broad field comprises the following narrow fields:

Creative Arts is the study of creating and performing works of art, music, dance and drama. It includes the study of clothing design and creation, and the communication of messages in a variety of media.

The theoretical content of Broad Field 10 Creative Arts includes:

• artistic and technical aspects of audio‑visual communication
• artistic and technical aspects of the creation and production of art and craft, photographs and fashion apparel
• artistic and technical aspects of the creation, production and performance of music, dance and drama
• history, development and theory of the visual and performing arts

The main purpose of this broad field of education is to develop an understanding of composition, performance, artistic production, choreography, design and creativity and technical production.

This broad field comprises the following narrow fields:

Exclusions: Mass production of products such as fashion apparel, woven materials, pottery and furniture. These are included in Narrow Field 0301 Manufacturing Engineering and Technology. Computer graphics: This is included in Narrow Field 0201 Computer Science.

Food, Hospitality and Personal Services is the study of preparing, displaying and serving food and beverages, providing hospitality services, caring for the hair and body for grooming and beautification and other personal services.

The theoretical content of Broad Field 11 Food, Hospitality and Personal Services includes:

• application and use of skin care and cosmetic products
• general beauty care
• hair cutting, styling, colouring and treatment techniques
• housekeeping
• hygienic work practices in relation to the food and hospitality industry
• preparation, display and service of food and beverages

The main purpose of this broad field of education is to develop an understanding of the preparation of food and beverages, and the provision of hospitality services including housekeeping, cleaning and food and beverage service. It also involves developing a knowledge of beautification and beauty treatments.

This narrow filed comprises the following narrow fields:

Exclusions: Massage. This is included in Detailed Field 061711 Massage Therapy.

Mixed Field Programs are programs providing general and personal development education.

The theoretical content of Broad Field 12 Mixed Field Programs includes:

• literacy and numeracy skills
• personal, social and workplace relationships

The main purpose of this broad field of education is to develop a basic understanding of reading, writing and arithmetic along with an elementary understanding of other subjects such as history, geography, natural science, social science, art and music. It also involves developing an understanding of key competencies and skills that are needed for job search activities, employment and personal survival skills.

This broad field comprises the following narrow fields:

Exclusions Personal management training. This is included in Detailed Field 080305 Personal Management Training.