• Program summary
• Program overview
• Career opportunities
• Special features
• Entry requirements
• Advanced standing, recognition of prior learning, credit and articulation
• Program structure
• Program requirements and notes
• Enquiries

Program summary

Award abbreviation: BSc(Hons)
Duration: 1 year full-time or 2 years part-time
Fee type 2009: Commonwealth supported places, visiting non-award domestic places, international fee-paying places
Program code: SC401
CRICOS code: 028850E

Program overview

The Bachelor of Science (Honours) offers you the opportunity to continue your undergraduate studies at a higher level, specialising in an area of interest in science, health or education.

An honours degree is the main pathway to further postgraduate study— particularly study that is research-focused. On completion of the program, you will have introductory postgraduate-level capacity to:

• assess and critically appraise scientific literature and studies 
• identify and apply valid theoretical knowledge 
• conceive and conduct ethical experimental studies 
• analyse results, assumptions and the validity of conclusions 
• communicate findings

The Bachelor of Science (Honours) is offered in the following disciplines:

• Biomedical Science 
• Environmental Science 
• Biotechnology 
• Sport and Exercise Science 
• Health Promotion 
• Coastal Studies 
• Food Science 
• Nutrition 
• Nursing 
• Sustainability

A Faculty of Science, Health and Education academic with relevant research interests and expertise will supervise your study.

Career opportunities

This program is designed for students who wish to undertake higher degree by research studies in one of the following areas:

• biomedical science 
• biotechnology 
• environmental and coastal studies 
• environmental health 
• health promotion 
• sport and exercise science

Special features

• opportunity to specialise in an area of interest 
• honours is the traditional route for entry to higher degrees by research
• honours provides evidence of independent research, giving you a competitive edge in the employment market

Entry 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.

For more information, contact the Faculty of Science, Health and Education < +61="" 7="" 5430="" 2869;="">sheinfo@usc.edu.au>.

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 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

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

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.

Enquiries

Faculty of Science, Health and Education
Tel: +61 7 5430 2869
Email: sheinfo@usc.edu.au

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