Print versionThe science honours program is one year of study with a strong research focus. It equips students with the skills needed to design and undertake a research project, develops advanced laboratory skills and provides essential training in oral and written communication. Students may specialise in a research project in their area of interest. A wide selection of projects is offered each year.
Research experience and skills gained through the honours program uniquely enhance a graduate’s ability to contribute to a range of industries, even if they do not choose a career in research. Society will continue to be dramatically transformed by scientific discoveries that will impact agriculture, medicine, environment, education, business, law and public policy. Honours graduates are in a unique position to understand, evaluate and capitalise on these scientific discoveries in varied careers.
For those seeking a future career in research, the extra training provided by an honours degree means that graduates are highly sought for positions in research and development in industry and in government laboratories. These positions often have high levels of responsibility and better financial rewards than those open to students with a basic degree.
An Honours degree also provides entry to a research higher degree (MPhil or PhD).
Honours Programs
Honours programs are offered for Bachelor of Science graduates as an additional year of study. The specialist degree programs – Bachelor of Biotechnology, Bachelor of Marine Studies and Bachelor of Environmental Science – offer “on-course” honours for students in their fourth year of the program.
How to select and apply for a Bachelor of Science (Honours) project
You can select from a diverse list of honours projects available within each school that span our 13 research themes. Upon selecting a project of interest, you should contact the appropriate Group Leader to begin discussion about possible supervision of the project. Once an agreement has been reached, students will need to make a formal application to the relevant school.
To view available projects and make an application see the relevant School website below.
School of Biomedical Sciences
The School of Biomedical Sciences researches in the areas of physiology, anatomical studies, pharmacology/toxicology, developmental biology and genetics.School of Integrative Biology
The School of Integrative Biology is involved in research in zoology, ecology, entomology, marine biology, genetics, botany, conservation biology and developmental biology.School of Molecular and Microbial Sciences
The School of Molecular & Microbial Sciences offers honours in chemistry, biochemistry & molecular biology, microbiology & parasitology.
Honours is offered in the fourth year of the Bachelor of Biotechnology, following completion of Part A of the BBiotech program. The honours year equips students with the skills needed to design and undertake research and a product development proposal with a commercial focus. It develops advanced laboratory or research skills and provides essential training in oral and written communication.
Applications for honours must be submitted to the Program Coordinator, level 3, building 68 (Chemistry).
Students currently enrolled in the Bachelor of Environmental Science can choose to take honours in year 4. Honours focuses on research and project work. The research project is designed to enhance your scientific abilities and provide experience in the all aspects of research. For more information and to submit an application, please visit the School of Integrative Biology, level 2, building 8 (Goddard).
BEnvSc Honours Handbook (See School of Integrative Biology for the latest handbook.)
The Bachelor of Marine Studies honours is available for student completing the four-year program. The research project represents a substantial piece of work on a topic of relevance in a marine discipline and may, for example, take the form of an experimental project in the field or laboratory. The project may be undertaken in any School or Centre that can provide appropriate facilities and supervision for the work. An advanced coursework year is offered for students not entering the honours program in year 4. For more information on honours or the advanced coursework year, please visit the School of Integrative Biology, level 2, building 8 (Goddard).
BMarSt Honours & Advanced Coursework Handbook (See the School of Integrative Biology for the latest handbook.)