Bachelor of Science (Honours)
Overview
Open up pathways to further research, postgraduate study options and exciting career opportunities by undertaking an additional year of study to obtain your honours.
The Bachelor of Science (Honours) program provides an opportunity to pursue an independent research project in your area of interest as an additional year of study, essentially giving you a research apprenticeship.
During your honours year, you'll work under the guidance of a researcher on a specific project of interest to them. You'll learn about the research environment, how to perform critical experiments and analyse data, and how to communicate and present your results.
As a UQ Science Honours graduate, you'll have the skills that enable you to work without close supervision in a research environment in industry or government or to proceed to a research higher degree.
Program highlights
- Tailor your studies to your interests and career goals with a flexible program that gives you the freedom to follow your scientific passion.
- Work under the guidance of a researcher and learn about the research environment, how to perform critical experiments and analyse data, and how to communicate and present your results.
- Be in high demand by employers for your ability to work independently.
Majors
Tailor your studies to suit your goals. This program offers these options:
How you'll learn
Your learning experiences are designed to best suit the learning outcomes of the courses you choose.
- Research experience
- Laboratory work
- Fieldwork
What you'll study
At UQ, degrees are called 'programs' and subjects are called 'courses'. Here's a sample of the courses you could study in this program:
- Honours Research Project
Career possibilities
Our programs prepare you for your first job and beyond. Depending on which major you choose, here are some of the careers you could be on your way to:
- Biopharmaceutical scientist
- Academic researcher
- Animal research scientist
- Research officer
- Clinical genetics scientist
- Marine research officer
- Environment and sustainability consultant
- Conservation researcher
- Data scientist
- Food technologist
Graduate salary
Science and mathematics (undergraduate)
compared.edu.au
Graduate salary
Agriculture & environmental studies (undergraduate)
compared.edu.au
“My experience as an honours student helped me understand what it takes to lead a research project. The subjects throughout my degree were a wonderful mix of theoretical and field-based learning, led by engaging lecturers and tutors who were always happy to have a chat.”
Allie NanceGraduate, Bachelor of Science (Honours) (Ecology and Zoology)
“My honours year allowed me to conduct research on major real-world issues that are currently affecting coral reef ecosystems on a global scale. This taught me how to think like a scientist, and create relevant research questions and studies on our most pressing issues.”
Chelsea WatersGraduate, Bachelor of Science (Honours) (Marine Biology)
“At UQ I had the opportunity to work on a coral metagenomics research study which allowed me to gain additional fieldwork experience on the Great Barrier Reef whilst learning new laboratory and bioinformatics skills that are essential to the research I do now.”
Margot BlighGraduate, Bachelor of Science (Honours) (Microbiology)
“UQ has a fantastic physics department, the research is excellent, and the co-curricular and extra-curricular activities enhance your learning significantly. Take advantage of the many opportunities to try new, unusual, and exciting things – you’ll be doing yourself a great service.”
Conor O'NeillGraduate, Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Physics
“Studying at UQ gave me a strong technical background and plenty of opportunities to be actively involved in cutting-edge research to ensure I was well equipped to rapidly acquire the skills and knowledge needed to become an expert within my field.”
Katelin HaynesGraduate, Bachelor of Science (Honours) (Biochemistry and Molecular Biology)
“My experience as an honours student helped me understand what it takes to lead a research project. The subjects throughout my degree were a wonderful mix of theoretical and field-based learning, led by engaging lecturers and tutors who were always happy to have a chat.”
Allie NanceGraduate, Bachelor of Science (Honours) (Ecology and Zoology)
“My honours year allowed me to conduct research on major real-world issues that are currently affecting coral reef ecosystems on a global scale. This taught me how to think like a scientist, and create relevant research questions and studies on our most pressing issues.”
Chelsea WatersGraduate, Bachelor of Science (Honours) (Marine Biology)
“At UQ I had the opportunity to work on a coral metagenomics research study which allowed me to gain additional fieldwork experience on the Great Barrier Reef whilst learning new laboratory and bioinformatics skills that are essential to the research I do now.”
