Bachelor of Science (Honours)

What are the objectives of our course?

• To give a broad exposure to approaches taken and methods used in biomedical research.
• To understand how basic science disciplines (such as physiology, anatomy, genetics, biochemistry, epidemiology) merge in biomedical research.
• To acquire skills in a specific area of biomedical research.
• To develop skills in critical analysis of experimental data, published works and oral presentations.
• To develop skills in communication of scientific ideas and results by the written word and by oral presentation.

Why do Honours in our Department?

1. You will join a successful and productive Department of Medicine. Our peer-reviewed research, funding and publication record are second to none.
2. You will gain excellent training in a wide variety of research skills. We are staffed by 35 senior staff members and 26 post-doctoral scientists. There are also 60 PhD students and a large number of research assistants.
3. We offer a different perspective to single discipline Departments. Our research groups span the full spectrum of biomedical research—from molecular biology to clinical epidemiological research. Although the student will be studying a specific area, s/he has the unique opportunity to learn where the research fits into the 'big picture'.
4. Your future prospects are bright. Research and postgraduate training in our Department is highly regarded by research institutions in Australia and overseas and by industry. There are also excellent opportunities to pursue postgraduate studies within our Department.
5. You will be working in a happy, friendly and productive environment where self-motivation is seldom a problem. Our Honours students actually enjoy the year—just ask them!

What is the structure of our course?

The course is undertaken full-time. There are three parts:

1. Advanced coursework comprising 32 hours of seminars (March to May).
2. Attendance at Department research seminars and active participation in individual research group 'Data Club' meetings.
3. Research project performed under the supervision of senior staff and scientists in one of many research laboratories centred at:

• Department of Medicine, Royal Melbourne Hospital
• The Cooperative Research Centre for Chronic Inflammatory Diseases (CRC–CID) incorporating projects offered in the Department of Pharmacology, University of Melbourne
• Department of Medicine, Western Hospital
• Rotary Bone Marrow Research Laboratories, Royal Melbourne Hospital
• Department of Colorectal Medicine and Genetics, Royal Melbourne Hospital
• CSIRO Molecular and Health Technologies
• National Ageing Research Institute, North West Hospital

Assessment comprises:
1. Written (short answer) 3-hour examination based upon the advanced coursework in June (25% of marks).
2. Thesis and oral presentation of the research project (75% of marks).

How to contact the Department

For information on the Honours year in general, please contact Associate Professor Gary Anderson on Tel: +61 3 8344 8602 or Email: gpa@unimelb.edu.au or the Honours Administrative Co-ordinator Ms Jennifer Kendall, Email: jkendall@unimelb.edu.au Application forms and updates on the Application and Selection process are also available at the Department of Medicine (RMH/WH).