Monash University Handbook 2010 Undergraduate - Course

The Honours degree of Bachelor of Science aims to provide students with a higher level of experience in independent analysis and research in their chosen area of expertise. In special circumstances, the dean, acting on the recommendation of the heads of schools, may approve candidature embracing more than one area of study. The Honours degree of Bachelor of Science is awarded on the successful completion of a program of advanced study including a supervised research project which will include a contribution to the knowledge of the subject by original work and a critical review of the literature. The course has vocational aims but also provides a preparation for higher degree studies.

Graduates of the honours program will:

• be able to critically review the scientific literature in their specialist area of study
• understand the processes involved in the design, development and implementation of a relevant research project
• be able to complete and analyse a set of laboratory-based, computer-based, theoretical or other appropriate studies
• be proficient in computer based data acquisition (where appropriate), critical analysis of results, appropriate presentation, and scientific word processing
• demonstrate communication skills in both oral and written presentations to both a specialist and a non-specialist scientific audience, including the ability to write and present scientific work in a potentially publishable way
• have acquired a range of advanced technical skills appropriate to their area of study
• have demonstrated the capability to perform a variety of scientific procedures and techniques that are essential to the satisfactory completion and reporting of a research project
• have acquired, where appropriate, sound knowledge of OHSE regulations, including hazardous and dangerous materials and risk assessments
• have developed, where appropriate, an awareness of the ethical approval processes required when working with humans or animals
• have demonstrated potential to pursue higher studies and learning in their area of study
• have gained insight into the breadth and diversity of their discipline and its place within the broader scope of science.

Students who have successfully qualified for course 0050 Bachelor of Science, or equivalent, with a distinction grade average (70 per cent) or above in 24 points of studies in relevant units at level three may apply to enter. These 24 points of studies will normally include at least 18 points of units in the area of study in which they wish to undertake honours. Students who have obtained an average of 65-69 per cent in their main third-year sequence may also be eligible for consideration if they have also obtained an average of at least 65 per cent in their remaining level three units and the relevant head of school supports their application. Students in science double degrees must have completed at least 144 points of their studies in that course, including all of the science requirements in the double-degree, before they may apply for entry to honours.

The specific requirements for the award of a degree with honours is dependent on the field of study but in general will include advanced coursework and specified assessment tasks, a thesis component and seminars/oral presentations.

The Science honours program requires the completion of 48 points of study, including coursework and research. A key component of the course is the completion of a major project, which will normally contribute at least 40 per cent of the workload and assessment for the course.

The program is normally completed in one year of full-time study, but part-time study is also available in some areas of specialisation. Depending on the area of specialisation, it is available for commencement in either semester one or semester two in any year and is normally completed in either one year of full-time study or two years of part-time study.

The areas of specialisation for which the Honours degree of Bachelor of Science is available are outlined below.

Clayton

• anatomy and cell biology
• astrophysics
• atmospheric science
• biochemistry and molecular biology
• biology
• chemistry
• computer science
• genetics
• geography and environmental science
• geophysics
• geosciences
• medical biology and immunology
• materials science
• mathematics and statistics
• microbiology
• pharmacology
• physics
• physiology
• psychology
• stem cells and regenerative medicine.

Gippsland

• experimental sciences (GAS)
• mathematical sciences.

The honours program in each of these areas of specialisation is facilitated by enrolment in specific honours component units, as outlined in the Science honours program policies, procedures and guidelines for good practice available at http://www.sci.monash.edu.au/honours.

Schools are able to cater substantially for the interests of individual students, although there may be compulsory elements to be completed by all students in some areas of study. The work to be completed by a candidate will be as prescribed by the relevant head of school.

The honours degree of Bachelor of Science