Inspire your curious mind with the Bachelor of Philosophy (Honours).
There’s no other degree like it in Australia. You’ll get to explore your interests by undertaking research as an undergraduate student, get one-on-one mentoring by leading academics… all while enjoying the camaraderie of a group of like-minded students.
The research you’ll do throughout your degree is excellent preparation for your fourth, or Honours year of your PhB. You will undertake a year-long research project under the guidance of an academic supervisor. This is where you can really indulge your passion and explore a topic in detail.
Find out more about the Bachelor of Philosophy, the degree structure, the university experience, career opportunities and student stories on our website.
Get the inside story on what it’s like to be an ANU student by visiting our student blog.
Mathematics is at the core of all technological innovations.
If you’d like to master quantitative problem-solving, mathematical modelling and critical thinking, this is the degree for you.
It is an elite, research-focused program for exceptional students at Australia’s highest-ranked university.
Make your mark with maths at ANU: find out more about mathematical studies, the degree structure, the university experience, career opportunities and student stories on our website. Work and learn in both independent and collaborative ways with others to encompass diverse abilities and perspectives.
Get the inside story on what it’s like to be an ANU student by visiting our student blog.
This program is not available for Semester 2 commencement.
Career Options
ANU ranks among the world's very finest universities. Our nearly 100,000 alumni include political, business, government, and academic leaders around the world.
We have graduated remarkable people from every part of our continent, our region and all walks of life.
Employment Opportunities
Many of our graduates have used the PhB program as a pathway to completing PhDs in some of the best universities around the world, such as Cambridge, Oxford, Yale, UC Berkley and, of course, ANU.
The PhB can also provide a pathway to the Doctor of Medicine and Surgery (MChD) without having to sit the GAMSAT. Each year, 10 places are reserved in our medicine program for students who successfully graduate from the PhB program and undertake a successful interview.
See where a Bachelor of Philosophy could take you: our career wheel will help you turn your interests into a career in science.
Many of our graduates have used the PhB program as a pathway to completing PhDs in some of the best universities around the world, such as Cambridge, Oxford, Yale, UC Berkley and, of course, ANU.
The PhB can also provide a pathway to the Doctor of Medicine and Surgery (MChD) without having to sit the GAMSAT. Each year, 10 places are reserved in our medicine program for students who successfully graduate from the PhB program and undertake a successful interview.
See where a Bachelor of Philosophy could take you: our career wheel will help you turn your interests into a career in science.
Learning Outcomes
- 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;
- 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.
- Think clearly, sequentially and logically, as demonstrated by the critical analysis of quantitative problems, such as the ability to read, understand and write mathematical proofs.
Demonstrate mastery of the concepts and techniques of Advanced Mathematics.
Communicate concepts and results clearly and effectively both in writing and orally.
Systematically identify relevant theory and concepts, relate these to appropriate methodologies and evidence, and draw appropriate conclusions.
Engage in critical review of appropriate and relevant information sources.
Work and learn in both independent and collaborative ways with others to encompass diverse abilities and perspectives.
Further Information
Advanced Studies
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.
Internship opportunities
Students interested in incorporating an internship into their degree can find out more from the College of Science website.
Timing of Science Honours year for students in a Flexible Double Degree program
Students undertaking the PhB (Hons) as part of a Flexible Double Degree (FDD) will only be able to commence the Honours year after satisfaction of the progression hurdle into Honours and should note that many Science Honours disciplines only support full-time enrolment in the Honours year (24+24 units).
Where the second bachelor's component of the FDD program has not yet been completed before the intended start term for Science Honours, it is strongly recommended that students seek appropriate academic advice from an Science Sub Dean.
Important fee information for commencing and continuing domestic undergraduate students intending to study psychology as a professional pathway:
Please note that due to changes in Australian government funding from 2021 as a result of the Job Ready Graduates Package, fees for Behavioural Science courses will be invoiced at different rates. This will affect students in the following manner:
Commencing Students
Study of the accredited sequence of psychology courses taken under the psychology degrees recognised by the Australian Government will be eligible for the Professional Pathway funding rates (HECS band 2). At ANU, these programs are:
- Bachelor Science (Psychology) - (3 year degree)
- Bachelor of Science (Psychology) (Honours) - (+1 Hons year)
- Bachelor of Psychology (Honours) - (4 year degree incl Honours).
