Overview
With an emphasis on project work, this course provides study at a fourth-year level which builds on the knowledge and skills developed at degree level.
It prepares you for postgraduate research by developing skills in:
- working independently
- critical analysis of information
- problem-solving
- devising, designing and conducting experimental work
- written and oral communication.
This course comprises a research project including two oral presentations, a literature review and the project thesis.
Learning advice
VU’s Learning Hubs are welcoming spaces where you can improve your study and employability skills.
Our students can attend Learning Hubs at one of five VU campuses.
We offer maths, writing, careers and English-language advice and can show you effective ways to study and manage your time.
Our programs include:
- workshops
- drop-in sessions
- peer mentoring
- maths and writing resources
- resume and career guidance.
We also have accessibility support services and counselling services available to all students.
Study overseas while earning course credits
At VU you can spend part of your degree studying overseas all while gaining credits towards your course.
Immerse yourself in a new culture and learn from a new perspective, while building experiences that will help you to stand out in the competitive job market.
Careers
This course equips you for a career in:
- medical research
- further studies to PhD
- research assistant.
Course structure
The Honours course is a one year (full-time) commitment. Students enrol and complete RBM4003 (48cp) and RBM4002 (48cp) , receiving a single, final mark and grade at the completion of the course. Students will receive a GPA grade after completion of both Science Honours 1 and Science Honours 2 with the grade allocated to the unit Science Honours 2. Science Honours 1 will be weighted 35% and Science Honours 2 will be weighted 65% of the GPA grade for the Science Honours course. This weighting reflects the whole of year nature of the Honours degree and allows development of higher level written, oral and analysis skills, using feedback from assessors and their supervisor during the year, thus placing the bulk of the marks associated with the final thesis when all AQF level 8 skills have been obtained. This is also necessary for application and entry to many doctoral programs which require the thesis to form more than 50% of the grade.
Course structure and units
Year 1, Semester 1
-
- Unit code
- RBM4003
- Credits
- 48
Year 1, Semester 2
-
- Unit code
- RBM4002
- Credits
- 48
Learning outcomes
On successful completion of this course, students will be able to:
| 1. | Devise a novel research project and postulate testable hypotheses; | ||
| 2. | Interrogate and critically review relevant research papers; | ||
| 3. | Design experiments to generate novel data and conduct qualitative and/or quantitative analysis and data interpretation to deduce conclusions; | ||
| 4. | Plan, implement and articulate an independent and critical investigation of a science research topic; and | ||
| 5. | Contextualise research findings and argue and defend research process and outcomes to a professional audience using advanced oral communication skills. |
What's a unit?
A unit or 'subject' is the actual class you'll attend in the process of completing a course.
Most courses have a mixture of compulsory 'core' units that you need to take and optional elective units that you can choose to take based on your area of interest, expertise or experience.
Credits
Each unit is worth a set amount of study credits based on the amount of time you study. Generally, 1 credit is equal to 1 hour of study per week.
Fees & scholarships
Fee type definitions
The amount you pay for your course depends on whether you’re offered a Commonwealth supported place (CSP) or a full fee-paying place.
Students who enrol in a:
- Commonwealth supported place pay tuition fees that are partly subsidised by the Australian government
- full fee-paying place need to pay the full amount for all enrolled units before census each study period.
In addition to your tuition fees, you may also be charged a Student Services & Amenities Fee (SSAF).
Scholarships & assistance
Apply for a scholarship to help with your study costs.
We can help with fee assistance and advice.
Admissions
Victoria University is committed to providing a transparent admissions process. Find out more about how to apply for our courses, and our commitment to admissions transparency.
Applicants for this course will need to have met the academic requirements and prerequisites for this course outlined below.
Meeting the minimum admission criteria does not guarantee entry into this course. Past academic performance may be considered.
Admission criteria
The minimum criteria for admission varies depending on your education background. If you’re not sure which criteria applies to you, use the help tool on this page or make an enquiry and we can assist.
Applicants with recent secondary education (within the last 2 years)
- Australian Senior Secondary Certificate (e.g. VCE) or
- an Australian or overseas equivalent or
- an International Baccalaureate (IB).
Importance of ATAR for this course
We consider both ATAR and other criteria
ATAR is not a consideration. We use other criteria
Admission criteria
Find out if you meet the admission criteria for a bachelor degree at VU.
Why is ATAR not applicable?
You will not need an ATAR score to meet the admission requirements for this course. Only the successful completion of your secondary school studies, and any additional prerequisites. Our courses and support programs are designed to prepare students from diverse cultures for success, regardless of their prior experience, ATAR, age, socioeconomic or educational background.
Applicants with vocational education and training (VET/TAFE) study
This information is for people who have completed an accredited award at an Australian Registered Training Organisation.
Admission criteria
Find out if you meet the admission criteria for a bachelor degree at VU.
Applicants with higher education study
This information is for people whose highest level of study since leaving secondary education is a higher education course.
Admission criteria
To qualify for entry to the honours program, applicants must hold a degree or equivalent with major studies in a relevant discipline. An applicant is required to have a Credit (C) average (usually >65) in their final year of undergraduate degree study. An applicant will usually have attained a Distinction (D) or High Distinction (HD) in units of study related to the intended discipline of Honours study. Entry into the Honours course will normally occur not more than two years after the completion of the first degree.
Applicants with work & life experience
This information is for applicants who left secondary school more than two years ago and who have not undertaken VET or higher education study since then.
Admission criteria
Find out if you meet the admission criteria for a bachelor degree at VU.
Pathways & credits
There are many ways you can start your education journey at VU. Pathways offer an easy transition between courses at different levels, so that you can start with a certificate and progress right through to postgraduate study.
Pathways from VU courses
Find out more about pathways and credits.
Credit for skills and past study
Use our credit calculator to find out how much credit you could get towards your course, based on your previous study.
If you have completed study with another university or institution and believe you are eligible to receive credit for skills and past study, you can apply for advanced standing.
Applications for advanced standing can be made after a discussion with your course chair or academic adviser.
How to apply
Applications for this course are not being taken at this time.
Browse our other Biomedicine courses or send us an enquiry to be notified of updates relating to this course.
Enquire now
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Get help
- Visit a student service centre
- 1300 VIC UNI (1300 842 864)
- Visit the glossary
At Victoria University, we aim to display accurate and complete course information online. However, we are unable to guarantee that every course change is currently displayed. You may contact the University directly on +61 3 9919 6100 to confirm the most up-to-date course fees, pathways and credit transfer, recognition of prior learning, admission and enrolment procedures, examinations and services available to our students.
