The Bachelor of Philosophy (Honours), PhB, is an exciting research-focused degree at ANU. The PhB in the College of Science is for intellectually ambitious students who want to study at the highest level. Every student receives intensive individual attention from an academic supervisor.

The PhB degree is extremely flexible in its structure with the program of study determined each year in collaboration with an academic supervisor. One quarter of the studies, in the first three years, consists of individually tailored Advanced Studies courses specifically designed to provide students with a strong base in research. These courses may consist of a reading course with a world-leading scientist or joining a research team to assist in the advance of knowledge. The fourth year is an Honours year centred around one of the science disciplines. It is possible, by taking advanced studies courses in breaks, to accelerate the program to complete in three years.

After completion of the equivalent of each 48 units towards the degree, the Faculty will determine whether the level of performance is sufficient to remain in the degree program. It will be possible to transfer to another undergraduate degree program of the Faculty and receive block credit for work successfully completed in the PhB. To qualify for the degree the Honours year must be completed with first class honours.

Two referee reports are used in the selection of students and must be submitted by November 30 in the year of application. Click here for application and referee report forms. A quota applies and interviews and school recommendations may also be used in the selection of students.

You will need to list the PhB degree as first preference through the University Admissions Centre to be considered for admission.

There are no formal program prerequisites and many first-year science courses assume little specific knowledge. The exceptions are:

- For many of the biology majors, chemistry is a requirement, therefore it is recommended that students have at least an ACT minor (but preferably a major) in chemistry, or successful completion of a bridging course in chemistry, or multistrand science in NSW, or equivalent. Chemistry is essential for all later-year courses in the biological streams of biochemistry and cell biology, microbiology and immunology, molecular genetics, animal and human physiology, and some parts of botany and neuroscience. A bridging course is available in February details can be obtained through science.enquiries@anu.edu.au

- CHEM1101: At least an ACT minor (but preferably a major) in Chemistry, or successful completion of a bridging course in chemistry, or multistrand science in NSW, or equivalent, is required. Chemistry is essential for all later-year courses in chemistry. A bridging course is available in February details can be obtained through science.enquiries@anu.edu.au

- MATH1003: Assumed knowledge: ACT Mathematical Methods or NSW HSC Mathematics or equivalent

- MATH1005: ACT Mathematical Methods or NSW HSC Mathematics or equivalent

- MATH1013: A satisfactory pass in ACT Specialist Mathematics or NSW HSC Mathematics Extension 1 or equivalent. Students with a good pass in ACT Mathematical Methods or NSW HSC Mathematics or equivalent will be considered

- MATH1115: A satisfactory pass in ACT Specialist Mathematics double major or NSW HSC Mathematics Extension 2 or equivalent. Students with excellent marks in either ACT Specialist Mathematics major-minor or NSW HSC Mathematics Extension 1 or equivalent may be permitted to enrol

- PHYS1101: There is a corequisite of MATH1013/1115. See the entries above. There is no formal physics prerequisite but preparation is assumed and recommended. Recommended preparation is - NSW: a high standard in 2 unit physics or a multistrand science; ACT: a high standard in physics (major).