Note that Bachelor of Science (Psychology) (Honours) students who commenced their Bachelor of Science (Psychology) at ANU prior to 1 January 2021 will be classed as continuing students.
While psychology courses can be taken as part of other programs of study at ANU [Bachelor of Science, Bachelor of Science (Honours), Bachelor of Science (Advanced) (Honours), Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Arts (Honours) and Bachelor of Philosophy (Honours)], the study of psychology is not compulsory therefore Psychology courses in these programs will be charged different fees (HECS band 4).
Continuing students
Continuing students (enrolled before 1 January 2021) studying courses in disciplines with increased student contribution amounts, will be grandfathered under the legislation. That is, they will continue paying the same amount as they would have, had these reforms not been implemented for any courses that would otherwise have an increased student contribution.
For more information on the 2021 fee changes to Student Contributions Amounts, please visit https://www.anu.edu.au/students/program-administration/fees-payments/student-contributions; and for more information on the Job Ready Graduates Package please visit https://www.studyassist.gov.au/
Pathway to Honours in Psychology
Students in an ANU PhB (Hons) who wish to be eligible for Honours in psychology must complete a specific set of courses that satisfy the APAC accreditation requirements. At ANU this includes minimum required learning achieved by successful completion of PSYC1003, PSYC1004, PSYC2001, PSYC2002, PSYC2007, PSYC2008, PSYC2009, PSYC3018, PSYC3025, PSYC3026 and an additional 2 x 3000 level PSYC courses or, for PhB students, 3000 level SCNC courses with a psychology supervisor.
APAC Accreditation
The Bachelor of Philosophy (Honours) with Psychology Honours Specialisation is accredited by the Australian Psychology Accreditation Council (APAC)
Advanced Studies
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.
Internship opportunities
Students interested in incorporating an internship into their degree can find out more from the College of Science website.
Timing of Science Honours year for students in a Flexible Double Degree program
Students undertaking the PhB (Hons) as part of a Flexible Double Degree (FDD) will only be able to commence the Honours year after satisfaction of the progression hurdle into Honours and should note that many Science Honours disciplines only support full-time enrolment in the Honours year (24+24 units).
Where the second bachelor's component of the FDD program has not yet been completed before the intended start term for Science Honours, it is strongly recommended that students seek appropriate academic advice from an Science Sub Dean.
Important fee information for commencing and continuing domestic undergraduate students intending to study psychology as a professional pathway:
Please note that due to changes in Australian government funding from 2021 as a result of the Job Ready Graduates Package, fees for Behavioural Science courses will be invoiced at different rates. This will affect students in the following manner:
Commencing Students
Study of the accredited sequence of psychology courses taken under the psychology degrees recognised by the Australian Government will be eligible for the Professional Pathway funding rates (HECS band 2). At ANU, these programs are:
- Bachelor Science (Psychology) - (3 year degree)
- Bachelor of Science (Psychology) (Honours) - (+1 Hons year)
- Bachelor of Psychology (Honours) - (4 year degree incl Honours).
Note that Bachelor of Science (Psychology) (Honours) students who commenced their Bachelor of Science (Psychology) at ANU prior to 1 January 2021 will be classed as continuing students.
While psychology courses can be taken as part of other programs of study at ANU [Bachelor of Science, Bachelor of Science (Honours), Bachelor of Science (Advanced) (Honours), Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Arts (Honours) and Bachelor of Philosophy (Honours)], the study of psychology is not compulsory therefore Psychology courses in these programs will be charged different fees (HECS band 4).
Continuing students
Continuing students (enrolled before 1 January 2021) studying courses in disciplines with increased student contribution amounts, will be grandfathered under the legislation. That is, they will continue paying the same amount as they would have, had these reforms not been implemented for any courses that would otherwise have an increased student contribution.
