The BABS BSc (Hons) Degree provides an opportunity for students to experience the thrill of scientific research first-hand. Honours students become part of a research team within one of the research labs in the School, and complete a supervised research project and thesis during the year-long program. Students normally complete an Honours project in the research area of their major, but there is some flexibility depending on student interest and supervisor availability.
Honours programs
BABS offers Honours programs in the following areas:
- microbiology and microbiomes
- genomics and bioinformatics
- molecular and cell biology.
Benefits of an Honours degree
The Honours degree is an important first step for students who intend to enrol in a graduate degree program. However, this is not the only reason for completing Honours. Evidence gathered over recent years shows that Honours graduates have acquired much greater competencies and confidence in the practice of scientific methods than students at the end of the third year.
Recognised industry skills
These attributes are well recognised by employers, greatly increasing the possibilities of gainful employment in industry, agriculture, hospitals or research organisations.
To achieve these outcomes, BABS honours students will be exposed to:
- extensive use of information technology
- extensive training in oral and written presentation skills
- extensive use of online database manipulation and data analysis
- exposure to industrial research collaborations and commercialisation of science, nationally and internationally
- development of critical thinking skills.
Honours Indigenous Scholarship
The School of BABS is committed to improving Indigenous education opportunities and recognises that there may be impediments – financial or otherwise – that restricts Indigenous students from pursuing research avenues in science. As part of this commitment the school will offer a scholarship of $5,000 to successful applicants who identify as Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander. For more details, see here.
Study at your pace
Another benefit of the honours year is that it provides a different type of learning experience. The pace is largely determined by the individual student, who is not burdened by the pressures of undergraduate coursework and exams.
Further, it is not just an additional year of study, but also a time for the student to enjoy unhurried, rational decision making about their scientific future. While successful completion of an honours research project and thesis requires a large commitment, the student's dedication is rewarded with a high level of enjoyment and personal satisfaction.
DataCamp Support
BABS honours students in 2021 are being supported by DataCamp for the Classroom. DataCamp supports education around the world by providing free access to over 350 courses in R, Python, Shell, data visualisation, machine learning and more. DataCamp’s learn-by-doing methodology combines short expert videos and hands-on-the-keyboard exercises to help learners retain knowledge.
How to apply
Prospective honours students should consult our Honours Information Booklet for full information about eligibility and how to apply. Also check out Honours application FAQs.
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Students are invited to express interest in enrolling in the BABS Honours program by submitting the appropriate form/s. For all students, acceptance is contingent upon satisfying UNSW admission and academic requirements, and required resources being available within the School of BABS.
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Carefully review all the information in the current BABS Honours Booklet and decide which supervisors you wish to contact for further discussion.
It is essential to spend time with prospective supervisors and discuss the details of potential projects before submitting your preferences.
Email is the preferred communication method. When contacting prospective supervisors, please ensure that you:
(a) identify which research project you are interested in, and why
(b) indicate which semester you wish to commence your Honours year (Term 1, 2 or 3)
(c) advise your availability times for a face-to-face interview
(d) attach a copy of your CV and academic transcript.
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e.g. Bachelor of Biotechnology (Honours), Advanced Science (Honours)
Complete the Category B ‘Intention to Undertake Honours’ form available on the Science Student Centre website.
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Applying for 4500 Honours
Complete the Category A ‘Intention to Undertake Honours’ form available on the Science Student Centre website.
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International students need to follow the steps on the UNSW International Office ‘How to Apply’ page (State that you are applying for Honours only).
Please contact Honours program administrator Julna Zhao for any queries.
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The School of BABS is committed to improving Indigenous education opportunities and recognises that there may be impediments – financial or otherwise – that restricts Indigenous students from pursuing research avenues in science. As part of the university’s overall strategy, the School is dedicated to increasing the number of Indigenous students participating in higher education.
