Regulations - Science
The Degree of Bachelor of Advanced Science (Honours) – BAdvSci(Hons)
New admissions into the Bachelor of Advanced Science (Honours) were suspended in 2024. Students who have a current enrolment in this programme should contact their faculty for advice regarding completion.
The regulations for this degree are to be read in conjunction with all other relevant statutes and regulations including the Academic Statutes and Regulations.
Note: This is a limited entry programme as per the Limitation of Entry Statute 1991 and selection criteria apply. Selection criteria are available from the Faculty of Science.
Duration and Total Points Value
1 A student enrolled for this degree must follow a programme of the equivalent of eight full-time semesters and pass courses with a total value of 480 points, unless credit is granted under the Admission Regulations and/or the Credit Regulations.
2 The total enrolment in 700 level courses for this degree must not exceed 160 points.
Structure and Content
3 Of the 480 points required for this degree, a student must pass:
a at least 435 points from courses listed in the Bachelor of Science or Bachelor of Science (Honours) Schedule, including:
(i) at least 300 points above Stage I, including at least 210 points above Stage II
(ii) courses in a minimum of three subject codes
(iii) at least 120 points at 700 level, including a research project or dissertation of between 30 and 60 points
(iv) a specialisation as listed in the Bachelor of Advanced Science (Honours) Schedule
(v) the core courses as listed in the Bachelor of Advanced Science (Honours) Schedule
b 15 points from courses offered in either the General Education Open Schedule or the General Education Faculty Schedule approved for this degree, and the Academic Integrity course as specified in the Enrolment and Programme Regulations, Academic Integrity, of the University Calendar
c up to 30 points from courses available for other programmes offered at this University.
4 A student who is required to meet the Academic English Language Requirement, as specified in the Enrolment and Programme Regulations, Academic English Language Requirement, of the University Calendar, may substitute an academic English language course approved by Senate or its representative for 15 points of General Education.
5 a A student may include one or more modules from the modules available in the Bachelor of Science Schedule.
b (i) One module from the Schedule of another degree may be included.
(ii) If a module from the Schedule of another degree is completed, the courses will be counted under Regulation 3a.
6 A student must achieve a Grade Point Average of 5.0 or higher in each successive two semesters of full-time enrolment, or the part-time equivalent, taken towards this degree. If this Grade Point Average is not achieved, enrolment in the Bachelor of Advanced Science (Honours) cannot continue.
Dissertation / Research Project
7 a The dissertation or research project is to be carried out under the guidance of a supervisor appointed by the relevant Academic Head or nominee.
b The dissertation or research project topic must be approved by the relevant Academic Head or nominee prior to enrolment.
c The dissertation or research project is to be completed and submitted in accordance with the Completion of Requirements and Submission regulations of the General Regulations – Bachelors Honours Postgraduate Degrees.
General Education Exemptions
8 a A student is exempted from the requirement to pass a course offered in the General Education Schedules who has:
either
(i) completed an undergraduate degree at a tertiary institution
or
(ii) been admitted to this degree having completed 240 points of degree level study at another tertiary institution.
b A student who has been exempted from the requirement to pass a course offered in the General Education Schedules must substitute the requirement with another course available for this degree.
c A student admitted to this degree having completed between 120 and 135 points of degree level study from another tertiary institution, or who has completed a minimum of 50 points of study towards this degree in one semester at an overseas institution, either through an overseas exchange programme or through prior approval under the Credit Regulations, must pass 15 points from courses offered in the General Education Schedules.
d A student who has been fully or partially exempted from the requirement to pass courses offered in the General Education Schedules is nonetheless required to complete the Academic Integrity course.
Practical Requirements
9 In any course that includes assessed practical work as well as other assessed work, it may be required that a student must obtain passes in both the practical and the other work in order to pass that course as a whole. Where this is specified, a student who passes the practical work but who fails the other work may in these circumstances, at the discretion of the Academic Head, have the result for the practical work carried forward when the course is retaken.
Conjoint Degrees
10 Special arrangements apply where this degree is taken as a component degree of an approved conjoint combination. The specific requirements and a complete list of the conjoint degrees available are set out in the Conjoint Degrees section of the University Calendar.
