Bachelor of Advanced Science (Honours)

Queensland's #1 university for AI research. (ShanghaiRanking's Global Ranking of Academic Subjects 2025) Kickstart your scientific research journey and open doors to impactful careers. This degree is designed for high-achieving students ready to immerse themselves in science and research from the outset. This degree offers an enhanced, research-intensive experience that allows you to develop advanced scientific skills early, while shaping a study path aligned to your interests and career goals. You'll learn through hands-on science in modern facilities and unique natural environments, supported by smaller class sizes, peer networks and approachable academics. Highlights of studying the Bachelor of Advanced Science (Honours) Develop advanced critical thinking, analytical and problem-solving skills, and learn to communicate research effectively to diverse audiences - capabilities highly valued by employers. Begin your research journey early, with advanced studies courses in second and third year that build practical laboratory, fieldwork and data analysis skills. Shape your degree your way by choosing both a major and an honours specialisation, supported by flexible electives. Study science where nature is your classroom, with living laboratory campuses that provide access to bushland, waterways and marine ecosystems. Gain hands-on experience through research projects, building strong technical capability and confidence from day one. Prepare for PhD-level research and advanced scientific careers, with a strong foundation for leadership in academia, research institutes and industry. Benefit from accessible campus locations, world-class facilities and intakes across trimesters 1, 2 and 3, allowing you to start when it suits you. Build your network Through research projects, industry-aligned learning and expert supervision, you'll work alongside world-class scientists on cutting-edge research. Our strong industry and research connections open doors to networking, volunteering and real-world experience, strengthening your professional network and boosting employability. Develop expertise and launch your career in science In your final year, you'll complete an honours research project in your chosen specialisation, working closely with leading academics who will mentor you throughout the process. This capstone experience allows you to apply advanced research skills to a significant scientific problem, refine your expertise and demonstrate your capabilities, providing a strong platform for research-focused careers or further study. The Bachelor of Advanced Science (Honours) equips you with the knowledge, experience and professional confidence to excel as a researcher or scientific leader, preparing you for careers in Australia and internationally. Majors Applied Mathematics - Available at Gold Coast and Brisbane South (Nathan) - Turn numbers into real solutions, from modelling natural systems to tackling engineering challenges, with skills that lead to careers in tech, science, data and beyond. Archaeology - Available at Brisbane South (Nathan) - Uncover humanity's past through artefacts, landscapes and science, gaining hands-on experience that prepares you for careers in research, heritage and cultural analysis. Biochemistry - Available at Gold Coast - Examine biomolecular structure, metabolism, cellular function and clinical processes while building practical laboratory skills through advanced biotechniques and organic chemistry. Biochemistry and Molecular Biology - Available at Brisbane South (Nathan) - Explore the molecules of life, from genes to proteins, through lab-based learning that equips you for breakthroughs in health, agriculture and environmental science. Chemistry - Available at Gold Coast and Brisbane South (Nathan) - Study the building blocks of matter with hands-on lab experience in organic, inorganic, physical and analytical chemistry, opening doors to pharmaceuticals, forensics and sustainability. Clinical Sciences - Available at Brisbane South (Nathan) - Gain in-depth knowledge of the human body and disease with lab and anatomy experience, preparing you for health, research or postgraduate study. Ecology - Available at Gold Coast and Brisbane South (Nathan) - Discover how species and ecosystems interact through fieldwork, lab studies and conservation practice, leading to careers in environmental management, research and consultancy. Geography* - Available at Gold Coast and Brisbane South (Nathan) - Examine the links between people, place and planet, tackling global challenges with GIS, policy and fieldwork skills for careers in planning, sustainability and climate resilience. Marine Biology - Available at Gold Coast - Dive into ocean science with hands-on fieldwork and lab studies on reefs, coasts and marine life, preparing you for roles in conservation, research and environmental management. Microbiology - Available at Brisbane South (Nathan) - Explore the unseen world of microbes and their roles in health, ecosystems and industry, gaining lab and genomic skills for careers in biotechnology, medicine and research. Physics - Available at Gold Coast and Brisbane South (Nathan) - Study the laws of matter, motion and energy with experiments and advanced topics in quantum and nuclear physics, opening pathways to science, tech and engineering careers. *If studying at Brisbane South campus, some subjects in the Geography major will be taught at the Brisbane City campus. Related degrees Bachelor of Advanced Science – 1342 Program accreditation The Bachelor of Advanced Science (Honours) (with the Physics major) is accredited by the Australian Institute of Physics (AIP) . The Bachelor of Advanced Science (Honours) (with the Chemistry major) is accredited by the Royal Australian Chemical Institute (RACI) . Professional recognition Depending on your major, graduates are eligible to join: Ausbiotech Limited Australian and New Zealand Society for Cell and Development Biology (ANZSCDB) Australian Institute of Food Science and Technology (AIFST) Australian Institute of Physics (AIP) Australian Mathematical Society (AUTMS) Australian Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (ASBMB) Australian Society for Medical Research (ASMR) Australian Society for Microbiology Australian Society of Plant Scientists (ASPS) Royal Australian Chemical Institute (RACI) Attendance information The Bachelor of Advanced Science (Honours) program is offered full-time on campus at Gold Coast and Brisbane South (Nathan). Coursework All courses will be in person. Students will be required to attend classes in most situations. Students may be required to attend approximately 2-6 hours of scheduled classes per week per 10 credit points course in fourth year level theory courses. Dissertation Students also enrol in a dissertation component of the program. In the dissertation component, students are expected to be able to work independently for most of the time. The requirement for on-campus attendance is relatively flexible and unstructured. However, students will be required to meet regularly with their supervisors and on-campus attendance requirements will be discussed between supervisors and students at the start of the dissertation. If you are an International student on a student visa, you must ensure that you enrol in a way that will allow you to complete your enrolment within the expected program duration as stated on your Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE). The recommended study load for international student in each compulsory trimester is 40CP. Managing Study Interruptions Leave of Absence Taking a leave of absence from this program is permitted, subject to conditions outlined in the Enrolment Procedure . Student story James Batcheldor Bachelor of Advanced Science (Honours) ‘My degree has allowed me to participate in undergraduate research at the Institute for Glycomics, studying the structures and functions of multiple proteins of the HIV-1 virus.' Pathways to further study The Bachelor of Advanced Science (Honours) provides a pathway to Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) studies.