Program Requirements

The Bachelor of Science Advanced (Honours) requires completion of 192 units, of which:

A maximum of 60 units may come from completion of 1000-level courses

A minimum of 12 units must come from completion of courses tagged as Transdisciplinary Problem-Solving

A minimum of 24 units must come from completion of honours pathway options or honours pathway courses

A minimum of 30 units must come from completion of 3000-level courses from a major listed in the Bachelor of Science and from courses not previously taken from the following subject areas:

ASTR – Astronomy & Astrophysics

BIOL – Biology

CHEM – Chemistry

EMSC – Earth and Marine Science

ENVS – Environmental Science

HLMD – Health and Medicine

HLTH – Health Science

MATH – Mathematics

MEDN – Medical Science

NEUR – Neuroscience

PHYS – Physics

PSYC – Psychology

SCNC – Science

SCOM – Science Communication

A minimum of 6 units must come from the completion of quantitative research skills courses from the following list, which may contribute towards meeting any of the requirements in the Bachelor of Science (Advanced) (Honours):

BIAN3014 Research Design and Analysis in Biological Anthropology (6 units)

BIOL2001 Introduction to Quantitative Biology (6 units)

BIOL2202 Experimental Design and Analysis in Biology (6 units)

ENVS1003 Introduction to Environmental and Social Research (6 units)

ENVS2002 Environmental Measurement, Modelling and Monitoring (6 units)

PSYC2009 Quantitative Methods in Psychology (6 units)

PSYC3018 Advanced Research Methods (6 units)

Any 1000-, 2000- or 3000-level course from the subject area MATH- Mathematics or STAT- Statistics, with the exception of MATH1042

The 192 units must include:

A minimum of 132 units from completion of courses from the following lists, which must include:

A minimum of 12 units from completion of 1000- level courses from the following subject areas or courses listed below:

ASTR – Astronomy & Astrophysics

BIOL – Biology

CHEM – Chemistry

EMSC – Earth and Marine Science

ENVS – Environmental Science

MATH – Mathematics

PHYS – Physics

SCNC – Science

SCOM – Science Communication

COMP1100 Programming as Problem Solving

COMP1110 Structured Programming

COMP1130 Programming as Problem Solving (Advanced)

COMP1140 Structured Programming (Advanced)

COMP1600 Foundations of Computing

COMP1730 Programming for Scientists

FINM1001 - Foundations of Finance

48 units from completion of one of the following Science majors:

Agricultural Innovation

Astronomy and Astrophysics

Biochemistry

Biodiversity Conservation

Biological Anthropology

Cell & Molecular Biology

Chemistry

Climate Science

Computer Science

Earth Science

Environmental Science

Evolution, Ecology and Organismal Biology

Human Biology

Mathematical Finance

Mathematical Modelling

Mathematics

Physics

Psychology

Quantitative Biology

Science Communication

Statistics

A minimum of 24 units from completion of courses not previously taken from the following subject areas:

ASTR – Astronomy & Astrophysics

BIOL – Biology

CHEM – Chemistry

EMSC – Earth and Marine Science

ENVS – Environmental Science

HLMD – Health and Medicine

HLTH – Health Science

MATH – Mathematics

MEDN – Medical Science

NEUR – Neuroscience

PHYS – Physics

PSYC – Psychology

SCNC – Science

SCOM – Science Communication

48 units from completion of one of the following Honours specialisations:

ASTR-HSPC Astronomy and Astrophysics Honours

BIAN-HSPC Biological Anthropology Honours

BIOL-HSPC Biology Honours

CHEM-HSPC Chemistry Honours

COMP-HSPC Computer Science Honours

EMSC-HSP Earth and Marine Science Honours

ENVI-HSPC Environment Honours

MATH-HSPC Mathematics Honours

MEDR-HSPC Medical Research Honours

PHYS-HSPC Physics Honours

POTE-HSPC Physics of the Earth Honours

POPH-HPSC Population Health Honours

SCNC-HSPC Science Honours

SCOM-HSPC Science Communication Honours

STAT-HSPC Statistics Honours

Students must achieve a minimum 70% Weighted Average Mark in each period (Summer/First Semester/Autumn and Winter/Second Semester/Spring) in courses contributing towards the study requirements listed above in order to continue in the Bachelor of Science (Advanced) (Honours). Students who do not achieve a minimum of 70% Weighted Average Mark will be transferred to the Bachelor of Science.

