Immunology education

Why do Honours in the Department of Immunology?

Immunology is central to many aspects of health and disease. It is an exciting discipline in which to complete an honours year and Monash University has a number of world renowned immunology researchers. For students interested in a career in medical research a year in a functioning immunology laboratory will give students:

• Access to the latest knowledge and technologies in this rapidly moving field, positioning them well for employment of further studies in this growing area
• Exposure to a range of research areas that involve clinical or basic research. Areas of research include autoimmune diseases, allergy, cancer, viral immunity, atherosclerosis and many more

Each year the Department of Immunology presents the Nairn Award to the top Immunology Honours student in both the BSc and BMedSc courses. The award is in remembrance of the founding Professor of the department, Professor Richard C. Nairn.

Choosing a host laboratory for your honours year

It is important to feel enthusiastic about your honours project, so students should feel free to talk to laboratory heads and staff within the department to find the best fit. It is equally important to find a mentor with whom you 'click' so that there can be a productive exchange of ideas in your honours year. Choosing the right supervisor and the right project will set you off on the right foot to a very exciting foray into the research world.

i. Bachelor of Science Honours - BSc(Hons)

Eligibility into the honours degree is based on undergraduate academic achievement. See more about the BSc (Hons) degree entry requirements and application forms HERE.

Students should discuss undertaking an honours degree with the honours coordinator to clarify any issues.  Application forms must be signed off by the honours coordinator and submitted to the Faculty of Science by the closing date.

ii. Bachelor of Biomedical Science Honours - BBiomedSc(Hons) also known as 'BMS'

Students who have completed a BMS undergraduate degree may be eligible to extend their studies and pursue an honours research year. See further information including course details, eligibility and application forms at sites.google.com/monash.edu/biomedical-science-honours/home.

Summer and Winter Scholarships

Vacation scholarships offer a perfect opportunity for students to sample the research environment within the department. The department may offer scholarships that run over a 4 week period with the timing negotiated between the student and the laboratory head. Students interested in a vacation scholarship should approach the laboratories of interest to find a placement. Students who wish to apply for a summer scholarship must check the scholarship listing.

Where to next?

A career in science?