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

What is it?

The Earth Sciences stream of the Bachelor of Science (Honours) program is administered by the Honours Co-ordinator A/Prof Kevin Walsh, with the majority of guidance provided by a supervisor.

A Honours student is associated with the research group of their supervisor and are given most staff privileges such as; keys for after hours access, office, laboratory space and so on.

All facilities for research will be provided through the supervisor's research group, including field work, laboratory expenses, such as chemicals, access to computers and use of the analytical facilities.

What does it involve?

Advanced coursework

Students are assessed on 20 days worth of Victorian Institute of Earth and Planetary Sciences (VIEPS) 400 level courses. Additional course selections are available from the Minerals Tertiary Education Council Minerals Geoscience Honours Program (MTEC) Honours Program.

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 complete 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 research seminars during the Honours year.

What are the benefits?

The benefits include:

• 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; and
• Graduates in the Earth Sciences are considered by industry to be more employable if they have undertaken an Honours year.

How do I find a supervisor and project?

The best process to find a supervisor and project:

• Think about what subjects you found interesting in second and third year;
• Look at the range of research areas in our website;
• 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; and
• Talk with current Honours students about their experiences.

When does it start?

Honours will start in late January 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.

How do I apply for Honours?

Honours applications are made online.

Visit the Science Student Centre website for more information.

Both the student and supervisor will also need to fill out an Honours Supervisor Selection form.

DownloadHonours Supervisor Selection : 100KB

Submit both applications by the 9th of November. The Supervisor form is to be submitted to the Earth Sciences Office.

Early applicants are more likely to receive the supervisor of their choice. However, the deadline for online application is November 16th; if a student really needs more time, Supervisor Forms may be accepted until this date. Some applications may be accepted after this date, but late applications may not be processed by the honours start date.

Note: International applicants should apply by November 16 to Graduate coursework international.

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

Contact

A/Prof Kevin Walsh is the Honours Coordinator and can be contacted via email, phone: +61 3 8344 6523 or in person visiting office 346 in the McCoy Building.

Otherwise contact Karina Patrick:
Phone (+61 3 8344 7675)
Fax (+61 3 8344 7761)