Planning your BAdvSci(Hons)

Now you’ve decided to do a Bachelor of Advanced Science (Honours), it’s time to plan it.

You may need guidance on:

  • Programme structure
  • Subjects
  • Fees and scholarships
  • Entry requirements
  • Key dates

Check out our dedicated web page to learn more about this four-year programme.  

Workload

Life at university can be a juggling act between study, work, social activities and family life. If you know what commitment is required for full or part-time study, you can have a strategy to fit everything into your schedule.

Enrolment

BAdvSci(Hons) enrolment

The normal and recommended full-time enrolment in your first year of study as a Bachelor of Advanced Science (Honours) student is eight courses per year (120 points). As a BAdvSci(Hons) student, it is not usually necessary to take a heavier workload.

Conjoint enrolment

If you are taking a conjoint degree you will need to take nine courses (135 points) each year to complete in the minimum time. Typically students will enrol in four courses in Semester One of their first year, and five in Semester Two. Taking courses in Summer School to spread the workload is a good idea.

Full-time vs part-time

To be a full-time student, a minimum of 100 points over two semesters, 50 points in any one semester, or 25 points at Summer School must be taken. Fewer points than this will classify you as a part-time student.
Being a part-time student will have implications on your student loan if you have one.

Your weekly timetable

You should expect to spend about 10 hours per week on each 15-point science course you are studying. This includes class hours and personal study time.

Lectures

Most first-year Science courses involve three to four hours worth of lectures each week.

Tutorials

Some courses include tutorials (usually one hour per week).

Laboratories

These may range from one to three hours, either weekly or fortnightly.

Field Trips

A number of subjects also involve field trips. Depending on the subject (and level) these can range from a single day to a week-long trip.

Assessments

Science courses typically have some written work or tests during the semester, including lab assignments and reports, and a two or three-hour examination at the end. All courses will require regular self-directed study (i.e. outside of the lab or lecture theatre).

Typical programme for a BAdvSci(Hons) student

In your first year:

  • You will probably enrol in eight courses: four courses in Semester One and four courses in Semester Two
  • You should include courses relating to your chosen specialisation, as well as a core course and other courses in the Science schedules.

In your second year and beyond:

  • You will enrol in a range of more advanced courses relating to your chosen specialisation, as well as additional core courses and other courses within the Science schedules to add depth to your knowledge
  • You must select up to two courses from the General Education schedules.

In your final year:

  • You will enrol in a range of postgraduate courses related to your specialisation
  • You will complete your own research project related to your specialisation, in collaboration with one of our researchers.