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 the ability to accelerate by more quickly progressing to higher-level units, additional flexibility in unit choices, enhanced opportunities for research projects, research mentoring by leading scientists in your chosen field, and 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 and Monash Graduate AttributesAustralian Qualifications Framework level 8 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:
- 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
- develop, apply, integrate and generate scientific knowledge in professional contexts to analyse challenges and to develop effective solutions
- convey ideas and results effectively to diverse audiences and in a variety of formats, and present scientific work in a potentially publishable way
- demonstrate understanding of the importance of science to the human endeavour
- work independently to undertake a scientific literature review, and to design, develop and implement a research project
- collect, organise, analyse, interpret and present data meaningfully, using mathematical and statistical tools as appropriate to the discipline of specialisation
- work and learn in both independent and collaborative ways with others to encompass diverse abilities and perspectives
- 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: Part A. Science specified study (24 points), Part B. Science listed majors (96 points), Part C. Free elective study (24 points) undertaken in the first three years, and Part D. 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. You must also ensure that across the whole course, you complete no more than 10 level 1 units (60 points). It is recommended that you complete level 1 sequences first as these lay the foundation for further study. If you are a first-year student and wish to take level 2 units you should discuss options with your course coordinator.
You are required to enrol in a full-time load of 48 points per calendar year.
To remain in the program you are required to maintain at least a distinction average (70%) 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 points. You must also achieve a minimum of a distinction average (70%) in 24 points of level 3 units in your intended honours discipline.
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/2019handbooks/maps/map-s3002.pdf) provides guidance on unit enrolment for each semester of study.
Units are 6 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
You must complete:
Approved science sequences
a. At least two level 1 approved science sequencesapproved science sequences (http://www.monash.edu.au/pubs/2019handbooks/undergrad/sci-level-1-sequences.html) (24 points)
Normally, the units in a level 1 sequence are required for the completion of a related minor or major. The choice of level 1 sequences will influence your choice of level 2 and level 3 units and will lay the foundation for your major. If you are a first-year student and wish to take level 2 units you should discuss options with your course coordinator.
Mathematics/statistics requirement
b. At least one of the following level 1 mathematics or statistics units (6 points) if not already taken as part of a level 1 approved sequence:
- MTH1020 Analysis of change
- MTH1030 Techniques for modelling or MTH1035 Techniques for modelling (advanced)
- STA1010 Statistical methods for science
Additional level 1 units
c. Any additional level 1 units (usually one or two) required to take the total level 1 science listed units to at least 36 points. Science listed units are those under any major, extended major or minor offered in S2000 Bachelor of Science, or level 1 mathematics and statistics units listed above or from the following:
- SCI1200 Humans, evolution and modern society
- SCI1300 Climate change: From science to society
It is recommended that you consider taking a third level 1 sequence in your first year to increase your options for choice of major.
Years two and three
d. The following unit:
- 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
- CHM3980 Chemistry study abroad
- CHM3990 Chemistry project
- DEV3990 Action in anatomy and developmental biology research project
- EAE3000 Earth, atmosphere and environment research project
- FIT3161 Computer science project 1 or FIT3162 Computer science project 2
- 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: The research project unit chosen from above is normally taken as part of your chosen 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 chosen majors/minor). Science listed units are chosen from the following:
- SCI2400 From Galileo to GPS: How astronomy shapes our lives
- SCI3910 Schools science project
- SCI3920 Science internship
- SCI3930 Career skills for scientists
- units listed under any major, extended major or minor offered in S2000 Bachelor of Science
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. You should ensure that over the course you have completed at least four units (24 points) of science listed study at level 3.
Refer to 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/2019handbooks/undergrad/sci-bsc-minor-major-extended-major.html) which details if an area of study is available as a minor, major or extended major.
Note 4: If students attempt to complete an extended major in Psychology, they must complete a second major instead of a minor to satisfy the course requirements.
Part C. Free elective study (24 points)
These elective units may be chosen from units available in S2000 Bachelor of Science course to broaden your science knowledge or to extend your major.
Elective units may also be taken from non-science disciplines as long as you have the prerequisites and there are no restrictions on enrolment in the units.
Free electives can be identified using the browse unitsbrowse units (http://www.monash.edu.au/pubs/handbooks/units/search) tool and indexes of unitsindexes of units (http://www.monash.edu.au/pubs/handbooks/units/) in the current edition of the Handbook. The level of the unit is indicated by the first number in the unit code; undergraduate units are those that commence with the numbers 1-3. You may need permission from the owning faculty to enrol in some units taught by other faculties.
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).
You may be eligible to exit the course and graduate with a Bachelor of Science degree after three years and completion of 144 points of study, provided you have satisfied the award requirements of that course.
Successful completion of this course may provide a pathway to a Monash master's by coursework degree and if admitted you may be eligible for credit.
Successful completion of this course may also provide a pathway to a higher degree by research.