Margot BlighGraduate, Bachelor of Science (Honours) (Microbiology)
“UQ has a fantastic physics department, the research is excellent, and the co-curricular and extra-curricular activities enhance your learning significantly. Take advantage of the many opportunities to try new, unusual, and exciting things – you’ll be doing yourself a great service.”
Conor O'NeillGraduate, Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Physics
“Studying at UQ gave me a strong technical background and plenty of opportunities to be actively involved in cutting-edge research to ensure I was well equipped to rapidly acquire the skills and knowledge needed to become an expert within my field.”
Katelin HaynesGraduate, Bachelor of Science (Honours) (Biochemistry and Molecular Biology)
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Stories
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Dear 16-year-old me: advice from UQ’s Dr Anita Parbhakar-Fox
UQ people
Dear 16-year-old me: advice from CSIRO’s Dr Sue Keay
UQ people
Dear 16-year-old me: advice from UQ’s Dr Aideen McInerney-Leo
Entry requirements
Prerequisites
An overall GPA of 4 and a GPA of at least 4.5 over 8 units of late year courses from Part B of the Bachelor of Science course list relevant to the chosen field; and
Satisfy any additional requirements set by the Head of School.
Prerequisites
An overall GPA of 4 and a GPA of at least 4.5 over 8 units of late year courses from Part B of the Bachelor of Science course list relevant to the chosen field; and
Satisfy any additional requirements set by the Head of School.
English language requirements
IELTS overall 6.5; reading 6; writing 6; speaking 6; listening 6. For other English Language Proficiency Tests and Scores approved for UQ
TOEFL IBT - Overall 87, listening 19, reading 19, writing 21 and speaking 19.
TOEFL PB - Overall 570, listening 54, reading 54, writing 59/5.
Pearsons - Overall Score of 64 and 60 in all sub bands.
BE - A minimum overall grade of 4 plus a minimum grade of C in all macro skills.
CES - Overall 176 and 169 in all sub bands.
OET is not accepted.
There are other ways to meet the English language requirements. For some programs, additional conditions apply.
Additional application information
There is no semester two entry available for Archaeological Science.
Additional application information
There is no semester two entry available for Archaeological Science.
Student visas
International students who are accepted into full-time study in the Bachelor of Science (Honours) are eligible to apply for an Australian student visa (subclass 500).
There are a number of requirements you must satisfy before a visa is granted, including the genuine temporary entrant (GTE) requirement.
Fields of study
Fields of study
Tailor your studies to suit your goals. This program offers these options:
Anatomy
Design, implement and present your research project, with emphasis on defining the research issue, establishing methodology, undertaking appropriate collection and analysis of data and drawing defensible conclusions.
Supporting workshops and courses will further add to your research training.
Archaeological Science
Plan, research and produce a substantial project on globally significant issues such as human evolution and dispersal, the development of civilisation and human-environment relationships, and develop your critical analysis, communication and research skills. Research seminars will provide you with advanced level knowledge of archaeological science theory, methodology and practice.
The Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Archaeological Science is designed to complement undergraduate study and together fulfill the minimum qualification for professional entry to archaeology for science-based students, as well as research-based higher degrees.
Biochemistry
You'll design, implement and present your research project, with emphasis on defining the research issue, establishing methodology, undertaking appropriate collection and analysis of data, and drawing defensible conclusions.
Supporting workshops and courses will further add to your research training.
Bioinformatics
You'll design, implement and present your research project, with emphasis on defining the research issue, establishing methodology, undertaking appropriate collection and analysis of data, and drawing defensible conclusions. Supporting workshops and courses will further add to your research training.
Biological Chemistry
Design, implement and present your research project, with emphasis on defining the research issue, establishing methodology, undertaking appropriate collection and analysis of data and drawing defensible conclusions. Supporting workshops and courses will further add to your research training.
Biomedical Science
Biophysics
Chemistry
When you undertake honours, you'll be equipped to work as part of a research team in a semi-autonomous manner. You'll learn to identify key questions, plan experiments, acquire new techniques and interpret the results.
This program is accredited by the Royal Australian Chemical Institute for the educational relevance of its chemistry content.
Computer Science
Under the guidance of an academic supervisor, you'll design, implement and present your research project, with emphasis on defining the research issue, establishing methodology, undertaking appropriate collection and analysis of data and drawing defensible conclusions. Supporting workshops and courses will further add to your research training.
Developmental Biology
Students will be able to identify key questions, plan experiments, acquire new techniques and interpret results.
Drug Design and Development
Students will be able to identify key questions, plan experiments, acquire new techniques and interpret results.
Ecology
When you undertake honours, you'll be equipped to work as part of a research team in a semi-autonomous manner. You'll learn to identify key questions, plan experiments, acquire new techniques and interpret the results.
Entomology
Students will be able to identify key questions, plan experiments, acquire new techniques and interpret results.
Evolutionary Biology
Students will be able to identify key questions, plan experiments, acquire new techniques and interpret results.
Food Science and Nutrition
We use this information to improve the safety and quality of food as well as extend the range of products available.
The science of nutrition studies the effects of dietary nutrients on growth, development, health and well-being in the population. It also examines the psychological, sociological and cultural factors which influence food choice, with a particular focus on the consequences for health.
Food Science and Technology
It is firmly based in chemistry, biochemistry, biotechnology, microbiology, and biometry, and is the science underpinning the food industry – the largest manufacturing industry in Australia.
Research honours students will have the opportunity to delve deeply into a particular aspect of their chosen food and/or its manufacturing process.
Genetics
You'll learn how genetic information can contribute to understanding disease and lead to the development of personalised medicine
When you undertake honours, you'll be equipped to work as part of a research team in a semi-autonomous manner. You'll learn to identify key questions, plan experiments, acquire new techniques and interpret the results.
Genomics
It involves the sequencing, assembly and annotation of genomes for comparative, evolutionary and ecological studies.
Geographical Sciences
You'll learn about physical and human geography, and how to apply geographical information science.
Under the honours program, the emphasis is on the study of processes that create and sustain the physical environment, and on techniques for the collection and analysis of spatial information.
Geology
When you undertake honours, you'll be equipped to work as part of a research team in a semi-autonomous manner. You'll learn to identify key questions, plan experiments, acquire new techniques and interpret the results.
Immunology
The immune system acts as a danger-sensing system, and responds to infection, injury and/or perturbed physiology in a coordinated fashion to return homeostasis.
Consequently, many human diseases including autoimmune diseases, cancer, infectious diseases and metabolic diseases involve dysregulated immune function.
Studies in the field of immunology have delivered many major biomedical breakthroughs including vaccines, therapeutics for inflammatory diseases and immunotherapies for the treatment of cancers.
Marine Biology
You'll use ecology, zoology, botany and genetics to examine aquatic life in ecosystems from the ocean to wetlands, and learn about ecological and environmental protection strategies.
When you undertake honours, you'll be equipped to work as part of a research team in a semi-autonomous manner. You'll learn to identify key questions, plan experiments, acquire new techniques and interpret the results.
Mathematics
You'll complete compulsory courses in your choice of fields, including algebra, physics, financial mathematics, calculus, number theory and statistics.
In addition to your coursework, you'll complete a year-long honours research thesis. This involves choosing a relevant topic, applying appropriate research methodologies and presenting your conclusions in both a written thesis and oral presentation.
Microbiology
You'll also understand the importance of microbiology in environmental, agricultural and industrial settings.
When you undertake honours, you'll be equipped to work as part of a research team in a semi-autonomous manner. You'll learn to identify key questions, plan experiments, acquire new techniques and interpret the results.
Molecular Cell Biology
This major utilizes current published research as the medium to instruct on topics such as methods in molecular cell biology, cell architecture, cell interactions, the nucleus, cell differentiation and cellular dynamics.
Nanotechnology
As a new frontier of science, it is receiving worldwide attention.
Neuroscience
Students will be able to identify key questions, plan experiments, acquire new techniques and interpret results.
Parasitology
Students will be able to identify key questions, plan experiments, acquire new techniques and interpret results.
Pharmacology
Students will be able to identify key questions, plan experiments, acquire new techniques and interpret results.
Physics
Or you may decide to apply your knowledge to practical areas and develop advanced materials, electronic and optical devices. The flexibility is yours.
When you undertake honours, you'll be equipped to work as part of a research team in a semi-autonomous manner. You'll learn to identify key questions, plan experiments, acquire new techniques and interpret the results.
Plant Science
Using a variety of approaches, plant scientists address two of the most important problems facing humankind, global warming and dependency on fossil fuels, by applying the production of biofuels from plant origin to the use of plants in carbon sequestration.
Plant scientists need to understand how plants work from molecules to ecosystems to improve the production of food, pharmaceuticals and timber, control diseases, pests and noxious weeds, allow plants to cope with drought, salinity and pollutants, and design new plants for innovative purposes such as biofactories.
An honours year in plant science will allow you to further develop your research skills under the guidance of leading teachers and academics at UQ Gatton's specialist facilities.
Psychology
You'll complete a combination of compulsory courses, focusing on specialised areas of psychology and preparing you for academic research.
A year-long honours research thesis is the major component of this program. Choose between an individual or team project, in which you will develop a relevant topic, apply methodologies and present your written conclusions.
Public Health
It is founded upon a multidisciplinary understanding of health that allows you to explore and examine the basis of disease and well-being by considering the vagaries of human behaviour, the physical environment, the socio-economic and cultural determinants of health, and the systems of health care management.
When you undertake honours, you'll be equipped to work as part of a research team in a semi-autonomous manner. You'll learn to identify key questions, plan experiments, acquire new techniques and interpret the results.
Statistics
Examples include the improvement of medical treatments through better experimental design, and the use of meteorological data to assess drought conditions.
Students undertake a research project and advanced level courses in mathematics, statistics, and probability theory.
Wildlife Biology
Students will be able to identify key questions, plan experiments, acquire new techniques and interpret results.
Zoology
When you undertake honours, you'll be equipped to work as part of a research team in a semi-autonomous manner. You'll learn to identify key questions, plan experiments, acquire new techniques and interpret the results.
Fields of study
Tailor your studies to suit your goals. This program offers these options:
Anatomy
Design, implement and present your research project, with emphasis on defining the research issue, establishing methodology, undertaking appropriate collection and analysis of data and drawing defensible conclusions.
Supporting workshops and courses will further add to your research training.
Archaeological Science
Plan, research and produce a substantial project on globally significant issues such as human evolution and dispersal, the development of civilisation and human-environment relationships, and develop your critical analysis, communication and research skills. Research seminars will provide you with advanced level knowledge of archaeological science theory, methodology and practice.
The Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Archaeological Science is designed to complement undergraduate study and together fulfill the minimum qualification for professional entry to archaeology for science-based students, as well as research-based higher degrees.
Biochemistry
You'll design, implement and present your research project, with emphasis on defining the research issue, establishing methodology, undertaking appropriate collection and analysis of data, and drawing defensible conclusions.
Supporting workshops and courses will further add to your research training.
Bioinformatics
You'll design, implement and present your research project, with emphasis on defining the research issue, establishing methodology, undertaking appropriate collection and analysis of data, and drawing defensible conclusions. Supporting workshops and courses will further add to your research training.
Biological Chemistry
Design, implement and present your research project, with emphasis on defining the research issue, establishing methodology, undertaking appropriate collection and analysis of data and drawing defensible conclusions. Supporting workshops and courses will further add to your research training.
Biomedical Science
Biophysics
Chemistry
When you undertake honours, you'll be equipped to work as part of a research team in a semi-autonomous manner. You'll learn to identify key questions, plan experiments, acquire new techniques and interpret the results.
This program is accredited by the Royal Australian Chemical Institute for the educational relevance of its chemistry content.
Computer Science
Under the guidance of an academic supervisor, you'll design, implement and present your research project, with emphasis on defining the research issue, establishing methodology, undertaking appropriate collection and analysis of data and drawing defensible conclusions. Supporting workshops and courses will further add to your research training.
Developmental Biology
Students will be able to identify key questions, plan experiments, acquire new techniques and interpret results.
Drug Design and Development
Students will be able to identify key questions, plan experiments, acquire new techniques and interpret results.
