Science Honours

Microbiology

During the Honours year, students will be involved in a study program designed for those wishing to further develop their laboratory skills and critical thinking. The program is very strongly recommended for any student wishing to enter a research career or undertake further work leading to a higher degree. The program provides the opportunity for individual laboratory research work under the direction of a supervisor. This project culminates in the production of a research thesis and presentation of the key findings in a seminar. During the year each student is also expected to attend research seminars and complete a coursework component that consists of tutorials and an exam based on the critical evaluation of scientific manuscripts. Assessment is based on the research project (including laboratory performance, written report and oral presentation) and the coursework (tutorial performance and written exam).

Honours research areas

Microbiology Honours is conducted within the School of Life and Environmental Sciences. The School offers Microbiology Honours projects in a wide range of research areas including molecular and medical microbiology, microbial genetics, applied and environmental microbiology, biotechnology, and virology.

Applying for admission to Honours

The Honours program offers entry at the beginning of the academic year (Semester One, commencing in February) and a limited number of places for mid-year entry (Semester Two, commencing in August). Students need to speak with potential supervisors and are able to nominate up to 10 supervisors in order of preference on the School of Life and Environmental Sciences online Honours application form. Attempts will be made where possible to assign students to the supervisor of their choice but this will not always be possible. In such cases the School will work with students to find an available project. Students should note that some supervisors cannot accommodate mid-year entrants. The usual requirement for acceptance into the Honours program is a credit average in a major relevant to the project of interest; any student with an undergraduate background relevant to specific projects (including chemistry, biochemistry, nutrition and dietetics, microbiology, immunobiology, physiology, neuroscience, mathematics, physics, biology or other related medical sciences) may be admitted. It should be noted that the number of students accepted into the Honours program may be limited because of resource restrictions (availability of a supervisor and/or laboratory space) and that, in the event of there being more applicants than resources will allow, offers will be made on the basis of academic merit.

Honours Coordinator, Associate Professor Andrew Holmes
E
T +61 2 9351 2530

General Honours Advice:
E

Unit outlines will be available though Find a unit outline two weeks before the first day of teaching for 1000-level and 5000-level units, or one week before the first day of teaching for all other units.