Schools and Departments

Anatomy and Histology

Taking an Honours degree provides the opportunity for students to do research on a project supervised by a member of staff. Assessment is based on a thesis summarising the results of the year's research, along with additional studies. To qualify for admission to the honours year, the student need to obtain an appropriate standard in Senior Anatomy or Histology or Neuroscience.

Honours Coordinator:
Professor Frank J Lovicu
T +61 2 9351 5170
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Biochemistry

During honours, students will be involved in a study program designed for those wishing to further develop their laboratory skills and critical thinking. The program is strongly recommended for any student wishing to enter a research career or undertake further work leading to a higher degree. It provides the opportunity for individual laboratory research work under the direction of a supervisor. This project culminates in the production of a research thesis and presentation of the key findings in a seminar. During the year each student is also expected to attend research seminars and complete a coursework component that consists of tutorials and an exam based on the critical evaluation of scientific manuscripts. Assessment is based on the research project (including laboratory performance, written report and oral presentation) and the coursework (tutorial performance and written exam).

Honours research areas

Biochemistry Honours is conducted within the School of Life and Environmental Sciences. The school offers projects in a wide range of research areas including structural biology; proteomics and biotechnology; nutrition and metabolism; and molecular biology and genetics. Details of available projects are contained in the Biochemistry Honours Guide which can be obtained from the School office or on the school's website.

For further information on specific research projects prospective students should consult individual academic staff members: sydney.edu.au/science/molecular_bioscience/about/people/list.php.

Applying for admission to Honours

The Honours program offers entry at the beginning of the academic year (Semester One, commencing in February) and a limited number of places for mid-year entry (Semester Two, commencing in August). Please refer to the school website for application details, dates and schedules. Students should arrange to speak with potential supervisors and are able to nominate up to 10 supervisors in order of preference on the School of Life and Environmental Sciences online Honours application form. Attempts will be made where possible to assign students to the supervisor of their choice. In such cases the school will work with students to find an available project. Students should note that some supervisors cannot accommodate mid-year entrants. The usual requirement for acceptance into the Honours program is a credit average in a major relevant to the project of interest; any student with an undergraduate background relevant to specific projects (including chemistry, biochemistry, nutrition and dietetics, microbiology, immunobiology, physiology, neuroscience, mathematics, physics, biology or other related medical sciences) may be admitted. It should be noted that the number of students accepted into the Honours program may be limited because of resource restrictions (availability of a supervisor and/or laboratory space) and that, in the event of there being more applicants than resources will allow, offers will be made on the basis of academic merit.

Honours Coordinator:
Associate Professor Andrew Holmes
T +61 2 9351 2530
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Biology

A single Honours program in Biology accommodates students who have completed 24 credit points of Senior Biology Life Sciences units and have a minimum WAM of 65. Information about qualifications for entry into Honours is available from the School Office (Level 5, Carslaw Building, F07), or on the School of Life and Environmental Sciences website. During the Honours year the principles established in the first three years of the undergraduate award course are further developed, and students are introduced to a wider field of biology and biological techniques. Students may elect to specialise in any of the aspects of biology that are studied in the school. Projects jointly supervised by staff in other schools or departments within the University may also be considered. Students who have indicated their intention of entering the Honours program will be notified of acceptance after the publication of the second semester Senior examination results. Honours students start their academic year in late January, or in July.

The Honours year comprises:

1. a project in which the student investigates a problem and presents oral and written accounts of their research.
2. a coursework unit – BIOL4015 Scientific Research in Biology, instruction in experimental design, and other technical training.

The degree will be awarded on the basis of: (a) written assignments from coursework units; (b) marks awarded for a thesis on the subject of the project.

Honours Coordinator:
Associate Professor Nate Lo
T +61 2 9036 7649
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Honours Administration
T +61 2 9351 4262
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W: http://sydney.edu.au/science/biology/studying_biology/future_honours/

Cell Pathology

The Discipline of Pathology offers a number of areas of study for the degree of Bachelor of Science (Honours) or Bachelor of Medical Science (Honours). Honours is a one-year course by research normally taken at the end of your third year. It is not necessary to have undertaken the two Cell Pathology Units in the Discipline of Pathology to undertake an Honours year in Pathology. During the year, students are encouraged to broaden their knowledge by attending seminars in other disciplines and in other institutions, or even by participating in national conferences.