Ecology
When you undertake honours, you'll be equipped to work as part of a research team in a semi-autonomous manner. You'll learn to identify key questions, plan experiments, acquire new techniques and interpret the results.
Entomology
Students will be able to identify key questions, plan experiments, acquire new techniques and interpret results.
Evolutionary Biology
Students will be able to identify key questions, plan experiments, acquire new techniques and interpret results.
Food Science and Nutrition
We use this information to improve the safety and quality of food as well as extend the range of products available.
The science of nutrition studies the effects of dietary nutrients on growth, development, health and well-being in the population. It also examines the psychological, sociological and cultural factors which influence food choice, with a particular focus on the consequences for health.
Food Science and Technology
It is firmly based in chemistry, biochemistry, biotechnology, microbiology, and biometry, and is the science underpinning the food industry – the largest manufacturing industry in Australia.
Research honours students will have the opportunity to delve deeply into a particular aspect of their chosen food and/or its manufacturing process.
Genetics
You'll learn how genetic information can contribute to understanding disease and lead to the development of personalised medicine
When you undertake honours, you'll be equipped to work as part of a research team in a semi-autonomous manner. You'll learn to identify key questions, plan experiments, acquire new techniques and interpret the results.
Genomics
It involves the sequencing, assembly and annotation of genomes for comparative, evolutionary and ecological studies.
Geographical Sciences
You'll learn about physical and human geography, and how to apply geographical information science.
Under the honours program, the emphasis is on the study of processes that create and sustain the physical environment, and on techniques for the collection and analysis of spatial information.
Geology
When you undertake honours, you'll be equipped to work as part of a research team in a semi-autonomous manner. You'll learn to identify key questions, plan experiments, acquire new techniques and interpret the results.
Immunology
The immune system acts as a danger-sensing system, and responds to infection, injury and/or perturbed physiology in a coordinated fashion to return homeostasis.
Consequently, many human diseases including autoimmune diseases, cancer, infectious diseases and metabolic diseases involve dysregulated immune function.
Studies in the field of immunology have delivered many major biomedical breakthroughs including vaccines, therapeutics for inflammatory diseases and immunotherapies for the treatment of cancers.
Marine Biology
You'll use ecology, zoology, botany and genetics to examine aquatic life in ecosystems from the ocean to wetlands, and learn about ecological and environmental protection strategies.
When you undertake honours, you'll be equipped to work as part of a research team in a semi-autonomous manner. You'll learn to identify key questions, plan experiments, acquire new techniques and interpret the results.
Mathematics
You'll complete compulsory courses in your choice of fields, including algebra, physics, financial mathematics, calculus, number theory and statistics.
In addition to your coursework, you'll complete a year-long honours research thesis. This involves choosing a relevant topic, applying appropriate research methodologies and presenting your conclusions in both a written thesis and oral presentation.
Microbiology
You'll also understand the importance of microbiology in environmental, agricultural and industrial settings.
When you undertake honours, you'll be equipped to work as part of a research team in a semi-autonomous manner. You'll learn to identify key questions, plan experiments, acquire new techniques and interpret the results.
Molecular Cell Biology
This major utilizes current published research as the medium to instruct on topics such as methods in molecular cell biology, cell architecture, cell interactions, the nucleus, cell differentiation and cellular dynamics.
Nanotechnology
As a new frontier of science, it is receiving worldwide attention.
Neuroscience
Students will be able to identify key questions, plan experiments, acquire new techniques and interpret results.
Parasitology
Students will be able to identify key questions, plan experiments, acquire new techniques and interpret results.
Pharmacology
Students will be able to identify key questions, plan experiments, acquire new techniques and interpret results.
Physics
Or you may decide to apply your knowledge to practical areas and develop advanced materials, electronic and optical devices. The flexibility is yours.
When you undertake honours, you'll be equipped to work as part of a research team in a semi-autonomous manner. You'll learn to identify key questions, plan experiments, acquire new techniques and interpret the results.
Plant Science
Using a variety of approaches, plant scientists address two of the most important problems facing humankind, global warming and dependency on fossil fuels, by applying the production of biofuels from plant origin to the use of plants in carbon sequestration.
