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.
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.
Entry requirements
Completion of a Science related Australian Bachelor degree (or equivalent) with an average grade of Credit (or equivalent) in the final year or across the degree.
PLUS
Demonstrate English competency sufficient for study at Honours level by providing evidence of one or more of the following:
• completion of one or more degrees with English as the language of instruction and assessment, undertaken in a predominantly English-speaking context (within the last two years)
• IELTS (or equivalent) overall score of 6.5 (with no band less than 6.0 in Listening, Reading, Writing and Speaking)
• a score of not less than 92 with no section score less than 22 in the internet-based Teaching of English Foreign Language (TOEFL) test, or English proficiency equivalent
• other documented proof of English proficiency equivalent to the above.
Find out if you meet the entry requirements, including English language and academic requirements.
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
We are currently accepting international applications, and we welcome you to apply for this course.
Click 'apply' to begin, and we will guide you through the application process.
If you have questions, please get in touch:
- Phone: +61 3 9919 1164
- Online: enquiry form
Information and fees listed above are for non-resident students. Fees are accurate at the time of viewing and will be subject to annual increases. Some courses require students to purchase equipment or clothing that they will need in the course. These equipment or clothing costs are not included in the course fees listed above – check your Letter of Offer for an estimate on non-tuition-fee-related expenses.
VU takes care to ensure the accuracy of this course information, but reserves the right to change or withdraw courses offered at any time. Please check that course information is current with the Student Contact Centre.
