Honours in the School of Geosciences
Introduction
The School of Geosciences offers Honours in Geography, Geology and Geophysics. Honours in these disciplines requires an original research project to be undertaken under the guidance of a supervisor (and sometimes a co-supervisor), and the presentation of this in the form of a thesis with a maximum of 20,000 words. The thesis accounts for 70% of the Honours grade.
Additionally, Honours students in Geography, Geology and Geophysics are required to give a final oral presentation of their thesis results (worth 5%) and complete an approved coursework program (worth 25%). Coursework requirements vary between different disciplines and students.
Entry into the Honours program generally requires completion of a Credit average in Senior Units of Study in either the Geography or Geology & Geophysics majors, and a Weighted Average Mark (WAM) of at least 65. In some years when the number of applicants exceeds resources (availability of supervisors, laboratory space, etc.) offers will be made according to academic merit. The general process for enrolling in Honours is as follows:
- Each September, the University holds an Honours Information Week. During this week, the School of Geosciences holds an Honours information session. Intending Honours students should seek to attend this session.
- During the final semester of undergraduate studies, intending Honours students should informally discuss their potential candidature with academics who may feasibly act as their supervisor.
- Before the University deadline (30 November for currently enrolled students), apply for Honours through the Faculty which administers your degree. You are also required to complete the School of Geosciences Honours Expression of Interest form, and email it to the Honours coordinator .
- Students are officially notified in January of their formal acceptance into the Honours program.
Note that it is possible to commence Honours mid-year. In these cases, the same process described above needs to be followed, however with different closing dates (check the relevant Faculty websites).
Students enrolled in degrees administered by the Faculty of Science should visit the Faculty’s Honours information site for more information about the Honours year, including how to apply, various scholarships that are on offer and other useful material.
Students enrolled in degrees administered by the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences need to apply through the FASS Honours information site
Honours Handbook 2013
View the Honours Handbook 2013 for more information about Honours in Geosciences.
Honours topics in Geography
The common practice in Geography, and especially Human Geography, is for students to develop their own topic, in conjunction with their supervisor. Oftentimes this is connected to an existing research project on which the supervisor is working, however it is also possible for supervisors and students to agree on ‘blue sky’ projects, reflecting the individual student interests. Students should familiarise themselves with supervisors research interests prior to discussing potential thesis topics. (This information is available through following the ‘People’ and ‘Research’ links on the School of Geosciences website.)
Honours research in Geography usually involves a field research component, which can be local (in Sydney), in another part of Australia, or overseas. In general, the further distant the research site, the greater the need for forward planning and financial resources. Students contemplating projects involving overseas fieldwork are strongly encouraged to discuss this as early as possible with potential supervisors.
Honours topics in Geology and Geophysics
The common practice in Geology and Geophysics is for students to participate in specified projects that are coordinated by academics.
2013 Honours Projects:
Sydney Universities Consortium of Geology and Geophysics (SUCOGG)
Derek Wyman
EarthByte Group
Gavin Birch
Jody Webster
More Information
The Geosciences Honours Handbook for 2012 is available for download, here.
If you have any queries, please contact:
Honours Coordinator
A/Prof Bill Pritchard
Room 450, Madsen Building (F09)
Ph: +61 2 9351 3309
Email:
Deputy Coordinator
Dr Derek Wyman
Room 433, Madsen Building (F09)
Ph: +61 2 9351 2924
Email: