S3002 - Bachelor of Science Advanced - Research (Honours)

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Overview

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 … For more content click the Read More button below. 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.

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.

Mode and location

On campus

Learning outcomes

These course outcomes are aligned with the Australian Qualifications Framework and Monash Graduate Attributes.

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.

Structure

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.

Course progression map

The course progression map provides guidance on unit enrolment for each semester of study.

Requirements
192 credit points

Course rules192 credit points

NOTE 1: In choosing your 120 credit points of science listed study over Part A and Part B, you must ensure that you complete six science listed units (36 credit points) at level 1 and 10 science listed units (60 credit points) at levels 2 and 3, with a minimum of four (24 credit points) at level 3. You must also ensure that across the whole course, you complete no more than 10 level 1 units (60 credit 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. NOTE 2: You are required to enrol in a full-time load of 48 credit points per calendar year. NOTE 3: 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. NOTE 4: 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%) in 24 credit points of level 3 units in your intended honours discipline. NOTE 5: If you successfully complete the first three years (144 credit points) of the course but do not meet the academic standard hurdle for the fourth year, you will graduate with the Bachelor of Science.

Part A. Science specified study24 credit points

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

Level 1 science sequences24 credit points

You must complete two of the following options. Note: 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.

Biological sciences12 credit points

Chemistry12 credit points

You must complete one of the following options

Option 112 credit points

Option 212 credit points

Option 312 credit points

Option 412 credit points

Computational science12 credit points

You must complete one of the following options

Option 112 credit points

Option 212 credit points

Earth, atmosphere and environment12 credit points

Geographical science12 credit points

Mathematics and statistics12 credit points

You must complete one of the following options

Option 112 credit points

Option 212 credit points

Option 312 credit points

Option 412 credit points

Advanced mathematics option12 credit points

If you have a strong mathematics background and an interest in the subject you could replace the units MTH1030 and/or MTH2010 with their advanced versions MTH1035 and/or MTH2015 respectively. You will need to seek permission from Science Student Services to enrol in the following units.

Overview

Mode and location

Learning outcomes

Structure

Requirements192 credit points

Alternative exit(s)

Progression to further studies

Course director(s)

Organisational contact information

Requirements
192 credit points