This degree aims to provide students with a higher level of experience in independent analysis and research in their chosen field of expertise. This experience has vocational aims, but also provides a preparation for study by coursework and/or research for the higher degrees of Master of Science or Doctor of Philosophy. The Clayton honours course is available in most of the science areas of study offered in the Bachelor of Science pass degree at the Clayton campus. The honours program involves coursework through seminars and a major research project.

Science graduates gain employment in biotechnology and genetic engineering, agricultural support and pharmaceutical science, banking and finance, environmental consulting, hospitals, medical institutes, mining, petroleum and engineering, research, and wine and food industries. Opportunities also exist in organisations including the Department of Sustainability and the Environment, CSIRO, the defence forces, road and water authorities, museums, local councils, education and the health sector. Depending on their major areas of study, graduates can be employed as botanists, chemists, ecologists, astrophysicists, biotechnology product developers, environment consultants, food scientists, palaeontologists, genetic engineers, marine biologists, materials scientists, medical scientists, metallurgists, molecular biologists, museum curators, nuclear physicists, psychologists, financial analysts, communications specialists, forensic scientists, researchers, science journalists, geotechnical engineers, statisticians, teachers, computer scientists and weather forecasters.