Honours Coordinator:
Associate Professor Brett Hambly
T +61 2 9351 3059
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Honours Administrator:
T +61 2 9351 2414
F +61 2 8627 1606
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Chemistry

The Chemistry Honours program gives students the opportunity to get involved in a research program in an area that is of interest to them. It provides training in research techniques and experience using modern research instrumentation. The Honours program adds a new dimension to the skills that the students have acquired during their undergraduate years and enhances their immediate employment prospects and, more significantly, their future career potential. All students with a sound record in chemistry are encouraged to apply for entry to the Honours program.

Further information is available on the school's website.

The Honours program

The School of Chemistry offers a wide range of possible projects in all areas of contemporary chemistry including computational and theoretical chemistry, chemical education, molecular design and synthesis, materials chemistry, green chemistry and renewable energy, molecular spectroscopy and photonics, drug discovery and medicinal chemistry, supramolecular chemistry, biological chemistry/chemical biology, soft matter and neutron and synchrotron diffraction and spectroscopy. Details of available projects are contained in the school's Honours booklet that is available from the school's information desk and on the school's website.

Workload and assessment

In the Honours year, each student undertakes a research project under the supervision of a member of staff, attends a series of lectures aimed at developing generic skills, and attends research seminars. At the culmination of the research year, the student presents a seminar and a thesis which explains the problem, outlines the research undertaken and the results obtained.

Units of study

CHEM4011
CHEM4012
CHEM4013
CHEM4014

Honours Coordinator:
Associate Professor Meredith Jordan
T +61 2 9351 4420
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Computer Science

To be awarded Honours in Computer Science, student's need to complete 48 credit points of units of study from the Honours table.

Note that the faculty requires that Honours be completed in two consecutive semesters of full-time study, or four consecutive semesters of part-time study; a single final grade and mark is given for the Honours course, as determined by the faculty based on performance in Honours and in prior undergraduate study.

Honours Coordinator:
Dr Josiah Poon
T +61 2 9351 7185
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Geography

Entry into fourth year Honours will require completion of a major in Geography or Environmental Studies and a satisfactory WAM. For students in degree programs administered by the Faculty of Science, this is defined as a minimum SciWAM of 65. For students in other degree programs, this is defined as a Credit average. In some years, when the number of applicants exceeds the availability of resources (e.g. availability of supervisors, laboratory space), offers of admission will be made according to academic merit. Students will be notified in January of their formal acceptance into the Honours program.

Honours Coordinator:
Professor Phil McManus
T +61 2 9351 4242
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Geology and Geophysics

Both Semester One (February) and Semester Two (July) commencement is offered. Information sessions about Geology and Geophysics Honours are held for interested third year students during Second Semester. Students contemplating Honours in their fourth year should consider possible thesis topics and discuss these with potential staff supervisors.

Entry into fourth year Honours will require completion of a major in Geology and Geophysics and a satisfactory WAM. For students in degree programs administered by the Faculty of Science, this is defined as a minimum SciWAM of 65. For students in other degree programs, this is defined as a Credit average. In some years, when the number of applicants exceeds the availability of resources (e.g. availability of supervisors, laboratory space), offers will be made according to academic merit. Students will be notified in January of their formal acceptance into the Honours program.

Honours students are required to undertake formal coursework during their first semester and to participate in seminars throughout the year as arranged. They will be required to study original problems, working as appropriate in the field, the laboratory, libraries, and in some instances in conjunction with other university or government departments. A thesis of not more than 20,000 words needs to be submitted at the conclusion of the Honours program.

Honours Coordinator:
Professor Phil McManus
T +61 2 9351 4242
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History and Philosophy of Science

An Honours course in History and Philosophy of Science (HPS) is available to students of sufficient merit who have satisfied the requirements for the degree of Bachelor of Science or Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Liberal Arts and Science with a major in HPS or another relevant area. Students who have obtained the TSP Certificate in HPS are also eligible for the Honours program. The Honours course consists of 48 points of Honours level units of study, which needs to include HPSC4201 HPS Research Project 1, HPSC4202 HPS Research Project 2, HPSC4203 HPS Research Project 3 and HPSC4204 HPS Research Project 4. In their final semester all students also need to enrol in the zero credit point non-assessable unit HPSC4999. Students intending to proceed to Honours or to enrol in the Graduate Diploma in Science (HPS) are strongly advised to contact the department towards the end of the previous academic year to discuss their thesis topic and supervision. Note: Honours level (4000) Units of Study are available only to students admitted to HPS Honours, Graduate Diploma in Science (History and Philosophy of Science) and Graduate Certificate in Science (History and Philosophy of Science), or by special permission. A number of our Honours-level courses are also open to students in the medical humanities and liberal studies.

Honours Coordinator:
Dr Daniela Helbig
T +61 2 9351 7783
E daniela.helbig@sydney.edu.au

Immunology

The Honours program in Immunology provides the opportunity for full-time research on a proposed project supervised by a staff member expert in that field. Experimental research, a seminar and a thesis constitute the major part of the program and of assessment. Guidance in research techniques is given in training programs covering experimental design, data analysis, written and oral communication and critical appraisal of the literature. Student contributions to this program are also assessed. In addition, a supplementary seminar program keeps students informed and abreast of wider issues in immunology.

Applying for Honours

Students are invited to apply for Honours enrolment during semester two of the year preceding Honours. Applicants should consult the Honours coordinator in the first instance. A list of possible research topics is provided, and students select projects of interest, speak with prospective supervisors and apply for permission to enrol, before the end of semester two. Within the constraints of availability, an attempt is made to assign students to the project of their choice.

General Requirements for Admission

Usually Honours candidates will have achieved a Credit in senior immunology units of study and will also have successfully completed Senior study in biochemistry, biology, cell pathology, microbiology, physiology or virology. Bachelor of Science candidates will have gained a major in Immunobiology, or a related discipline such as biochemistry, biology, cell pathology, microbiology or physiology. Usually Honours candidates will have an overall SCIWAM of 68 or greater. Departmental permission is required for enrolment.

Honours Coordinator:
Dr Carl Feng
T +61 2 9351 6177
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Infectious Diseases

This Honours area is only available to students in the Bachelor of Medical Science (BMedSc).

The Honours program in Infectious Diseases provides the opportunity for full-time research on a proposed project supervised by a staff member expert in that field. Experimental research, a seminar and a thesis constitute the major part of the program and of assessment. Guidance in research techniques is given in training programs covering experimental design, data analysis, written and oral communication and critical appraisal of the literature. Student contributions to this program are also assessed. In addition, a supplementary seminar program keeps students informed and abreast of wider issues in infectious diseases.

Applying for admission to Infectious Diseases Honours

Students are invited to apply for Honours enrolment during semester two of the year preceding Honours. Applicants should consult the Honours coordinator in the first instance. A list of possible research topics is provided, and students select projects of interest, speak with prospective supervisors and apply for permission to enrol, before the end of semester two. Within the constraints of availability, an attempt is made to assign students to the project of their choice.

Usually Honours candidates will have achieved a Credit in the senior unit Infectious Diseases and will also have successfully completed Senior study in biochemistry, microbiology, or virology. Usually Honours candidates will have an overall SCIWAM of 68 or greater. Departmental permission is required for enrolment.

Honours Coordinator:
Dr Carl Feng
T +61 2 9351 6177
E

Information Systems

To be awarded Honours in Information Systems, student's need to complete 48 credit points of units of study from the Honours table.

Note that the faculty requires that Honours be completed in two consecutive semesters of full-time study, or four consecutive semesters of part-time study; a single final grade and mark is given for the Honours course, as determined by the faculty based on performance in Honours and in prior undergraduate study.

Honours Coordinator:
Dr Josiah Poon
T +61 2 9351 7185
E

Mathematics and Statistics

In general, 4 units of study (24 credit points) are required in order to major in Mathematics and a credit average is required to progress to an Honours year. Potential Honours students are strongly encouraged to include one or more Advanced level unit(s) of study and seek advice from a Senior year coordinator.

Particular combinations would be suitable for students with special interests.

