BH-ADVSCI v.2 Bachelor of Advanced Science (Honours)

Bachelor Honours Degrees prepare students to develop advanced knowledge and skills for professional work, research and further learning corresponding to AQF level 8 qualifications.

This honours level course offers students with an interest in studying science the opportunity to develop high level skills and attributes beyond discipline knowledge through a core of scientific professional practice, leadership and entrepreneurship. Students select from a range of discipline areas including Agricultural Science, Chemistry, Coastal and Marine Science, Computing, Data Science, Earth Science, Environmental Science, Financial Mathematics, Industrial and Applied Mathematics, Molecular Genetics and Physics. Students will have the flexibility to tailor their experiences through this core in a way that works for them and their personal interests and aspirations. In the capstone experience students will have the opportunity to pursue projects from pure research through to translational (entrepreneurial) science projects.

Professional Recognition

Please refer individual majors for professional recognition details.

Course Accreditation Status

Accreditation will not be sought for the Bachelor of Advanced Science (Honours) (BH-ADVSCI), however the following majors will be seeking accreditation within the next available undergraduate accreditation process: Chemistry Major (BAdvSci) (Honours) (MJRH-ADCHE), Computing Major (BAdvSci) (Honours) (MJRH-ADCMP), Physics Major (BAdvSci) (Honours) (MJRH-ADPHY).

Career Opportunities

Students graduating with an honours degree in science can pursue careers in research through postgraduate degrees (Master by Research, PhD) but are also high competitive in industry. Graduates from the Bachelor of Advanced Science (Honours) have the added advantage of being able to evidence the development of high level discipline, leadership and entrepreneurship skills through engagement with industry and research groups throughout their course. Please refer to the individual majors for specific career opportunities.

Additional Course Expenses

Students may be expected to purchase a number of textbooks and other essential study materials. Students may require a laboratory coat.

Bachelor degrees with honours typically contain a series of units which may include compulsory (core), optional or elective units to cater for student preferences. They may contain a range of majors/streams for students to choose from to pursue learning in a specialised area of study. They comprise honours-level research within the coursework of the course and are at least four years in duration.

The Bachelor of Advanced Science has the following components, each of which must be completed to qualify for graduation: a) a set of core units focused on the development of research and leadership skills and attributes, b) a major course of study in a scientific discipline, c) a final year capstone experience.

Course Learning Outcomes

A graduate of this course can:

1. demonstrate an advanced knowledge of the nature of science, its methods and processes, and an advanced knowledge in one or more disciplinary area enabling the ability to contribute new knowledge to a field of study

2. critically analyse challenging and multi-faceted problems, address them by applying practical and theoretical tools and critically evaluate findings within the current body of disciplinary knowledge

3. access and make judgements on the value of available knowledge using a variety of tools, and incorporate them into the planning, conduct and communication of their own work

4. communicate approaches and solutions, ideas and findings to informed professional scientific and industry audiences

5. use established and emerging technologies in their chosen discipline and apply them within the context of their profession

6. engage in self-driven continuous discipline and professional education and training within their chosen discipline

7. participate in the generation and application of science in addressing global problems while recognising that scientific endeavours, understand compliance with international ethical and professional standards

8. work collaboratively and respectfully with scientists from a range of cultural backgrounds and understand the cultural issues that impact their discipline or profession

9. be able to work as an independent scientist and collaboratively within teams either as a professional leader or collaborator using effective problem solving and decision making skills within the professional context of their area of study

Duration and Availability

This course is four years full-time study or equivalent part-time study. Two intakes are offered each year in February and July.

Location and delivery Mode

The information displayed above refers to study periods and locations where the course is available for first time entry. Students are normally only offered or admitted to a course once.

* The course itself may not be available either solely internally or externally but individual units may be offered in either or both of those modes. Prospective students should contact the Course Coordinator for further information.

^ Course and associated units are offered in this mode permitting International Onshore student enrolment.

# Course and associated units are offered in this online only mode and DO NOT permit International Onshore student enrolment.

YEAR 1

Applicants for a Bachelor Honours Degree are required to meet University academic and English language entry standards; details are provided at http://study.curtin.edu.au/ and include flexible entry pathways. Admission to Honours is by invitation and follows high achievement in an appropriate Bachelor Degree. Any specific course entry and completion requirements must also be met.

Please refer to the individual majors for specific entry requirements. IELTS score of 7.0 for each of the component and an overall score of 7.0 is required

Credit for Recognised Learning

Applications for credit towards a course are assessed on an individual basis. Credit reduces the amount of learning required to complete the course and may be granted for formal education qualifications, non-formal learning from non-award programs of study and informal learning through work experiences. Further information can be found at http://futurestudents.curtin.edu.au/non-school-leavers/rpl.cfm

Intermediate Awards

A student who has successfully completed the requirements of an approved intermediate award may apply for graduation in that award subject to approval of Head of School/Department. Fees apply. Intermediate awards approved for this course:

Intermediate Awards (Specific)

A student who has successfully completed the first three years of the course (600 credits) and wishes to exit the course may apply for an intermediate award of a Bachelor of Science (B-SCNCE) with a major in a relevant field of study OR a Bachelor of Advanced Science (B-ADVSCI) with a major in a relevant field of study. The B-ADVSCI requires that a CWA average >70 has been maintained (minimum academic achievement standard). Applications should be discussed with the course coordinator and are subject to the approval of the Head of School. Fees apply.

Award Pathway

Graduates with a Bachelor Degree may qualify for entry to some Graduate Certificates, Graduate Diplomas and Master by Coursework degrees. Graduates with a Bachelor Degree with Honours may also qualify for entry to a Master or Doctorate by Research. For further details, see the University website http://curtin.edu.au.

Course Completion Details

To progress to the final year of study and hence to qualify for this award students will be required to provide evidence of immersive research experience totaling at least 96 hours.