Bachelor of Science (Honours) (Specialisations)

The Bachelor of Science (Honours) Specialisations requires four years of full-time study (or the equivalent part-time). The course is offered by the College of Science and Engineering.

The course is structured around coherent programs of study from First Year to Fourth Year, leading to a recognised Specialisation.

There is an alternative 1 year program for the Bachelor of Sciences (Honours) for students who have successfully completed a Bachelor of Science or Bachelor of Science (Specialisations) .

Admission requirements
Course aims
Learning outcomes
Program of study
Combined degrees

Admission requirements

The minimum requirements for consideration for entry to all undergraduate courses are specified in detail in the University Entry Requirements.

Prerequisites and assumed knowledge for Specialisations:

There are no formal prerequisites for the specialisation in Biodiversity and Conservation but a knowledge of Mathematics, Physics or Chemistry to SACE Stage 1 is desirable.

Successful completion of SACE Stage 2 Chemistry or the equivalent is required for entry to the specialisation in Forensic and Analytical Science.

There are no formal prerequisites for the specialisations in Marine Biology, and Marine Biology and Aquaculture, but knowledge of Mathematics and/or Physics to SACE Stage 1 level is desirable.

Successful completion of SACE Stage 2 Chemistry, Physics and Specialist Mathematics or Mathematical Methods or the equivalent are required for entry to the specialisation in Nanotechnology (Quantum Nanostructures stream), while successful completion of SACE Stage 2 Chemistry only will allow entry into the specialisation in Nanotechnology (Biomedical Nanotechnology stream).

Successful completion of SACE Stage 2 Physics and Specialist Mathematics or Mathematical Methods or the equivalent is assumed for the Specialisations in Physics and Energy and Advanced Materials.

There are no prerequisites or assumed knowledge for the other specialisations.

Course aims

The course aims to provide students with a broad-based foundation in science together with the ability to acquire extensive subject knowledge in one or more science disciplines.

It also aims to develop a range of transferable research, analytical and communication skills including the capacity to:

undertake an individual research project, from planning to execution
understand and apply relevant scientific principles
retrieve and present scientific information, including communicating effectively with a variety of audiences in written and spoken form
critically analyse and evaluate information and solve problems
analyse and evaluate data, appreciate the multidisciplinary aspect of the science disciplines and engage positively with people and ideas beyond their own discipline area
use information technology to work independently and take responsibility for updating and adapting their knowledge and skills
appreciate the role of science in society, the regulatory framework within which it operates and the ethical issues it raises; and
work effectively cooperatively and productively within 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 the course, students will be able to:

plan and execute an individual research project, applying relevant methodologies and knowledge
critically apply the theories, subject content, professional methodologies and research procedures in the science disciplines they have studied
understand and describe the processes through which current knowledge was developed
analyse and critically evaluate ideas/information/data and apply relevant scientific principles to solve problems by, for example, creating hypotheses, testing theories and predictions, designing and carrying out experiments using relevant techniques and protocols, and analysing reported data
communicate their findings to a variety of audiences in written and spoken form
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
work and learn independently and appreciate the need for continuing professional development
interact effectively as part of a team in order to achieve common goals
understand the role of science in society, operate within the relevant regulatory frameworks and value ethical behaviour in scholarship and professional activity.

Program of study

To qualify for the Bachelor of Science (Honours) (Specialisations), a student must complete 144 units with a grade of P or NGP or better in each topic as per one specialisation program of study below.

The name of the specialisation will appear on the parchment.

Combined degrees

The Bachelor of Science (Honours) (Specialisations) may also be studied in a combined degrees program with another Bachelor degree in the College of Science and Engineering where the combination meets the requirements of the credit transfer policy.