Honours
The Department of Botany offers a dynamic Honours program across a range of specialisations. You may also have the opportunity to undertake your project in collaboration with institutions such as the Royal Botanic Gardens (Melbourne) or the Victorian Department of Primary Industries.
Assessment
The major assessment task is an independent research thesis, worth 70% of the overall Honours mark. The coursework component consists of a major literature review worth 10%, and three assessment tasks in science communication (poster preparation, workshop presentation, seminar presentation) worth 20%.
Requirements
To be eligible for Honours, students must have an average grade of at least 70% in third year Botany (60 credit points), and an average of at least 65% across all third year units. Students who do not neet this requirement may consult with the Honours coordinator about admission to the Postgraduate Diploma Course.
Students transferring to La Trobe for Honours are encouraged to contact the Honours coordinator to discuss eligibility.
How to apply
1. Contact a potential supervisor
Students interested in applying for Honours are encouraged to view the current Honours projects on offer and then contact the associated supervisor to discuss your preferences.
All group leaders are also open to discussing other project ideas. View the Department's research specialisations to see our current areas of research and to find the relevant group leader to contact.
2. Receive your letter of invitation
Students will be invited by letter from the Faculty to participate in the course once their results and eligibility are known. These letters are typically sent out around mid-December or mid-July.
3. Enrol
To enrol you must complete and submit two documents to the Faculty Office:
- the form you receive with your letter of invitation
- a notice of understanding between you and a potential supervisor regarding the supervision of your research. This notice is available directly from supervisors or the Honours Coordinator. You must also submit this notice to the Departmental Secretary.
Students must enrol in the Honours Botany subjects (Subject code BOT4HNA for Semester 1 and BOT4HNB for Semester 2).
Enrolling in Semester 1 must be completed by the starting date for Honours students (the first Monday in February). Enrolling in Semester 2 must be completed by the first day of Semester 2.
Financial assistance
Some students may qualify for financial assistance, including the La Trobe Honours Year Grant Scheme. This has a closing date in late January of each year - consider applying even if you plan to start mid-year. Contact the Honours coordinator or the Equity and Diversity Centre for more information.
Honours coordinator
For information regarding Honours and postgraduate diploma courses, contact:
Dr Susan Hoebee
Biological Sciences 2/Room 469 Melbourne (Bundoora)
Telephone: +61 3 9479 2274
Fax: +61 3 9479 1188
Email: s.hoebee@latrobe.edu.au