For more information on the 2021 fee changes to Student Contributions Amounts, please visit https://www.anu.edu.au/students/program-administration/fees-payments/student-contributions; and for more information on the Job Ready Graduates Package please visit https://www.studyassist.gov.au/
Pathway to Honours in Psychology
Students in an ANU PhB (Hons) who wish to be eligible for Honours in psychology must complete a specific set of courses that satisfy the APAC accreditation requirements. At ANU this includes minimum required learning achieved by successful completion of PSYC1003, PSYC1004, PSYC2001, PSYC2002, PSYC2007, PSYC2008, PSYC2009, PSYC3018, PSYC3025, PSYC3026 and an additional 2 x 3000 level PSYC courses or, for PhB students, 3000 level SCNC courses with a psychology supervisor.
APAC Accreditation
The Bachelor of Philosophy (Honours) with Psychology Honours Specialisation is accredited by the Australian Psychology Accreditation Council (APAC)
Admission Requirements
- ATAR:
- 98
- International Baccalaureate:
- 40
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 an ACT 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 (major)/Further Mathematics/Specialist Mathematics (major)/ Specialist Methods or NSW HSC Mathematics Advanced or equivalent
- MATH1005: ACT Mathematical Methods (major)/Further Mathematics/Specialist Mathematics (major)/ Specialist Methods or NSW HSC Mathematics Advanced or equivalent
- MATH1013: A satisfactory pass in ACT Specialist Mathematics Major - Minor or NSW HSC Mathematics Extension 1 or equivalent. Students with a good pass in ACT Mathematical Methods or NSW HSC Mathematics Advanced 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).
ACT: Specialist Mathematics/ Specialist Methods (double major)/ Discrete Mathematics ANU/UC, NSW: Mathematics Extension 2 or equivalent. More information about interstate subject equivalencies can be found here.
Adjustment Factors
Adjustment factors are additional points added to an applicant's Selection Rank (for example an applicant's ATAR). ANU offers adjustment factors based on performance and equity principles, such as for high achievement in nationally strategic senior secondary subjects and for recognition of difficult circumstances that students face in their studies.
Selection Rank adjustments are granted in accordance with the approved schedules, and no more than 15 (maximum 5 subject/performance-based adjustment factors and maximum 10 equity-based adjustment factors) can be awarded.
You may be considered for adjustment factors if you have:
- applied for an eligible ANU Bachelor degree program
- undertaken Australian Year 12 or the International Baccalaureate
- achieved an ATAR or equivalent at or above 70
- not previously attempted tertiary study.
Please visit the ANU Adjustment Factors website for further information.
Indicative fees
Bachelor of Philosophy (Honours) - Science - Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP)
Bachelor of Mathematical Sciences - Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP)
For more information see: http://www.anu.edu.au/students/program-administration/costs-fees
- Annual indicative fee for international students
- $49,330.00
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.
