Honours in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology

The advantages of an Honours degree

• With advanced laboratory-based research training that differs markedly from studies done in the first three years of the BSc or BBiomedSci courses. You will join one of the Department's research groups and work on a specific project that is part of a larger integrated scientific program.
• You will work closely with experienced and productive scientists.
• The course is designed to improve your initiative, self-confidence, problem-solving ability, communication skills, and technical expertise.
• Completion of Honours at I or IIA level is the first step towards a higher research degree such as a Masters of Biomedical Science or Doctor of Philosophy.
• Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Honours graduates are highly sought after by employers and have a significant advantage in the job market.

Choosing a host laboratory for your Honours year

• Information on potential Honours supervisors and project areas can be found in the current Honours handbook (pdf, 3MB). The key to a successful and enjoyable Honours year is to select an interesting project, a compatible supervisor, and a happy lab. You are therefore strongly encouraged to investigate the range of labs and projects on offer well before the end of second semester, and to make appointments with several potential supervisors to discuss projects. In applying for admission you will be asked to list at least your two top preferences. Wherever possible you will be given your first choice of project and supervisor, but places in particular labs may be limited. In order to aid in project placement, prospective students are requested to submit an Project Choice form to the Department, indicating your particular areas of interests (this is NOT the official Science Faculty form for applying for entry into Honours).
• You can learn more about the Department, labs and supervisors by attending the Honours poster and information session in the second semester. These are good opportunities to ask present and past Honours students about their experiences.
• The Department also offers vacation scholarships, which allow 2nd and 3rd year students interested in a research career to experience life in a working lab.

The Honours course comprises

• Advanced lectures in the biological sciences including cell and molecular biology.
• An individual research project.
• Attendance at research group, Departmental and Faculty seminars.
• Training in oral communication and data analysis.
• Training in the use of advanced equipment.

Assessment is based on

• A literature review relating to aspects of the course.
• Exercises on the interpretation of experimental data.
• An oral presentation of an analysis of a recently published paper.
• A written report and an oral presentation on the experimental work done during the year on your research project.
• Evaluation by your supervisor of your research potential based on your skill in laboratory procedures, comprehension of and contribution to the project, and motivation towards advanced studies.

Prize in Biochemistry & Molecular Biology Honours

Entry into the Honours course

• A medal and prize is awarded to the top Honours student. From 2001 this will be named in honour of Professor Stuart Stone.

• Monash students currently undertaking third year BSc (Faculty of Science) or third year BBiomedSci (Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences) are encouraged to apply through the relevant Faculty office. Applications from appropriately-qualified students from other institutions are also welcomed. Eligibility and entry requirements depend upon your undergraduate degree.
• Prospective students intending to submit Applications for entry into the Honours course are also asked to submit Project Choice Application Form forms indicating particular areas of research in which they would be interested un undertaking their honous projects (this is not an application for Honours form).
• Applications for entry into the Honours course are usually made in October, and places are confirmed by the relevant Faculty in December. Enrollment forms may be obtained from the Faculty of Science or from the following link (Honours Enrollment Forms)
• In December you will be mailed an invitation to meet the course Convenor and discuss projects with potential supervisors. However, you are strongly encouraged to visit the Department earlier to discuss the course or specific projects, and to attend the poster information sessions in second semester (Honours poster and information session ). These will also be advertised in lectures and practical classes.

Mid-year entry is possible, and requests for special consideration in exceptional circumstances can also be made.