Key facts
1 year full-time
Current Deakin Students
To access your official course details for the year you started your degree, please visit the handbook
Course overview
Deakin’s Bachelor of Science (Honours) continues your studies in the exciting world of scientific discovery, while you forge your own unique path through research exploration in either life and environmental sciences, chemistry or mathematics. You will undertake focused research in your area of interest, developing key skills before launching into a successful career.
Honours is an optional year of specialised study that allows you to combine the theory and practical skills gained throughout your undergraduate degree. You’ll explore research of global significance and develop crucial skills in research design and implementation, critical thinking, data analysis, digital literacy and scientific communication. You will also develop valuable skills for lifelong learning – an essential professional attribute in this ever-evolving field.
Ready to see how far your scientific curiosity can take you?
The coursework component of the honours program provides you with essential knowledge in key principles of research – experimental design, quantitative analysis and science professionalism. The research project component enables you to develop the research skills necessary to investigate your area of interest.
Importantly, you will be guided every step of the way by experts who are leaders in their field. Our teaching staff are active contributors to the science industry, putting them right at the forefront of scientific research and making them well placed to pass on the skills that are most valued by employers. You’ll graduate with skills that provide you with a competitive edge in the job market or ready to embark on further study and research training (including masters and PhD programs).
Read MoreCourse information
- Award granted
- Bachelor of Science (Honours)
- Year
2024 course information
- Deakin code
- S400
- CRICOS code?
- 063355G Burwood (Melbourne), Waurn Ponds (Geelong)
- Level
- Undergraduate
- Approval status
This course is approved by the University under the Higher Education Standards Framework.
- Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) recognition
The award conferred upon completion is recognised in the Australian Qualifications Framework at Level 8.
Course structure
To complete the Bachelor of Science (Honours), students must attain 8 credit points, which must include the following:
- six (6) core units within your chosen research specialisation (6 credit points)
- two (2) core units that cover coursework in scientific disciplines (2 credit points)
- completion of DAI001 Academic Integrity Module (0-credit point compulsory unit).
Students are required to meet the University's academic progress and conduct requirements.
Core
Students are required to complete all units within one of the following discipline areas:
Biology - unit set code SP-S000066
Chemistry - unit set code SP-S000067
Mathematics - unit set code SP-S000068
Intakes by location
The availability of a course varies across locations and intakes. This means that a course offered in Semester 1 may not be offered in the same location for Semester 2. Check each intake for up-to-date information on when and where you can commence your studies.
Semester 1 - January
- Start date: January
- Available at:
- Burwood (Melbourne)
- Waurn Ponds (Geelong)
Application closing date: Monday 9th January 2023
Semester 2 - July
- Start date: July
- Available at:
- Burwood (Melbourne)
- Waurn Ponds (Geelong)
Application closing date: Monday 12th June 2023
Additional course information
Course duration
Course duration may be affected by delays in completing course requirements, such as accessing or completing work placements.
Projects and Supervision - additional information
As part of your application for this course, you will be required to first contact potential supervisors and discuss projects. Once you have met with a supervisor and agreed on a project, you will need to complete an application form and submit this via the Deakin applicant portal.
Information on How to Apply, important dates and the 2024 Honours projects booklet can be
found on the Honours in Life and Environmental Sciences page.
Participation requirements
Reasonable adjustments to participation and other course requirements will be made for students with a disability. More information available at Disability support services.
Entry requirements
Admission criteria
Selection is based on a holistic consideration of your academic merit, work experience, likelihood of success, availability of places, participation requirements, regulatory requirements, and individual circumstances. You will need to meet the minimum course entry requirements to be considered for selection, but this does not guarantee admission.
Academic requirements
To be considered for admission to this degree you will need to meet all the following criteria:
- completion of a bachelor degree or higher or major in a related discipline with a Weighted Average Mark (WAM) (or equivalent average grade indicator) of at least 65 in third year units, or where relevant, final year units
English language proficiency requirements
To meet the English language proficiency requirements of this course, you will need to demonstrate at least one of the following:
- VCE Units 3 and 4: a study score of at least 30 in English EAL (English as an Additional Language) or at least 25 in English other than EAL
- IELTS overall score of 6.5 with no band less than 6.0 (or equivalent)
- other evidence of English language proficiency (learn more about other ways to satisfy the requirements)
Admissions information
Learn more about Deakin courses and how we compare to other universities when it comes to the quality of our teaching and learning. We're also committed to admissions transparency. Read about our first intake of 2023 students (PDF, 354KB) – their average ATARs, whether they had any previous higher education experience and more.