Program Requirements
The Bachelor of Philosophy (Honours) - Science flexible double degree component requires completion of 144 units, of which:
A maximum of 36 units can come from the completion of 1000 level courses
A minimum of 96 units must come from completion of courses from the Science course list
A minimum of 30 units from completion of 3000 level courses from the Science course list
A minimum of 6 units must come from completion of quantitative research skills courses from the following list, which may contribute towards meeting any other requirement in the Bachelor of Philosophy (Honours) - Science:
BIAN3014 Research Design and Analysis in Biological Anthropology (6 units)
BIOL2001 Introduction to Quantitative Biology (6 units)
BIOL2202 Experimental Design and Analysis in Biology (6 units)
ENVS1003 Introduction to Environmental and Social Research (6 units)
ENVS2002 Environmental Measurement, Modelling and Monitoring (6 units)
PSYC2009 Quantitative Methods in Psychology (6 units)
PSYC3018 Advanced Research Methods (6 units)
Any 1000-, 2000- or 3000- level course from the subject area MATH- Mathematics or STAT- Statistics, with the exception of MATH1042
The 144 units must include:
144 units which must consist of:
36 units from completion of Advanced Studies, including:
A minimum of 18 units from the completion of Advanced Studies (ASC) courses from the following list which can include:
A maximum of 30 units of SCNC2101 Advanced Studies Course (can be taken multiple times)
A minimum of 6 units of SCNC3101 Advanced Studies Course (can be taken multiple times)
A maximum of 18 units from completion of Advanced Studies Extensions (ASE) courses
48 units from completion of one of the following Honours specialisations:
ASTR-HSPC Astronomy and Astrophysics
BIAN-HSPC Biological Anthropology
BIOL-HSPC Biology
CHEM-HSPC Chemistry
COMP-HSPC Computer Science
EMSC-HSPC Earth and Marine Science
ENVI-HSPC Environment
MATH-HSPC Mathematics
MEDR-HSPC Medical Research
PHYS-HSPC Physics
POPH-HSPC Population Health
POTE-HSPC Physics of the Earth
PSYC-HSPC Psychology
SCNC-HSPC Science
SCOM-HSPC Science Communication
STAT-HSPC Statistics
Students must achieve a minimum 75% Weighted Average Mark in Science courses in each period (Summer/First Semester/Autumn and Winter/Second Semester/Spring) subsequent to the first year of study in order to continue in the Bachelor of Philosophy (Honours). Students who do not achieve a minimum 75% Weighted Average Mark will be transferred to the Bachelor of Science or Bachelor of Science (Advanced) (Honours).
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.
Students must achieve a minimum 80% final Honours mark in order to graduate with the Bachelor of Philosophy (Honours). 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.
Students must achieve a minimum 75% Weighted Average Mark in Science courses in each period (Summer/First Semester/Autumn and Winter/Second Semester/Spring) subsequent to the first year of study in order to continue in the Bachelor of Philosophy (Honours). Students who do not achieve a minimum 75% Weighted Average Mark will be transferred to the Bachelor of Science or Bachelor of Science (Advanced) (Honours).
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.
Students must achieve a minimum 80% final Honours mark in order to graduate with the Bachelor of Philosophy (Honours). 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.
Timing of Science Honours year for students in a Flexible Double Degree program:
Students undertaking the PhB (Hons) as part of a Flexible Double Degree (FDD) will only be able to commence the Honours year after satisfaction of the progression hurdle into Honours and should note that many Science Honours disciplines only support full-time enrolment in the Honours year (24+24 units).
Where the second bachelor's component of the FDD program has not yet been completed before the intended start term for Science Honours, it is strongly recommended that students seek appropriate academic advice from an Science Sub Dean.
The Bachelor of Mathematical Sciences flexible double degree component requires completion of 96 units, of which:
A maximum of 36 units may come from completion of 1000-level courses
The 96 units must consist of:
36 units from the completion of the following compulsory courses:
MATH1115 Advanced Mathematics and Applications 1
MATH1116 Advanced Mathematics and Applications 2
MATH2222 Introduction to Mathematical Thinking: Problem Solving and Proofs
MATH2305 Applied Mathematics I
MATH2320 Advanced Analysis 1: Metric Spaces and Applications
MATH2322 Advanced Algebra 1: Groups, Rings and Linear Algebra
36 units from completion of 3000-level courses from the subject area MATH Mathematics
24 units from completion of 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 the subject area of MATH in order to continue in the Bachelor of Mathematical Sciences.
Students who do not achieve a minimum of 70% weighted average mark will be transferred to the Bachelor of Science.
Specialisations
Bachelor of Philosophy (Honours) - Science Specialisations
Back to the Bachelor of Philosophy (Honours) - Science 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 (PhB.science.enquiries@anu.edu.au) to discuss your options. There will also be advisory sessions offered during the week before semester commences.
The Bachelor of Philosophy (Honours) - Science or PhB is a unique degree that allows intellectually ambitious students to explore their interests, develop their research skills and be mentored by leading academics, while enjoying the camaraderie of a group of like-minded students. The PhB degree has been offered in Science since 2003. Regardless of your main focus, there is room in the degree for you to explore other disciplines.
The four year PhB degree is designed with flexibility in mind - each PhB program is as individual as the student taking it. Each year, you will work with your mentor to tailor a program you will find stimulating and challenging, including courses from other Colleges for those who wish to pursue cross-disciplinary interests.
One quarter of the studies, in the first three years, consists of individually tailored Advanced Studies specifically designed to provide you with a strong base in research. In these courses you typically join a research team to conduct a hands-on research project under the supervision of an academic in your chosen science area. Other options include a theoretical project, for example in Mathematics, a reading course with a world-leading scientist or an external research project with CSIRO, industry or other organisations. In the fourth or Honours year of a PhB, you will undertake a research project for most of the year under the guidance of an academic supervisor.
After completion of your first year of study, the Conditions of Award Committee will determine each semester whether your level of performance is sufficient to remain in the degree program. It is possible to transfer to another undergraduate degree program and receive credit for work successfully completed in the PhB. To remain enrolled in the PhB degree, students must maintain an average mark of 75 percent in all their Science courses in each half-year-period.
To qualify for the degree the Honours year must be completed with first class honours.
Single degree
- This degree requires 192 units
- A maximum of 60 units of 1000 level courses
- A minimum of 30 units 3000 or 4000 level Science
courses
- 36 units from the completion of Advanced Studies including a minimum of 18 units of Advanced Studies Courses (ASCs)
- Other courses from Science or another ANU College (maximum non-science allowed 48 units)
- An average of 75% in Science courses must be maintained in each half-year period to remain in the program.
- 48 units from completion of a Science Honours research project
- To qualify for the degree Honours must be completed with first class Honours
About this degree
In the Bachelor of Philosophy (Honours) - Science, PhB, degree you will study a total of 192 units. Typically, you will take four courses per semester (total of 24 units) as a full time student giving you a total of 24 courses across the first three years of your degree, which is then followed by an Honours year.
While you do not need to complete majors in this degree, the Science majors are helpful to give you an idea of possible areas you might like to focus on in your degree. In addition, you can choose up to eight elective courses from right across ANU. 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). You will probably not undertake an Advanced Studies in your first semester of first year because most PhB students like to use this semester to get used to university and find out about as many disciplines as possible. You will undertake an Advanced Studies (as an Advanced Studies Extension project most likely) in second semester of first year and then some kind of Advanced Studies in each semester of second and 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 usually closely related to your main area of focus.
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, unless you have been approved for a reduced study load.
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 CHEM1101, MATH1013, BIOL1003 or PHYS1101.
- You should enrol in courses for both First Semester and Second Semester.
- You can’t study more than four courses (24 units) per semester, 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 focus.
- 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
Remember, you do not have to undertake a formal major or minor in this degree but you might like to check out the 60+ Science majors, minors and specialisations available for you to study. A list of these is available from the Bachelor of Science website: 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 Convenor and your academic mentor 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.
Study Options
Typical first year enrolment pattern for Bachelor of Philosophy (Honours):
This is a typical study pattern for the first year of a student undertaking a Bachelor of Philosophy (Honours).Study Options
| Year 1 48 units | Science 1000 level Course 6 units | Science 1000 level Course 6 units | Science 1000 level Course 6 units | Elective Course 6 units |
| Science 1000 level Course 6 units | Science 1000 level Course 6 units | Science 1000 level Course including Advanced Studies Extension 6 units | Elective Course 6 units |
Typical first year enrolment pattern for Bachelor of Philosophy (Honours):
This is a typical study pattern for the first year of a student undertaking a Bachelor of Philosophy (Honours) with a focus in courses from the College of Asia and the Pacific (CAP).Academic Advice
For further information you can:
- Email PhB.Science.Enquiries@anu.edu.au or
- Come and talk to someone face-to-face. You can make an appointment with the Science PhB Convenor by emailing PhB.science.enquiries@anu.edu.au .
Back to the Bachelor of Mathematical Sciences 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. There will also be advisory sessions offered during the week before semester commences.