In order to be admitted to the Honours specialisation, Students must complete 144 units and achieve a minimum 70% Weighted Average Mark calculated from the 36 units of courses in disciplines cognate to the Honours specialisation, excluding 1000-level courses, with the highest marks and satisfy all admission requirements specified in the Honours specialisation. Students who do not achieve the 70% Weighted Average Mark after 144 units or do not satisfy all admission requirements specified in the Honours specialisation will be transferred to the Bachelor of Science.

A minimum of 48 units from completion of elective courses offered by ANU

Once you have met the program requirements of your degree, you may have enough electives to complete an additional elective major, minor or specialisation. Majors and minors if taken together must have different names. Detailed information on course overlap is available from the College of Science website.

Majors

Specialisations

Elective Study

Once you have met the program requirements of your degree, you may have enough electives to complete an additional elective major, minor or specialisation.

Study Options

Admission Requirements

At a minimum, all applicants must meet program-specific academic/non-academic requirements, and English language requirements. Admission to most ANU programs is on a competitive basis. Therefore, meeting all admission requirements does not guarantee entry into the program.

In line with the university's admissions policy and strategic plan, an assessment for admission may include competitively ranking applicants on the basis of specific academic achievement, English language proficiency and diversity factors.

The University reserves the right to alter or discontinue its programs and change admission requirements as needed.

Domestic applicants

Before applying for a program, you should review the general information about domestic undergraduate admission to ANU programs and how to apply, and the program-specific information below.

·        Applicants with recent secondary education are assessed on:

o  completion of Australian Year 12 or equivalent, and the minimum Selection Rank (from their academic qualifications, plus any adjustment factors) requirement for this program; and

o  co-curricular or service requirement (applies to applicants who complete secondary education in the year prior to commencing at ANU); and

o  English language proficiency; and

o  any program-specific requirements listed below.

·        Applicants with higher education study are assessed on:

o  previous higher education studies; or secondary education results if completed less than one full-time equivalent year (1.0 FTE) of a degree; or the result from a bridging or preparatory course; and

o  English language proficiency; and

o  any program-specific requirements listed below.

·        Applicants with vocational education and training (VET) study are assessed on:

o  previously completed VET qualifications at AQF level 5 or higher (i.e. a Diploma or above); or secondary education results if the VET qualification is not completed; and

o  English language proficiency; and

o  any program-specific requirements listed below.

·        Applicants with work and life experience are assessed on:

o  ATAR or equivalent if secondary education was completed; or the Special Adult Entry Scheme (SAES); or work experience; and

o  English language proficiency; and

o  any program-specific requirements listed below.

International applicants

Applicants who complete a recognised secondary/senior secondary/post-secondary/tertiary sequence of study will be assessed on the basis of an equivalent selection rank that is calculated upon application. A list of commonly observed international qualifications and corresponding admission requirements can be found here . Applicants must also meet any program specific requirements that are listed below.

Diversity factors & English language proficiency 

As Australia's national university, ANU is global representative of Australian research and education. ANU endeavours to recruit and maintain a diverse and deliberate student cohort representative not only of Australia, but the world. In order to achieve these outcomes, competitive ranking of applicants may be adjusted to ensure access to ANU is a reality for brilliant students from countries across the globe. If required, competitive ranking may further be confirmed on the basis of demonstrating higher-level English language proficiency.

Further information is available for English Language Requirements for Admission 

Prerequisites

There are no formal program prerequisites and many first-year science courses assume little specific knowledge. The exceptions are:

• For many of the biology majors, chemistry is a requirement, therefore it is recommended that students have at least an ACT minor (but preferably a major) in chemistry, or successful completion of a bridging course in chemistry, or multistrand science in NSW, or equivalent. Chemistry is essential for all later-year courses in the biological streams of biochemistry and cell biology, microbiology and immunology, molecular genetics, animal and human physiology, and some parts of botany and neuroscience. A bridging course is available in February details can be obtained through science.enquiries@anu.edu.au
• CHEM1101: ACT major in Chemistry, or successful completion of a bridging course in chemistry, or multistrand science in NSW, or equivalent, is required. Chemistry is essential for all later-year courses in chemistry. A bridging course is available in February details can be obtained through science.enquiries@anu.edu.au
• MATH1003: Assumed knowledge: ACT Mathematical Methods (major)/Further Mathematics/Specialist Mathematics (major)/ Specialist Methods or NSW HSC Mathematics Advanced or equivalent 
• MATH1005: ACT Mathematical Methods (major)/Further Mathematics/Specialist Mathematics (major)/ Specialist Methods or NSW HSC Mathematics Advanced or equivalent 
• MATH1013: A satisfactory pass in ACT Specialist Mathematics or NSW HSC Mathematics Extension 1 or equivalent. Students with a good pass in ACT Mathematical Methods or NSW HSC Mathematics Advanced or equivalent or equivalent will be considered
• MATH1115: A satisfactory pass in ACT Specialist Mathematics double major or NSW HSC Mathematics Extension 2 or equivalent. Students with excellent marks in either ACT Specialist Mathematics major-minor or NSW HSC Mathematics Extension 1 or equivalent may be permitted to enrol
• PHYS1101: There is a corequisite of MATH1013/1115. See the entries above. There is no formal physics prerequisite but preparation is assumed and recommended. Recommended preparation is - NSW: a high standard in 2 unit physics or a multistrand science; ACT: a high standard in physics (major).

Adjustment Factors

Adjustment factors are additional points added to an applicant’s Selection Rank (for example an applicant’s ATAR). ANU offers adjustment factors based on performance and equity principles, such as for high achievement in nationally strategic senior secondary subjects and for recognition of difficult circumstances that students face in their studies. 

Selection Rank adjustments are granted in accordance with the approved schedules, and no more than 15 (maximum 5 subject/performance-based adjustment factors and maximum 10 equity-based adjustment factors) can be awarded. 

You may be considered for adjustment factors if you have:

• applied for an eligible ANU Bachelor degree program
• undertaken Australian Year 12 or the International Baccalaureate
• achieved an ATAR or equivalent at or above 70
• not previously attempted tertiary study.

Please visit the ANU Adjustment Factors website for further information.

Fee Information

All students are required to pay the Services and amenities fee (SA Fee)

The annual indicative fee provides an estimate of the program tuition fees for international students and domestic students (where applicable). The annual indicative fee for a program is based on the standard full-time enrolment load of 48 units per year (unless the program duration is less than 48 units). Fees for courses vary by discipline meaning that the fees for a program can vary depending on the courses selected. Course fees are reviewed on an annual basis and typically will increase from year to year. The tuition fees payable are dependent on the year of commencement and the courses selected and are subject to increase during the period of study.

For further information on Fees and Payment please see: https://www.anu.edu.au/students/program-administration/fees-payments

Scholarships

ANU offers a wide range of scholarships to students to assist with the cost of their studies.

Eligibility to apply for ANU scholarships varies depending on the specifics of the scholarship and can be categorised by the type of student you are.  Specific scholarship application process information is included in the relevant scholarship listing.

For further information see the Scholarships website.

Employment Opportunities

In a global economy driven by data, digital technologies and innovation, high-quality scientists are in demand.

A combination of knowledge, technical skills and research experience gained in the Bachelor of Science (Advanced) (Honours) will increase your employability, and equip you well for further postgraduate study. The Bachelor of Science (Advanced) (Honours) can lead straight to a PhD .

See where a Bachelor of Science (Advanced) (Honours) could take you: our career wheel will help you turn your interests into a career in science.

Learning Outcomes

1. Develop, apply, integrate and generate knowledge in educational and professional contexts.
2. Develop and use a range of skills and methods to identify, analyse and respond to complex problems and issues.
3. Work and learn in both independent and collaborative ways with others to encompass diverse abilities and perspectives.
4. Plan and engage in an independent and sustained critical investigation of a chosen research topic to generate new knowledge.
5. Systematically evaluate relevant theory and concepts, relate these to appropriate methodologies and evidence and draw appropriate conclusions.
6. Analyse and interpret original research data with statistical or other evaluative processes where appropriate.
7. Demonstrate sufficient mastery to understand and apply relevant experimental techniques and methods to collect original research data.
8. Communicate and justify complex concepts and results clearly and effectively to a variety of audiences.
9. Exercise personal, professional and social responsibility as a global citizen.

