This program is designed for high-achieving students who wish to develop their knowledge and understanding of science, with a strong emphasis on research skill development. Students design their own degree, choosing from a wide range of science courses according to their interests and strengths. The program also provides students with the opportunity to acquire extensive transferable skills, including critical thinking, analytical methods, laboratory and field techniques, teamwork, science communication and information technology. Bachelor of Science (Advanced) students participate in program specific courses that will introduce topics on processes, communication and methods used in science research as well as encourage participation in the academic and research culture of the scientific areas they are most interested in. In third year, students choose at least one area of science in which to major and undertake a research placement. Students will also participate in structured research activities and research seminars, normally only available to Honours and postgraduate students. These activities will allow associations with academic staff in major research areas, providing early access to research laboratories/projects that can be further developed through either a Research or Professional pathway in their fourth year. The Research pathway in the fourth year consists of a research project and associated theoretical work and provides professional training and an opportunity to experience scientific research in one of the following areas of science: Agricultural Science, Animal Behaviour, Animal Science, Chemistry, Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, Energy Geoscience, Environmental Geoscience, Geology, Geophysics, Molecular and Biomedical Science, Physics, Plant Science, Soil Science and Wine Science. The Professional pathway in fourth year consists of a project that is more applied in nature than those in the Research pathway and may provide the opportunity to work with industry on an applied discipline project or in science communication, science education, science innovation, science policy and project management.
Students enrolled in this program must maintain a minimum semester GPA of 5.0 throughout their enrolment or will be required to transfer to the Bachelor of Science.
The Bachelor of Science (Advanced) (Honours) [4 years] is an AQF Level 8 qualification with a standard full-time duration of 4 years.