Special Cases
11 a In exceptional circumstances Senate or its representative may permit a suitably qualified student to enrol directly in a Stage II course(s). If the student fails the Stage II course(s) but is certified by the examiners as having reached a pass in an equivalent Stage I course(s), the student may be credited with the appropriate Stage I course(s).
b If a student who is enrolled in and fails an advanced or accelerated Stage I course but is certified by the examiners as having reached a pass in an equivalent Stage I course in the same subject having a lower entry requirement, the student may be credited with the latter course. The relevant Academic Head shall certify to Senate or its representative that the failed course is an advanced or accelerated course.
Reassignment
12 A student may apply to reassign courses passed to the Postgraduate Diploma in Science and/or the Bachelor of Science.
Honours
13 a Honours will be awarded in one of three classes: First Class Honours, Second Class Honours, or Third Class Honours. Second Class Honours are awarded in either First Division or Second Division.
b The class of Honours is determined by the student’s overall grade in all 700 level courses enrolled in towards this degree as follows:
7.0 to 9.0 – First Class Honours
5.5 to 6.9 – Second Class Honours First Division
4.0 to 5.4 – Second Class Honours Second Division
3.9 and below – Third Class Honours.
Variations
14 In exceptional circumstances the Programme Director may approve a variation to a student’s programme of study in accordance with the Enrolment and Programme Regulations.
Amendment
15 These regulations and/or schedule have been amended with effect from 1 January 2025.
Requirement:
Core Courses
15 points: WTRSCI 100
15 points from SCIGEN 101, SCISCHOL 100, SUSTAIN 100, MĀORI 130
15 points from SCIGEN 201, SCISCHOL 202, SUSTAIN 200
15 points from SCIGEN 301, SCISCHOL 302, SUSTAIN 300
SCISCHOL 100, 202 and 302 are only available to Science Scholars students
Specialisations:
Applied Physics
either
45 points: MATHS 120, 130, PHYSICS 121
15 points: MATHS 250
15 points from MATHS 253, 260
45 points from PHYSICS 201, 202, 203, 244
a further 15 points from CHEM 251, 252, ELECTENG 292, MATHS 260, 270, MECHENG 211, 242, MEDSCI 205, 206
30 points from PHYSICS 331–380
15 points from CHEM 310, 340, 380, ELECTENG 331, MATHS 340, 361–363, MECHENG 340, MEDSCI 309
15 points: PHYSICS 390
30 points from PHYSICS 701–780
30 points from AEROSPCE 720, 730, 740, CHEM 710, 712, 740, 780, ELECTENG 726, 732, MATHS 761–770, MECHENG 711, 743, MEDSCI 703, 737
a further 15 points from approved 700 level courses
45 points: PHYSICS 786 Dissertation in Physics
or one of the following pathways:
Medical Physics and Imaging Technology
45 points: MATHS 120, 130, PHYSICS 121
30 points: BIOSCI 107, MEDSCI 142
60 points: PHYSICS 201, 202, 203, 244
15 points: MATHS 250
15 points from MATHS 253, 260
15 points: MEDSCI 205
15 points: MEDSCI 309
30 points from PHYSICS 331–380
15 points: PHYSICS 390
15 points from PHYSICS 701–757
45 points: MEDSCI 703, 737, PHYSICS 780
a further 15 points from a 700 level course in Medical Science, Physics
45 points: PHYSICS 786 Dissertation in Physics
or
Nano and Materials Physics
60 points: CHEM 120, MATHS 120, 130, PHYSICS 121
75 points: CHEM 251, MATHS 250, PHYSICS 201, 202, 203,
15 points from MATHS 253, 260
30 points from CHEM 310, 340, 380
30 points from PHYSICS 331–380
15 points: PHYSICS 390
15 points from PHYSICS 701–780
30 points from CHEM 710, 712, 780
30 points from any 700 level course in Physics or Chemistry, or any relevant 700 level course with Head of Department approval
45 points: PHYSICS 786 Dissertation in Physics
or
Photonics
45 points: MATHS 120, 130, PHYSICS 121
75 points: MATHS 250, PHYSICS 201, 202, 203, 244
15 points: ELECTENG 292
15 points from MATHS 253, 260
45 points: PHYSICS 333, 340, 390
15 points: ELECTENG 331
30 points: PHYSICS 743, 752
30 points: ELECTENG 726, 732
15 points from any 700 level course in Electrical and Electronic Engineering or Physics, or any relevant 700 level course with Head of Department approval
45 points: PHYSICS 786 Dissertation in Physics
or
Space Systems
15 points from ASTRO 100, 110
45 points: MATHS 120, 130, PHYSICS 121
75 points: MATHS 250, PHYSICS 201–203, 244
15 points from MATHS 253, 260
30 points: PHYSICS 356, 390
a further 30 points from PHYSICS 331–340
15 points: PHYSICS 753
a further 15 points from PHYSICS 701–780
30 points from AEROSPCE 720, 730, 740
15 points from other approved 700 level courses offered at this University
45 points: PHYSICS 786 Dissertation in Physics
Chemistry
30 points: CHEM 110, 120
15 points from MATHS 108, 110, 130, PHYSICS 120
45 points: CHEM 251–253
15 points from CHEM 254–260
15 points: CHEM 351
60 points from CHEM 310, 320, 330, 340, 360, 380, 390
60 points from CHEM 710–751, 760, 780
60 points: CHEM 793 Dissertation in Chemistry
Computational Biology
75 points: BIOSCI 101, 108 or 109, COMPSCI 120, 130, STATS 101
60 points: BIOSCI 202 or 203, COMPSCI 220, 225, BIOSCI 220 or STATS 201
a further 15 points from any Stage II course in Biological Sciences
15 points: COMPSCI 369
15 points from STATS 330, 331
15 points from any Stage III course in Biological Sciences
15 points from Stage III courses in Biological Sciences, Computer Science, Mathematics, Statistics
45 points: BIOSCI 700, 701, 702
45 points from any 700 level course in Biological Sciences, Computer Science, Mathematics, Statistics
30 points: COMPSCI 789 Research Project
Computer Science
45 points: COMPSCI 110, 120, 130
60 points: COMPSCI 210, 220, 230, 289
15 points from COMPSCI 215, 225, 235
60 points from COMPSCI 300–379
15 points: COMPSCI 389
60 points from COMPSCI 701–711, 715, 720–762, 765–767, 771–773
30 points from any relevant 700 level course approval from the Programme Director
30 points: COMPSCI 789 Research Project
Ecology
The BAdvSci(Hons) in Ecology was suspended in 2021. Students who have a current enrolment in this specialisation should contact their faculty for advice regarding completion.
75 points: BIOSCI 101, 108, 109, ENVSCI 101, STATS 101
75 points: BIOSCI 206, 210, 220, ENVSCI 201, 203
15 points from BIOSCI 333, MARINE 303
45 points: BIOSCI 394, ECOLOG 301, ENVSCI 301
30 points: ENVSCI 701 or BIOSCI 762, ENVSCI 705
30 points from BIOSCI 724, 725, 729, 730, 731, 733, 734, 735, 739, 747, 748, 749, ENVSCI 702, 704, 711, 713, 714, 716, 733, 734, 737, ENVMGT 742, 744, MARINE 707
60 points: ECOLOG 789 Dissertation
Environmental Change
New admissions into the Degree of BAdvSci(Hons) in Environmental Change were suspended in 2023. Students who have a current enrolment in this subject should contact their faculty for advice regarding completion.
60 points: EARTHSCI 120, ENVSCI 101, GEOG 101, STATS 101
15 points from BIOSCI 109, CHEM 110
60 points from EARTHSCI 220, ENVSCI 201, GEOG 261, 262, MARINE 202
15 points from BIOSCI 220, EARTHSCI 203, 220, ENVSCI 201, 203, GEOG 205, 261, 262, GISCI 241, MARINE 202
45 points: ENVCHG 300, GEOG 335, 352
30 points from BIOSCI 394, EARTHSCI 303, 307, ENVSCI 301, 303, GEOG 320, 325, 331, 351, 352, GISCI 341, MARINE 302
15 points from EARTHSCI 732, GEOG 749, 750
15 points from ENVMGT 742, 748, ENVSCI 704, 705
30 points from EARTHSCI 705, 720, 732, 754, ENVMGT 741–746, ENVSCI 701–738, GEOG 701, 745–749, 770–772, GEOPHYS 712
60 points: ENVCHG 789 Dissertation in Environmental Change
Geology
New admissions into the BAdvSci(Hons) in Geology were suspended in 2022. Students who have a current enrolment in this subject should contact their faculty for advice regarding completion.
