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Honours
in Earth Sciences
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 Website. Additional course selections are available from the 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 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
- 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.
- 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 2012, 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.
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How do I apply for Honours?
- For 2012, honours applications will be made online. Further information and applications can be made from here (select the "honours" tab of this page).
- For the School of Earth Sciences, 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 applications
by the due date (see below). The Supervisor form is submitted to the Earth Sciences Office.
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Deadlines for applications
The departmental
deadline for submission of Honours Supervisor Selection forms is November 9th. We would prefer that we receive these forms by then, and early
applicants are more likely to receive the supervisor of their choice.
Nevertheless, the Faculty deadline for online application is November 18; if you really
need 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 that International Applicants should apply by Nov. 18 to International Admissions.
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)
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