Inherent Requirements

Information on inherent requirement is currently not available for this program.

Further Information

Student Advice

What courses should I take in first year?

To complete the BSc (Adv) (Hons) you will need to complete a major. To complete the major you will need to select 2 or more 1000-level courses to meet 2000- and 3000-level course prerequisites in the major. Please check the requirements of each major and select your 1000-level carefully to optimise later year enrolment pathways. The First Year Course Guide (subject to change) contains a useful table of majors and their associated first year courses.

How can I satisfy the Transdisciplinary Problem-Solving course requirements?

Transdisciplinary Problem-Solving courses can be found using the Programs and Courses search engine. However, many majors will identify in the "Advice for students" section which courses listed in the major will contribute towards this requirement. You can satisfy this requirement through a course/s in the major or as an elective in the core requirements of the degree or through the ANU electives (if in a single degree) - it all depends on how you structure your degree and your other enrolment choices.

What can I do with my electives to maximise my Bachelor of Science (Advanced) (Honours) degree?

The College of Science offers a range of optional 24 unit minors and specialisations that can give you breadth or depth in your degree. To see the full list, check our First Year Course Guide (subject to change).

Internship opportunities

Information on internship opportunities is available on the College of Science website.

How can I get a study plan to help me map out my degree?

Study plans are available on the College of Science website .

The list of Honours pathway level courses offered by the ANU College of Health & Medicine and the ANU College of Science can be found here .

• Honours Pathway Courses (HPCs) are courses that inherently encourage the development of research skills within the entire class cohort, achieved through assessment tasks and demonstrated in course learning outcomes. An HPC is usually identified as such in the Programs and Courses catalogue.
• Honours Pathway Options (HPOs) are designed to explicitly encourage ‘research-mindedness’ for the students within the class who opt-in to a pre-approved variation to the course. HPOs broadly fit into three categories: extensions, alternatives and enrichments. Students who enroll in certain courses have the option of undertaking this piece of assessment and must identify themselves to the course convener at the beginning of the semester so that they can attend extra classes or submit the assignment accordingly. HPOs are usually identified in the Programs and Courses catalogue where there is further information regarding what the assessment entails and how it is graded.

The Bachelor of Science (Advanced) (Honours) is available as a Flexible Double Degree program

When the BSc (Adv) (Hons) is combined with another undergraduate degree through a Flexible Double Degree (FDD), the 48 units of ANU electives units are replaced with the 96-unit core requirements of the other degree plan and the total program duration is expanded to 240 units (5 years Full-Time).

Timing of Science Honours year for students in a Flexible Double Degree program:

Students undertaking the Bachelor of Science (Advanced) (Honours) as part of a Flexible Double Degree (FDD) will only be able to commence the Honours year after satisfaction of the progression hurdle into Honours and should note that many Science Honours disciplines only support full-time enrolment in the Honours year (24+24 units).

Where the second bachelor's component of the FDD program has not yet been completed before the intended start term for Science Honours, it is strongly recommended that students seek appropriate academic advice from an Science Sub Dean.

Important fee information for commencing and continuing domestic undergraduate students intending to study psychology as a professional pathway:

Please note that due to changes in Australian government funding from 2021 as a result of the Job Ready Graduates Package, fees for Behavioural Science courses will be invoiced at different rates in the BSc (Adv) (Hons).

For more information on the 2021 fee changes to Student Contributions Amounts, please visit: https://www.anu.edu.au/students/program-administration/fees-payments/student-contributions; and for more information on the Job Ready Graduates Package please visit  https://www.studyassist.gov.au/

Psychology Honours:

Students studying Psychology in this program, the Bachelor of Science (Advanced) (Honours), should note that the program is not accredited by the Australian Psychology Accreditation Council, and the Psychology Honours specialisation cannot be taken through this program. Students wishing to take an accredited psychology program and those interested in Psychology Honours, should seek advice by contacting students.chm@anu.edu.au .