The Honours course principally involves a research project conducted under supervision, and includes attendance at various workshops and seminars, presentation of a research proposal, a progress report and two seminars, with the major item of assessment being a thesis. The Honours course runs either from early February to early November or from mid July to mid May. In addition to meeting the entry requirements set by the College, students must have the agreement of a member of the School's academic staff to supervise their project, and the agreement of the Head of School. Students should discuss their intention to undertake an honours project with appropriate staff and the honours coordinator at least several months before the proposed starting date. Note that several organisations award honours scholarships in September-December for the following year.

Specific learning outcomes will depend on the nature of the research project. In general, on satisfactory completion of the course students will have the knowledge and skills to:

1. plan and engage in an independent and sustained critical investigation and evaluation of a chosen research topic
2. systematically identify relevant theory and concepts, relate these to appropriate methodologies and evidence, and draw appropriate conclusions
3. engage in critical review of appropriate and relevant information sources
4. understand and apply principles of laboratory safety and relevant laboratory techniques
5. communicate concepts and results clearly and effectively both in writing and orally
6. record original data and apply statistical or other evaluation processes to original data when appropriate.

Assessment will be based on:

• Research proposal with literature review on topic of honours project (20%; LO 1-5)
• Thesis based on topic of honours project (80%; LO 1-6)
• Introductory seminar presenting background and methods (CRS, course requirement satisfied; LO 1-3, 5)
• Final seminar presenting results, interpretation and significance of project (CRS; LO 1-6)
• Complete required series of technical and OH&S courses at start of course (CRS; LO4)