Bachelor of Science (Honours)
Course handbook
General Information
Overview
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.
Study structure
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.
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.
Full-time study: 100 credit points/eight 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.
Pick one of the following options.
| Units of study | Unit code |
|---|---|
|
Honours Lectures Part A
Major unit, 12.5 credit points |
BCH40002 |
|
Honours Lectures Part B
Major unit, 12.5 credit points |
BCH40003 |
|
Honours Project A
Major unit, 12.5 credit points |
NPS40007 |
|
Honours Project C
Major unit, 50.0 credit points |
NPS40009 |
|
Research and Professional Skills
Major unit, 12.5 credit points |
NPS40010 |
| Units of study | Unit code |
|---|---|
|
Honours Lectures Part A
Major unit, 12.5 credit points |
BCH40002 |
|
Honours Lectures Part B
Major unit, 12.5 credit points |
BCH40003 |
|
Honours Project A
Major unit, 12.5 credit points |
NPS40007 |
|
Honours Project C
Major unit, 50.0 credit points |
NPS40009 |
|
Research and Professional Skills
Major unit, 12.5 credit points |
NPS40010 |
| Units of study | Unit code |
|---|---|
|
Chemistry Honours Lectures Part A
Major unit, 12.5 credit points |
CHE40003 |
|
Chemistry Honours Lectures Part B
Major unit, 12.5 credit points |
CHE40004 |
|
Honours Project A
Major unit, 12.5 credit points |
NPS40007 |
|
Honours Project C
Major unit, 50.0 credit points |
NPS40009 |
|
Research and Professional Skills
Major unit, 12.5 credit points |
NPS40010 |
| Units of study | Unit code |
|---|---|
|
Chemistry Honours Lectures Part A
Major unit, 12.5 credit points |
CHE40003 |
|
Chemistry Honours Lectures Part B
Major unit, 12.5 credit points |
CHE40004 |
|
Honours Project A
Major unit, 12.5 credit points |
NPS40007 |
|
Honours Project C
Major unit, 50.0 credit points |
NPS40009 |
|
Research and Professional Skills
Major unit, 12.5 credit points |
NPS40010 |
| Units of study | Unit code |
|---|---|
|
Honours Project B
Major unit, 12.5 credit points |
NPS40008 |
|
Honours Project C
Major unit, 50.0 credit points |
NPS40009 |
|
Physics Honours Lectures
Major unit, 25.0 credit points |
PHY40009 |
|
Physics Honours Advanced Lectures
Major unit, 12.5 credit points |
PHY40010 |
Learning outcomes
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.
Course rules
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%
Career opportunities
This course equips graduates for careers in a variety of science areas including medical, health, food and beverage, wine, agricultural, sports, chemical and environmental industries. It is also specifically designed as a pathway into higher research degrees (Masters and PhD).
Admission criteria
Information about Swinburne's general admission criteria can be found at Admissions at Swinburne - Higher Education webpage.
Interested in the Bachelor of Science (Honours)?
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