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UNSW

Faculty of Science

School of Chemistry

Undergraduate Study

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Why do an Honours year?

Is Honours worth the extra year? For many students the answer is certainly "YES!".

Many potential employers in industry and in the public sector would hire a good Honours graduate in preference to a student with a pass degree. The added maturity and independence gained from the extra year of study can be invaluable. As part of the honours year, you gain experience in project management and formal reporting.

If you are contemplating postgraduate study (a Ph.D. or M.Sc. degree), then an Honours degree is essential.

Your Honours project gives you "hands-on" experience in tackling your own project in collaboration with a member of staff in the School, and you get the satisfaction of completing your own unique piece of research. You will have the opportunity to develop independence and time-management skills.

Finally, the Honours year allows you to work closely with all of the staff and students in the School, and allows you to see the behind the scenes operation and human side of a large professional organisation.

Why should I do Honours in Chemistry at the University of New South Wales?

Staff of the School of Chemistry carry out leading edge research across all areas of contemporary chemistry. Our research includes structural chemistry, advanced materials research, catalysis, interfacial chemistry, and biological applications, encompassing many aspects of synthesis and analysis. For further information visit our research pages or download the School of Chemistry Research Book (PDF format, 2 MB) to see specific honours research projects.

Your Honours degree will not only allow you to carry out a research project in collaboration with one of the members of staff in the School, but it will also provide you with access to some of the best research facilities and instrumentation that the country has to offer. Honours at UNSW enables you to blend research and coursework in a professional yet friendly environment. As a participant in the Honours Programme you will experience the perfect rounding out of your undergraduate degree.

Students who have completed pass degree requirements at a University other than UNSW, or who have already graduated with a pass degree from UNSW or elsewhere, may be eligible to undertake an Honours year in the School of Chemistry. Please contact the Honours Coordinator for details.

Honours Programmes in the School of Chemistry

The School of Chemistry offers two Honours programmes that will be suitable for students enrolled in Science or Advanced Science, including Medical Chemistry students, and Environmental Science students whose discipline specialisation is Chemistry. The course for Advanced Science involves a broader approach in terms of the coursework component, and is called Honours in Advanced Chemistry. A second course is concurrently offered that acknowledges that the interests and backgrounds of many Science-based students go beyond chemistry and is called Chemical Sciences 4 (Honours). While they differ slightly in content, both courses are of equal standing. Admission to either course is open to all students with a major in chemistry, although Advanced Science students with a major in Chemistry are expected to enrol in Honours in Advanced Chemistry. In both courses, assessment is predominantly based on your record during the Honours year. In this way, all students have the opportunity to demonstrate skills in both research and course work.

The Honours Handbook

All aspects of the honours year (for all undergraduate programs) are detailed in the School of Chemistry 2008 Honours Booklet (PDF format, 0.5 MB). This booklet contains details of admission requirements and procedures, coursework, seminar and thesis requirements, and commencement dates.