Bachelor of Science (Advanced) (Honours)

Length 4 year full-time
Minimum 192 Units

Admission requirements

Prerequisites Adjustment factors availability

First year student? There’s more information about enrolling in your degree.

Academic plan ASCAD
CRICOS code 065138M
UAC code
- 138004 (B Science Advanced)

Field of Education
- Natural and Physical Scis NEC
Academic contact
- Science Enquiries

Program Requirements

The Bachelor of Science Advanced (Honours) requires completion of 192 units, of which:

A maximum of 60 units may come from completion of 1000-level courses

A minimum of 36 units must come from completion of 3000-level courses from the Science course list

A minimum of 24 units must come from completion of honours pathway options or honours pathway courses from the Science course list

The 192 units must include:

48 units from completion of one of the following Science majors:

Biochemistry
Biological Anthropology
Cell & Molecular Biology
Chemistry
Computer Science
Earth Science
Environmental Science
Evolution, Ecology and Organismal Biology
Geography
Human Biology
Human Evolutionary Biology
Marine Science
Mathematical Economics
Mathematical Finance
Mathematical Modelling
Mathematics
Resource and Environmental Management
Physics
Psychology
Quantitative Biology
Science Communication
Statistics
Sustainability Studies
Water Science

Either:

24 units from the completion of one of the following Science minors / specialisations:

Abnormal Psychology
Advanced Chemistry Specialisation
Advanced Mathematics Specialisation
Advanced Physics Specialisation
Advanced Quantitative Biology and Bioinformatics Specialisation
Applied Statistics
Astronomy and Astrophysics Specialisation
Biology
Biochemistry Specialisation
Biodiversity Conservation and Management
Biological Anthropology
Biological Neuropsychology
Biomedical Science Specialisation
Chemistry
Climate Science and Policy
Cognitive Psychology
Computer Science
Developmental Psychology
Earth and Marine Sciences
Earth Physics Specialisation
Environmental Policy
Evolution and Ecology Specialisation
Forest Science and Policy
Genetics Specialisation
Geochemistry and Petrology Specialisation
Geography
Human Ecology
Marine Geoscience Specialisation
Mathematical Physics Specialisation
Mathematics
Microbiology and Immunology Specialisation
Neuroscience and Physiology Specialisation
Optics Specialisation
Philosophy and Science
Physics
Plant Science Specialisation
Professional Science Engagement Specialisation
Psychology specialisation
Science Communication
Social Psychology
Soil and Land Management
Sustainable Development
Water Science and Policy

24 units from completion of courses from the Science course list

Or:

48 units from completion of a second Science major, listed above

48 units from completion of elective courses offered by ANU

48 units from completion of one of the following Honours specialisations:

Astronomy and Astrophysics Honours
Biological Anthropology Honours
Biology Honours
Chemistry Honours
Computer Science Honours
Earth and Marine Science Honours
Environment Honours
Mathematics Honours
Medical Research Honours
Physics Honours
Physics of the Earth Honours
Population Health Honours
Psychology Honours
Science Honours
Science Communication Honours
Statistics Honours

A maximum of 12 units from completion of 1000-level courses may contribute towards meeting the requirements of two Science majors with common 1000-level course requirements. In such cases, an equal number of units must come from the completion of additional courses from the Science course list.

Students must achieve a minimum 70% weighted average mark in each period (Summer/First Semester/Autumn and Winter/Second Semester/Spring) in courses from the Science course list in order to continue in the Bachelor of Science (Advanced) (Honours). Students who do not achieve a minimum of 70% weighted average mark will be transferred to the Bachelor of Science.

In order to be admitted to the Honours specialisation, Students must complete 144 units and achieve a minimum 70% weighted average mark calculated from the 36 units of courses in disciplines cognate to the Honours specialisation, excluding 1000-level courses, with the highest marks and satisfy all admission requirements specified in the Honours specialisation. Students who do not achieve the 70% weighted average mark after 144 units or do not satisfy all admission requirements specified in the Honours specialisation will be transferred to the Bachelor of Science.

