The University of Melbourne
The University of Melbourne  
 

Honours in Earth Sciences

What is it?

When does it start?

What does it involve?

How do I apply for Honours?

What are the benefits?

Deadlines for applications

What projects are available?

What if I have other questions?

How do I find a supervisor and project?

What is it?

Honours in Earth Sciences is a one year program designed to introduce undergraduate students to the techniques and principles of original research in the earth sciences.

The Earth Sciences Honours program is administered by the Honours Co-ordinator on behalf of the Head of Department, but much of the specific guidance will be provided by your supervisor. You will be affiliated with the research group of your supervisor, and afforded most of the privileges of the staff and postgraduate students of this School, such as keys for after hours access, office and laboratory space, membership of the tea club, etc).

All facilities for your research will be provided through your supervisor's research group (field work, laboratory expenses, eg: chemicals, access to computers, use of the analytical facilities, etc).

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What does it involve?

Advanced Coursework

  • You will be assessed on 20 days worth of VIEPS 400 level courses which are described in the VIEPS Handbook.

Literature Review & Plan

  • This component consists of a critical review of the relevant literature for your research project. The review includes a discussion of how your project relates to previously published research and a plan detailing how you will tackle the project.

Research Report

  • You will conduct an original research project and report your findings as a thesis and give a 15 minute oral presentation of your results to the School. You will be required to attend weekly school seminars during the Honours year.

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What are the benefits?

  • Skills in original research in the earth sciences (scientific and technical)

  • A developed capacity for critical thinking and evaluation of information

  • Knowledge across a wide area of the earth sciences

  • Enhanced communication skills through written and oral presentations

  • Graduates in the earth sciences are considered by industry to be more employable if they have undertaken an Honours year.

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What projects are available?

Honours projects are available in the following areas:

  • Antarctic Geoscience

  • Meteorology, Climatology & Oceanography

  • Geomicrobiology and Environmental Aqueous Systems

  • Hydrogeology

  • Regolith Mapping

  • Palaeontology & Palaeoecology

  • Structure, Tectonics & Metamorphism

  • Sedimentology & Stratigraphy

  • Exploration Geophysics

  • Geochemistry and Petrology

  • Geomorphology & Remote Sensing

  • Organic Geochemistry

  • Economic Geology

More information about the research undertaken at the School can be found here.

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How do I find a supervisor and project?

  • Think about what subjects you found interesting in second and third year.

  • Look at the range of possible topics on our web site as well as the project outlines posted on the Honours noticeboard.

  • Approach the relevant staff members to discuss interests and potential projects.

  • All academic and research staff in the School of Earth Sciences may supervise Honours projects.

  • Talk with current Honours students about their experiences.

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When does it start?

In 2008, honours will start Wed. January 30 and finish at the end of October. Mid year commencement in Honours is not common in the School of Earth Sciences but may be possible with the agreement of a supervisor and the Honours Co-ordinator.

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How do I apply for Honours?

  • Get an application form from the School Office or download a copy from here: in PDF format or Word format
  • Fill in your details and take it to your chosen supervisor to be completed. You and your supervisor will also need to fill out an Honours Supervisor Selection form. Copies of this form can be obtained from the Earth Sciences Office, or here.

  • Submit both forms to the School Office by the due date.

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Deadlines for applications

The internal departmental deadline for honours applications is November 9th. We would greatly prefer that we receive applications by then. In addition, early applicants are more likely to receive the supervisor of their choice. Nevertheless, the Faculty deadline is late in November; if you really need more time, applications may be accepted until this date.

Applications are also accepted for mid-year entry. Contact your intended supervisor to discuss this option.

 

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What if I have other questions?

Email the Honours Coordinator (kevin.walsh@unimelb.edu.au)

Phone the Honours Coordinator (8344 6523)

Drop in to the Honours Coordinator's office (Room 346 in the McCoy Building)

If none of the above are convenient, contact Karina Patrick:

Phone (+61 3 8344 7675)
Fax (+61 3 8344 7761)
Email (k.patrick@unimelb.edu.au)

 

 

School of Earth Sciences : University of Melbourne : Victoria 3010 : AUSTRALIA : Ph: +61 (0)3 8344 7675 : Fax: +61 (0)3 8344 7761
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