Bachelor of Science (Honours)
Degree Level Undergraduate
Year 2024
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You're considered an Australian student if you are any of the following:
- Australian or New Zealand Citizen
- Australian Permanent Resident (including Permanent Humanitarian Visa holders)
Prerequisites
None
Assumed Knowledge
None
Entry Scores
2024 Guaranteed Entry
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2023 Cut-Offs
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Entry requirements
Entry to the Honours program will be available to students who have successfully completed a Bachelor degree in a relevant discipline. Applicants should have displayed a high level of academic achievement throughout their degree program, normally achieving a credit level average.
Relevant disciplines would typically include science, technology, engineering, or environmental studies. Applicants with qualifications in other disciplines are encouraged to apply and will be assessed on a case by case basis.
Applicants are selected on the basis of academic merit and the availability of a supervisor in the proposed area of research.
Essential requirements for admission
Prerequisites
NoneAssumed Knowledge
None
This program is no longer available. Please see the Bachelor of Applied Science (Honours) program.
Degree overview
- Study at SA's number one university for graduate careers1 and teaching quality2 in science and mathematics.
- Focus on advanced study and research in a range of science disciplines.
- Prepare for additional postgraduate research or a career as a professional scientist.
- Explore Nano- and Biomaterials, Chemistry, Applied Physics, Materials science, Agricultural and Food Science, Environmental Science, Earth Science and Ecology.
- Complete a one-year research project in an area that interests you, working with leading scientists and industry partners.
- Access the multi-million dollar Materials and Minerals Science Learning and Research hub and work alongside research and industry experts at the Future Industries Institute.
1ComparED (QILT) Graduate Outcomes Survey 2019-21 – Full-time Employment Indicator (Undergraduate). SA public universities.
2ComparED (QILT) Course Experience Questionnaire 2019-20 (Undergraduate). SA public universities.
Snapshot
Have you been a high achiever in your undergraduate degree? Prepare yourself for postgraduate research, or get a head start in your career as a professional scientist.
In this degree you’ll do advanced study and introductory research in your chosen science discipline (including Nano- and Biomaterials, Chemistry, Applied Physics, Materials Science, Agricultural and Food Science, Environmental Science, Earth Science, and Ecology).
Over the course of the year you will study courses in research methods, principles and ethics, as well as research project preparation. You will complete a research project that involves laboratory work, data collection and analysis, interpretation of your results in the context of current scientific literature, preparation of an Honours thesis and presentation of a final seminar to academics, student peers and relevant industry and government stakeholders.
This one-year degree is for students who have completed a Bachelor degree in a relevant field of science, technology, engineering, environmental science or health with a high level of academic achievement. This degree will train you to undertake research and help you to develop higher level scientific and problem-solving skills.
If you’re thinking of applying, please contact the Program Director as early as possible (preferably in November of the year before) to discuss the suitability of your qualifications and possible Honours projects.
What you'll learn
You will study courses about research methods, principles and ethics, and research project preparation. You will complete a research project that involves laboratory work, data collection and analysis, interpretation of your results in the context of current scientific literature, preparation of an Honours thesis and presentation of a final seminar to academics, student peers and relevant industry and government stakeholders.
You will also study advanced topics in science targeted at your particular field of study. This could include topic such as:
- materials science including colloid, polymer and biomimetic science
- nanoparticle preparation and modification
- surface chemistry
- biomaterials and bio-interfaces
- environmental chemistry
- mineral processing
- earth sciences including isotope geochemistry
- spectroscopy
- ecology including remnant habitats and climate refugia environmental and park management
You can gain an extra qualification and broaden your career prospects by completing a Diploma in Languages.
Study hours
For each course you study, you will need to allocate time for various classes such as lectures, tutorials, workshops, seminars and practicals. Plus you will need additional hours to study in your own time to complete assignments, readings and projects and contribute to online discussion forums (independent study). So as a general rule, if you are studying full-time you would need to allocate 12 – 26 hours of study when at university and 14 – 28 hours of independent study per week. Your research project will likely require additional time spent on the university campus and may involve time spent off-campus conducting fieldwork or site visits.
Assessment
Your studies at UniSA will incorporate both practical, professionally-focused and research-based learning, so assessment types will vary. You can expect them to include:
- essays, assignments
- Honours thesis
- online training modules
- planning and research
- examinations
- practical work
Global opportunities
Enrich your studies and your life – make overseas study part of your qualification. You may have the option to undertake an exchange, short-term program or study tour overseas while you study. We have links with universities worldwide, as well as a range of travel grants available to make going overseas much more accessible.
You can choose short-term or semester-long study from a range of universities and countries depending on your area of study and cultural interests.
Take a look at the global opportunities available.
