By Amanda Maslin, 23 April, 2026
If you’ve ever wondered what it’s like to study science at a deeper, more research‑driven level, the Bachelor of Science Advanced (Honours) offers a unique look inside the world of real scientific discovery. With a small cohort, early specialisation, and hands‑on research from your very first year, it’s a program designed for students who want more than lectures and labs — they want to experience science the way real scientists do.
To get an inside look at what the program is really like, we sat down with Hayley Murphy, a QUT Dean’s Scholar, Academic Excellence Scholarship holder, and passionate aspiring physicist who’s majoring in Physics in the Advanced Science program.
What's it like being part of this cohort?
Having a small cohort of like‑minded and highly motivated students has been one of the best parts of the course. Everyone is genuinely passionate about science and keen to pursue opportunities, which creates a really supportive environment. We’re always sharing opportunities with each other, like research programs, internships, and events.
It also means I’m building a strong network of driven, capable scientists early in my career, which I think will be really valuable.
What's been one of your favourite learning experiences so far?
One of the most meaningful parts of the course is how many opportunities there are to get involved in real research through our research‑focused units. I love being in a lab, so getting hands‑on experience with complex (and honestly really cool) equipment has been a highlight.
I’m currently working on a project focused on neuromorphic organic electrochemical transistors — basically transistors that behave a bit like neurons in the brain. I’ve had a lot of independence in the project, from exploring background research to helping shape the direction of the work and guiding my own investigation and device testing.
This has been great preparation for honours and has helped me figure out what kind of research I enjoy.
How is the Bachelor of Science Advanced (Honours) helping you prepare for your future?
The structure of the course sets you up for both research and further study. Having multiple research units means you can try out different areas while building practical skills at the same time, which really boosts your confidence and research capability.
By the end of the degree, my cohort will have completed several research projects as undergrads, which makes us much more competitive and prepared for honours or industry roles.
I also really liked being able to specialise early. Going straight into physics meant I could focus on what I enjoy and take a few extra subjects, which has definitely strengthened my knowledge!
Tell me about your supervisors and mentors
Throughout the course, I’ve worked with a range of supervisors and mentors, and each of them has contributed something different to my development. They’ve helped me build technical skills, think more critically, and become more independent in how I approach problems.
What stands out most though is their passion for what they do. Seeing how engaged and enthusiastic they are about their research is really motivating, and it’s pushed me to think more about what I’m genuinely interested in.
They’ve also been great at sharing their own career experiences and pointing me towards opportunities like internships and research programs, which has been really helpful in shaping my pathway.
Interested in studying advanced science?
Interested in studying a Bachelor of Science Advanced (Honours)? Find out more about the course and see if it's the right fit for you. As part of this course, you can major in:
