Bachelor of Philosophy (Honours) - Science

Inspire your curious mind with the Bachelor of Philosophy (Honours).There’s no other degree like it in Australia.

You’ll get to explore your interests by undertaking research as an undergraduate student, get one-on-one mentoring by leading academics… all while enjoying the camaraderie of a group of like-minded students.The research you’ll do throughout your degree is excellent preparation for your fourth, or Honours year of your PhB.

You will undertake a year-long research project under the guidance of an academic supervisor.

This is where you can really indulge your passion and explore a topic in detail.Find out more about the Bachelor of Philosophy, the degree structure, the university experience, career opportunities and student stories on our website.Get the inside story on what it’s like to be an ANU student by visiting our student blog.

Program Requirements

The Bachelor of Philosophy (Honours) requires completion of 192 units, of which:

A maximum of 60 units can come from the completion of 1000 level courses

The 192 units must include:

144 units of which:

A minimum of 96 units must come from completion of courses from the Science course list

A minimum of 30 units from completion of 3000 level courses from the Science course list

36 units must come from completion of Advanced Studies, including:

A minimum of 18 units from the completion of Advanced Studies (ASC) courses from the following list which can include:

A maximum of 30 units of SCNC2101 Advanced Studies Course (can be taken multiple times)

A minimum of 6 units of SCNC3101 Advanced Studies Course (can be taken multiple times)

A maximum of 18 units from completion of Advanced Studies Extensions (ASE) courses

48 units from completion of one of the following Honours specialisations:

Astronomy and Astrophysics

Biological Anthropology

Biology

Chemistry

Computer Science

Earth and Marine Science

Environment

Mathematics

Medical Research

Physics

Physics of the Earth

Population Health

Psychology

Science

Science Communication

Statistics

Students must achieve a minimum 75% weighted average mark in Science courses in each period (Summer/First Semester/Autumn and Winter/Second Semester/Spring) subsequent to the first year of study in order to continue in the Bachelor of Philosophy (Honours). Students who do not achieve a minimum 75% weighted average mark will be transferred to the Bachelor of Science or Bachelor of Science (Advanced) (Honours).

Students must complete 144 units and achieve a minimum 70% weighted average mark calculated from the 36 units of courses in disciplines cognate to the Honours specialisation, excluding 1000-level courses, with the highest marks and satisfy all admission requirements specified in the Honours specialisation in order to commence the Honours specialisation. Students who do not achieve the 70% weighted average mark after 144 units or do not satisfy all admission requirements specified in the Honours specialisation will be transferred to the Bachelor of Science.

Students must achieve a minimum 80% final Honours mark in order to graduate with the Bachelor of Philosophy (Honours). Students who achieve a final Honours mark from 50% to 79% will graduate with the Bachelor of Science (Advanced) (Honours). Student who do not successfully complete the Honours year with a final mark of at least 50% will graduate from the Bachelor of Science.

Specialisations

• Astronomy and Astrophysics Honours
• Biological Anthropology Honours
• Biology Honours
• Chemistry Honours
• Earth and Marine Science Honours
• Environment Honours
• Mathematics Honours
• Medical Research Honours
• Physics Honours
• Physics of the Earth Honours
• Population Health Honours
• Psychology Honours
• Science Honours
• Statistics Honours

Elective Study

Once you have met the program requirements of your degree, you may have enough electives to complete an additional elective major, minor or specialisation.

Study Options

Year 1 - 48 units

Year 2 - 48 units

Year 3 - 48 units

Year 4 - 48 units

Admission Requirements

Admission to all programs is on a competitive basis. Admission to undergraduate degrees is based on meeting the ATAR requirement or an equivalent rank derived from the following qualifications and including any eligible adjustments:

- An Australian year 12 qualification or international equivalent; OR

- A completed Associate Diploma, Associate Degree, AQF Diploma, Diploma, AQF Advanced Diploma, Graduate Certificate or international equivalent; OR

- At least one standard full-time year (1.0 FTE) in a single program of degree level study at an Australian higher education institution or international equivalent; OR

- An approved tertiary preparation course unless subsequent study is undertaken.

Other requirements

A supplementary form and two referee reports are used in the selection of students and must be submitted by November 30 in the year of application. Click here to access the forms.

You must list the PhB (Hons) degree as a preference through the University Admissions Centre to be considered for admission. Interviews and school recommendations may also be used in the selection of students. Quotas may apply.

Entry requirements

Domestic School-leavers

Domestic students completing an Australian Year 12 or the IB program (November session) in Australia in 2019 apply directly to The Australian National University by submitting an Admission, Scholarships and Accommodation application here. All students will still need to meet the published entry requirements for the program they have applied for.

