Bachelor of Science (Honours)

Overview

The honours course offers distinct streams tailored to individual disciplines, enabling students to specialise in their chosen field. Emphasis is placed on directing coursework, particularly the research component, towards the specific discipline of each student.

The following streams are available:

1. Astrophysics
2. Biotechnology/Biochemistry
2. Chemistry
3. Environmental Science
4. Mathematics
5. Physics

Learning outcomes

At the completion of the Bachelor of Science (Honours) course, graduates will be able to:

• critically evaluate advanced methods and processes of science as a creative endeavor
• critically analyse a challenging, complex or multifaceted problem, identify research questions, design and plan a project, complying with any regulatory frameworks and practicing professional ethics
• select and apply practical and/or theoretical techniques or tools to address a research question
• integrate research findings with the current body of disciplinary knowledge/paradigms and demonstrate the potential to make original contributions to scientific knowledge
• communicate scientific ideas and research findings to informed professional audiences using a variety of modes
• apply knowledge and skills to demonstrate autonomy, well-developed judgement, adaptability and responsibility

Course rules

To qualify for the award of Bachelor of Science (Honours) students must complete 100 credit points comprising:

• Two (2) core project units (75 Credit Points)
• One (1) core coursework unit (25 Credit Points)

An overall Honours Grading is based on a weighted average of the three units.
 

Students in this Course will be awarded merit based Honours according to Swinburne’s Academic Course Regulations. Honours merit calculation will be based on the averaged results of the all units undertaken in the Course.

• BSc (Hons) with First Class Honours (H1); for students who achieve 80%-100%
• BSc (Hons) with Upper Second Class honours (H2A); for students who achieve 70% – 79%
• BSc (Hons) with Lower Second Class honours (H2B); for students who achieve 60% – 69%
• BSc (Hons) with Third Class Honours (H3); for students who achieve 50%-59%

Final results are given for the year as a whole. Students will be graded as follows:

• First class Honours (H1) 80%-100%
• Second class Honours Division A (H2A) 70%-79%
• Second class Honours Division B (H2B) 60%-69%
• Third class Honours (H3) 50%-59%

Career opportunities

Completing a Bachelor of Science Honours degree opens diverse career opportunities depending upon your choice of specialisation. Graduates can pursue roles in research and academia, working as research scientists or lab assistants, or move into technology and engineering as data analysts, engineers, or technical specialists. Many find careers in data science and finance, using analytical skills in roles such as data scientists or quantitative analysts. Teaching roles in education and support roles in universities are also common pathways. In laboratory and R&D, graduates can work as chemists or lab technicians, while quality assurance and regulatory affairs roles allow them to ensure product safety and compliance across industries. Additionally, they may enter environmental testing and analysis or contribute to biotech and pharmaceuticals in research, clinical trials, or regulatory affairs. Careers in healthcare and diagnostics are also accessible, along with environmental consulting and policy roles, conservation and natural resource management, and renewable energy and sustainability. These career outcomes provide graduates the flexibility to work in industry, policy, environmental advocacy, or pursue further research and academic roles.

Maximum Academic Credit

The maximum level of credit that can be granted for the Bachelor of Science (Honours) is 50 credit points