Why Bachelor of Science (Honours)?
Deepen your scientific knowledge and research skills with our Bachelor of Science (Honours).
Immerse yourself in the world of scientific inquiry and innovation. Engage in research projects that challenge your critical thinking and creativity, honing essential skills for tackling complex scientific problems.
Connect with a community of likeminded individuals ready to make a meaningful impact on the world through science. You’ll learn to place theoretical knowledge within real-world scientific issues in engaging and innovative learning environments.
Begin your pathway to further study and accelerated career advancements with Adelaide University. You will graduate as a versatile scientist, equipped with a strong foundation in ethical practices and an open mindset for innovation. The possibilities for your journey in science are truly limitless.
Overview
Explore uncharted territories in the broad fields of natural and physical sciences, spanning everything from the microscopic to the cosmic and everything in between.
This degree will provide you with a comprehensive and diverse educational experience. You’ll learn critical thinking, analytical approaches to problem-solving and evidence-based decision making. Choose your specialisation in the offered fields of scientific study, before undertaking training in research theory and practice.
Engage in research in one discipline relevant to your major to enhance your knowledge and expertise. Our Honours program allows you to explore specific areas of interest in greater depth, encouraging exploration across various scientific disciplines. The Bachelor of Science (Honours) provides a pathway for entry into a research degree at either a Masters or Doctoral (PhD) level. Achieve this through the supported development of an Honours thesis in your final year.
Key features
Expand your knowledge in a chosen scientific discipline. - Learn new research techniques and skills, opening the door to increased job opportunities.
- Choose from over thirty majors specifically designed for Adelaide University.
- Engage with academics and experts in the field.
- Undertake a major research or professional project.
- Gain a competitive edge for future postgraduate research.
What you'll learn
Our flexible Bachelor of Science (Honours) will take you through studies of the natural and physical world.
You’ll begin by studying foundational science courses that broaden your understanding of the scientific process and breadth of scientific disciplines. Then, you’ll focus on global challenges and exciting scientific advancements. Throughout your degree, you’ll build transferable skills in scientific data handling and visualisation.
From first year, you’ll choose at least one major from a diverse list of scientific areas, ranging from animal science and biochemistry, through to ecology, plant science, palaeontology or theoretical physics. Whatever your interests, Adelaide University offers a major that will allow you to dive deeper into a variety of fascinating fields.
In third year, you’ll complete a professional science project or placement, gaining practical experience in your chosen area of interest.
Your fourth and final Honours year will extend your skills in research practices, where you’ll complete a research project. You’ll also complete up to a further four courses specific to your chosen major, enabling you to become an expert in the field.
Majors
The Bachelor of Science (Honours) is also available with majors in the following:
- Analytical Chemistry
- Animal Behaviour
- Animal Science
- Biochemistry
- Biotechnology
- Chemistry
- Computational Physics
- Ecology
- Environmental & Geospatial Science
- Environmental Science
- Evolutionary Biology
- Evolutionary Biology & Palaeontology
- Experimental Physics
- Food Science & Technology
- Genetics
- Geology
- Geology & Earth Resources
- Geology & Palaeontology
- Geophysics
- Marine & Wildlife Conservation
- Medicinal & Biological Chemistry
- Microbiology & Immunology
- Nuclear & Radiation Physics
- Nuclear Chemistry
- Physics & Geophysics
- Plant Biology
- Pure & Applied Chemistry
- Soil Science
- Space Science & Astrophysics
- Theoretical Physics.
What courses you'll study
Complete 192 units comprising:
- 42 to 54 units for Core courses, and
- 84 to 144 units for Majors, and
- At least 6 units from Work integrated learning, and
- 0 to 48 units for Electives
Complete 42 to 54 units comprising:
- 6 to 12 units for all Program core, and
- 12 to 18 units from Common Core, and
- 6 to 30 units from Core Selective
| Course name | Course code | Units | |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Course name
Science of People, Society and the Future Planet
|
Course code
SCIE1001
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Data Skills for Scientists
|
Course code
STAT1000
|
Units
6
|
| Course name | Course code | Units | |
|---|---|---|---|
|
|
Course name
An Ethically Rich Life
|
Course code
COREX001
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Fact or Fiction: Data for Everyone
|
Course code
COREX002
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Igniting Change: Ideas to Action
|
Course code
COREX003
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Proppa Ways, Future Practice
|
Course code
COREX004
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Responsible AI: Bridging Ethics, Education and Industry
|
Course code
COREX005
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Ways of Being, Ways of Seeing
|
Course code
COREX006
|
Units
6
|
| Course name | Course code | Units | |
|---|---|---|---|
|
|
Course name
Biology 1A: Molecules, Genes and Cells
|
Course code
BIOL1003
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Biology 1B: Evolution and Diversity of Organisms
|
Course code
BIOL1004
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Foundations in Chemistry
|
Course code
CHEM1000
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Chemistry 1A
|
Course code
CHEM1002
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Chemistry 1B
|
Course code
CHEM1003
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Planet Earth
|
Course code
EART1000
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Earth, Climate and Life Systems
|
Course code
EART1012
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Foundations in Mathematics
|
Course code
MATH1000
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Calculus 1
|
Course code
MATH1004
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Calculus 2
|
Course code
MATH1005
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Foundations in Physics
|
Course code
PHYS1000
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Physics 1A
|
Course code
PHYS1001
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Physics 1B
|
Course code
PHYS1002
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Differential Equations
|
Course code
MATHX202
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Linear Algebra
|
Course code
MATHX104
|
Units
6
|
Notes
Program core - Students in the following Majors will not enrol in STAT1000 Data Skills for Scientists:
Computational Physics, Experimental Physics, Nuclear and Radiation Physics, Physics and Geophysics, Space Science and Astrophysics, Theoretical Physics
Complete 84 to 144 units comprising:
- 78 to 144 units for one Major from Majors
| Major name | |
|---|---|
|
|
Major
Analytical Chemistry
|
|
|
Major
Animal Behaviour
|
|
|
Major
Animal Science
|
|
|
Major
Biochemistry
|
|
|
Major
Biotechnology
|
|
|
Major
Chemistry
|
|
|
Major
Computational Physics
|
|
|
Major
Ecology
|
|
|
Major
Environmental and Geospatial Science
|
|
|
Major
Environmental Science
|
|
|
Major
Evolutionary Biology
|
|
|
Major
Evolutionary Biology and Palaeontology
|
|
|
Major
Experimental Physics
|
|
|
Major
Food Science and Technology
|
|
|
Major
Genetics
|
|
|
Major
Geology
|
|
|
Major
Geology and Earth Resources
|
|
|
Major
Geology and Palaeontology
|
|
|
Major
Geophysics
|
|
|
Major
Marine and Wildlife Conservation
|
|
|
Major
Medicinal and Biological Chemistry
|
|
|
Major
Microbiology and Immunology
|
|
|
Major
Nuclear and Radiation Physics
|
|
|
Major
Nuclear Chemistry
|
|
|
Major
Physics and Geophysics
|
|
|
Major
Pure and Applied Chemistry
|
|
|
Major
Plant Biology
|
|
|
Major
Soil Science
|
|
|
Major
Space Science and Astrophysics
|
|
|
Major
Theoretical Physics
|
Complete at least 6 units from the following:
| Course name | Course code | Units | |
|---|---|---|---|
|
|
Course name
Professional Skills in Animal Science
|
Course code
ANIM3005
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Advanced Applications in Animal Behaviour
|
Course code
ANIM3900
|
Units
12
|
|
|
Course name
Molecular and Biomedical Science Practical 2
|
Course code
BIOL2900
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Molecular and Biomedical Sciences Practical 3
|
Course code
BIOL3007
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Microbiology and Immunology Practical 3
|
Course code
BIOL3012
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Genetics Practical 3A
|
Course code
BIOL3900
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Field Palaeontology 3
|
Course code
EART3002
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Field Geoscience Program 3
|
Course code
EART3003
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Optics and Photonics 3
|
Course code
PHYS3004
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Computational Physics
|
Course code
PHYSX300
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Experimental Physics
|
Course code
PHYSX301
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Science Professional Placement
|
Course code
SCIE3900
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Science Professional Project
|
Course code
SCIE3901
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Genetics Practical 3B
|
Course code
BIOL2016
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Geophysics 3C: Seismic Processing and Interpretation
|
Course code
EART3004
|
Units
6
|
Notes
If studying ANACHSCIE - Analytical Chemistry then complete SCIE3900 - Science Professional Placement
If studying ANIBHSCIE - Animal Behaviour then complete ANIM3900 - Advanced Applications in Animal Behaviour
If studying BIOCHSCIE - Biochemistry then complete BIOL3007 - Molecular and Biomedical Sciences Practical 3
If studying CHEYHSCIE - Chemistry then complete SCIE3900 - Science Professional Placement
If studying ECOLHSCIE - Ecology then complete SCIE3900 - Science Professional Placement
If studying ENVGHSCIE - Environmental and Geospatial Science then complete SCIE3900 - Science Professional Placement
If studyingENVSHSCIE - Environmental Science then complete SCIE3900 - Science Professional Placement
If studying EVOLHSCIE - Evolutionary Biology then complete SCIE3900 - Science Professional Placement
If studying EVOPHSCIE - Evolutionary Biology and Palaeontology the complete EART3002 - Field Palaeontology 3
If studying EXPEHSCIE - Experimental Physics then completePHYSX301 - Experimental Physics
If studying FOODHSCIE - Food Science and Technology then complete SCIE3900 - Science Professional Placement
If studying GENEHSCIE - Genetics then complete BIOL2900 - Molecular and Biomedical Science Practical 2 or BIOL3901 - Genetics Practical 3B or BIOL3007 - Molecular and Biomedical Sciences Practical 3
If studyingGEOLHSCIE - Geology then complete EART3003 - Field Geoscience Program 3
If studyingGEOEHSCIE - Geology and Earth Resources then complete EART3003 - Field Geoscience Program 3
If studyingGEOPHSCIE - Geology and Palaeontology then complete EART3002 - Field Palaeontology 3
If studyingGEOYHSCIE - Geophysics then complete EART3004 - Geophysics 3C: Seismic Processing and Interpretation and may also complete SCIE3900 - Science Professional Placement
If studyingMARWHSCIE - Marine and Wildlife Conservation then complete SCIE3900 - Science Professional Placement
If studyingMEDBHSCIE - Medicinal and Biological Chemistry then complete SCIE3900 - Science Professional Placement
If studyingMICRHSCIE - Microbiology and Immunology then complete BIOL2900 - Molecular and Biomedical Science Practical 2 and BIOL3007 - Molecular and Biomedical Sciences Practical 3 and BIOL3012 - Microbiology and Immunology Practical 3
If studyingNUCCHSCIE - Nuclear Chemistry then complete SCIE3900 - Science Professional Placement
If studyingNUCRHSCIE - Nuclear and Radiation Physics then complete PHYSX300 - Computational Physics or PHYSX301 - Experimental Physics
If studyingPHYGHSCIE - Physics and Geophysics then complete PHYS3004 - Optics and Photonics 3 or PHYSX300 - Computational Physics
If studyingPLABHSCIE - Plant Biology then complete SCIE3900 - Science Professional Placement
If studyingPACHHSCIE - Pure and Applied Chemistry then complete SCIE3900 - Science Professional Placement
If studyingSOILHSCIE - Soil Science then complete SCIE3900 - Science Professional Placement
If studyingSPACHSCIE - Space Science and Astrophysics then complete PHYSX301 - Experimental Physics
If studyingTHEOHSCIE - Theoretical Physics then complete PHYSX300 - Computational Physics or PHYSX301 - Experimental Physics
Career outcomes
The scientific approach to problem-solving, along with the research skills developed during your Honours year, prepares you for a diverse range of career opportunities. As a graduate, you’ll not only pursue careers in traditional scientific fields, but also in emerging interdisciplinary areas where scientific expertise is increasingly in demand.
You might explore how living things interact with their surroundings, implementing strategies, policies and practices that focus on pollution control, protecting wildlife and supporting conservation efforts. You might work as a food technologist and test products for flavour, colour and taste – or uncover Earth’s hidden natural resources. Perhaps you’ll address infectious diseases and pandemics, developing new treatments and antibiotic medication.
Careers are expansive and can include roles in:
- Business
- Defence industry
- Environmental sciences
- Government departments
- Hospitals and health organisations
- Intellectual property
- Laboratory research and development
- Management
- Minerals and energy
- Oil and gas industry
- Private industry and consulting
- Research
- Sales and consultancy
- Science communication and journalism
- Teaching and lecturing
- Universities.
Industry trends
The Australian Government has recently released updated National Science and Research Priorities, focusing on a net zero future, supporting healthy communities, protecting and restoring our natural environment and building a secure and resilient nation (Australian Manufacturing, 2024). These priorities aim to guide scientific efforts and investments across government, academia and industry sectors to address Australia's most pressing challenges. Get ready for a career at the forefront of scientific discovery by taking an innovative approach to science education and research with Adelaide University.
Ready to apply?
Your study experience and support
Adelaide University sets you up for success in your studies – and your social life. You’ll have access to work placement and internship opportunities, overseas study tours and exchanges, networking events with guest speakers and more. Our campuses are equipped with purpose-built facilities including lecture theatres, libraries, workshops, laboratories, and spaces that simulate real work environments. These are all supported by the latest technologies and a 24/7 online learning platform with personalised study information and resources.
You’ll have everything you need to live well and thrive during your studies, with health services on campus, gymnasiums, technology zones and modern student lounges. Get involved in campus sport or join our student clubs that will connect you to your passions – and the people who share them.
Adelaide also has a variety of accommodation options to suit your individual requirements and budget, with options ranging from dedicated student accommodation to private rentals. One of the world’s most liveable cities, Adelaide has lots of leafy parks, gardens and social hubs – and some of the highest living standards globally. No matter where you are in Adelaide, you’re only a short distance from beaches, vineyards, museums, art galleries, restaurants, bars and parklands. Visit the accommodation web page to find out more.
Student services
We’re here to support you on your student journey. Adelaide University offers a range of support services and facilities, including:
- Career advice and mentoring services
- Personal counselling
- LGBTQIA+ support
- Academic support
- Fees and finance help
- Security services
- Accommodation services
- Common rooms
- Prayer rooms.
You’ll also have unlimited access to our dedicated student support hub. Visit in-person or online, or contact our friendly team by phone. We can assist you with anything study-related including enrolment, identification cards, timetables, fees and more.
Your campus
You'll be studying at one of our renowned campuses, accessing cutting-edge facilities and contemporary study spaces.
Study hours
Your courses will require a combination of different learning formats, including lectures, tutorials, workshops, seminars and practicals. Aside from your classes, you’ll also need to allocate additional time for independent study. This may include assignments, readings, projects and contributing to online discussion forums. As a rough guide, full-time studies may require 12-26 hours of class time and 14-18 hours of independent study per week.
Assessment
During your studies at Adelaide University, you’ll complete a mixture of practical, professional and research-based learning. Your assessment types will vary depending on the degree you’re studying, but may include:
- Case studies
- Essays and assignments
- Examinations
- Group projects
- Internships and placements
- Practicals
- Presentations
- Reports and project documentations
- Research projects
- Workplace and classroom contributions.
