The course is offered by the Faculty of Science and Engineering except for the Biotechnology Specialisation which is jointly offered by the Faculty of Science and Engineering and the Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences. The program requires one year of full-time study or the equivalent part-time.
Students who withdraw during the honours year will not be permitted to re-enrol as an honours student except with the permission of the relevant school.

There is an alternative 4 year program for the Bachelor of Science (Honours) where students apply directly for the 4 year program through SATAC.

Specialisations have different admission requirements to other programs of study available in the Bachelor of Science (Honours). In order to undertake a Specialisation students must be admitted to the Specialisation program.  

Admission requirements

A student who has completed all the requirements of the Bachelor of Science with a major or extended major in an appropriate discipline area, or completed another qualification which the Faculty Board agrees is equivalent, may be accepted for admission to an honours program provided a sufficiently high standard has been achieved in fulfilling the requirements of the bachelors degree.
Students who complete the Bachelor of Science with no major or extended major, or who hold a lesser qualification, may be admitted after completing additional work as prescribed by the Board.

A student who has completed all the requirements of the Bachelor of Science with a Specialisation in an appropriate discipline area, or completed another qualification which the Faculty Board agrees is equivalent, may be accepted for admission to an honours program* provided a sufficiently high standard has been achieved in fulfilling the requirements of the bachelors degree.

*The name of Specialisation will be on the transcript and parchment e.g. Bachelor of Science (Animal Behaviour) (Honours).  
As well as the student's undergraduate record the availability of an academic supervisor for the research project will be taken into account.

Course aims

The aim of the Honours program is to provide students who have completed to a sufficiently high standard all the requirements of the Bachelor of Science, or another qualification which the Faculty Board agrees is equivalent, the opportunity to pursue relevant coursework and research project that will prepare them for higher degree study.

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

Graduates of the course are expected to be able to:

  • plan and execute an individual research project, applying relevant methodologies and knowledge
  • develop, manage and communicate the outcomes of a research project
  • have a sound understanding of the theories and concepts relevant to an area of specialised study.

Program of study

To qualify for the honours degree, a student must complete 36 units with a grade of P or NGP or better in each topic, according to one of the study programs specified below.

The name of the specialisation will be on the transcript and parchment e.g. Bachelor of Science (Animal Behaviour) (Honours).