Bachelor of Science (Honours) (Dean's Scholar)

Overview

The Bachelor of Science (Honours) (Dean’s Scholar) program allows students to combine an exciting Human Geography program with Physical Geography and other science subjects. The Human Geography major offers a great deal of flexibility and choice, while the Land and Heritage Management major is more prescribed.

As a Science student, you will learn skills valuable to employers, including logical and critical thinking, creative problem-solving, practical research skills, organisational abilities, numeracy, statistical literacy, computer skills and strong communication. You will undertake practical and fieldwork, taking advantage of the superb local environment including urban and heritage landscapes, coastal landscapes, rainforested escarpment and freshwater ecosystems.

The Dean’s Scholar Program, designed specifically for high achieving students, offers direct entry into Honours, unlike the normal Bachelor of Science which delays selection for Honours until the completion of the third year.

Students who are eligible for this degree fulfil all the same requirements as Bachelor of Science candidates, but are also eligible for additional benefits and challenges.

All are invited to participate in various enrichment activities throughout the program and, after the first year, to develop a close association with an appropriate member of one of the faculty's research teams.

Dean’s Scholar students have the opportunity to undertake individual research subjects. Students are normally required to achieve at least a Distinction average in subjects completed in a calendar year.

In the final year, all students undertake a substantial piece of supervised research in their major discipline, together with other required seminar and/or course work. Graduates may then be eligible for enrolment into a research doctorate in their chosen field or into other postgraduate degrees. Those who do not qualify for direct entry to the Dean’s Scholar degree may gain admission via the Bachelor of Science, subject to satisfactory performance in first year and approval of the Head of Students or Associate Dean (Education).

Entry Requirements

Academic requirements and English requirements are available from the Course Finder.

Course Learning Outcomes

Students graduating from the Bachelor of Science (Honours) (Dean's Scholar) will be able to:

1. Demonstrate knowledge of scientific and social science concepts and theories to understand the world, its people and places.
2. Demonstrate knowledge of key geographical approaches and conceptual frameworks, including the importance of space and place as dimensions of human activity across geographical scales from the body to the global.
3. Apply insights from science and social science to identify, in collaboration with others, solve diverse, unpredictable and often complex social problems, with a depth of application of geographical thinking.
4. Collect, review, manage and interpret qualitative and quantitative data relating to human activity, with a depth of knowledge regarding spatial data.
5. Present a clear, coherent and independent exposition of knowledge, ideas and research findings.
6. Appreciate the importance of ethical behavior in scholarship and professional practice when applying critical thinking and judgment.
7. Recognise the importance of diversity in understanding and responding to social challenges when applying critical thinking and judgment.
8. Construct an evidence based approach to identifying and developing your leadership potential as a geographer in a changing world.
9. Conceptualise, plan, undertake and report on an independent geographical research project.

Course Structure

The Bachelor of Science (Honours) (Dean’s Scholar) requires the following:

1. No more than 60 credit points at 100 level;
2. A minimum of 32 credit points at 300 level; and
3. To maintain a place in the Dean’s Scholar degree, students are normally required to maintain a Weighted Average Mark (WAM) of at least 80% in each year of enrolment. Students not meeting the minimum progression requirements will be required to transfer into the Bachelor of Science degree.

Major: Human Geography

Human Geography is the study of people and place. Human Geographers examine social and environmental problems in a holistic way, and apply spatial thinking to help resolve social conflicts and environmental crises. This makes Human Geography an immediately socially-relevant discipline. Human Geographers make an essential contribution to environmental management, urban planning, and the management of social and economic change.

Students are encouraged to choose elective subjects from the arts and social sciences, such as history, economics and sociology. The following electives are strongly recommended:

Major: Land and Heritage Management

This specialist program combines Physical and Human Geography with other relevant subjects to provide the skills and knowledge required for employment or research on both cultural and natural heritage issues. This is a prescribed program of study comprising core and optional subjects as set out below.

Honours

The Honours year is the fourth year of study and provides training in independent research.

Information on the program of study can be found at Bachelor of Science (Honours).

Credit Arrangements

Credit and articulation arrangements are available from the Course Finder. Refer to UOW's credit arrangements for information on how to apply for credit.

Other Information

Further information is available at:
UOW Course Finder
Email: ssc@uow.edu.au