Honours Information

Honours Timetable 2008

What is Honours?

Honours in Botany is a one-year program designed to introduce undergraduate students to the techniques and principles of original research in plant science.
The Botany Honours programme is administered by the Honours Committee on behalf of the Head of School, but much of the specific guidance will be provided by your Supervisor. You will be affiliated with the research group of your supervisor, and afforded most of the privileges of Botany staff and postgraduate students (Keys for after hours access, office and laboratory space, join tea club).
All facilities for your research will be provided through, and funded by, your supervisors research group (field work, laboratory expenses e.g., chemicals, photography, access to computing, electron microscopy etc).

Admission requirements
In addition to satisfying the Faculty of Science entry requirements , students interested in entering the botany honours program need to complete 50 or more points of 300-level botany, or equivalent in a related field (eg. plant biochemistry, plant genetics or environmental sciences). The Head of Department may waive the prerequisites or stipulate additional requirements.

Scholarships for Honours Students
Scholarships and prizes are available from the department or the faculty.

What does it involve?

• Advanced coursework
  • Several essays or assignments based on advanced lecture series; seminars, an Experimental Sampling and Analysis course; and a detailed literature review in your area of research.
• Research Conduct and original research project.
  • Report your findings as a thesis, a seminar to the School of Botany, and an interview with the Honours Committee.
  In order to be awarded an Honours qualification, students enrolled in the BSc (Honours) must pass all components and obtain a overall average mark of at least 65% for both the Advanced Coursework and the Research Project subject.
  

What is the benefit?

• A fourth year is a great advantage in seeking employment.
• Skills in original research in plant science (scientific and technical)
• Develop capacity for critical thinking and evaluation of information
• Instil knowledge across wide areas of plant sciences
• Enhance communication skills (writing and oral presentations

What do we offer?

Projects
Download or view the 1.7MB PDF document
honours-booklet.pdf

How do I find a supervisor and project?

Think about what subjects you found interesting in 2nd and 3rd year subjects
Look at the range of possible topics at our research pages as well as the project outlines posted on the Honours noticeboard or download honours booklet PDF file.
Approach the relevant Botany staff members to discuss interests and potential projects. It's a good idea to bring the transcripts of your results so far to show the supervisors. All academic and research staff in the School of Botany supervise honours projects. There is also potential for joint supervision with some external institutions such as the Royal Botanic Gardens or other Departments such as Geography, Zoology and Chemistry.

When does it start?

Semester 1 2008 Entry - February 4th 2008 (finish Nov 2008) Honours Timetable 2008

How do I apply for Honours?
Get an application form from Ms Sylvia Hossain (Botany Office, 8344 5067) or Assoc. Prof Rick Wetherbee (Rm 104, Botany, 83445057).
Take it to your chosen supervisor to be filled in
Take it to the Botany Honours Coordinator (Assoc Prof Rick Wetherbee)
If you are interested in Semester 2 entry , try to start organising it as early as possible to ensure there will be a supervisor and project available

Deadlines for applications
Please get your application forms (available from Faculty, Sylvia Hossain in Botany Office or Assoc. Prof Rick Wetherbee completed by:
mid June 2008 (for Semester 2, 2008 commencement)
end November 2008 (for Semester 1, 2009 commencement)

What if I have any other questions?

• e-mail me, Rick Wetherbee, Honours Coordinator.<richardw@unimelb.edu.au>
• phone me (8344 5057)
• drop in to my office (Room 104 in the Botany School) and talk to me non-virtually.
• talk to 2007/2008 honours students
• talk to other members of the Honours Committee: