- Program summary
- Program overview
- Career opportunities
- Special features
- Credit transfer recognition of prior learning and articulation
- Program structure
- Program requirements and notes
- Enquiries
Program summary
QTAC code: 013291
OP/Rank for 2009 entry: OP-6 / Rank-91
Award abbreviation: BSc(Hons)
Degree type: undergraduate
Mode of study: on campus
Duration: 3 years full-time or equivalent part-time
Fee type 2009: Commonwealth supported places, visiting non-award domestic places
Total units: 384 units (normally 32 courses)
Prerequisites: English, Maths B or Maths C, and two of either Biological Science, Chemistry or Physics
USC program code: SC402
CRICOS code: not available to international students on student visas
Program overview
This accelerated program has been designed specifically for outstanding current Year 12 students—or those returning from a gap year—who completed their Year 12 education in Australia.
It allows you to complete both the Bachelor of Science (normally three years of full-time study) and the Bachelor of Science (Honours) (normally one-year of full-time study) in a total of three years full-time.
The accelerated program, which is individually tailored to your needs by an academic staff mentor, introduces you to research in the Bachelor of Science then extends the research training to a higher level in the Bachelor of Science (Honours).
The Bachelor of Science allows you to choose from a wide range of specialisations, and design a degree to suit your interests and career ambitions. You can undertake science-based studies entirely within the Faculty of Science, Health and Education, or incorporate courses from the faculties of Arts and Social Sciences, or Business.
The Bachelor of Science (Honours) is offered in the following disciplines:
- Biomedical Science
- Biotechnology
- Environmental and Coastal Studies
- Environmental Health
- Food Science and Nutrition
- Health Promotion
- Sport and Exercise Science
- Sustainability
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 of entry into higher degree by research programs
- provides an opportunity for rapid completion of a Bachelor of Science with honours in three years of full-time study
- honours provides evidence of independent research, giving you a competitive edge in the employment market
Program structure
Bachelor of Science
Core courses
Select 2 courses from:
COR109 Communication and Thought
COR110 Innovation, Creativity and Entrepreneurship
COR111 Environment, Technology and Sustainability
Introductory courses
1 required course:
SCI110 Science Research Methods
Plus select a minimum of 3 and a maximum of 7 introductory (100 level) courses from the Faculty of Science, Health and Education. These courses must not include NUR or EDU coded courses.
Advanced courses
Select a major consisting of 8 courses from the Faculty of Science, Health and Education.
Plus select at least 2 advanced courses from the Faculty of Science, Health and Education. These must not include NUR or EDU coded courses.
Elective courses
Select a maximum of 6 introductory or advanced courses from any faculty, (Science, Health and Education, Arts and Social Sciences or Business).
Bachelor of Science (Honours)
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
- A maximum of 10 introductory (100 level) courses may be chosen, including the core courses.
- A minimum 14 advanced (200 and 300 level) courses must be completed, of which at least 5 must be third year (300 level) science courses.
- A total of 384 units must be completed to satisfy the program requirements.
- Refer to the Academic Rules.
- Refer to explanation of terms.
- Refer to the recommended enrolment pattern. For previous recommended enrolment patterns refer to the relevant archived Student Handbook.
- International students need to refer to the English language requirements.
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.
Course substitution: the GO (Global Opportunities) Program
As part of your USC program, you may apply to participate in the GO Program to undertake courses with an overseas higher education provider
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