BH101 - Bachelor of Science (Dean's Scholar)(Honours)

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Plan: BH101 - Bachelor of Science (Dean's Scholar)(Honours)
Campus: City Campus

Overview

Program details
Purpose of the Program
Articulation and pathways
Entrance requirements
External accreditation and industry links
Student expenses and charges in addition to fees
Library, IT and specialist resources

Program details

Award title: Bachelor of Science (Dean's Scholar)(Honours)
Award abbreviation: Bsc(Dean's Scholar)(Hons)
Total credit points: 384
Career: UGRD
Duration: Eight semesters full time
Location: City Campus
Owning school: Science (171H)
Owning school URL: www.rmit.edu.au/about/schools-colleges/science
ASCED code: 010000
CRICOS code: 079790A

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Purpose of the Program

The Bachelor of Science (Dean's Scholar) (Honours) is a research-oriented, four-year undergraduate program in science which includes an integrated Honours year. After graduating from this program, you will be qualified to apply your advanced knowledge and research capability in your chosen discipline to professional work or further learning. This program is a preferred pathway into higher degrees by research such as a PhD program.

This program prepares you for a career or further learning in one of the following major specialisations:

  • Biology
  • Biotechnology
  • Chemistry
  • Physics

These four major specialisations can be individualised to an extent by taking other science courses offered by the School of Science. This allows you a degree of flexibility to combine a major field of study with a variety of other science courses to help achieve your vocational and academic goals.

The first year provides a transformative learning experience, in which you will learn and explore core science concepts across physical, life, data and mathematical science disciplines and develop and strengthen key scientific and transferable skills that will underpin your future studies and career. This breadth of experience will enhance your employability and also enable you to make an informed decision in the manner on which you wish to individualise your course of study.

The Biology major prepares you for a career as a biologist in industry, consulting, academia or teaching. You will study biological diversity of plants, animals and microbes based on your understanding of the chemical and physical basis of how cells function. You will see how these biological entities come together in various environments to form ecosystems, and understand how these environments can be disrupted. You will be given the opportunity to apply your learning through various laboratory practicals and field trips, culminating in a capstone Honours Project.

The Biotechnology major prepares you for a career in the burgeoning field of biotechnology, equipped with skills in genetic engineering, industrial microbiology, bioinformatics, and regulatory, ethical and legal issues in biotechnology. You will learn a combination of fundamental and advanced knowledge and extensive 'hands-on' techniques taught in laboratory practicals. Graduates from this major can find employment in scientific and research organisations, private industry (manufacturing and consulting) and the teaching profession.

The Chemistry major prepares you for a career as a scientist in the field of chemistry in industry, academia or in teaching. You will study the molecular basis of chemical reactions with the opportunity to put these studies into practice in practical laboratory sessions. The basic concepts associated with inorganic, organic and physical chemistry are applied in analysis, synthesis and detection of chemical substances.

This Physics major prepares for a career as a scientist in the field of physics. You will specialise in materials, thermal, optics, radiation, electromagnetism and quantum physics and IT courses. Knowledge is always complemented with practical experiences in laboratory and modelling courses.

The capstone experience for this program is in the four Science Project courses (ONPS2186, ONPS2452, ONPS2454 and ONPS2456) where you will be able to use the knowledge and skills acquired in your degree to develop and implement your own research project.

Please note: if you choose the Biology specialisation you will be based on the Bundoora West campus for Year 4 of the program; if you choose the Biotechnology specialisation you will be based on the City and Bundoora West campus for Year 3 and on the Bundoora West campus for Year 4 of the program.

This program requires on campus attendance and includes various on-line components. While most courses in the program are delivered on campus, some are delivered online.

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Articulation and pathways

Articulation agreements between RMIT programs enable students graduating from an RMIT qualification to achieve advanced standing in a higher level qualification. The statements below provide you with information about articulation agreements with this program.

If you have completed the first year of the BSc(AppSc) undergraduate program or an equivalent program with a GPA of at least 3.5, you will be eligible to apply for transfer into the second year of the the BSc(Dean's Scholar)(Hons) program.

This program is a preferred pathway into higher degree by research programs such as PhD and Masters by research programs. Up to 96 cp may be credited towards an appropriate two-year Masters by coursework program on completion of the BSc(Dean's Scholar)(Hons) program.

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Entrance requirements

Very Important: This program is being phased out.

BH101 - Bachelor of Science (Dean's Scholar) (Honours) has been discontinued and will no longer accept new students after Semester 2 2022. The program will be taught out to current students until semester 2, 2027.

This program is intended for capable and highly motivated students who want research training through hands on participation in research projects throughout the program.  The number of places in the program is limited so entry is competitive.

Program entry requirements

Successful completion of an Australian Year 12 senior secondary certificate of education or equivalent.

For information on international qualifications and corresponding entry requirements that are equivalent to Australian academic entry requirements, see the Country equivalents web page

Prerequisites

Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE) prerequisite units 3 and 4— a study score of at least 25 in mathematical methods (CAS) or specialist mathematics and a study score of at least 30 in English (EAL) or at least 25 in any other English.

English language

For international students, a minimum IELTS (Academic module) overall score of 6.5, with no band below 6.0; or equivalent.  
For equivalents to English entry requirements, see the English equivalents web page

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External accreditation and industry links

Whilst this program is not accredited by any professional organisation, the following organisations may recognise graduates who have successfully completed the recommended courses in a major specialisation:

You have the opportunity to access a wide range of industrial contacts through the extensive research programs within the School of Science, many of which are undertaken in collaboration with external organizations.

This program has an Industry Advisory Committee (IAC) comprised of external members drawn from a diverse external industry base and institutions. These provide opportunities for networking and are a useful link in ensuring that the teaching material and student capabilities remain close to the needs to future employers. In addition, each academic area has a number of industry contacts, relationships and adjunct professors who can help you in your study as well as offer advice on professional careers. These contacts are made initially through your university lecturers and program manager.

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Student expenses and charges in addition to fees

Once you are enrolled as a student in this program you will need to allow for expenses other than university tuition fees.  Additional expenses may relate to the purchase of lecture notes, textbooks, stationery, consumables such as printer paper, fees levied by commercial internet service providers for internet access outside of the university campus, and other relevant costs.

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Library, IT and specialist resources

Library resources and services

RMIT Library provides extensive resources, services and study space. All RMIT students have access to scholarly resources including course related material, books, e-books, journals and databases. Computers and group study rooms are available at each Library. One-on-one study support is available for assistance with assignment preparation, academic writing, referencing, maths and study skills. To contact Library staff for help, phone, email or chat via the Ask the Library service.

For recommended texts and databases relevant to Applied Science refer to: https://rmit.libguides.com/science

Find more information on Library resources and services at: http://www.rmit.edu.au/library

Online learning tools and content

As a student in this program you may access online learning tools and content for your program and associated courses from the student portal, myRMIT.

Learning services available to you as a student at RMIT

RMIT provides a wide range of resources and opportunities to assist your learning and wellbeing so you can achieve your study and career goals.

Services are available face to face and online assisting with:

  • transition to tertiary study and learning
  • study skills, academic skills including literacy, mathematics and basic sciences if relevant
  • enabling assistance if you have a disability, long term medical condition or other form of disadvantage which may impact on your learning
  • career development and employment
  • living and wellbeing (including advice on health, housing and financial matters)
  • opportunities for scholarships, leadership and study abroad
  • opportunities for participating in arts, sport, recreation, fitness activities as well as student activism and university governance

We also offer a friendly and supportive environment for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students. You can find more information at: www.rmit.edu.au/students

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