In addition to meeting the published entry requirements, school leavers are required met the co-curricular or service requirement (CCS). The CCS functions as a threshold that is either met or not met, you can learn more about the CCS and check if you’ve met the CCS requirement here.

You will be directed to the appropriate application system when you select ‘Apply’.

Domestic Non-School leavers

Domestic non-school leavers (including students transferring to ANU, mature age applicants and students who are otherwise not a school-leaver) can apply to ANU via the Universities Admissions Centre (UAC).

You will be directed to the appropriate application system when you select ‘Apply’

International applicant entry requirements

International applicants may view further information on admissions requirements at Entry Requirements for International Undergraduate Applicants.

Additional Information for applicants

More information about ATAR requirements for individual programs can be found on the ANU website.

The National Register of higher education providers is an authoritative source of information that will help you confirm your institution of choice is registered to deliver higher education in Australia.

The Quality Indicators for Learning and Teaching (QILT) website allows you to do side-by-side comparisons of Australian universities, so you can find out more about the universities that interest you.

The University reserves the right to alter or discontinue its programs as required.

The admission requirements listed on this page are a guide to the entry level required for domestic applicants. Exact entry level will be set at time of offer.

Prerequisites

There are no formal program prerequisites and many first-year science courses assume little specific knowledge. The exceptions are:

• For many of the biology majors, chemistry is a requirement, therefore it is recommended that students have an ACT major in chemistry, or successful completion of a bridging course in chemistry, or multistrand science in NSW, or equivalent. Chemistry is essential for all later-year courses in the biological streams of biochemistry and cell biology, microbiology and immunology, molecular genetics, animal and human physiology, and some parts of botany and neuroscience. A bridging course is available in February details can be obtained through science.enquiries@anu.edu.au
• CHEM1101: ACT major in Chemistry, or successful completion of a bridging course in chemistry, or multistrand science in NSW, or equivalent, is required. Chemistry is essential for all later-year courses in chemistry. A bridging course is available in February details can be obtained through science.enquiries@anu.edu.au
• MATH1003: Assumed knowledge: ACT Mathematical Methods (major)/Further Mathematics/Specialist Mathematics (major)/ Specialist Methods or NSW HSC Mathematics or equivalent
• MATH1005: ACT Mathematical Methods (major)/Further Mathematics/Specialist Mathematics (major)/ Specialist Methods or NSW HSC Mathematics or equivalent
• MATH1013: A satisfactory pass in ACT Specialist Mathematics Major - Minor or NSW HSC Mathematics Extension 1 or equivalent. Students with a good pass in ACT Mathematical Methods or NSW HSC Mathematics or equivalent will be considered
• MATH1115: A satisfactory pass in ACT Specialist Mathematics double major or NSW HSC Mathematics Extension 2 or equivalent. Students with excellent marks in either ACT Specialist Mathematics major-minor or NSW HSC Mathematics Extension 1 or equivalent may be permitted to enrol
• PHYS1101: There is a corequisite of MATH1013/1115. See the entries above. There is no formal physics prerequisite but preparation is assumed and recommended. Recommended preparation is - NSW: a high standard in 2 unit physics or a multistrand science; ACT: a high standard in physics (major).

Adjustment Factors

ANU offers rank adjustments for a number of adjustment factors, including for high achievement in nationally strategic senior secondary subjects and for recognition of difficult circumstances that students face in their studies. Rank adjustments are applied to Bachelor degree applicants with an ATAR at or above 70. Points are awarded in accordance with the approved schedules, and no more than 15 points (maximum 5 subject/performance-based adjustments, maximum 10 equity-based adjustments and maximum 5 Elite Athlete adjustments) will be awarded. Please note that Adjustment Factors vary and do not apply to a select few programs, please visit the ANU Adjustment Factors website for further information.

Scholarships

ANU offers a wide range of scholarships to students to assist with the cost of their studies.

Eligibility to apply for ANU scholarships varies depending on the specifics of the scholarship and can be categorised by the type of student you are. Specific scholarship application process information is included in the relevant scholarship listing.

For further information see the Scholarships website.

1. Develop, apply, integrate and generate knowledge in educational and professional contexts:
2. Develop and use a range of skills and methods to identify, analyse and respond to complex problems and issues;
3. Identify and apply various research concepts, methodologies and methods
4. Work and learn in both independent and collaborative ways with others to encompass diverse abilities and perspectives;
5. Negotiate research projects considering their academic relevance, possible academic contributions, and ethical implications;
6. Source and critically analyse research literature related to their topics of interest and research;
7. Appraise concepts and arguments related to their topics of interest and research;
8. Convey and relate professional and disciplinary information and ideas to diverse audiences in effective and appropriate ways;
9. Develop high level project management skills as support for independent study; and
10. Exercise personal, professional and social responsibility as a global citizen.