Guidelines for fourth year study

The School of Geosciences at Monash University, a member of the Victorian Institute of Earth and Planetary Sciences (VIEPS), offers two fourth year programs for well-qualified students who have completed a three-year undergraduate degree:

• a one year full-time or two year part-time Honours program, and
•  a one year full-time or two year part-time Masters Preliminary program

Prerequisites for entry

•  Honours: Average 70% or better (Distinction or better) in 4 related third year subjects/units (24 credit points) relevant to geosciences in the Monash system, or half a Third course load in other institution systems.

However, the Faculty of Science will consider applications for Honours from students with a 24 point 3000 level average of 65 to 70% if the prospective supervisor, supported by the Head of School, provides a strong written supporting case, and if the remaining marks average is also in the 65%+ ball park. A case should be attached to the student's application when originally submitted. Obviously, the closer the average is to 70%, the better the chances.

• Masters Preliminary: As for Honours, although students with an average a few percentage points less may be accepted with the approval of a supervisor and the Head of School.

Course Structure

Honours:

• schedule: can be taken fulltime, part-time; calendar year, midyear
• duration: beginning of February to beginning of November (full-time, calendar), or equivalent schedule for part-time, or mid-year start
• 4 one-week VIEPS fourth year shortcourses chosen consultatively by student and supervisor, and from course available at any of the VIEPS Schools at Monash, Melbourne universities or even elsewhere.

B. Envir. Sci. Students may have some coursework from the B. Envir. Sci. program to complete.

• literature review research essay on a topic relevant to the main Honours or Masters research project
• seminar on research project
• thesis on research project

• can start anytime of year, but beginning of year or midyear is recommended
• structure as for Honours year

Procedures for application

• Students should download the Honours application from the Faculty of Science website
• Masters Preliminary application forms are also available from the Faculty of Science website

Further information is available from the Honours and Masters Co-ordinator, Professor Ray Cas as follows:
Telephone: 03 9905 4897 email: Ray.Cas@sci.monash.edu.au

Projects available for 2007