Research
Our research centres provide a dynamic teaching and learning base for students. They maintain ongoing relationships and collaborate with industry, other universities and various professional associations around the world.
The Future Industries Institute brings together our world-class strengths in advanced manufacturing, nanomedicine, minerals and resource engineering and environmental science. It encourages researchers to blur the boundaries and build new relationships between industry and academia.
Sustainable Infrastructure and Resource Management concentration has three major research strands: Natural Resources and Environmental Resilience, Innovative Infrastructure and Asset Management, and Smart Communities. It conducts specialist and interdisciplinary research to support improved environmental and socio-economic sustainability.
Why Bachelor of Science (Honours)
Our world-class facilities at Mawson Lakes campus offer an inspiring learning environment such as the multi-million dollar Materials and Minerals Science Learning and Research Hub.
UniSA research is rated at above well above world-class in biochemistry, cell biology, environmental science and management1. This research informs the basis of our science programs, and it is inspired by the challenges and opportunities of tomorrow.
As a graduate of this honours degree you will be well positioned to work as a professional scientist in an area such as product development, quality control, natural resource management or consultancy or undertake professional scientific research in your field of study.
12018 Excellence in Research for Australia (ERA)
Your career
With an Honours degree in science you will be ideally qualified to proceed to postgraduate degrees by coursework or research. You could consider continuing with a PhD to further your knowledge and research skills.
As a graduate, you could also consider a career in:
- product development
- quality control
- environmental management or consultancy
- professional scientific research
Scholarships
Every year, over 2,500 UniSA students are supported in their studies through scholarships and grants worth millions of dollars. Check out the scholarships below. One of them may be perfect for you. Visit our scholarships page for more.
UniSA Excellence Scholarships
$5,000 scholarship for South Australian students with an ATAR of 99 who enrol to study a UniSA undergraduate degree.
UniSA Outstanding Achievement Scholarship
Up to $10,000 per annum (full time) for South Australian students who obtain an ATAR of 99.95 or IB equivalent and enrol to study at UniSA.
Your study experience and support
Our campuses are home to fantastic facilities including modern lecture theatres, libraries, workshops and laboratories, as well as spaces that simulate real work environments. But you’ll also discover that your journey at UniSA is about social experiences, healthy living and getting involved. You’ll find student sports and fitness facilities, community clinics, tech zones and chill-out spaces. There are campus sport activities to keep you active, and if you are keen to explore the social side of university life, there are movies, cooking demonstrations, parties and loads more.
Adelaide also has a variety of accommodation options to suit different requirements and budgets. Options include dedicated student accommodation and private rentals. See our long-term accommodation pages, or explore our student accommodation by Scape on Bank Street in Adelaide’s lively cultural precinct, an ideal location for students. It is within easy reach of UniSA’s city and metropolitan campuses, Rundle Mall shopping, the Central Market, Chinatown, and the West End’s vibrant nightlife. It is also across the road from the Adelaide train station, and on bus and tram routes.
Student services
Our student services provide you with all the support you need at university. We want you to succeed, and if you need help, we're here to assist. You can access a full range of support services, including:
- academic counselling
- personal counselling
- social support services, including family support and nearby childcare
- common rooms
- prayer rooms
- security officers
- career services and mentoring
- Wirringka Student Services, offering Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students a supportive place to study
- as well as services offered through our student association, USASA.
When you become a UniSA student, you can also contact Campus Central for help with anything related to your degree. They will help you with your enrolment, ID cards, fees, timetables and more.
24/7 digital environment
Our learnonline facilities include a personal learning environment with virtual classrooms, lecture recordings, emails, learning support, administration, library access and results. The environment is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, so you can tailor your learning to your life. We are continually investing in innovative digital technologies for a high-quality student learning experience.
Your study spaces
You will have access to our multi-million dollar Materials and Minerals Science Learning and Research Hub at the Mawson Lakes campus. The $50 million facility supports our world-class research in minerals and materials science. It’s a place that blends teaching and research environments, making you part of a vibrant learning community.
Your program director
I am a Senior Lecturer and Program Director at the University of South Australia. My research and teaching backgrounds are in geology, isotope geochemistry and geochronology.
My teaching is focused on providing students with an insight into the inner workings of the Earth and the manner in which the lithosphere, hydrosphere and atmosphere are linked. I try to inspire our students to think about the influence we have on the planet and the influence that geology has on societies around the world. This includes recognising that our modern society is heavily reliant on mineral resources and thinking about the development and use of these resources in a sustainable manner.
My research is driven equally by general curiosity about our natural world and an interest is better understanding how the Earth has evolved and working towards finding applications for that knowledge to benefit industry/society. A background in isotope geochemistry has meant that I am able to work on a wide range of scientific problems and enjoy this diversity.
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How do I apply?
There are a number of ways to apply to study UniSA's undergraduate and postgraduate coursework degrees.
Applications for admission into the University of South Australia’s undergraduate and most postgraduate degrees are made via the South Australian Tertiary Admissions Centre (SATAC). Visit satac.edu.au and follow the links.
For the MBA degrees please apply through the UniSA MBA Application Portal. Applications for a small number of degrees are submitted direct to UniSA through our Apply Online portal. It will be noted on the degree page if you need to apply via Apply Online.
Postgraduate study by research
For information on applying to do postgraduate study by research, including Master of Research, PhDs or Doctorates, please visit unisa.edu.au/resdegrees. -
Is there a closing date for applications?
Undergraduate
Yes. The deadline to apply to study a degree at UniSA for semester one (commencing late February) and be given equal consideration is in early December. While you may be able to apply after this date, you are not guaranteed to be considered equally with other applicants and your application may not be assessed in time for the main round of offers (mid January). Some degrees will not make any offers after the main offer round. Please click here find all of the key dates for applications here.Postgraduate
Most postgraduate degrees do not have a closing date for applications. However, there are exceptions, so it is best to check – either on the SATAC website, Apply Online or the degree homepage. Postgraduate offers are normally ‘rolling’, meaning they may be sent out at any time up until the program starts. This also means that applications may close at any time without warning, if the quota is filled earlier. For this reason, postgraduate applications should be submitted without delay. For more information, please contact our Future Student Enquiries team on (08) 8302 2376 or via the online enquiry form. -
What credit can I receive for previous studies?
Credit transfer or advanced standing
You may be eligible to receive a credit transfer or advanced standing for your chosen UniSA degree based on your previous studies, if they are in a related area at an equivalent or higher level. Receiving a credit transfer will reduce the number of courses you undertake within the degree, and may also reduce the overall duration of your degree.
Recognised prior learning
If you have related industry experience, you may also be eligible to receive recognised prior learning for this experience. Receiving recognised prior learning will normally reduce the number of courses you undertake within the degree, and can reduce the duration of the degree.
How do I get credit?
Credit transfer and recognition of prior learning is assessed on a case-by-case basis by the Program Director who will discuss your prior learning and experience with you to ascertain what credit you may be eligible for.
Many of our credit transfer arrangements are listed on our online Credit Assessor.
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Can I speak to someone regarding my study options?
UniSA welcomes the opportunity to speak with you regarding your study options. Our staff are able to talk to you about degree information, career outcomes and pathways, entry requirements, applications, and student life, so that you are able to make the best study decision for your future.
Click here to book a 1:1 appointment with one of our enquiries team.
If you are interested in studying an MBA please contact admissions@unisa.edu.au and our Future Student Enquiries team will contact you regarding your enquiry.
Alternatively, you can complete a MyCareerMatch career profile. MyCareerMatch is an online career profiling tool that you can use free-of-charge through UniSA. MyCareerMatch specialises in career profiles and provides you with a personalised career report outlining information about your personality style and a list of career options, which are complementary to your natural strengths and talents.
We have many events throughout the year where you can speak with a lecturer or tutor about your degrees of interest. You can find out what is happening at UniSA by visiting our events page or by signing up to our mailing list, so you're the first to know about careers events, information sessions, degree requirements, scholarships and more!
There are also many career counsellors external to the University that you can discuss your career options with. If you are unsure where to start your search, you can contact the Government's Work Ready team (formally Skills for All). Visit skills.sa.gov.au or call 1800 506 266.
You may also find Job Outlook a helpful resource in your decision-making.
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Where can I get further information?
It can be difficult to decide what degree you would like to do and where. You might find information from government organisations will help to weigh up your degree and provider options.
Find a course or a provider
TEQSA is a regulatory body for higher education providers. Use the TEQSA national register of higher education providers to search for a course or a provider. Compare courses and providers for undergraduates and postgraduates using the Quality Indicators for Learning and Teaching (QILT) online comparison tool.
More information on university admission
Visit the SATAC website to find out important news, events and information on applying to university in South Australia. Visit Study with Us to find out everything you need to know about studying at UniSA, admissions and the application process.
Questions about your application
If you have any questions or concerns regarding your application you should contact the Future Students Enquiries team in the first instance.
What others are saying
I was raised on a sheep and cropping farm in the mid-north of South Australia and have always been interested in biology and the environment. This led me to study a science degree. I am fascinated by the possibilities of science and have decided to further my knowledge by completing honours. My goal is to pursue a career in research because I enjoy fieldwork and being outdoors.
Bianna Kelly
Bachelor of Science
