Honours - Chemical and Physical Sciences

To be read in conjunction with the program of study requirements for the degree in which you are enrolled:

• Bachelor of Science (Honours) 1 Year
• Bachelor of Science (Honours) Enhanced Program for High Achievers

• Aims
• Learning outcomes
• Program of study

Aims

The program of honours in chemistry or physics extends upon the foundation gained during undergraduate studies to incorporate extensive subject knowledge in the discipline. The honours year also aims to develop a range of skills including the capacity to:

• undertake an individual research project in an area of chemistry or physics, from planning to execution
• understand and apply advanced chemical or physical principles to solve problems
• master the various laboratory techniques and instrumentation used in diverse chemical fields so as to be able to work independently in a laboratory
• present information about chemistry or physics in a scientific manner, including communicating effectively with a variety of audiences in written and spoken form
• retrieve, critically analyse and evaluate information relevant to chemistry and apply this knowledge to solve problems or form hypotheses
• analyse and evaluate numerical data
• appreciate the multidisciplinary aspect of the discipline of chemistry or physics and engage positively with people and ideas beyond the discipline
• work independently and take responsibility for updating and adapting their knowledge and skills
• appreciate the role of chemistry in society, the regulatory framework within which it operates and the ethical issues it raises
• work cooperatively and productively within a team.

The honours year prepares students for ongoing professional development, for further study in chemistry or physics, another science or non-science related discipline or for a career in a chemistry or physics related field or in other areas where the range of skills and knowledge acquired is needed or desirable.

Learning outcomes

On completion of the program, students will be able to:

• Plan and execute an individual research project in chemistry or physics, applying relevant methodologies and knowledge
• understand and critically apply advanced theories, subject content, professional methodologies and research procedures relevant to the discipline of chemistry or physics
• work independently, and as part of a team, in a chemical or physical laboratory using appropriate techniques and instrumentation
• analyse, critically evaluate and apply ideas/information/data, as well as apply relevant scientific principles, to solve problems. This may involve, for example, creating hypotheses, testing theories and predictions, designing and carrying out experiments and analysing reported data in an independent manner
• design and carry out experiments using both established and novel chemistry or physics techniques and protocols without the need for direct supervision
• effectively communicate their findings to a variety of audiences in written and spoken form
• appreciate the relationships and connections between chemistry or physics and other science and non-science disciplines
• work and learn independently and appreciate the need for continuing professional development
• work effectively within the regulatory framework surrounding chemistry, for example Occupational Health and Safety, ethics, data storage and Intellectual Property
• work productively individually, as well as part of a team, in order to achieve goals.

Program of study

36 unit comprising:

Core - Honours Year topics

 CPES7700A  Honours Research Project  (4/5/22.5 units) 
 CPES7700B  Honours Research Project  (4/5/22.5 units)
 CPES7700C  Honours Research Project  (4/5/22.5 units)
 CPES7700D  Honours Research Project  (4/5/22.5 units)
 CPES7700E  Honours Research Project  (4/5/22.5 units)

Plus

 CPES7711  Advanced Techniques in Chemical and Physical Science  (4.5 units)
 CPES7721  Advanced Chemical and Physical Science  (4.5 units)
 STEM7001  Honours Research Methods  (4.5 units)