Program Requirements

The Bachelor of Philosophy (Honours)/Bachelor of Science (Honours) requires the completion of the equivalent of 192 units, which must consist of:

Either:

Chemistry

12 units from completion of the following courses:

CHEM1101 Chemistry 1 – Honours Pathway Option

CHEM1201 Chemistry 2 – Honours Pathway Option

A minimum of 18 units from completion of courses from the following list:

SCNC2101 Advanced Studies Course

SCNC3101 Advanced Studies Course

12 units from completion of courses in the subject area CHEM Chemistry

60 modular credits (equivalent to 72 units) from completion of the following:

6 modules in Chemistry

3 modules in the Special Program in Science

6 modules in the University Scholars Programme, which must include:

3 Compulsory Foundation Modules plus 3 Inquiry modules, which must include:

A minimum of 2 modules from the domain: Humanities and Social Sciences

48 units from completion of the Chemistry Honours specialisation

30 units from completion of elective courses offered by ANU

Or:

Mathematics

12 units from completion of the following compulsory courses:

MATH1115 Advanced Mathematics and Applications 1

MATH1116 Advanced Mathematics and Applications 2

A minimum of 18 units from completion of courses from the following list:

SCNC2101 Advanced Studies Course

SCNC3101 Advanced Studies Course

12 units from completion of courses in the subject MATH Mathematics

60 modular credits (equivalent to 72 units) from completion of the following:

6 modules in Mathematics

3 modules in the Special Program in Science

6 modules in the University Scholars Programme, which must include:

3 Compulsory Foundation Modules plus 3 Inquiry modules, which must include:

A minimum of 2 modules from the domain: Humanities and Social Sciences

48 units from completion of the Mathematics Honours specialisation

30 units from completion of elective courses offered by ANU

Or:

Physics

12 units from completion of the following compulsory courses:

PHYS1101 Physics I – Honours Pathway Option

PHYS1201 Physics 2 – Honours Pathway Option

A minimum of 18 units from completion of courses from the following list:

SCNC2101 Advanced Studies Course

SCNC3101 Advanced Studies Course

12 units from completion of mathematics courses from the following list:

MATH1013 Mathematics and Applications 1 OR

MATH1115 Advanced Mathematics and Applications 1

MATH1014 Mathematics and Applications 2 OR

MATH1116 Advanced Mathematics and Applications 2

12 units from completion of courses in the subject area PHYS Physics

60 modular credits (equivalent to 72 units) from completion of the following:

PC2130 Quantum Mechanics 1

PC2131 Electricity and Magnetism 1

PC2132 Classical Mechanics

PC2193 Experimental Physics 1

PC3130 Quantum Mechanics 2

2 further modules in Physics

2 modules in the Special Program in Science

6 modules in the University Scholars Programme, which must include:

3 Compulsory Foundation Modules plus 3 Inquiry modules, which must include:

A minimum of 2 modules from the domain: Humanities and Social Sciences

48 units from completion of Physics Honours specialisation

18 units from completion of elective courses offered by ANU

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 Bachelor of Philosophy (Honours)/Bachelor of Science (Honours) - ANU as home institution. Students who do not achieve a minimum 80% weighted average mark will be transferred to another Science degree.

Students must achieve a minimum 80% final Honours mark in order to graduate with the Bachelor of Philosophy (Honours)/Bachelor of Science (Honours) - ANU as home institution. 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 major, minor or specialisation.

Admission Requirements

At a minimum, all applicants must meet program-specific academic/non-academic requirements, and English language requirements. Admission to most ANU programs is on a competitive basis. Therefore, meeting all admission requirements does not guarantee entry into the program.

In line with the university's admissions policy and strategic plan, an assessment for admission may include competitively ranking applicants on the basis of specific academic achievement, English language proficiency and diversity factors.

The University reserves the right to alter or discontinue its programs and change admission requirements as needed.

Domestic applicants

Before applying for a program, you should review the general information about domestic undergraduate admission to ANU programs and how to apply, and the program-specific information below.