Plant scientists need to understand how plants work from molecules to ecosystems to improve the production of food, pharmaceuticals and timber, control diseases, pests and noxious weeds, allow plants to cope with drought, salinity and pollutants, and design new plants for innovative purposes such as biofactories.
An honours year in plant science will allow you to further develop your research skills under the guidance of leading teachers and academics at UQ Gatton's specialist facilities.
Psychology
You'll complete a combination of compulsory courses, focusing on specialised areas of psychology and preparing you for academic research.
A year-long honours research thesis is the major component of this program. Choose between an individual or team project, in which you will develop a relevant topic, apply methodologies and present your written conclusions.
Public Health
It is founded upon a multidisciplinary understanding of health that allows you to explore and examine the basis of disease and well-being by considering the vagaries of human behaviour, the physical environment, the socio-economic and cultural determinants of health, and the systems of health care management.
When you undertake honours, you'll be equipped to work as part of a research team in a semi-autonomous manner. You'll learn to identify key questions, plan experiments, acquire new techniques and interpret the results.
Statistics
Examples include the improvement of medical treatments through better experimental design, and the use of meteorological data to assess drought conditions.
Students undertake a research project and advanced level courses in mathematics, statistics, and probability theory.
Wildlife Biology
Students will be able to identify key questions, plan experiments, acquire new techniques and interpret results.
Zoology
When you undertake honours, you'll be equipped to work as part of a research team in a semi-autonomous manner. You'll learn to identify key questions, plan experiments, acquire new techniques and interpret the results.
Fees and Scholarships
Government assistance
Financial aid
As an international student, you might be eligible for financial aid – either from your home country, or from the Australian Government.
Indicative annual fee
AUD $44,736
Indicative annual fee 2020
This indicative annual fee is the cost of enrolling in the Bachelor of Science (Honours) for the 2020 academic year. It is calculated based on a standard full-time study load (16 units per academic year).
If you enrol in a larger or smaller study load, your fees will be calculated on a proportionate basis. All fees are reviewed annually.
HECS-HELP
Domestic places in the Bachelor of Science (Honours) are Commonwealth Supported. This means the cost of your education is shared between you and the Australian Government.
Instead of tuition fees, Commonwealth Supported students pay what are called student contribution amounts.
HECS-HELP is an Australian Government loan scheme to assist eligible students with the cost of their student contribution amounts.
Centrelink support
The Australian Government offers a number of income-support payments to eligible Australian university students.
Indicative annual fee
AUD $8,910
Indicative annual fee 2020 Commonwealth supported place
This indicative annual fee is the approximate cost of enrolling in a Commonwealth supported place (CSP) in the Bachelor of Science (Honours) for one academic year. It is calculated based on a standard full-time study load (16 units over two semesters).
Actual fees will vary according to your choice of courses and their unit value. The Australian Government indexes fees each year.
Additional costs
- Courses that include a field trip component may incur additional costs to cover transport, accommodation and food.
Scholarships
Make your university experience more affordable with a scholarship. Opportunities include:
Scholarships
Make your university experience more affordable with a scholarship. Opportunities include:
How to apply
Applying online
All international applications should be submitted to UQ. If you prefer, you can use an approved UQ agent in your country.
The program code for the Bachelor of Science (Honours) is 2031.
Applying online
All domestic applications should be submitted to UQ.
The program code for the Bachelor of Science (Honours) is 2031.
Important dates
The closing date for this program is:
- To commence study in semester 2 - May 31 of the year of commencement.
- To commence study in semester 1 - November 30 of the previous year.
- There is an early closing date for Honours in Psychology, please refer to the school website for further information
To learn more about UQ dates, including semester start dates, view the Academic Calendar.
Important dates
The closing date for this program is:
- Please note, the closing date for Honours can vary between Schools. Please refer to the relevant School website for further information.
- To commence study in semester 1 - January 31 of the year of commencement.
- To commence study in semester 2 - June 30 of the year of commencement.
- There is an early closing date for Honours in Psychology, please refer to the school website for further information
To learn more about UQ dates, including semester start dates, view the Academic Calendar.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander applicants
For support with applying - or if you have any questions about Uni - get in touch with our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Studies Unit.
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