Bachelor of Science (Honours)

The primary focus of the Honours course in Science at Swinburne is on research skills with a mix of advanced theory, professional training, research training, and a research project leading to a thesis.

An Honours degree in Science provides a competitive advantage for employment in research positions and is a requirement for studying at PhD level.

Successful completion of the Bachelor of Science (Honours) requires students to complete units of study to the value of 100 credit points. All units of study are valued at 12.5 credit points unless otherwise stated. View course rules and special requirements

A range of research projects are available in 2018 to honours students in Physics, as well as those in Chemistry, Biotechnology and Environmental Science.

Specialisation

100 credit points

Choose a specialisation:

Choose a specialisation Biochemistry Biotechnology Chemistry Environmental Science Physics

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Other studies

4 units (0 credit points)

Students may select elective units (12.5 credit points each).

• Full-time study: 100 credit points/eight standard units of study per year
• Part-time study: 50 credit points/four standard units of study per year
• One credit point is equivalent to one hour of study per week per semester (including contact hours and private study)
• See the course planner for an example degree structure

The course is divided into various strands which allow student to focus on their specific discipline. Lectures and, in particular, the research component of the honours degree are expected to focus on that specific discipline.

The following strands are available:

• biochemistry
• biotechnology
• chemistry
• environmental science
• physics - *Note this major has an earlier commencement date of 24 February 2020

To qualify for a Bachelor of Science (Honours), a student must complete 100 credit points comprising coursework and thesis units within one area of specialisation:

• biochemistry
• biotechnology
• chemistry
• environmental science
• physics

• Bachelor of Science (Honours) with First Class Honours (H1) for students who achieve 80%-100%
• Bachelor of Science (Honours) with Upper Second Class Honours (H2A) for students who achieve 70%-79%
• Bachelor of Science (Honours) with Lower Second Class Honours (H2B) for students who achieve 60%-69%
• Bachelor of Science (Honours) with Third Class Honours (H3) for students who achieve 50%-59%

At the completion of the Bachelor of Science (Honours) course, graduates will be able to:

• demonstrate advanced understanding of the methods and processes of science as a creative endeavour
• demonstrate the ability to critically analyse a challenging, complex or multifaceted problem, identify research questions, design and plan a project, complying with any regulatory frameworks and practicing professional ethics
• select and apply practical and/or theoretical techniques or tools to address a research question
• integrate research findings with the current body of disciplinary knowledge/paradigms and demonstrate the potential to make original contributions to scientific knowledge
• communicate scientific ideas and research findings to informed professional audiences using a variety of modes
• demonstrate the application of knowledge and skills to demonstrate autonomy, well-developed judgement, adaptability and responsibility.