The Materials Science Honours stream introduces undergraduate students to the principles and practice of materials research. Students in Materials Science Honours undertake a supervised research project (MATS4500 Honours Project A (12UOC) and MATS4501 Honours Project B (24UOC)) over two semesters that places emphasis on the development of advanced disciplinary knowledge, the use of scientific research methods, the use of relevant specialised techniques relevant to the chosen research area, practice of critical thinking, synthesis and analysis of information and data, and scientific research communication in both written and oral forms.

The learning and teaching philosophy underpinning Honours in Materials Science is that students take on their ‘role as a researcher’ to develop these knowledge and skills with some degree of independence. Students are expected to formulate their project rationale, objectives, literature survey, and project management plan, done formally in MATS4504 Research Training (6UOC), then undertake and complete the work in a timely manner over two semesters. In most cases the project will involve substantial experimental work and this is usually done within established research groups in the School as well as in collaboration with other groups in the University and elsewhere.

The principal form of teaching is based on research supervision and direction by specialist researchers within the School of Materials Science and Engineering. Complementing this, students must complete MATS4503 Professional Skills (6UOC) which includes formal training in professional communication, writing skills, project planning, data analysis, intellectual property, and risk management and workplace safety.

Learning outcomes from this Honours stream will form the basis for future pursuits in materials science research but are also highly relevant for many other professions - both within the materials industry, but also in many other related yet diverse fields.

The School offers a wide variety of student research projects in the Materials Science discipline including topics on synthesis and production of advanced materials, materials recycling, functional materials, sustainable materials, advanced surface coatings, electrical materials, biomedical materials, physical metallurgy, process metallurgy, etc. Most students would complete Honours as full-time students, where the program is completed over two consecutive semesters. Part-time study is also possible depending on availability of supervision and suitable projects. Most students commence their enrolment in semester 1 (February) but mid-year entry in semester 2 (July) is available. Students should check the Materials Science website for current enrolment deadlines, and assessment and completion dates.

The Honours stream in Materials Science involves undertaking a research project that, although conducted under supervision, contains substantial independent research and self-direction.

Students undertaking Honours in Materials Science will enrol as follows:

First semester of enrolment
MATS4503 Professional Skills (6 UOC) and
MATS4504 Research Training (6 UOC) and
MATS4500 Honours Project A (12 UOC)

Second semester of enrolment
MATS4501 Honours Project B (24 UOC)

The Honours thesis dissertation that is submitted as part of the assessment requirements of MATS4500 plus MATS4501 is the largest component of the assessment. It is complemented by introductory written and oral background presentations as well as an oral presentation given at the conclusion of the research project (these are assessed as part of MATS4504). The Honours Project is supported by MATS4503 Professional Skills which gives formal training in professional communication, writing skills, project planning, data analysis, intellectual property, risk management and workplace safety.

Students must pass all three components (MATS4500 - MATS4501 Honours Project, MATS4503 and MATS4504) to be eligible to graduate with Honours.

A student’s Honours mark is the Weighted Average Mark (WAM) of the marks obtained in MATS4503 Professional Skills (6 UOC), MATS4504 Research Training (6 UOC) and MATS4500 - MATS4501 Honours Project (total 36 UOC).

A guide to allocation of Honours classes and what is expected of students within the School of Materials Science and Engineering is as follows:

Final Mark >85 (Honours Class 1)

Work of superior quality in all aspects of research, scientific writing, and oral presentation, demonstrating the ability to organise information in a clear and concise manner, the integration of information from a wide range of sources and containing clear examples of excellent critical evaluation.

Final Mark 75-84 (Honours Class 2.1)

Work of very good quality in all aspects of research, scientific writing, and oral presentation, but showing lesser ability to organise information in a clear and concise manner, integrate information from range of sources and critically evaluate the literature and research data.

Final Mark 65-74 (Honours Class 2.2)

Good quality in all aspects of research, scientific writing, and oral presentation but with inadequacies in understanding, critical skills, organisation and presentation.

Final Mark 50-64 (Honours Class 3)

Adequate quality work with significant deficiencies in understanding, critical skills, organisation and presentation.

Admission Requirements

The Materials Science Honours stream in Program 4500 Science (Honours) is available to all students who have met the entry requirements outlined below and is typically offered to 3970 Science, 3987 Science International and 3925 Science and Business students at UNSW who have completed a Materials Science major including students enrolled in dual program combinations with these Science programs (see the UNSW Online Handbook for details). Exceptions to these requirements will only be permitted with the consent of the Head of School or nominee (Honours Coordinator). External students should provide evidence of equivalent study and will require approval of the Head of School or nominee (Honours Coordinator).

Other requirements for entry to Honours in Materials Science are as shown below:

Admission Process

Students who meet the entry requirements should make contact with potential supervisors aligning with their interests and discuss undertaking Honours with them. Supervisors and potential projects can also be found on the Materials Science website. Potential students should then apply for acceptance into the stream and, following receipt of an offer of acceptance, proceed with enrolment. Application and Enrolment procedures are described on the Materials Science website. Students accepted into the program will receive an offer of acceptance letter from the Honours Coordinator, and can then proceed with full enrolment.

Materials Science Honours graduates are well qualified to work in any materials or associated research area. Graduates find employment in the public or private sectors in a diverse range of areas such as product development, materials characterisation and testing, quality control, materials sustainability and recycling, energy usage, environmental management, materials consulting, innovation, etc.

Students who successfully complete Materials Science Honours are qualified to continue further in their research careers by undertaking postgraduate studies by research (Masters or PhD level). Students with successful Honours are qualified to enrol in a PhD program at UNSW. Students achieving a high Honours Grade (Class 1 or 2.1) may apply for an Australian Postgraduate Award (APA) PhD scholarship to support such studies.