Majors

Minors

Specialisations

Elective Study

Once you have met the program requirements of your degree, you may have enough electives to complete an additional elective major, minor or specialisation.

Study Options

Year 1 48 units	1000 level course Science Major 6 units	1000 level Science elective or minor course 6 units	Science or non-Science elective 6 units	Science or non-Science elective 6 units
Year 1 48 units	1000 level course Science Major 6 units	1000 level Science elective or minor course 6 units	Science or non-Science elective 6 units	Science or non-Science elective 6 units
Year 2 48 units	2000 level course Science Major 6 units	Science elective or minor or specialisation course 6 units	Science elective 6 units	Science or non-Science elective 6 units
Year 2 48 units	2000 level course Science Major 6 units	2000 level course Science Major 6 units	Science elective or minor or specialisation course 6 units	Science or non-Science elective 6 units
Year 3 48 units	3000 level course Science Major 6 units	3000 level Science elective or specialisation course 6 units	3000 level course Science elective 6 units	Science or non-Science elective 6 units
Year 3 48 units	3000 level course Science Major 6 units	3000 level course Science Major 6 units	3000 level Science elective or specialisation course 6 units	Science or non-Science elective 6 units
Year 4 48 units	4000 level Honours course 24 units	4000 level Honours course	4000 level Honours course	4000 level Honours course
Year 4 48 units	4000 level Honours course 24 units	4000 level Honours course	4000 level Honours course	4000 level Honours course

Admission Requirements

Admission to all programs is on a competitive basis. Admission to undergraduate degrees is based on meeting the ATAR requirement or an equivalent rank derived from the following qualifications:

• An Australian year 12 qualification or international equivalent; OR
• A completed Associate Diploma, Associate Degree, AQF Diploma, Diploma, AQF Advanced Diploma, Graduate Certificate or international equivalent; OR
• At least one standard full-time year (1.0 FTE) in a single program of degree level study at an Australian higher education institution or international equivalent; OR
• An approved tertiary preparation course unless subsequent study is undertaken.

Click HERE for further information about domestic admission.

More information about ATAR requirements for individual programs can be found HERE.

The National Register of higher education providers is an authoritative source of information that will help you confirm your institution of choice is registered to deliver higher education in Australia.

The Quality Indicators for Learning and Teaching (QILT) website is HERE. Based on surveys done by thousands of students across Australia you can find out about universities that interest you, doing side-by-side comparisons.

The table below is a guide to the entry level required for domestic applicants. Exact entry level will be set at time of offer.

Domestic applicant entry requirements

Queensland Band equivalents are a guide only - selection is made on an ATAR equivalent that is not available to students.

International applicant entry requirements

International applicants may view further information on admissions requirements at Entry Requirements for International Undergraduate Applicants

The University reserves the right to alter or discontinue its programs as required.

ATAR:: 95
QLD Band:: 4
International Baccalaureate:: 37

Prerequisites

There are no formal program prerequisites and many first-year science courses assume little specific knowledge. The exceptions are:

For many of the biology majors, chemistry is a requirement, therefore it is recommended that students have at least an ACT minor (but preferably a major) in chemistry, or successful completion of a bridging course in chemistry, or multistrand science in NSW, or equivalent. Chemistry is essential for all later-year courses in the biological streams of biochemistry and cell biology, microbiology and immunology, molecular genetics, animal and human physiology, and some parts of botany and neuroscience. A bridging course is available in February details can be obtained through science.enquiries@anu.edu.au

CHEM1101: ACT major in Chemistry, or successful completion of a bridging course in chemistry, or multistrand science in NSW, or equivalent, is required. Chemistry is essential for all later-year courses in chemistry. A bridging course is available in February details can be obtained through science.enquiries@anu.edu.au

MATH1003: Assumed knowledge: ACT Mathematical Methods or NSW HSC Mathematics or equivalent

MATH1005: ACT Mathematical Methods or NSW HSC Mathematics or equivalent

MATH1013: A satisfactory pass in ACT Specialist Mathematics or NSW HSC Mathematics Extension 1 or equivalent. Students with a good pass in ACT Mathematical Methods or NSW HSC Mathematics or equivalent will be considered

MATH1115: A satisfactory pass in ACT Specialist Mathematics double major or NSW HSC Mathematics Extension 2 or equivalent. Students with excellent marks in either ACT Specialist Mathematics major-minor or NSW HSC Mathematics Extension 1 or equivalent may be permitted to enrol

PHYS1101: There is a corequisite of MATH1013/1115. See the entries above. There is no formal physics prerequisite but preparation is assumed and recommended. Recommended preparation is - NSW: a high standard in 2 unit physics or a multistrand science; ACT: a high standard in physics (major).

Adjustment Factors

ANU offers rank adjustments for a number of adjustment factors, including for high achievement in nationally strategic senior secondary subjects and for recognition of difficult circumstances that students face in their studies. Rank adjustments are applied to Bachelor degree applicants with an ATAR at or above 70. Points are awarded in accordance with the approved schedules, and no more than 15 points (maximum 5 subject/performance-based adjustments, maximum 10 equity-based adjustments and maximum 5 Elite Athlete adjustments) will be awarded. Subject and performance-based adjustments do not apply to programs with a minimum selection rank of 98 or higher. Visit the ANU Adjustment Factors website for further information.

Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP)

For more information see: http://www.anu.edu.au/students/program-administration/costs-fees

Annual indicative fee for international students: $42,960.00

For further information on International Tuition Fees see: https://www.anu.edu.au/students/program-administration/fees-payments/international-tuition-fees

Scholarships

ANU offers a wide range of scholarships to students to assist with the cost of their studies.

Eligibility to apply for ANU scholarships varies depending on the specifics of the scholarship and can be categorised by the type of student you are. Specific scholarship application process information is included in the relevant scholarship listing.

For further information see the Scholarships website.

If you are looking for that little bit extra in your degree, the Bachelor of Science (Advanced) (Honours) provides the same breadth of opportunities as the Bachelor of Science, with the addition of Honours Pathway Options that are designed to extend your understanding and introduce you to concepts that are more advanced than standard course activities. The fourth honours year allows exploration of research possibilities in your area of interest. It prepares you for professional life or a higher degree by research through the development of an advanced knowledge of the research principles and methods and theoretical concepts of your discipline, and through the design and implementation of a research project that develops new understandings or provides solutions to complex problems.

For more information on our educational offerings, the university experience, career opportunities and student stories please visit our website.

Get the inside story on what it’s like to be an ANU student by visiting our student blog.

Career Options

Graduates from ANU have been rated as Australia's most employable graduates and among the most sought after by employers worldwide.

The latest Global Employability University Ranking, published by the Times Higher Education, rated ANU as Australia's top university for getting a job for the fourth year in a row.

Employment Opportunities

In a global economy driven by data, digital technologies and innovation, high quality scientists are in demand.

A combination of knowledge, technical skills and research experience gained in the Bachelor of Science (Advanced) (Honours) will increase your employability, and equip you well for further postgraduate study. The Bachelor of Science (Advanced) (Honours) can lead straight to a PhD.

See where a Bachelor of Science (Advanced) (Honours) could take you: our career wheel will help you turn your interests into a career in science.

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion, students will be able to:

Develop, apply, integrate and generate knowledge in educational and professional contexts
Develop and use a range of skills and methods to identify, analyse and respond to complex problems and issues.
Work and learn in both independent and collaborative ways with others to encompass diverse abilities and perspectives.
Plan and engage in an independent and sustained critical investigation of a chosen research topic to generate new knowledge.
Systematically evaluate relevant theory and concepts, relate these to appropriate methodologies and evidence and draw appropriate conclusions.
Analyse and interpret original research data with statistical or other evaluative processes where appropriate.
Demonstrate sufficient mastery to understand and apply relevant experimental techniques and methods to collect original research data.
Communicate and justify complex concepts and results clearly and effectively to a variety of audiences.
Exercise personal, professional and social responsibility as a global citizen.

Further Information

The list of Honours pathway level courses offered by the ANU College of Health & Medicine and the ANU College of Science can be found here.

Please note:

An Honours Pathway Option (HPO) is a alternative piece of assessment/assignments, assessed at a higher level, attached to a regular course. Students who enrol in certain courses have the option of undertaking this piece of assessment and must identify themselves to the course convener at the beginning of the semester so that they can attend extra classes or submit the assignment accordingly. HPOs are usually identified in the Programs and Courses catalogue where there is further information regarding what the assessment entails and how it is graded.

An Honours Pathway Course (HPC) is a course that is inherently taught at a higher level. An HPC is usually identified as such in the Programs and Courses catalogue.

Want to learn more about the structure of the Bachelor of Science (Advanced) (Honours) or wish to map out your degree? Click here to see a short program presentation video and access the study plan.

Back to the Bachelor of Science (Advanced) (Honours) page

Please note that if you are commencing your studies in semester 2 there may be restrictions on the courses available for enrolment. We strongly recommend that you make an appointment with an academic advisor. You can make an appointment by using our online booking system here. Alternatively, you can call Science Central on 6125 2809. There will also be advisory sessions offered during the week before semester commences.

The first three years of this degree is coursework studies. The fourth year is a research intensive honours year.

Single degree

This degree requires 192 units
A maximum of 60 units of 1000 level courses
A minimum of 36 units 3000 level Science courses
One Science major (48 units)
One Science minor, specialisation or a second Science major (24 units/48 units)
An average of 70% in Science courses must be maintained each semester to remain in the program
Completion of at least 4 Honours Pathway Options/Courses in the first 3 years of study
Other courses from Science or another ANU College (maximum non-science allowed 48 units)

About this degree

In a Bachelor of Science (Advanced)(Honours) single degree program you will study a total of 192 units. Typically you will take 4 courses per semester (total of 24 units) as a full time student giving you a total of 24 courses across your whole degree.

You'll need to take one Science major (8 courses) and one Science minor (or specialisation) (4 courses), and four Science electives (4 courses). If you'd like to, you can use your Science electives to extend your Science minor into a second Science major. You'll also get to choose eight electives from courses right across ANU. You can use these electives to try a range of courses or to take a major or minor in a non-Science subject, such as history or marketing.

In your 4th year of study you will undertake the Honours year in a single discipline usually closely related to your major.

Enrolment Status

It is possible to enrol in fewer courses per semester but it will take you longer to finish your program and get your degree. If you are an international student you must always be enrolled full-time in 24 units each semester.

When you enrol for the first time you will study ‘1000-level’ courses. These courses have ‘1’ as the first number in their course code, such as SCNC1234.

A course (usually 6 units) can only be counted towards one major or minor.
You need to enrol in courses for both First Semester and Second Semester.
You can’t study more than four courses (24 units) per semester, eight for the year.
You need to enrol in courses for at least one potential Science major
You need to enrol in courses for at least one potential Science minor or a second potential Science major
You may take 1000-level courses later in your program. But remember you can’t count more than ten 1000-level courses (60 units) towards your single degree or six 1000-level courses (36 units) towards your Science half of the double degree.

Majors and Minors

See available majors and minors for this program

A course can only ever be counted toward one major or minor.

Exception: A maximum of 12 units of 1000 level courses can count toward two majors that share common first year requirements.

There are over sixty Science majors, minors and specialisations available for you to study, from Astronomy and Astrophysics to Water Science. A list of these is available here (this will link to the majors and minors page in P&C and come up as a separate page so students can toggle easily).

If you aren’t sure what you want to study for your whole degree, that’s fine. You don’t need to commit to majors or minors until after your first year. Using electives can help to keep your options open.

There are two main ways to choose courses for majors and minors:

Choose from the list of Science majors and minors and see what first year courses you need to enrol in.
Choose from the list of first-year Science courses and see what majors and minors they count towards.

Electives

While you only need to enrol in courses for one Science major and one Science minor, you can use your electives to enrol in 1000-level courses for other Science majors or minors. That way you keep your options open. Once you've selected courses for a Science major, and a Science minor or second Science major, you should choose electives to make up the balance of your courses.

Remember you can choose up to 8 courses from another ANU College at the University.

Study Options