Honours course

Honours in Zoology

The course for Honours in Zoology is a blend of coursework and research project work designed to introduce the student to the world of research on animals. It equips them with the skills and flexibility of outlook needed to deal with rapidly changing technologies and to lead them into habits of critical thinking, problem analysis and public presentation which would serve in any leadership role. Each of the stages of development of a research project through which the student is guided in the units is given immediate application in the formulation and development of the student's own project. The combination of formal study and practical experience offered by the course prepares students for entry into postgraduate academic research programs, and into workplaces including but not limited to environmental consultancy or local and national government research agencies.

Students develop skills of logical and creative thinking and writing in English through exposure to a range of research projects via seminars, the guided formulation of a research proposal, and the iterative cycle of production–feedback–review–refinement involved in the writing of a research paper. Cycles of broader research seminar attendance and critiquing help to develop the capacity to question accepted wisdom and to develop cultural literacy.

Outcomes: Students are able to (1) develop disciplinary and interdisciplinary knowledge and skills through study and research-based enquiry, at internationally recognised levels of excellence; (2) develop skills required for self learning which will stay with them through life, by being immersed within the research culture of the School of Biological Sciences, and its research divisions; (3) develop personal, social and ethical awareness in an international context through participation as a collegiate part of an honours cohort within the School; and (4) communicate clearly, effectively and appropriately in a range of contexts.

Entry requirements: A weighted average mark of at least 65 percent in the Level 3 units of the Zoology major; or equivalent, as recognised by UWA.

Intake periods: Beginning of year and mid-year

Honours sequence

Note: Units that are indicated as N/A may be available in 2022 or 2023.

Take all units from this group (42 points). Students commencing honours in semester 2 2021 are not required to take BIOL4441 Honours in Biological Science Research Development. BIOL4441 should be replaced with a level 4 or 5 option unit.

Take unit(s) to the value of 6 points: