Bachelor of Science Advanced - Research (Honours)

The Bachelor of Science Advanced - Research (Honours) is an advanced version of the Bachelor of Science aimed at high-achieving students that is augmented by: (a) the ability to accelerate by more quickly progressing to higher-level units; (b) additional flexibility in unit choices; (c) enhanced opportunities for research projects; (d) research mentoring by leading scientists in your chosen field; and (e) exclusive enrichment programs that are only available to those taking this course.

This course will provide you with a broad, general science education, as well as specialist training in one or more science disciplines. The enhancements mentioned above will both deepen and strengthen this training. In addition the course provides practical and theoretical training in planning, undertaking and documenting scientific research projects and culminates in a full year honours research program involving an independent project and thesis.

This course is designed for talented students intending to pursue a career as a research scientist. Graduates can expect to find employment in an extraordinarily rich variety of research careers, including scientific research work in both the university and industrial sectors. Such careers can be in areas closely allied with the areas of study pursued in the course, or in areas that make use of the strong generic scientific skills developed during the course.

These course outcomes are aligned with the Australian Qualifications Framework level 8, the Bologna Cycle 1 and Monash Graduate AttributesAustralian Qualifications Framework level 8, the Bologna Cycle 1 and Monash Graduate Attributes (http://www.monash.edu.au/pubs/handbooks/alignmentofoutcomes.html).

Upon successful completion of this course it is expected that you will be able to:

1. demonstrate advanced knowledge and technical skills in at least one area of science, and a basic understanding of science disciplines other than those in which they specialise
2. develop, apply, integrate and generate scientific knowledge in professional contexts to analyse challenges and to develop effective solutions
3. convey ideas and results effectively to diverse audiences and in a variety of formats, and present scientific work in a potentially publishable way
4. demonstrate understanding of the importance of science to the human endeavour
5. work independently to undertake a scientific literature review, and to design, develop and implement a research project
6. collect, organise, analyse, interpret and present data meaningfully, using mathematical and statistical tools as appropriate to the discipline of specialisation
7. work and learn in both independent and collaborative ways with others to encompass diverse abilities and perspectives
8. exercise personal, professional and social responsibility as a global citizen.

This is an advanced comprehensive course. It includes all the requirements of the Bachelor of Science, but with the requirement of two majors or an extended major and a minor from two different listed areas of study, and culminates with an honours research program in the fourth year.

The course is structured in four parts: Science specified study, Science listed majors, Free elective study and a substantial Honours research program.

Part A. Science specified study

This will expose you to several science disciplines contributing breadth to your understanding of science, giving you the opportunity to learn more about several disciplines before finalising your choice of majors. It will also provide you with the mathematical or statistical foundation for your study of science and introduce you to the key areas of scientific communication and practice and scientific research methodology.

Part B. Science listed majors

This will provide you with practical and theoretical skills and knowledge of two science listed areas of study. You will learn to develop, apply and communicate an advanced level of understanding of the concepts and theoretical frameworks that constitute the knowledge base of the two disciplines.

Part C. Free elective study

This will enable you to further develop your knowledge of your chosen major, or science more broadly. Alternatively you can select units from across the University in which you are eligible to enrol.

Part D. Honours research program

This will extend your discipline knowledge and provide you with a higher level of expertise in critical writing, thinking and independent analysis and research.

The course is structured in four parts: A. Science specified study (24 points), B. Science listed majors (96 points), C. Free elective study (24 points) undertaken in the first three years, and D. an Honours research program (48 points) in the final year. This includes a minimum of 120 points of science listed study over Part A and Part B.

In choosing your 120 points of science listed study over Part A and Part B, you must ensure that you complete six science listed units (36 points) at level 1 and 10 science listed units (60 points) at levels 2 and 3, with a minimum of four (24 points) at level 3. It is recommended that you complete level 1 sequences first as these lay the foundation for further study. First year students wishing to take level 2 units should discuss options with their course coordinator.

You must also ensure that across the whole course, you complete no more than 10 level 1 units (60 points).

To remain in the program you are required to maintain at least a distinction average (70 per cent) across all science units in each calendar year. If you do not achieve this average you will be required to transfer to the Bachelor of Science.

In addition, in order to progress to the fourth year, you must normally complete 144 credit points. You must also achieve a minimum of a distinction average (70 per cent) in 24 credit points of level 3 units in the relevant science discipline, including at least 18 points in the major in which the honours will be undertaken.

If you successfully complete the first three years (144 points) of the course but do not meet the academic standard hurdle for the fourth year, you will graduate with the Bachelor of Science.

The course progression mapcourse progression map (http://www.monash.edu.au/pubs/2016handbooks/maps/map-s3002.pdf) will assist you to plan to meet the course requirements, and guidance on unit enrolment for each semester of study.

Units are six credit points unless otherwise stated.

Part A. Science specified study (24 points)

Although the requirements in Part A appear to exceed 24 points, the two level 1 sequences are typically credited towards your majors or minor (Part B) and not towards this Part.

YEAR ONE

Students complete:

(a.) At least two level 1 approved science sequences (24 points) from the following list.

Normally, the units in a level 1 sequence are required for the completion of your selected majors or minor. The choice of level 1 sequences will influence your choice of level 2 and level 3 units and lay the foundation for your major. First year students wishing to take level 2 units should discuss options with their course coordinator.

Biological sciences

One pair of:

• BIO1011 Biology I and BIO1022 Biology II
• BIO1011 Biology I and BIO1042 Environmental biology

Chemistry

One pair of:

• CHM1011 Chemistry I and CHM1022 Chemistry II
• CHM1011 Chemistry I and CHM1052 Chemistry II advanced
• CHM1051 Chemistry I advanced and CHM1022 Chemistry II
• CHM1051 Chemistry I advanced and CHM1052 Chemistry II advanced

Computational science

• FIT1045 Introduction to algorithms and programming and FIT1008 Introduction to computer science

Earth, atmosphere and environment

• EAE1011 Earth, atmosphere and environment 1 and EAE1022 Earth, atmosphere and environment 2

Geographical science

One pair of:

• ATS1310 Extreme earth! Natural hazards and human vulnerability and ATS1309 The global challenge
• ATS1310 Extreme earth! Natural hazards and human vulnerability and EAE1022 Earth, atmosphere and environment 2

Mathematics and statistics

One pair of:

• MTH1020 Analysis of change and MTH1030 Techniques for modelling
• MTH1030 Techniques for modelling and MTH2010 Multivariable calculus
• MTH1030 Techniques for modelling and MAT1830 Discrete mathematics for computer science
• MTH1030 Techniques for modelling and STA1010 Statistical methods for science

Note 1: Students with a strong mathematics background and an interest in the subject could replace the units MTH1030 and/or MTH2010 with their advanced versions MTH1035 and/or MTH2015 respectively. Students will need to seek permission to enrol in these units at the [Can%20we%20link%20to%20http://www.monash.edu/science/current/undergraduate/help Science Student Services] office.

Physics

One pair of

• PHS1011 Classical physics and relativity and PHS1022 Fields and quantum physics
• PHS1080 Foundation physics and PHS1022 Fields and quantum physics
• PHS1031 Physics for the living world and PHS1022 Fields and quantum physics

Psychology

• PSY1011 Psychology 1A and PSY1022 Psychology 1B

(b.) At least one of the following level one mathematics or statistics units (6 points) if not already taken as part of a level one approved sequence:

• MTH1020 Analysis of change
• MTH1030 Techniques for modelling or MTH1035 Techniques for modelling (advanced)
• STA1010 Statistical methods for science

(c.) Any additional level one units (usually one or two) required to take the total level one science listed units to at least 36 credit points. Science listed units are those under any major, extended major or minor offered in the Bachelor of Science, or from the following:

• SCI1300 Climate change: From science to society

It is recommended that you consider taking a third level one sequence in your first year to increase your options for choice of major.

Note 2: First year students wishing to take level 2 units should discuss options with their course coordinator.

YEARS TWO AND THREE

(d.) SCI2015 Scientific practice and communication (advanced)

(e.) One level three research project unit chosen from:

• BIO3990 Biology in action research project
• BCH3990 Action in biochemistry research project
• CHM3990 Chemistry project
• DEV3990 Action in developmental biology research project
• EAE3000 Earth, atmosphere and environment research project
• FIT3144 Advanced computing project
• GEN3990 Genetics in action research project
• HUP3990 Human pathology in action research project
• IMM3990 Immunology in action research project
• MIC3990 Action in microbiology research project
• MTH3000 Mathematics research project level 3
• PHA3990 Action in pharmacology research project
• PHY3990 Action in physiology research project
• PHS3350 Physics and astronomy research project 1
• PHS3360 Physics and astronomy research project 2

Note 3: This unit is normally taken as part of your major(s).

(f.) Any additional level 2 or level 3 science units required to take the total science listed units to 120 points over Part A and Part B (inclusive of (a) to (f) and your majors/minor). Science listed units are chosen from the following:

• units listed under any major, extended major or minor offered in the Bachelor of Science
• SCI3910 Schools science project

Part B. Science listed majors (96 points)

Complete two science listed majors or an extended major plus a minor in a different area of study.

A major requires eight units with no more than two units at level 1 (12 points), and at least three units (18 points) at level 3. An extended major requires twelve units with no more than four units at level 1 (24 points) and at least four units (24 points) at level 3. Ensure that over the course you have completed at least four units (24 points) of science listed study at level 3.

At most two level 1 units may be counted towards the two majors or the extended major and the minor.

Click on the science listed areas of study below for the units required for your chosen major, extended major or minor.

It is recommended that you consider completing level 2 units in more than one area of science to maximise your choice of major at level 3.

You should ensure you complete the specific units required for honours in your chosen major.

Minors, majors and extended majors

Refer also to the table of minors, majors and extended majors by campusminors, majors and extended majors by campus (http://www.monash.edu.au/pubs/2016handbooks/undergrad/sci-bsc-minor-major-extended-major.html) which details if an area of study is available as a minor, major or extended major.

• Applied mathematics
• Astrophysics
• Atmospheric science
• Biochemistry
• Chemistry
• Computational science
• Developmental biology
• Ecology and conservation biology
• Environmental science
• Financial and insurance mathematics
• Genetics
• Geographical science
• Geosciences
• Human pathology
• Immunology
• Materials science
• Mathematical statistics
• Mathematics
• Microbiology
• Molecular biology
• Pharmacology
• Physics
• Physiology
• Plant sciences
• Psychology
• Pure mathematics
• Zoology

Part C. Free elective study (24 points)

These elective units may be chosen from units available in the Bachelor of Science course to broaden your science knowledge or to extend your major.

Elective units may also be taken from non-science disciplines so long you have the prerequisites and there are no restrictions on enrolment in the units.

Part D. Honours program (48 points)

The specific requirements for the honours year are dependent on your field of study. All units will be at level 4 and in general will include advanced coursework and specified assessment tasks, a thesis component and seminars or oral presentations. Details of the units of study are in accordance with the requirements for course S3701 Bachelor of Science (Honours).