Not sure if you can get into Deakin? Discover the different entry pathways we offer and study options available to you, no matter your ATAR or education history.
Recognition of prior learning
If you have completed previous studies which you believe may reduce the number of units you have to complete at Deakin, indicate in the appropriate section on your application that you wish to be considered for Recognition of Prior Learning. You will need to provide a certified copy of your previous course details so your credit can be determined. If you are eligible, your offer letter will then contain information about your Recognition of Prior Learning.
Your Recognition of Prior Learning is formally approved prior to your enrolment at Deakin during the Enrolment and Orientation Program. You must bring original documents relating to your previous study so that this approval can occur.
You can also refer to the Recognition of Prior Learning System which outlines the credit that may be granted towards a Deakin University degree.
Fees and scholarships
Fee information
Learn more about fees and your options for paying.
The tuition fees you pay are determined by the course you are enrolled in.
The 'Estimated tuition fee' is provided as a guide only based on a typical enrolment of students completing the first year of this course. The cost will vary depending on the units you choose, your study load, the length of your course and any approved Recognition of Prior Learning you have.
Each unit you enrol in has a credit point value. The 'Estimated tuition fee' is calculated by adding together eight credit points of a typical combination of units for that course. Eight credit points is used as it represents a typical full-time enrolment load for a year.
You can find the credit point value of each unit under the Unit Description by searching for the unit in the Handbook.
Learn more about international student fees.
Scholarship options
A Deakin scholarship could help you pay for your course fees, living costs and study materials. If you've got something special to offer Deakin - or maybe you just need a bit of extra support - we've got a scholarship opportunity for you. Search or browse through our scholarships
Apply now
Applications can be made directly to the University through StudyLink Connect - Deakin University's International Student Application Service. For information on the application process and closing dates, see the How to apply web page.
Fill out the application form and submit to a Deakin International office or take your application form to a Deakin representative for assistance
For information on the application process and closing dates, see the How to apply webpage.
If you’re still having problems, please contact Deakin International for assistance.
Entry pathways
Further study options
Graduates may wish to apply for further study in Higher Degrees by Research.
Careers
Career outcomes
The Bachelor of Science (Honours) will produce high quality graduates with the generic skills, theoretical knowledge, and specialised practical skills to either gain employment in their relevant discipline (biology, chemistry or mathematics) or to succeed in further study such as Higher Degrees by Research.
Course learning outcomes
Deakin's graduate learning outcomes describe the knowledge and capabilities graduates can demonstrate at the completion of their course. These outcomes mean that regardless of the Deakin course you undertake, you can rest assured your degree will teach you the skills and professional attributes that employers value. They'll set you up to learn and work effectively in the future.
| Deakin Graduate Learning Outcomes | Course Learning Outcomes |
| Discipline-specific knowledge and capabilities | Graduates will have advanced theoretical and technical knowledge in one of biology, chemistry or mathematics. |
| Communication | Communicate effectively the design and outcomes of research using a range of verbal, graphical and written forms customised for diverse audiences. |
| Digital literacy | Utilise a range of digital technologies and information sources to discover, select, analyse, employ, evaluate, critique, and disseminate outcomes from the research project. |
| Critical thinking | Use critical and analytical thinking to identify problems and the design of solutions using established theories, models, constructs and practice. |
| Problem solving | Apply theoretical constructs, advanced skills and critical analysis to demonstrate well developed judgement adaptability and evaluation of solutions to research problems. |
| Self-management | Develop and apply knowledge and skills in creative ways to demonstrate advanced levels of autonomy, initiative and ethical and professional behaviour in research. |
| Teamwork | Work independently and/or collaboratively within a research team, receiving advice and guidance from supervisor/s that contributes to achieving the outcomes of the Honours project. |
| Global citizenship | Apply scientific knowledge and skills with a high level of autonomy, judgement, responsibility and accountability in collaboration with stakeholders to articulate the place and importance of scientific inquiry in the local and global context. |
Approved by Faculty Board 27 June 2019