- Opportunity to specialise by undertaking research in an area of interest
- A pathway to further research-based postgraduate studies
- Career opportunities can be found in academia, government or large corporations
Program summary
Program title: Bachelor of Science (Honours)
Award abbreviation: BSc(Hons)
QTAC code: Not applicable—direct application to USC
OP/Rank for 2011 entry: GPA requirement
Duration: 1 year full-time or 2 years part-time
Commence: Semester 1 or Semester 2
Study mode: on campus
Prerequisites: Completion of a Science or related undergraduate degree
Recommended prior study: English; Maths A, B or C; and at least one of the sciences
Fee type 2012: Commonwealth supported places, fee paying places, international fee-paying places
Total units: 96
USC program code: SC401
CRICOS code: 028850E. Only a full-time option is available to international students on a Student Visa.
Continue your science undergraduate studies at a higher level and specialise in an area of interest.
In this program you develop an independent style of learning, combined with advanced knowledge in a specific research area. This academic background can give you an advantage in the employment market. An honours program is the main pathway to further postgraduate study, particularly research-focused study. Your studies are supervised by a Faculty of Science, Health, Education and Engineering academic who has relevant research interests and expertise in your field of study. There is a thesis component.
Specialisations
Biomedical science; biotechnology; coastal studies; environmental science; food science; health promotion; nursing; nutrition; paramedic science; sport and exercise science; sustainability.
Career opportunities
Depending on the research area selected, academia, government / corporate positions in research, waste and pollution control, medical marketing, environmental education and health, sport and exercise research, biotechnology, environmental protection, community health.
Admission requirements
Students must have completed a Bachelor of Science, or a related degree from a recognised higher education institution, with at least eight courses in the area of study that will form their thesis topic.
A good level of achievement in the intended area of study must be demonstrated. These are minimum requirements and do not guarantee entry. Importantly, enrolment is contingent upon the Faculty's capacity to provide appropriate supervision.
Enquiries
- Contact Student Administration for application and admission information
- Contact the Faculty of Science, Health, Education and Engineering for program advice
Program structure
The Bachelor of Science (Honours) structure is usually as follows:
- a 24-unit coursework component (consisting of two 12-unit courses), and
- a 72-unit thesis component
Coursework component
Coursework comprises:
- Research Methods (students will be assessed on the submission of a research proposal and delivery of an oral presentation)
- Advanced Discipline Readings (students will be assessed on the submission of a literature review)
Thesis component
This is a research project conducted over the full year of enrolment. It comprising either a thesis or a thesis accompanied by an exegesis, as described in guidelines provided to students at the beginning of their enrolment. The nature and topic of the thesis is determined by the student's interests, the interests of potential supervisors and the availability of appropriate supervision.
The completed thesis is normally 15,000–25,000 words in length. The required length is determined by the precise nature of the research, in consultation with the supervisor and subject to the approval of the Dean.
Program requirements and notes
- International students need to refer to the University's English language proficiency requirements.
- Only a full-time study option is available to international students.
Faculty Honours Seminar Program
The University’s Honours Seminar Program helps build an honours research culture within USC, and provides opportunities for honours students from across the University to meet. Students are required to attend the Faculty’s Research Colloquium and relevant research thesis seminars with other research students, and will be required to complete at least two oral presentations on their research project.
Typically, the first oral presentation will occur after the formulation of the research project, while the second presentation is based on the project outcomes.
Assessment and examination
All coursework is normally graded internally. A copy of your thesis will be sent to two independent examiners, one of whom is normally internal and the other of whom is external to the University of the Sunshine Coast.
To be eligible to graduate with a Bachelor of Science (Honours), students are required to pass both the coursework and thesis components of the program. Satisfactory participation in the Faculty’s honours seminars, including completion of at least two oral presentations, is also required.
Enrolment and fees
- In any semester, standard full-time enrolment comprises 0.500 EFTSL
- In any semester, standard part-time enrolment comprises 0.250 EFTSL
- The census date for withdrawal without financial penalty or academic penalty is the Semester 1 or 2 census date
- Commonwealth supported students pay student contributions
- Students who are not Commonwealth supported pay full tuition fees
EFTSL - Equivalent Full-Time Student Load. One year of full-time study equates to 1.000 EFTSL
Classes of honours
The degree will be awarded in one of the three classes:
- Class 1
- Class 2 (awarded as Division 1 or Division 2)
- Class 3
The class of honours awarded may not be more than one grade higher than the grade for the thesis. For example, if you receive a ‘Credit’ grade for your thesis, you may not be awarded the honours degree at a higher level than Class 2 Division 1, regardless of the average mark.