Undergraduate: Course rule and topic information

Bachelor of Science (Honours)

(BSc(Hons))

Enhanced Program for High Achievers

Introduction | Course aims | Admission requirements | Program of study | Honours program

INTRODUCTION

The Bachelor of Science (Hons) requires four years of full-time study (or the equivalent part-time).

The course is structured around coherent programs of study from First Year to Fourth Year, leading to a recognised major and minor, or extended major, or double major in one or two areas of science, and honours.

This course is designed to offer students of exceptional merit additional challenging material to enable them to maximise their intellectual growth and potential and to provide an environment where students with similar interests and capabilities can come together to pursue their studies, develop their interests and share ideas.

This course extends the material offered in the three-year Bachelor of Science.

A combined degrees program of Bachelor of Science(Hons)/Bachelor of Innovation and Enterprise is also offered.

In addition, it aims to develop through a combination of inquiry based learning and students' capabilities, interest and enthusiasm, an enhanced research training experience so that students are particularly well prepared to embark on a larger scale research project, like a PhD.

All programs are offered by the Faculty of Science and Engineering

COURSE AIMS AND LEARNING OUTCOMES

The course provides students with a broad-based foundation in science together with the ability to acquire extensive subject knowledge in one or more science disciplines. Students also develop a range of transferable research, analytical and communication skills including the capacity to:

understand and apply relevant scientific principles; retrieve and present scientific information;
critically analyse information and solve problems;
employ professional methodologies and research procedures;
analyse and evaluate data;
use information technology;
appreciate the role of science in society and the ethical issues it raises;
work effectively in a team.

The course provides the foundations that will underpin ongoing professional development, preparing graduates for further study in a science or non-science related discipline or for a career in a science related field or in other areas where the range of skills and knowledge acquired is needed or desirable.

Learning outcomes

On completion of their degree, students will have developed extensive knowledge in one or more science disciplines and a range of transferable professional skills.

Subject knowledge

Students will:

be familiar with theories, subject content, professional methodologies and research procedures in the science disciplines they have studied;
understand the processes through which current knowledge was developed;
be able to analyse and critically evaluate ideas and apply relevant scientific principles to solve problems;
appreciate that there are relationships and connections between different science disciplines and understand such relationships and connections in respect of the disciplines they have studied.

Transferable professional skills

Within the science disciplines studied, students will have developed:

communication and presentation skills;
research skills appropriate for further study and employment;
teamwork and interpersonal skills;
an appreciation of the need for continuing professional development;
a capacity for experimental design and critical analysis of data.

ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS

The minimum requirements for consideration for entry to all undergraduate courses are specified in detail in the University Entry Requirements. Successful completion of at least three of the following SACE Stage 2 (Year 12) subjects; Biology, Mathematical Studies, Specialist Mathematics, Chemistry, Physics, Geology, or the equivalent are normally required for entry to the Bachelor of Science (Hons).

Students will only be permitted to tertiary transfer to the commencement of second year, and may be granted exemption from extended topics at first year level.