The Bachelor of Science (Honours) allows students to further develop specific areas of expertise in science by providing extended modern and rigorous training in science. It prepares students both for higher-level graduate careers in industry and government and for research at a PhD level or a Master if Philosophy.

Through a combination of research and advanced coursework units, students pursue specialised studies in an area of mutual interest with a personal research mentor/supervisor. Students will develop high level skills in a specific discipline area (biological science, earth science, environmental science, chemistry or physics) and acquire research skills appropriate to their discipline. Coursework units provide students the opportunity to develop much more advanced skills and knowledge compared with those built in the undergraduate course. Students will design and undertake experimental programs in either laboratory or field settings to solve complex problems. A research project allows students to demonstrate their advanced academic capability and culminates in the completion of an honours thesis.

Research, or graduate employment in industry or government.

Professional recognition

Membership in professional organisations is not specifically tied to the completion of an Honours degree as entry requirements are met by the completion of the bachelor degree.

Research pathways

Honours provides the key research pathway to postgraduate study. The program is designed to easily articulate into a Master of Philosophy or into a PhD (depending upon the level of honours attained).

Possible careers

• Agronomist
• Analytical Chemist
• Biologist
• Biomedical Laboratory Officer
• Chemist Industrial
• Coastal Scientist
• Conservation Biologist
• Cytologist
• Ecologist
• Educational researcher
• Environmental Health Officer
• Environmental Scientist
• Environmental manager
• Exploration Geologist
• Forensic Biologist
• Geologist
• Geophysicist
• Geoscientist
• Government Officer
• Hydrogeologist
• Industrial Chemist
• Inventor
• Investigator
• Laboratory Assistant
• Laboratory Technician (Chemistry)
• Mapping Scientist
• Marine Scientist
• Microbiologist
• Mine Geologist
• Natural Resource Scientist
• Plant Biotechnologist
• Policy Officer
• Policy analyst
• Population Ecologist
• Project Manager
• Scientist