• Total units 48 Units
  • Areas of interest Earth and Marine Sciences, Geology
  • Specialisation code EMSC-HSPC

The Earth and Marine Sciences specialisation is intended for students who have knowledge of the fields of Earth Science, Marine Science and/or related disciplines (e.g., Chemistry, Mathematics, Physics, Biology, Environmental Science, Engineering), and are interested in undertaking an independent research project under the direction of a supervisor. This specialisation usually consists of two consecutive full-time semesters, and includes training in research methods, options for training in analytical techniques, data sciences, computational geosciences and other in-depth coursework, in addition to a substantial research project (24-42 units), culminating in an Honours thesis. Taken together, these provide a foundation for careers in a range of fields in industry and government organisations, as well as a pathway for postgraduate research in Masters or Ph.D. degrees.

Learning Outcomes

  1. Plan andengage in an independent and sustained critical investigation of a chosenresearch topic to generate new knowledge in an area of Earth and MarineSciences.
  2. Systematicallyevaluate relevant theory and concepts in Earth and Marine Sciences, relatethese to appropriate methodologies and evidence and draw appropriateconclusions.
  3. Demonstrate capacity for geologicaland related reasoning through analysing, proving and explaining concepts fromthe chosen research area.
  4. Communicate andjustify complex concepts and results clearly and effectively to a variety ofaudiences.

Other Information

As per the admission requirements, all students seeking admission into this Honours specialisation must provide evidence of the approval of an identified supervisor for the research project. This can be achieved by uploading the completed supplementary form to the application portal.

For more information on how to apply for Honours in Science including deadlines, please visit:

https://students.science.anu.edu.au/program-admin/pathways-honours

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Admission Requirements

  • Satisfaction of the admission requirements described in the relevant honours plan.
  • A Bachelor degree with a major or equivalent in a cognate discipline 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, excluding 1000-level courses (i.e. introductory undergraduate courses), with the highest marks.
  • The written approval of an identified supervisor for the research project.

Cognate Disciplines

Earth and Marine Sciences (Geology, Geophysics, Geochemistry, Geobiology, Oceanography), Environmental Sciences, Mathematics, Physics, Astronomy/Astrophysics, Chemistry, Biology, Engineering, Computer Sciences, Physical Geography, Data Sciences.


Requirements

The Earth and Marine Sciences Honours specialisation requires the completion of 48 units, which must consist of:

6 units from completion of the following compulsory course

EMSC4017 Research Methods for Earth Sciences (6 units)


A maximum of 18 units from completion of further 4000- level courses from the subject area EMSC Earth and Marine Sciences.


A minimum of 24 units and a maximum of 42 units from completion of EMSC4005 Earth and Marine Sciences Honours Thesis.


 HONS4602 Final Honours Grade will be used to calculate the class of Honours and the mark. It will be calculated using the formula: S (mark x units) / S units, giving NCN and WN a nominal mark of zero

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