• Applicants with recent secondary education are assessed on:
  • completion of Australian Year 12 or equivalent, and the minimum Selection Rank (from their academic qualifications, plus any adjustment factors) requirement for this program; and
  • co-curricular or service requirement (applies to applicants who complete secondary education in the year prior to commencing at ANU); and
  • English language proficiency; and
  • any program-specific requirements listed below.
• Applicants with higher education study are assessed on:
  • previous higher education studies; or secondary education results if completed less than one full-time equivalent year (1.0 FTE) of a degree; or the result from a bridging or preparatory course; and
  • English language proficiency; and
  • any program-specific requirements listed below.
• Applicants with vocational education and training (VET) study are assessed on:
  • previously completed VET qualifications at AQF level 5 or higher (i.e. a Diploma or above); or secondary education results if the VET qualification is not completed; and
  • English language proficiency; and
  • any program-specific requirements listed below.
• Applicants with work and life experience are assessed on:
  • ATAR or equivalent if secondary education was completed; or the Special Adult Entry Scheme (SAES); or work experience; and
  • English language proficiency; and
  • any program-specific requirements listed below.

International applicants

Applicants who complete a recognised secondary/senior secondary/post-secondary/tertiary sequence of study will be assessed on the basis of an equivalent selection rank that is calculated upon application. A list of commonly observed international qualifications and corresponding admission requirements can be found here. Applicants must also meet any program specific requirements that are listed below.

Diversity factors & English language proficiency 

As Australia's national university, ANU is global representative of Australian research and education. ANU endeavours to recruit and maintain a diverse and deliberate student cohort representative not only of Australia, but the world. In order to achieve these outcomes, competitive ranking of applicants may be adjusted to ensure access to ANU is a reality for brilliant students from countries across the globe. If required, competitive ranking may further be confirmed on the basis of demonstrating higher-level English language proficiency.

Further information is available for English Language Requirements for Admission 

Additional Information

Admission to the Bachelor of Philosophy (Honours)/Bachelor of Science (Honours) also requires successful assessment of suitability based on responses included in the PhB Supplementary Form and in two referee reports provided in support of your application. The supplementary form and referee reports must be submitted by the relevant closing date for your application of admission to the Bachelor of Philosophy (Honours)/Bachelor of Science (Honours) degree at ANU. 

Please see ANU Undergraduate – Additional Selection Criteria for further information.

Prerequisites

The programs are restricted to approximately six 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 Tertiary Admissions Rank (ATAR) of 99 or at least four ‘A’ levels with A1 grades.

For the Chemistry stream an ACT major in Chemistry, multistrand science in NSW or equivalent, is required. A bridging course is available in February details can be obtained through science.enquiries@anu.edu.au .

For the Mathematics stream a satisfactory pass in ACT Specialist Mathematics double major or NSW HSC Mathematics Extension 2 or equivalent is required.

For the Physics stream a satisfactory pass in ACT Specialist Mathematics Major - Minor or NSW HSC Mathematics Extension 1 or equivalent is required.

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.

Fee Information

All students are required to pay the Services and amenities fee (SA Fee)

The annual indicative fee provides an estimate of the program tuition fees for international students and domestic students (where applicable). The annual indicative fee for a program is based on the standard full-time enrolment load of 48 units per year (unless the program duration is less than 48 units). Fees for courses vary by discipline meaning that the fees for a program can vary depending on the courses selected. Course fees are reviewed on an annual basis and typically will increase from year to year. The tuition fees payable are dependent on the year of commencement and the courses selected and are subject to increase during the period of study.

For further information on Fees and Payment please see: https://www.anu.edu.au/students/program-administration/fees-payments

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.

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.

Learning Outcomes

1. Develop, apply, integrate and generate scientific knowledge in educational and professional contexts;
2. Develop and use a range of skills and methods to identify, analyse and respond to complex problems and issues;
3. Identify and apply various research concepts, methodologies and methods
4. Work and learn in both independent and collaborative ways with others to encompass diverse abilities and perspectives;
5. Negotiate research projects considering their academic relevance, possible academic contributions, and ethical implications;
6. Source and critically analyse research literature related to their topics of interest and research;
7. Appraise concepts and arguments related to their topics of interest and research;
8. Convey and relate professional and disciplinary information and ideas to diverse audiences in effective and appropriate ways;
9. Develop high level project management skills as support for independent study; and
10. Exercise personal, professional and social responsibility as a global citizen.

Inherent Requirements

Information on inherent requirement is currently not available for this program

Other Requirements

Information on inherent requirement is currently not available for this program

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.