single degree

Bachelor of Philosophy (Honours) / Bachelor of Science (Honours) - ANU as home institution

A single four year undergraduate award offered by the ANU Joint Colleges of Science

PHBBSC
  • Length 4 year full-time
  • Minimum 192 Units
Admission requirements
First year student? There’s more information about enrolling in your degree.
  • Field of Education
    • Natural and Physical Sciences
  • Length 4 year full-time
  • Minimum 192 Units
Admission requirements
First year student? There’s more information about enrolling in your degree.
  • Field of Education
    • Natural and Physical Sciences

Program Requirements

Chemistry

Chemistry major ANU students

Semesters 1-2

ANU

8x 6 unit courses including:

CHEM1101 Chemistry 1 (Honours Pathway Option)

CHEM1201 Chemistry 2 (Honours Pathway Option)

Advanced Studies 1 and 2

Total: 48 units

Semesters 3-5

NUS

15 modules including:

6 modules in Chemistry

3 modules in the Special Program in Science

6 modules in the University Scholars Program, including a compulsory module on “Writing and Critical Thinking”

Total: 60 modular credits

Semester 6

ANU

4x 6 unit courses including:

12 units of courses in Chemistry

SCNC2103 Advanced Studies 3

Total: 24 units

Semesters 7-8

ANU

Honours in Chemistry

Total: 48 units

Chemistry major NUS students

Semesters 1-3

NUS

16 modules including:

6 modules in Chemistry

3 modules in the Special Program in Science

1 module in Mathematics

2 modules from the Humanities and Social Sciences domain

6 modules in the University Scholars Program, including a compulsory module on Writing and Critical Thinking

Total: 64 modular credits

Semesters 4-6

ANU

12x 6 unit courses including:

36 units of courses in Chemistry

SCNC2101 Advanced Studies 1

SCNC2102 Advanced Studies 2

SCNC2103 Advanced Studies 3

Total: 72 units

Semesters 7-8

NUS

Honours in Chemistry

9 modules in Chemistry (minimum of 6 project-based modules)

Plus 1 other module.

Total: 40 modular credits

Mathematics

Mathematics major ANU students

Semesters 1-2

ANU

8x 6 unit courses including:

MATH1115 Mathematics and Applications 1 Honours

MATH1116 Mathematics and Applications 2 Honours

Advanced Studies 1 and 2

Total: 48 units

Semesters 3-5

NUS

15 modules including:

6 modules in Mathematics

3 modules in the Special Program in Science

6 modules in the University Scholars Program, including a compulsory module on Writing and Critical Thinking

2 modules from the Humanities and Social Sciences domain

Total: 60 modular credits

Semester 6

ANU

4x 6 unit courses including:

Minimum 2x 6 unit courses in Mathematics

SCNC2103 Advanced Studies 3

Total: 24 units

Semesters 7-8

ANU

Honours in Mathematics.

Total: 48 units

Mathematics major NUS students

Semesters 1-3

NUS

15 modules including:

6 modules in Mathematics

3 modules in the Special Program in Science

6 modules in the University Scholars Program, including a compulsory module on Writing and Critical Thinking

2 modules from the Humanities and Social Sciences Domain

Total: 60 modular credits

Semesters 4-6

ANU

12x 6 unit courses including:

6x 6 unit courses in Mathematics

SCNC2101 Advanced Studies 1

SCNC2102 Advanced Studies 2

SCNC2103 Advanced Studies 3

Total: 72 units

Semesters 7-8

NUS

Honours in Mathematics

9 modules in Mathematics

Plus 1 other module.

Total: 40 modular credits

Physics

Physics major ANU students

Semesters 1-2

ANU

8x 6 unit courses including:

PHYS1101 Advanced Physics I (Honours Pathway Option)

PHYS1201 Advanced Physics II (Honours Pathway Option)

MATH1013 Mathematics and Applications 1 or MATH1115 Mathematics and Applications 1 Honours

MATH1014 Mathematics and Applications 2 or MATH1116 Mathematics and Application 2 Honours

Advanced Studies 1 and 2

Total: 48 units

Semesters 3-5

NUS

15 modules including:

PC2130 Quantum Mechanics 1

PC2131 Electricity and Magnetism 1

PC2132 Classical Mechanics

PC2193 Experimental Physics 1

PC3130 Quantum Mechanics 2

2 other additional modules in Physics

2 modules in the Special Program in Science

6 modules in the University Scholars Program, including a compulsory module on Writing and Critical Thinking

2 modules from the Humanities and Social Sciences domain

Total: 60 modular credits

Semester 6

ANU

4x 6 unit courses including:

2x 6 unit courses in physics

SCNC2103 Advanced Studies 3

Total: 24 units

Semesters 7-8

ANU

Honours in Physics

Total: 48 units

Physics major NUS students

Semesters 1-3

NUS

15 modules including:

PC1431 Physics 1E

PC1432 Physics 2E

PC2130 Quantum Mechanics 1

PC2131 Electricity and Magnetism 1

PC2193 Experimental Physics 1

MA1101R Linear Algebra

MA1506 Mathematics 1

2 modules in the Special Program in Science

6 modules in the University Scholars Program, including a compulsory module on Writing and Critical Thinking

2 modules from the Humanities and Social Sciences domain

Total: 60 modular credits

Semesters 4-6

ANU

12x 6 unit courses including:

7x 6 unit courses in Physics

SCNC2101 Advanced Studies 1

SCNC2102 Advanced Studies 2

SCNC2103 Advanced Studies 3

Total: 72 units

Semesters 7-8

NUS

Honours in Physics

9 modules in Physics

Plus 1 other module.

Total: 40 modular credits

DATES

Semester 1

Semester 2

NUS

August to December

January to May

ANU

February to June

July to November

PROGRESSION

Students must achieve a minimum 80% weighted average mark in Science courses in each period (Summer/First Semester/Autumn and Winter/Second Semester/Spring) in order to continue in the PhB(Hons)/BSc(Hons). Students who do not achieve a minimum 80% weighted average mark will be transferred to the Bachelor of Science.

Students must achieve a minimum 80% final Honours mark in order to graduate with the PhB(Hons)/BSc(Hons). Students who achieve a final Honours mark from 50% to 79% will graduate with the Bachelor of Science (Advanced) (Honours). Student who do not successfully complete the Honours year with a final mark of at least 50% will graduate from the Bachelor of Science.

Majors

Specialisations

Elective Study

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

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.

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

From 2010, the UAI/ENTER/TER will be referred to as ATAR (Australian Tertiary Admission Rank) for admission. See http://www.uac.edu.au/undergraduate/atar/ for further information.

Queensland Band equivalents are a guide only - selection is made on a UAI 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:
99
QLD Band:
1
International Baccalaureate:
42

Prerequisites

The programs are restricted to eight to ten students from each institution annually so admission is highly selective. As a guide only, you will be expected, for both programs, to achieve a minimum Australian University Admission Index (UAI) of 99 or at least four ‘A’ levels with A1 grades. You must also have taken prerequisite studies in Advanced and Extended Maths at school. Contact ANU or NUS for further details.

Adjustment Factors

Bonus points to do not apply to programs with an ATAR cutoff of 98 or higher.  They do not apply to this program.

Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP)

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

Annual indicative fee for international students
$33,168.00

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.

The PhB(Hons)/BSc(Hons) can be taken in three majors (Chemistry, Mathematics or Physics) and is offered as a joint single degree program by the National University of Singapore, NUS, and the Colleges of Science at ANU. This highly selective program provides a challenging course of study for students who have a strong interest in and aptitude for graduate research work. At ANU, it is only offered to students directly applying through the Universities Admission Centre, UAC, or to students in the PhB (Hons) program. At NUS places are offered to Colleges of Science students in the University Scholars Program.

Students are expected to acquire a strong foundation in critical analysis and depth in the principles of each subject. They are closely involved in undergraduate research with at least 25 per cent of their graduation requirements based upon independent research.

This is a four-year, Honours only, research-based degree. You will spend three semesters in residence at your host university and will write your Honours thesis at your home university. If your institution of primary enrolment is the NUS, you spend the first three semesters there, your next three semesters at ANU and your final two semesters back at NUS.

If you are primarily enrolled at ANU, you will spend the first two semesters at ANU, the next three semesters at the NUS and the last three semesters at ANU.

The course of study in each major is indicated in the tables below. There is significant flexibility and you can tailor your program of study in consultation with an assigned academic mentor at your home institution, with approval from the relevant coordinator in both universities.

Two referee reports are used in the selection of students and must be submitted by November 30 in the year of application. Click here for application and referee report forms. A quota can apply and interviews and school recommendations may also be used in the selection of students.

Learning Outcomes

  • Develop, apply, integrate and generate scientific 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;
  • Identify and apply various research concepts, methodologies and methods
  • Work and learn in both independent and collaborative ways with others to encompass diverse abilities and perspectives;
  • Negotiate research projects considering their academic relevance, possible academic contributions, and ethical implications;
  • Source and critically analyse research literature related to their topics of interest and research;
  • Appraise concepts and arguments related to their topics of interest and research;
  • Convey and relate professional and disciplinary information and ideas to diverse audiences in effective and appropriate ways;
  • Develop high level project management skills as support for independent study; and
  • Exercise personal, professional and social responsibility as a global citizen.

Career Options

ANU provides you with more choice for your entrance score by offering the new Flexible Double Degree program.

The ANU Flexible Double Degree lets you build skills for your chosen career without forfeiting your passion.  It's your choice to build a double degree partnership that suits your head and your heart.http://students.anu.edu.au/applications/

Employment Opportunities

The PhB(Hons)/BSc(Hons) is an ideal path to take if you are already aiming for a career in research, but it is equally good if you decide to enter the workforce directly, as you will not only have gained the academic and generic skills normally obtained within a science degree but will have gained highly marketable skills in independent research, oral and written communication and teamwork.

Further Information

Advanced Studies consist of individually tailored courses specifically designed to provide students with a strong base in research. Advanced Studies are available in two formats: courses that are inherently taught at a higher level and are entirely research focussed (Advanced Studies Courses, ASC); or in the form of an extension, assessed at a higher level, attached to a regular course (Advanced Studies Extension, ASE). Students must seek approval from the program and course conveners in order to enrol in Advanced Studies.

Back to the Bachelor of Philosophy (Honours) / Bachelor of Science (Honours) - ANU as home institution page

The PhB(Hons)/BSc(Hons) can be taken in three majors (Chemistry, Mathematics or Physics) and is offered as a joint single degree program by the National University of Singapore, NUS, and the Colleges of Science at ANU. This highly selective program provides a challenging course of study for students who have a strong interest in and aptitude for graduate research work. At ANU, it is only offered to students directly applying through the Universities Admission Centre, UAC, or to students in the PhB (Hons) program. At NUS places are offered to Colleges of Science students in the University Scholars Program.

Students are expected to acquire a strong foundation in critical analysis and depth in the principles of each subject. They are closely involved in undergraduate research with at least 25 per cent of their graduation requirements based upon independent research.

This is a four-year, Honours only, research-based degree. You will spend three semesters in residence at your host university and will write your Honours thesis at your home university. If your institution of primary enrolment is the NUS, you spend the first three semesters there, your next three semesters at ANU and your final two semesters back at NUS.

If you are primarily enrolled at ANU, you will spend the first two semesters at ANU, the next three semesters at the NUS and the last three semesters at ANU.


Single degree

  • This degree requires 192 units
  • A maximum of 60 units of 1000 level courses
  • A minimum of 36 units 3000 level courses
  • 18 units from the completion of Advanced Studies including a minimum of 12 units of Advanced Studies Courses (ASCs) and a maximum of 6 units of Advanced Studies Extensions (ASEs)
  • 48 units from completion of a Science Honours research project.
  • An average of 80% in courses must be maintained to remain in the program.
  • The first year of the degree is carried out at ANU, then next 1.5 years at the National University of Singapore (NUS), and the final 1.5 years at ANU.

About this degree

In a Bachelor of Philosophy (Honours)/Bachelor of Science (Hons), PhB(Hons)/BSc(Hons), single degree program you will study a total of 192 units.  This degree is offered as a joint single degree by the Colleges of Science at ANU and the Faculty of Science at the National University of Singapore (NUS). Typically you will take 4 courses per semester (total of 24 units) as a full time student at ANU and 5 modules (60 modular credits) as a full time student at NUS.

You will undertake 48 units of study at ANU (one year, full time) before undertaking 1.5 years of full time study at NUS. You will then return to complete your degree at ANU by undertaking the final semester of 3rd year and the full year of the Honours program.

You need to complete a major in chemistry, mathematics or physics; you need to decide on your major before commencing study at NUS. You can also undertake elective courses at both ANU and NUS.  You can use these electives to try a range of courses or to take a cohesive group of courses, such as a language, philosophy or economics.

The core of this degree is the opportunity for you to undertake research projects (known as Advanced Studies at ANU or Special Program in Science at NUS). You will undertake an Advanced Studies Extension (a small research project) in your first semester of first year as an extension to one of your regular courses. You will undertake additional Advanced Studies (as an Advanced Studies Extension or Advanced Studies Course) in second semester of first year and then on your return to ANU in third year. You will have lots of help from the program convenor in helping you decide courses and showing you how to organise Advanced Studies.

In your 4th year of study you will undertake the Honours year in a single discipline 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 unless you already have some advanced levels of achievement in a subject.  These courses have ‘1’ as the first number in their course code, such as SCNC1234.

  • 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 at ANU, so normally eight for the year. (Some students choose to undertake an Advanced Studies Course research project over the summer just because they are fun, exciting and challenging – you don’t have to though.)
  • You need to enrol in courses for at least one 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.


Majors and Minors

See available majors and minors for this program

You need to undertake a formal major in this degree in either chemistry, mathematics or physics but you might like to check out the 60+ Science majors, minors and specialisations available for you to study in addition to your primary major. A list of these is available from the Bachelor of Science catalogue http://programsandcourses.anu.edu.au/program/BSC .

If you aren’t sure what you want to study for your whole degree, that’s fine. Use first year to explore lots of discipline areas and let your interests develop on the basis of this experience. The PhB program convenor will ensure you are choosing something academically sensible and that will allow many paths of study in the later years of your degree.

Because there are so many options available, you will need to take your time choosing what you want to study.

To help you choose Science courses you can go to the following link to download (and print) the Science First Year Guide:

http://cmbe-cpms.anu.edu.au/resources/first-year-course-guide


Study Options

Bachelor of Philosophy (Honours)/Bachelor of Science (Honours) ANU-NUS

This is a typical study pattern for the first year of a student in this degree:

Study Options

Year 1 48 units Science 1000 level Course 6 units Science 1000 level Course 6 units Science 1000 level Course Including Advanced Studies Extension (ASE) 6 units Elective Course 6 units
Science 1000 level Course 6 units Science 1000 level Course 6 units Science 1000 level Course 6 units Advanced Studies Course (ASC)

Academic Advice

For further information on prerequisites and Science disciplines you can:

Do you want to talk to someone before enrolling?

Contact phb.science.enquiries@anu.edu.au

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