Honours Administrator:
Mr Chamreun Cheen
T +61 2 9351 5804
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Microbiology

During the Honours year, students will be involved in a study program designed for those wishing to further develop their laboratory skills and critical thinking. The program is very strongly recommended for any student wishing to enter a research career or undertake further work leading to a higher degree. The program provides the opportunity for individual laboratory research work under the direction of a supervisor. This project culminates in the production of a research thesis and presentation of the key findings in a seminar. During the year each student is also expected to attend research seminars and complete a coursework component that consists of tutorials and an exam based on the critical evaluation of scientific manuscripts. Assessment is based on the research project (including laboratory performance, written report and oral presentation) and the coursework (tutorial performance and written exam).

Honours research areas

Microbiology Honours is conducted within the School of Life and Environmental Sciences. The School offers Microbiology Honours projects in a wide range of research areas including molecular and medical microbiology, microbial genetics, applied and environmental microbiology, biotechnology, and virology. Details of available projects are contained in the Microbiology Honours Guide which can be obtained from the school office or on the school's website.

For further information on specific research projects, prospective students should consult individual academic staff members: http://sydney.edu.au/science/molecular_bioscience/research/academic_profiles/index.php.

Applying for admission to Honours

The Honours program offers entry at the beginning of the academic year (Semester One, commencing in February) and a limited number of places for mid-year entry (Semester Two, commencing in August). Students need to speak with potential supervisors and are able to nominate up to 10 supervisors in order of preference on the School of Life and Environmental Sciences online Honours application form. Attempts will be made where possible to assign students to the supervisor of their choice but this will not always be possible. In such cases the School will work with students to find an available project. Students should note that some supervisors cannot accommodate mid-year entrants. The usual requirement for acceptance into the Honours program is a credit average in a major relevant to the project of interest; any student with an undergraduate background relevant to specific projects (including chemistry, biochemistry, nutrition and dietetics, microbiology, immunobiology, physiology, neuroscience, mathematics, physics, biology or other related medical sciences) may be admitted. It should be noted that the number of students accepted into the Honours program may be limited because of resource restrictions (availability of a supervisor and/or laboratory space) and that, in the event of there being more applicants than resources will allow, offers will be made on the basis of academic merit.

Honours Coordinator:
A/Prof Andrew Holmes
T +61 2 9351 2530
E

Molecular Biology and Genetics

In order to study Molecular Biology and Genetics in an Honours year, eligible students can enrol in the Molecular Biology and Genetics Honours Program at the School of Life and Environmental Sciences.

Honours Coordinator:
A/Prof Andrew Holmes
T +61 2 9351 2530
E

Neuroscience

There are many opportunities for high-achieving students to undertake honours study within the field of Neuroscience. Honours projects in Neuroscience can be undertaken within individual disciplines: Anatomy, Pathology, Pharmacology, Physiology, and Psychology, as well as within our associated research centres. Students should canvass their respective Disciplines during their senior studies for details of research projects, admission criteria and enrolment details.

Nutrition and Metabolism

In order to study Nutrition and Metabolism in an Honours year, eligible students can enrol in the Nutrition and Metabolism Honours Program at the School of Life and Environmental Sciences.

For further information on specific research projects, prospective students should consult individual academic staff members: sydney.edu.au/science/molecular_bioscience/research/academic_profiles/index.php

Honours Coordinator:
A/Prof Andrew Holmes
T +61 2 9351 2530
E

Pharmacology

Subject to meeting the Faculty of Science entry criteria for Honours, a student may apply to conduct a research project in the Pharmacology Honours program. Interested students are advised to contact the Honours Coordinator and potential supervisors listed in their area(s) of interest. Written assessments include a research proposal, literature review and 50-page thesis based on the research topic. The students will also be required to give an introductory talk and a final talk about the progress of the project.

Honours Coordinator:
Associate Professor Rachel Codd
T +61 2 9351 6738
E

Physics

Qualifying

To be considered for admission to the Honours program, students need 24 credit points of senior Physics units of study or equivalent with a SciWAM as specified in the degree resolutions.

Classes

Six lecture courses and a research project

Assessment

Coursework examinations, a 40-page research report and oral presentation of the Research project. Physics Honours comprises formal coursework (weighted 50 percent) and a research project (weighted 50 percent).

