Bachelor of Science (Honours)

About this programme

The primary aim of the Bachelor of Science (Honours) course is to provide a strong and practical foundation both for research and professional employment in science. Advanced theory, professional training (where appropriate), and a research project that leads to a research paper or thesis are therefore incorporated within the course. In addition to developing graduates' skills in knowledge and problem solving to an advanced level, the Bachelor of Science (Honours) program aims to equip graduates with well-developed skills in lifelong learning and a strong commitment to professional and ethical practice. The Bachelor of Science (Honours) allows students to further develop specific areas of expertise in science by providing extended modern and rigorous training in science. It prepares students both for higher-level graduate careers in industry and government and for research at a PhD level or a Master if Philosophy. Through a combination of research and advanced coursework units, students pursue specialised studies in an area of mutual interest with a personal research mentor/supervisor. Students will develop high level skills in a specific discipline area (biological science, earth science, environmental science, chemistry or physics) and acquire research skills appropriate to their discipline. Coursework units provide students the opportunity to develop much more advanced skills and knowledge compared with those built in the undergraduate course. Students will design and undertake experimental programs in either laboratory or field settings to solve complex problems. A research project allows students to demonstrate their advanced academic capability and culminates in the completion of an honours thesis.