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 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

Biology

Chemistry

Computer Science

Earth Science

Environmental and Landscape Science

Geography

Marine Science

Mathematical Economics

Mathematical Finance

Mathematical Modelling

Mathematics

Natural Resource Management

Physics

Psychology

Science Communication

Statistics

Sustainability Science

Theoretical Physics

Water Science

Either:

24 units from the completion of one of following the minors or specialisations:

Abnormal Psychology

Advanced Chemistry Specialisation

Advanced Mathematics Specialisation

Advanced Physics Specialisation

Applied Statistics

Astronomy and Astrophysics Specialisation

Biochemistry Specialisation

Biodiversity Conservation and Management

Biological Anthropology

Biological Neuropsychology

Chemistry

Climate Science and Policy

Cognitive Psychology

Computer Science

Developmental Psychology

Earth and Marine Science

Earth Physics Specialisation

Environmental Policy

Evolution and Ecology

Forest Science and Policy

Genetics

Geochemistry and Petrology Specialisation

Geography

Human Ecology

Integrative Methods in Environment and Society

Marine Geoscience Specialisation

Mathematical Physics Specialisation

Mathematics

Microbiology and Immunology

Molecular Biology

Neuroscience and Physiology Specialisation

Optics Specialisation

Philosophy and Science

Physics

Plant Science Specialisation

Psychology Specialisation

Quantitative Biology and Bioinformatics 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

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

Astronomy and Astrophysics

Biological Anthropology

Biology

Chemistry

Computer Science

Earth and Marine Science

Environment

Mathematics

Mathematical Applications and Computations

Neuroscience

Physics

Physics of the Earth

Population Health

Psychology

Science

Science Communication

Statistics

48 units from completion of elective courses offered by ANU.

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 75% weighted average mark in each period (Summer/First Semester/Autumn and Winter/Second Semester/Spring) in order to continue in the Bachelor of Science (Advanced) (Honours). Students who do not achieve a minimum of 75% weighted average mark will be transferred to the Bachelor of Science.

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 in order to commence 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	Science Major 1000 level course 6 units	Science elective course 6 units	Elective Course 6 units	Elective Course 6 units
Year 1 48 units	Science Major 1000 level course 6 units	Science elective course 6 units	Elective Course 6 units	Elective Course 6 units
Year 2 48 units	Science Major 2000 level course 6 units	Science elective course 6 units	Science elective course 6 units	Elective Course 6 units
Year 2 48 units	Science Major 2000 level course 6 units	Science Major 2000 level course 6 units	Science Minor 2000 level course 6 units	Elective Course 6 units
Year 3 48 units	Science Major 3000 level course 6 units	Science 3000 level elective course 6 units	Science Minor 3000 level course 6 units	Elective Course 6 units
Year 3 48 units	Science Major 3000 level course 6 units	Science Major 3000 level course 6 units	Science Minor 2000 level course 6 units	Elective Course 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.

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 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:: 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

The National Access Scheme 2014

ANU offers bonus points for nationally strategic senior secondary subjects, and in recognition of difficult circumstances that students face in their studies.

Bonus points are applied to all applicants with an ATAR at or above 70. Points are awarded in accordance with the approved schedule, and no more than 10 points (maximum 5 academic points and maximum 5 equity points) will be awarded.

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

Bonus Points are only awarded to domestic applicants applying for admission through UAC who have not previously attempted tertiary study.

How to apply

Academic Bonus Points: senior secondary students do not need to apply for ANU academic bonus points. They are automatically added in accordance with the schedule.

Educational Access Scheme: senior secondary students do not need to apply if their school is part of the Priority School Funding Program or Country Areas Program. All other applicants should refer to http://www.uac.edu.au/eas/ for more 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: $37,104.00

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.

Science

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

Employers are increasingly looking for graduates not only with excellent academic results, but also with good communication, interpersonal and analytical skills. Jobs are available in administrative, ecological and technological arenas, but as high quality scientists are in demand, many graduates proceed to further studies (such as at the Graduate Diploma, Masters and Doctoral level) in order to retain a competitive edge in their chosen field. Some graduates undertake specific graduate-level training in areas such as teaching, librarianship or communications to further equip themselves with particular and marketable skills.

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 Medicine, Biology and Environment and the ANU College of Physical and Mathematical Sciences 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.

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 (science.enquiries@anu.edu.au or phoning 6125 2809) to discuss your options. There will also be advisory sessions offered during the week before semester commences.

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 75% in Science courses must be maintained 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.

The following links will take you to the full lists of Science majors, minors and specialisations:

Majors

http://programsandcourses.anu.edu.au/Search?Source=Catalogue&FilterByMajors=true&CollegeName=CMBE_CPS

Minors

http://programsandcourses.anu.edu.au/Search?Source=Catalogue&FilterByMinors=true&CollegeName=CMBE_CPS

Specialisations

http://programsandcourses.anu.edu.au/Search?Source=Catalogue&FilterBySpecialisations=true&CollegeName=CMBE_CPS

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:

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.

To find 1000-level courses, use the catalogue finder. Remember you can choose up to 8 courses from another ANU College at the University.

Study Options