Undertaking an Honours year in Physics

The Honours program in Physics provides students with an opportunity to undertake an original research project as well as attend advanced lecture courses to give students a broad understanding of modern physics at a high level. All students satisfying the qualifying requirements as set out in this handbook are strongly encouraged to apply for entry into Physics Honours. Full-time enrolment is equivalent to 48 credit points for the year. Students are offered an opportunity to carry out independent research as a member of one of the active research groups in the School of Physics, under the supervision of a member of staff. Students may also study with staff from complementary disciplines, subject to the approval of the Honours coordinator. Honours students join a research group in the School of Physics and are encouraged to participate with staff and research students in activities within the school. They are provided with office accommodation, and are expected to attend colloquia and seminars. They may be employed for several hours per week in Junior teaching. Further information is available from Physics Student Services, the Honours Coordinator or from the School of Physics website.

Honours Coordinator:
Professor Stephen Bartlett
T +61 2 9351 3169
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Physiology

After completing the requirements for award of a Bachelor of Medical Science or Bachelor of Science a student who has majored in Physiology may be permitted to undertake a fourth honours year. This consists mainly of a research project carried out under the supervision of a member of the academic staff. A list of projects offered for the coming session will be provided on the Physiology website. Early in the course the student is required to write an extended essay based on the subject of their research, and will throughout the year attend timetabled honours sessions. Examination is mainly by thesis, with the student's performance in the laboratory and in the end-of-year public seminar being considered.

Opportunities exist to gain teaching experience by casual employment as a demonstrator in undergraduate practical classes. To qualify for entry into these honours courses you need to meet the minimum requirements of the Faculty of Science and the discipline.

All students need to apply to the discipline to be admitted to an honours year. Gaining entry into honours in Physiology is competitive - the standard you need to achieve must meet certain minimum requirements, but will also depend on the number and quality of other applicants in that year. Candidates are required to meet with the Honours coordinator before the end of semester two of the preceding year (Semester One for mid year applicants), to discuss your intentions and lodge a completed expression of interest form prior to lodging an application form with the Faculty of Science. An expression of interest can be downloaded from the Discipline website. A copy of a completed and signed expression of interest form is the only documentation you should submit as proof of contact with the Discipline. Only those applicants who have attached a completed expression of interest and have met with Associate Professor Assinder before lodging their application will be approved.

Honours Coordinator:
Associate Professor Stephen Assinder
T +61 2 9036 3614
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Honours Administrator:
Ms Louise Harrison
T +61 2 9351 3478
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Psychology

In order to be eligible to enter Psychology Honours, it is necessary (except as provided in the by-laws or resolutions) to gain a year average of at least pass with credit in Intermediate and in Senior Psychology units of study constituting a major in Psychology, and must include PSYC3010. Students wishing to graduate with Honours in Psychology are urged to discuss their choice of other subjects with a faculty adviser as soon as practicable. There is currently a quota on entry to Psychology Honours. Entry is competitive on the basis of academic merit.

Prerequisites for admission

A Major in Psychology with a minimum Credit average or better across both the Intermediate and Senior Psychology. Units of study comprising the 48 credit points of Intermediate and Senior Psychology Units that constitute the minimum required for the major. PSYC (3010 or 3201) needs to be included in the Senior Units. BPsych students should consult resolutions in chapter 6. School permission required.

Due to restricted resources for research supervision, the intake to Psychology Honours will be limited to approximately 80 students and will be determined by academic merit in Intermediate and Senior Psychology.

Assessment

Formal exams in Ethics and Professional Issues in Psychology and in Research Methods; report of empirical research project; theoretical thesis or assessment in two Special Fields modules.

Students are required to:

1. devise, conduct and report upon an empirical research project (research area dependent on interests and specialties of staff members)
2. write a theoretical thesis or attend two Special Fields seminars and complete required assessment tasks; and
3. attend a lecture series in Ethics and Professional Issues in Psychology and Research Methods; and complete the required assessment tasks.

Honours Coordinator:
Dr Evan Livesey
T +61 2 9351 2845
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Honours Administrator:
T +61 2 9351 5107
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Soil Science

The Honours program consists of:

1. 24 credit points worth course work, the unit of studies to be selected in consultation with the supervisor;
2. Research project in Agricultural Chemistry or Soil Science disciplines, worth 24 credit points. The research project includes five marked assessments: research proposal, literature review, poster, research paper and an oral presentation.

Honours Coordinator:
Associate Professor Balwant Singh
T +61 2 8627 1140
E