The Bachelor of Science Honours program is a stand-alone award, available to graduates with a science degree, who fulfil the entry requirements. The honours degree is designed to give students a competitive advantage for employment, or to provide a first step in a research or academic career.
The course provides an opportunity for students to:
- Develop an advanced level of understanding about a specific aspect of science in depth
- Gain experience and training in research techniques and principles
- Develop written and oral communication skills
- Learn and demonstrate project management skills
- Work collaboratively on projects with peers, industry and government partners.
Course structure
The Bachelor of Science Honours provides an opportunity for students to research a particular area in depth and gain experience in project management. Students develop these skills through pursuing in-depth research, under the guidance of experienced researchers, with coursework also targeted to provide appropriate research training. While undertaking their research project, students are mentored and advised by experts in the relevant discipline.
Honours students are expected to successfully manage a complex project as well as demonstrate research skills and technical or clinical skills.
The course structure consists of a major research project (thesis), a core coursework unit on research writing unit and an elective coursework unit relevant to the discipline. Over the duration of their program, students need to complete a total of 80 credit points, comprising of 60 credit points for the thesis and 20 credit points of coursework units. A full time study load for one semester is 40 credit points. Standard coursework units are typically 10 credit points each.
The major component of this course is a two semester (full-time) research project.
This research project can be done in a wide range of fields, including environmental science (e.g. aquaculture, biochemistry, botany, marine, freshwater and terrestrial ecology, molecular biology, zoology); biomedical science, nursing, midwifery, social work and other allied health areas; sports science; chemistry; GIS and remote sensing; and information technology.
The other components of the course are two course-work units designed to develop specific research skills, including the communication of research results which are studied concurrently with the research project.
The program is fully flexible, offering:
- 1 year full time study or 2 years part time study
- first or second semester start
- internal or external study mode.
Career opportunities
As well as providing advanced, and often a prerequisite, preparation for work in industry and government, Honours qualifications are also essential preparation for research work at Master and Doctoral levels. Honours research projects at Charles Darwin University may be hosted by a range of Colleges and Institutes including the world ranked Research Institute for Environment and Livelihoods and Menzies School of Health Research.
Career opportunities exist in roles such as scientist, environmental scientist, exercise and sports scientist, nurse or midwifery researcher, clinical nurse or midwifery specialist/consultant, environmental manager, exercise and sport scientist, biomedical scientist, teacher, scientific technical officer and laboratory manager. Students gain professional recognition and are introduced to research practices and culture. Many students develop professional networks with researchers and managers in industry and in government during their Honours research.
