Monash University Handbook 2010 Undergraduate - Course

The Bachelor of Science Advanced with Honours is a high-profile, flexible single-degree course with a strong foundation of studies in the enabling sciences, leading to advanced studies in one or two areas of science. The course is primarily aimed at high-achieving students who expect to pursue honours studies in science. The course encourages the development of strong research, communication and team work skills, and prepares graduates for postgraduate study or for global employment in any of the emerging and traditional fields of science.

Upon completion of this course, students will have achieved honours-level research studies in one contemporary specialised area of science study, founded upon an advanced level of understanding of one or two areas of science. Graduates will have specialist training in one science discipline, with the potential for postgraduate study, leading to employment opportunities in any of the traditional or emerging careers for scientists. Overall, the course provides students with improved life and employment skills through a sound foundation in enabling sciences and deep knowledge of a scientific discipline, and demonstrated competence in science graduate attributes, which include information literacy, the effective use of information technology, problem solving, data handling, and laboratory skills, and a capacity to apply discipline knowledge and critical thinking to analyse and solve complex problems.

Course progression requirements

A sustained high level of achievement must be demonstrated throughout the course. Students in the program are required to maintain at least a distinction average (70 per cent) across their best 48 points of science units in each calendar year to remain in the program.

To be eligible to progress to level four honours in this course, students must have completed 144 points including:

+ all of (a.) to (e.) in the 'Requirements' below

+ all the requirements for the major sequence in the area of study in which they wish to undertake honours

+ a distinction grade average, including a minimum 70 percent average in at least 24 points of studies at level three in the proposed honours area of study.

Students who do not meet these standards will be required to transfer to course 0050 Bachelor of Science.

Students complete 192 credit points of core and elective units.

Students must complete all the requirements outlined below, including no more than:

• 60 points of level one units overall
• 24 points of non-science electives overall.

Students complete:

(a.) two 12-point level one science sequences chosen from the following:

• BIO1011 and BIO1022 or BIO1042
• CHM1011 and CHM1022
• ESC1011 and ESC1022
• MTH1020 and MTH1030, or MTH1030 and MTH2010, or STA1010 and MTH1030
• PHS1011 and PHS1022, or PHS1080 and PHS1022

(b.) At least one level-one mathematics or statistics unit from:*

• STA1010 Statistical methods for science
• MTH1020 Analysis of change
• MTH1030 Techniques for modelling (if not already taken as part of (a.))

* The choice of unit will depend on the student's mathematics background and interests.

(c.) at least two major sequences, or a double-major sequence plus a minor sequence, in different science areas of study. The sciences sequences must be chosen from the science units listed in the section 'Science areas of study and sequences' in this handbook available via http://www.monash.edu.au/pubs/2010handbooks/undergrad/sci.html.

(d.) the core unit SCI2020 Scientific methodologies and research techniques.

(e.) one level three research project unit relevant to the area of major study.

(f.) 48 points of level four science units in a science area of study, in accordance with the normal requirements for course 0051 Honours degree of Bachelor of Science.

Minimum grade for course completion

Distinction average

Bachelor of Science Advanced with Honours