Bachelor of Science (Honours)
Course summary for international students
| Year | 2026 course information |
|---|---|
| Award granted | Bachelor of Science (Honours) |
| Campus | Offered at Burwood (Melbourne), Waurn Ponds (Geelong) |
| Online | No |
| Length | 1 year full-time |
| Fee paying annual fee - commencing 2026 | $42,400 for 1 yr full-time AUD |
| Level | Undergraduate |
| CRICOS code | 063355G Burwood (Melbourne), Waurn Ponds (Geelong) |
| Deakin course code | S400 |
| Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) recognition | The award conferred upon completion is recognised in the Australian Qualifications Framework at Level 8 |
Course sub-headings
- Course overview
- Fees and charges
- Career opportunities
- Course learning outcomes
- Course rules
- Course structure
- Admission criteria
- Academic requirements
- English language proficiency requirements
- Admissions information
- Credit for prior learning - general
- Further study
- Participation requirements
Course overview
Deakin’s Bachelor of Science (Honours) continues your studies in the exciting world of scientific discovery, allowing you to 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 build on the theory and practical skills gained throughout your undergraduate degree. You will 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 the mindset and skills to be a lifelong learner – 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, placing them at the forefront of scientific research and ensuring they pass on the skills most valued by employers. You’ll graduate with skills that give you a competitive edge in the job market or prepare you for further study and research training, including masters or PhD programs.
Fees and charges
The tuition fees you pay are determined by the course you are enrolled in. The 'Estimated tuition fee' is provided as a guide only and represents the typical first-year tuition fees for students enrolled in 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 this 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.
Career opportunities
The Bachelor of Science (Honours) will produce high-quality graduates with the generic skills, theoretical knowledge, and specialised practical expertise to 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 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. |
Course rules
To complete the Bachelor of Science (Honours), you must pass 8 credit points. This includes:
- DAI001 Academic Integrity and Respect at Deakin (0-credit-point compulsory unit) in your first study period
- 6 credit points from a research specialisation
- 2 credit points of coursework units.
Most units are equal to one credit point. As a full-time student you will study four credit points per semester and usually undertake two semesters per year.
All students are required to meet the University's academic progress and conduct requirements.
Course structure
Core units
Students are required to complete all units within one of the following discipline areas:
Biology -unit set code SP-S000066
| DAI001 | Academic Integrity and Respect at Deakin (0 credit points) |
| SLE420 | Honours Biology Research 1A |
| SLE421 | Honours Biology Research 1B |
| SLE422 | Honours Biology Research 2 (2 credit points) |
| SLE423 | Honours Biology Research 3 (2 credit points) |
| SLE451 | Science Professionalism |
| SLE452 | Research Design and Data Analysis |
Chemistry - unit set code SP-S000067
| DAI001 | Academic Integrity and Respect at Deakin (0 credit points) |
| SLE430 | Honours Chemistry Research 1A |
| SLE431 | Honours Chemistry Research 1B |
| SLE432 | Honours Chemistry Research 2 (2 credit points) |
| SLE433 | Honours Chemistry Research 3 (2 credit points) |
| SLE451 | Science Professionalism |
| SLE453 | Advanced Topics in Chemistry |
Mathematics -unit set code SP-S000068
| DAI001 | Academic Integrity and Respect at Deakin (0 credit points) |
| SLE451 | Science Professionalism |
| SLE452 | Research Design and Data Analysis |
| SIT723 | Research Techniques and Applications (2 credit points) |
| SIT746 | Research Project (Advanced) (2 credit points) |
| SIT747 | Research Project (Publication) (2 credit points) |
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 academic and English language proficiency requirements or higher to be considered for selection, but this does not guarantee admission.
A combination of qualifications and experience may be deemed equivalent to minimum academic requirements.
Academic requirements
To be considered for admission to this degree you will need to meet 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:
- Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE) English Units 3 and 4: a study score of at least 30 in English as an Additional Language (EAL) 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.
Credit for prior learning - general
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 (RPL) system which outlines the credit that may be granted towards a Deakin University degree.
Further study
Graduates may wish to apply for further study in Higher Degrees by Research.
Course duration
Course duration
You may be able to study available units in the optional third trimester to fast-track your degree, however your course duration may be extended if there are delays in meeting course requirements, such as completing a placement.
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 2026 Honours projects booklet is available at Honours in Life and Environmental Sciences.
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.