Mathematics is the study of universal patterns and structures and is the quantitative language of the world. It underpins information technology, computer science, engineering, and the physical sciences; and it plays an increasingly important role in the biological and medical sciences, economics, finance, environmental science, sociology and psychology. The Bachelor of Mathematical Sciences provides the tools to study these patterns and structures and along the way you learn transferable skills in critical thinking, analysis, investigation and evidenced-based decision making.
Your program can concentrate on theoretical mathematics, or can extend to a range of applicable mathematical areas such as mathematical modelling, mathematical finance, mathematical economics, mathematical physics, and quantitative biology.
Single degree
In a Bachelor of Mathematical Sciences single degree program you will study a total of 144 units (24 courses) and as a full time student you will need to take 24 units (4 courses) per semester. Of these courses you will need to complete a minimum of 12 core and advanced MATH courses (72 units) together with another 4 courses from the Science course list. You also can choose 8 elective courses (48 units) from any ANU Colleges. You can try a range of courses or take a major or minor in a non-mathematics subject, such as philosophy, history or computing. The choice is yours.
Summary:
This degree requires 144 units (24 courses)A maximum of 60 units (10 courses) of 1000-level courses
- 36 units (6 courses) of core MATH courses
- A minimum of 36 units (6 courses) of advanced MATH 3000-level courses
- 24 units from completion of courses from thethe Science course list
- An average mark of 70% in core and advanced MATH courses must be maintained each semester to remain in the program
- 48 units (8 course) from the Science course list or another ANU College
Double degree
The Bachelor of Mathematical Sciences can also be taken as a part of many double degrees.
In a Bachelor of Mathematical Sciences double degree program you will study a total of 96 units (16 courses) and as a full time student you will take 4 courses per semester (24 units). However, in each semester you will be likely to take 2 courses from your Mathematical Sciences degree and 2 courses from the other half of your double degree – still a total of 4 courses a semester.
Summary:
- In a flexible double degree the Bachelor of Mathematical Sciences component requires 96 units (16 courses)
- 36 units (6 courses) of core MATH courses
- A minimum of 36 units (6 courses) of advanced MATH 3000-level courses
- 24 units from completion of courses from the Science course list
- An average mark of 70% in core and advanced MATH courses must be maintained each semester to remain in the program
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 (4 course) each semester.
- You need to enrol in courses for both First Semester and Second Semester.
- You can’t study more than 4 courses (24 units) per semester, 8 courses (48 units) for the year.
- 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 Mathematical Sciences half of the double degree.
Important things to keep in mind when choosing your 1000-level courses
There are two compulsory 1000 level courses you must take in your first year year:
Electives
Remember you can
choose up to 8 courses from another ANU College if you are undertaking the single Bachelor of Mathematical
Sciences program.
Study Options
Single degree
This is a typical study pattern for the first year of a student undertaking a Bachelor of Mathematical Sciences.Study Options
| Year 1 48 units | MATH1115 Advanced Mathematics and Applications 1 6 units | Science elective 6 units | Science or non-science course | Science or non-science course |
| MATH1116 Advanced Mathematics and Applications 2 6 units | Science elective 6 units | Science or non-science course | Science or non-science course |
Double degree
This is a typical study pattern for the first year of a student undertaking a Bachelor of Mathematical Sciences with another three year degree, such as the Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science . Please note that for some double degrees (e.g. with Bachelor of Engineering) you may only be able to take one course in semester 1 for your mathematical science degree. In these circumstances it is recommended that in your first year you take MATH1115, MATH1116.Study Options
| Year 1 48 units | MATH1115 Advanced Mathematics and Applications 1 6 units | Science elective 6 units | Degree B Course | Degree B Course |
| MATH1116 Advanced Mathematics and Applications 2 6 units | Science elective 6 units | Degree B Course | Degree B Course |
Academic Advice
For further information, you can:
- Visit the Mathematical Sciences Institute webpage here, or
- Download the Science first year course guide available here, or
- View the information at our New commencers & first year students page, or
- Email us at science.enquiries@anu.edu.au, or
- Come and talk to someone - you can make an appointment with an academic advisor here