Bachelor of Science (Honours)

Have you been a high achiever in your undergraduate degree?

Prepare yourself for postgraduate research, or get a head start in your career as a professional scientist.

In this degree you’ll do advanced study and introductory research in your chosen science discipline (including Nano- and Biomaterials, Chemistry, Applied Physics, Materials Science, Agricultural and Food Science, Environmental Science, Earth Science, and Ecology).

Over the course of the year you will study courses in research methods, principles and ethics, as well as research project preparation.

You will complete a research project that involves laboratory work, data collection and analysis, interpretation of your results in the context of current scientific literature, preparation of an Honours thesis and presentation of a final seminar to academics, student peers and relevant industry and government stakeholders.

This one-year degree is for students who have completed a Bachelor degree in a relevant field of science, technology, engineering, environmental science or health with a high level of academic achievement.

This degree will train you to undertake research and help you to develop higher level scientific and problem-solving skills.

If you’re thinking of applying, please contact the Program Director as early as possible (preferably in November of the year before) to discuss the suitability of your qualifications and possible Honours projects.

Entry requirements

Entry to the Honours program will be available to students who have successfully completed a Bachelor degree in a relevant discipline. Applicants should have displayed a high level of academic achievement throughout their degree program, normally achieving a credit level average.

Relevant disciplines would typically include science, technology, engineering, or environmental studies. Applicants with qualifications in other disciplines are encouraged to apply and will be assessed on a case by case basis.

Essential requirements for admission

Prerequisites

Assumed Knowledge

You will study courses about research methods, principles and ethics, and research project preparation. You will complete a research project that involves laboratory work, data collection and analysis, interpretation of your results in the context of current scientific literature, preparation of an Honours thesis and presentation of a final seminar to academics, student peers and relevant industry and government stakeholders.

You will also study advanced topics in science targeted at your particular field of study. This could include topic such as:

• materials science including colloid, polymer and biomimetic science
• nanoparticle preparation and modification
• surface chemistry
• biomaterials and bio-interfaces
• environmental chemistry
• mineral processing
• earth sciences including isotope geochemistry
• spectroscopy
• ecology including remnant habitats and climate refugia environmental and park management

For each course you study, you will need to allocate time for various classes such as lectures, tutorials, workshops, seminars and practicals. Plus you will need additional hours to study in your own time to complete assignments, readings and projects and contribute to online discussion forums (independent study). So as a general rule, if you are studying full-time you would need to allocate 12 – 26 hours of study when at university and 14 – 28 hours of independent study per week. Your research project will likely require additional time spent on the university campus and may involve time spent off-campus conducting fieldwork or site visits.

Your studies at UniSA will incorporate both practical, professionally-focused and research-based learning, so assessment types will vary. You can expect them to include:

You will work alongside research and industry experts at the Future Industries Institute, Scarce Resources and Circular Economy and UniSA STEM where our teams of researchers and research fellows collaborate across disciplines and work with industry partners to deliver innovative solutions.

We also host regular University-wide employee master classes and employment expos, and alumni events in Australia and overseas.

Your career

With an Honours degree in science you will be ideally qualified to proceed to postgraduate degrees by coursework or research. You could consider continuing with a PhD to further your knowledge and research skills.

As a graduate, you could also consider a career in:

• product development
• quality control
• environmental management or consultancy
• professional scientific research

Applying to study with us:

• go to the top of this page and make note of the SATAC code, then click Apply
• you will be redirected through to the SATAC website to continue your application

Our campuses have fantastic facilities including modern lecture theatres, libraries, workshops, laboratories, and areas that simulate real work environments. But you’ll also discover that your journey at UniSA is about social experiences, healthy living and getting involved. You’ll find student sports and fitness facilities, community clinics, tech zones and chill-out spaces. There are campus sport activities to keep you active, and if you are keen to explore the social side of university life, there are movies, cooking demonstrations, parties and loads more.

Adelaide has a variety of accommodation options to suit different requirements and budgets. Options include dedicated student accommodation or private rentals. See our long-term accommodation pages for plenty of options. If you need somewhere to live, our new student accommodation by urbanest is on Bank Street in Adelaide’s lively cultural precinct, an ideal perfect location for students. It is within easy reach of UniSA’s city and metropolitan campuses, Rundle Mall shopping, the Central Market, Chinatown, and the West End’s vibrant nightlife. It is also across the road from the Adelaide train station, and on bus and tram routes.

Our student support services will make your life at university easier. We want you to be successful, and if you need help, we're here to assist. We provide a full range of support services, including:

• academic counselling
• personal counselling
• social support services, including family support and nearby childcare

We have six campuses in metropolitan and regional areas, each with advanced facilities including modern lecture theatres, libraries, laboratories, and areas that simulate real work environments.

You will have access to our multi-million dollar Materials and Minerals Science Learning and Research Hub at the Mawson Lakes campus. The $50 million facility supports our world-class research in minerals and materials science. It’s a place that blends teaching and research environments, making you part of a vibrant learning community.