The honours degree provides you with the first real opportunity to undertake research on a topic of your interest. The honours year is particularly important as it represents a gateway to future research opportunities, both in the form of higher research degrees and as a career in research, or other vocations that require advanced analytical and research skills.
It is not necessarily important what topic you select as the basis for your research. What is more important is that it is a topic that fascinates you, can be realistically completed within the necessary timeframe and with the resources available. Future employers are most likely to be interested in the fact that you have completed a rigorous piece of independent research within a set time (i.e. can meet deadlines).
The honours year is also important as it consolidates the scholarly skills that you have acquired during your previous undergraduate studies. The ability to retrieve information from a variety of sources, review and synthesize advanced concepts and literature, critically evaluate data, and express your ideas in a cogent manner in verbal and written forms are all skills that will be greatly enhanced by successfully completing an honours degree. Writing a thesis provides an excellent opportunity to consolidate your skills in disciplined writing.
Before selecting a research topic it is advised that you have a long discussion with your potential supervisor so that you can gain familiarity with the scope of the proposed research. You may also find it useful to speak with students currently enrolled in the honours degree program within your discipline area.
It is fundamentally important to have a well-formulated research topic with clearly defined aims before you start.
Visit the Science Honours website for more information.
Specific information can be obtained from the relevant Academic Unit, or from the Science Faculty Office.
