Honours in the School of Geosciences

2010 Honours Program applications are now open.

Introduction

Suitably qualified students may take Honours in either Geography or Geology & Geophysics within the School of Geosciences. They are required to undertake a research project under the direction of a supervisor (and sometimes a co-supervisor), submit a thesis embodying the results of the investigation and undertake such coursework as may be presented.
Please visit the University's Honours information site for more information about the Honours year, including how to apply, various scholarships that are on offer and other useful material.

Requirements for Honours

Entry into the Honours program generally requires completion of a Credit average in Senior Units of Study in either the Geography or Geology & Geophysics majors, and a Weighted Average Mark (WAM) of at least 65. (However, the Honours Coordinator may accept Honours entry on other grounds, in special circumstances). In some years when the number of applicants exceeds resources (availability of supervisors, laboratory space, etc.) offers will be made according to academic merit. Students are notified in January of their formal acceptance into the Honours program.

Honours students are required to undertake coursework, to participate in seminars through the year as arranged, and submit a thesis of approximately 20,000 words. The thesis requires an investigation of an original problem, as appropriate in the field, the laboratory, libraries and, in some instances, in conjunction with researchers elsewhere in the university or in government departments, private companies or non-government organisations. Additional information regarding the Honours program and its requirements are sent to students prior to commencing the program.

For students undertaking Honours in Geology and Geophysics, coursework can include Units of Study offered through the Sydney Universities Consortium of Geology and Geophysics (SUCOGG). For information on these courses, click here.

Choice of an Honours Thesis Topic

Students should discuss their proposed research topic with a supervisor prior to commencing the Honours program. Students can either develop their own topic, in conjunction with their supervisor, or seek to be incorporated within an existing research project that their supervisor is undertaking. For a list of existing project opportunities available in 2010, click here.

More Information

The Geosciences Honours Handbook for 2010 is available for download, here.

If you have any queries, please contact:

Honours Coordinator
A/Prof Bill Pritchard
Room 450, Madsen Building (F09)
Ph: +61 2 9351 3309
Fax: +61 2 9351 0184
Email:

Deputy Coordinator
Dr Peter Cowell
Room 417, Madsen Building (F09)
Ph: +61 2 9351 2189
Fax: +61 2 9351 3644
Email: