Research options at ANU

Science Undergraduate Research Degrees

Advanced 4 year programs incorporating an Honours year

• Bachelor of Psychology (Honours)
• Bachelor of Science (Advanced) (Honours)
• Bachelor of Environment & Sustainability (Advanced) (Honours)
• Bachelor of Philosophy (Honours) - Science (PhB)

Bachelor of Science (Honours)

The Bachelors of Science (Honours) is 1 year of advanced work in a selected field of study after you finish your coursework degree.

• Students are required to nominate a research project and find a research supervisor.
• See Admission to Honours.
• The Science Honours handbook is an excellent reference.

Undergraduate Courses with Research

Some research schools offer undergraduates the opportunity to participate in research projects through a course in the third year or through a field school. Here are some examples of third-year projects:

• ASTR3005 Astrophysics Research Project
• BIOL3208 Biology Research Project 
• CHEM3060 Research Project in Chemistry
• ENVS3016 Special Topic
• MATH3349 Special Topics in Mathematics
• PHYS3042 Research Topics Physics
• PSYC3030 Psychology Undergraduate Research Experience
• SCOM3003 Science Communication Research Project

Selected field schools:

• BIOL3303 Advanced Field Studies in Functional Ecology
• EMSC3019 Coral Reef Field Studies

ANU Summer Research Program

The Summer Research Program gives undergraduates the chance to explore research and see what an Honours year or postgraduate degree would involve.

• Applications open from August 1-August 30.
• 8-week program runs from late-November to late January.
• Scholarships include travel, housing, and a weekly allowance.
• Eligibility: 3rd-year Undergraduates and Honours students at Australian or New Zealand universities. Individual ANU Colleges/academic areas may also consider students from other countries.

Volunteer Research Assistant

Some researchers welcome volunteers in the research group. Talk to your schools' undergraduate convenor or honours convenor for ideas or approach a researcher directly! See Finding a research supervisor for help.

Research options outside of ANU

This is not a comprehensive list, but it's meant to give you an idea of the types of opportunities that exist. Your best resource for options in your field of study is other members of your academic community, such as lecturers and postgraduates.

Vacation Research Programs at other Australian Universities

• Adelaide Summer Research Scholarship
• Monash Summer & Winter Research Scholarship Program
• Swinburne Vacation Scholarships in Astronomy
• The International Centre for Radio Astronomy Research (ICRAR)
• University of New South Wales Summer Vacation Research Scholarships
• University of Sydney Summer Research Programs
• University of South Australia Vacation Research Scholarships

Vacation Research Programs at Australian Government Agencies

• CSIRO Undergraduate Vacation Scholarships
• Department of Defence, Science, and Technology Summer Vacation Placement Program

Vacation Research Programs at Australian Non-Profits

• Children’s Cancer Institute Summer Student Program
• Walter & Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research Undergraduate Vacation Scholarships

Opportunities in the USA

Since there are major differences between the Australian and USA academic calendars, be sure to check that any USA program dates are compatible with your academic plans.

• PathWays to Science - database with a very detailed search form.  Use the Advanced Search form and select "Non-U.S. Citizens or Permanent Residents are eligible". Confirm if the dates are compatible with the Australian academic calendar.
• NASA Intern and Fellow Opportunities for International Students