Vision Science Honours involves full-time research (with supervision) in the School of Optometry & Vision Science. The course runs over 3 terms (with no coursework) and involves developing a research hypothesis, aims and project and then undertaking the research, with supervision. 

Advanced training will be provided in selected areas of vision science, emphasising understanding and application of specialised techniques relevant to the research area (for example laboratory-based, sensory/virtual reality, clinical or public health techniques and applications). 

During the Honours year, you’ll also research and write a literature review and research proposal, undertake an ethics application (as appropriate) and prepare a final written research thesis. You’re also required to regularly attend (on-line) vaegan seminars and other seminars. During the Honours year, students will present their work in two research seminars in the School of Optometry & Vision Science. 

Vision Science Honours students can enrol to start in either T1, T2, or T3. 

PhD Buddy System: Honours Mentoring Program

The PhD Buddy Program aims to pair each Honours student with a PhD student, creating a mentor-mentee relationship. This program is designed to pair each Honours student with a PhD student from SOVS, fostering a mentor-mentee relationship that aims to support the Honours students through their academic journey. The PhD students, with their rich experience and knowledge in the field, will act as mentors, offering guidance, sharing their academic experiences, and assisting in navigating the challenges of research and study.

The PhD buddy will provide a friendly and accessible source of advice, helping the Honours student in both academic and personal development. The Honours students, on their part, are expected to take the initiative to contact their PhD buddy, whether it's for a casual coffee chat, a formal meeting, an email exchange, or a Zoom call.

Monthly Honours Check-in Sessions

The "Monthly Honours Check-In Sessions" are a pivotal component of the VISNBH4500 Vision Science Honours program, designed to facilitate regular communication, feedback, and support for Honours students. This will be held on Thursday afternoons (generally the 1st Thursday of the month) in the Level 3 Seminar Room, SOVS. Calendar invitations with specific times/dates will be sent by the course convenor.

During these sessions, all Honours students will have the opportunity to meet with the course convenor to provide updates on their research progress, share any challenges they might be facing, and seek feedback or ideas from both the convenor and their peers. This is an invaluable chance for students to articulate their accomplishments, hurdles, and plans, fostering a sense of community and collective problem-solving.

Each session will include a 20-minute tutorial or discussion focusing on a specific topic relevant to research and academic development. These mini-sessions are designed to provide practical insights and tips on crucial aspects of research and academic career progression. They will cover a range of themes from technical skills to career development.

Topics include:

  1. Masterclass on writing Literature Reviews: literature search, critical analysis, structure
  2. Presentation Skills for Researchers: crafting and delivering impactful presentations
  3. Research Tools: from reference managers to software for data analysis and visualisation
  4. Mastering Time and Stress Management: strategies for academic success
  5. Thesis Writing Essentials: structuring, writing, and refining your thesis
  6. Publishing Your Research: the publication and peer review process
  7. Embarking on a PhD Journey: exploring the research career track and its opportunities

Applications

Applications are now open for VISNBH4500 Vision Science Honours

Late applications: please contact Dr Daisy Shu or  Science Student Services, opens in a new window

Requirements

Prior Study: 3-year full-time bachelor’s degree specialising in Vision Science. (144 units of credit (UOC))

WAM: minimum credit (65) weighted average mark (WAM)

You will need to arrange a supervisor and project before applying for Honours. You can do this by:

  • Contacting the Honours Deputy Coordinator by email or arranging a meeting in person to discuss your interests and to help you find a supervisor
  • Reviewing the SOVS Honours website for a list of supervisors and Honours research projects 

Visiting the SOVS Research Groups page and directly contacting potential supervisors

Potential VISNBH4500 Honours Projects

Potential projects are listed below. Other projects are available via direct contact with SOVS supervisors and research groups

Please contact the Honours Coordinator: Dr Daisy Shu  for help with finding a supervisor.