Biology Honours Specialisation

Total units 48 Units

Specialisation code BIOL-HSPC

Academic career Undergraduate

The Biology Honours specialisation encourages you to develop a rich and active appreciation of the latest research in biology. Usually taken full time for two consecutive semesters, it is structured around the planning and execution of a substantial research project under the supervision of a research supervisor, culminating in the production of a thesis. Along the way, you will develop skills in laboratory or field techniques, analysis and critical reasoning, and written and oral communication. Biology honours provides you with a solid foundation in the principles of evidence-based enquiry, and can be an entry into many careers both within and outside of science.

Admission Requirements

1.   Satisfaction of the admission requirements described in the relevant honours plan
2.   8 courses in the subject area biology with at least 4 3000-level courses or equivalent with a weighted average mark equivalent to an ANU 70 per cent calculated from the 36 units (i.e. 0.75 EFTSL) of courses in the discipline Biology, excluding 1000-level courses (i.e. introductory undergraduate courses), with the highest marks.
3.   written consent of an identified supervisor for the research project

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion, students will have the knowledge and skills to:

1. Plan and engage in an independent and sustained critical investigation and evaluation of a chosen research topic to generate new knowledge in an area of biology.

2. Systematically evaluate relevant theory and concepts, relate these to appropriate methodologies and evidence, and draw appropriate conclusions

3. Analyse and interpret original biology data with statistical or other evaluative processes where appropriate.

4. Understand and apply principles of laboratory safety and relevant laboratory techniques.

5. Demonstrate sufficient mastery to understand and apply relevant experimental techniques and methods in biology to collect original research data.

6. Communicate and justify complex concepts and results clearly and effectively to a variety of audiences.

Other Information

The assessment aligns with the learning outcomes and includes:

· Honours Research Thesis (85%) (LO 1-6)

· Grant Proposal 15% (LO 1-4, 6)

· Introductory Seminar CRS (LO 6)

· Final Seminar CRS (LO 6)

· Mid-term Report CRS (LO 1, 3, 6)

Seminar Log Book CRS (LO 2, 5)

For more information on Honours year in Science, please visit:
http://science.anu.edu.au/study/bachelor-degrees/honours-year

For more information on how to apply for Honours in Science include deadlines, please visit:
http://science.anu.edu.au/study/how-apply/honours-year-application

Relevant Degrees

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Requirements

This Honours specialisation requires the completion of 48 units, which must consist of:

48 units from completion of BIOL4001 Biology IV Honours, which must be undertaken more than once, in consecutive semesters.

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