45 points: EARTHSCI 102, 120, GEOG 101
75 points: EARTHSCI 202, 203, 208, 220, 262
30 points: EARTHSCI 315, 320
45 points from EARTHSCI 303–372, 390
60 points from EARTHSCI 703–780, GEOPHYS 761
60 points: EARTHSCI 785 Dissertation in Geology
Requirement:
75 points: BIOSCI 106, CHEM 110, 120, ENV 101, PHYSICS 160
15 points from MATHS 108, 110, 120, 130, STATS 101, 108
15 points from BIOSCI 101, 109, ENV 100, MEDSCI 142
75 points: CHEM 251, 252, 253, 260, ENVSCI 201
15 points from BIOSCI 203, 204, 206, GEOPHYS 213, MEDSCI 204, SCIGEN 201
45 points: CHEM 351, 360, ENVSCI 301
15 points from CHEM 310, 320, 330, 340, 380, 390
15 points from BIOSCI 333, 347, ENVSCI 303, MARINE 303, SCIGEN 301
15 points from BIOSCI, 333, 347, CHEM 310, 320, 330, 340, 380, 390, ENVSCI 303, MARINE 303, SCIGEN 301
at least 15 points from CHEM 710–751, 780
up to 15 points from 700 level courses in Chemistry or related subjects with approval from the Programme Director
30 points: CHEM 760, ENVSCI 714
60 points: CHEM 793 Dissertation in Chemistry
Marine Science
30 points: MARINE 100, STATS 101
15 points from BIOSCI 108, 109
15 points from ENV 100, 101, 103
15 points: MARINE 202
15 points from BIOSCI 220, ENVSCI 203, STATS 201
15 points from BIOSCI 206, 208, GEOG 262, GISCI 241
30 points: MARINE 302, 304
45 points from BIOSCI 328, 333, 334, EARTHSCI 303, GEOG 351, MARINE 303, 306
30 points: MARINE 701, 702
15 points from BIOSCI 761, CHEM 795, ENVSCI 701
15 points from BIOSCI 724, 725, 727, 733, 738, 739, 749, EARTHSCI 720, ENVMGT 742, 744, 748, ENVSCI 704, 714, FOODSCI 703, 708, GEOG 771, MARINE 703, 707
60 points: MARINE 780 Dissertation in Marine Science
Mathematics
45 points: MATHS 120, 130, 162, 199
60 points: MATHS 250, 253, 254, 260
60 points: MATHS 320, 332, 340, 361
15 points from MATHS 362, 363
90 points from MATHS 701–789
30 points: MATHS 776 Research Project
Physics
45 points: MATHS 120, 130, PHYSICS 121
15 points: MATHS 250
15 points from MATHS 253, 260
60 points: PHYSICS 201, 202, 203, 244
60 points from PHYSICS 331–380
15 points: PHYSICS 390
75 points from PHYSICS 701–780
45 points: PHYSICS 786 Dissertation in Physics
Psychology
60 points: PSYCH 108, 109, 306, 779
15 points from STATS 100–125
15 points: PSYCH 208
15 points from PSYCH 200–207, 209
a further 15 points from EDUC 200, 221, EXERSCI 207, PSYCH 200–207, 209
30 points from PSYCH 300–305, 308–326
a further 15 points from EDUC 323, 352, EXERSCI 307, PSYCH 300–305, 308–326
15 points from PSYCH 743, 744
a further 60 points from PSYCH 700–770
30 points: PSYCH 780 Research Project
Statistics
15 points from STATS 101, 108
45 points: MATHS 120, 130, STATS 125
15 points from STATS 201, 208
30 points: MATHS 250, STATS 225
30 points: STATS 310, 325
30 points from ENGSCI 391, STATS 301, 302, 320, 326, 330, 331, 369, 370, 380, 392
15 points from STATS 779, 782
a further 45 points from STATS 700, 701, 702, 703, 705, 708–720, 722–731, 740–773, 776–787
a further 30 points from STATS 700, 701, 702, 703, 705, 708–720, 722–731, 740–773, 776–787, or other approved 700 level courses
30 points: STATS 781 Research Project