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Overview
- Combine theory and practice in plant and animal biology across study areas including conservation, food security and biotechnology.
- Choose from a wide range of second study areas to diversity to your studies.
- Learn from teaching staff at the top of their research fields internationally in key areas of biology.
- Gain real-world insight and experience with industry guest lectures, site visits and work experience opportunities.
- Access our new multimillion dollar research and teaching facilities, including our new $230M Science and Engineering Centre.
- Prepare yourself for a wide range of career options, from cell biology, biochemistry and ecology to food production and zoology.
| QTAC course code | 418011 |
| QUT course code | ST01 |
| Attendance | Full-time |
| Course duration | 3 years full-time
6 years part-time |
| Start month |
2013
February, July
Note: Only the first year of the degree will be available in 2013. Subsequent years will be progressively introduced, subject to approval. If you are offered a second or third year place you will be admitted to SC01 Bachelor of Applied Science. |
| Deferment | You can defer your offer and postpone the start of your course for one year. |
| Delivery |
On campus
|
| Faculty |
|
| Course contact |
Student Business Services (SBS) Admissions:
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| CRICOS code | 077696D |
Details
Biological science is the study of life and living things: animals, insects, plants, and microorganisms; everything that breathes, grows and feeds us; creatures that fly through the air majestically and those that lurk in the depths of the ocean, under rocks, or even under the toilet seat.
Biologists are curious about all these things and want to know how they work, how to grow and protect them—how to get involved with life on this planet.
Biologists also love a challenge. How will we feed a population of eight billion people in 2025? Can we use biological waste to solve our energy crisis? How can we protect our plants and animals from new and fiendish exotic diseases? And how many rare species can we save from extinction?
Why choose this course?
If you’re seeking a course that combines your curiosity, reasoning, technical know-how, vision and imagination, with a passion for life and living things, the Biological Sciences major is designed for you.
This course will provide broad and applied knowledge in general biology to equip you with an understanding of the diversity of living things, from simple cells to whole organisms. You will also have opportunities to develop a depth of knowledge in the key areas of plant and animal biology and their interaction with each other and the environment.
By integrating theory and practice with a strong focus on experimental design, you will apply key biological principles to important areas such as conservation, food security and biotechnology. You will also have the opportunity to get an early taste of a real research project in these or other key areas of biology through our Vacation Research Experience Scholarships.
As a Biological Sciences graduate, you will be equally skilled at the desk, in the laboratory and in the field and will have the critical thinking ability needed to tackle real-world problems in biology. You will also be able to communicate the importance of biology and biological concepts, as well as understand how biology interfaces with other disciplines.
As well as receiving core training in the basics through the biology major, students can either add breadth to their degree by choosing a minor from a complementary discipline (e.g. chemistry), or depth to their biological skills through a specialised minor such as biotechnology.
During the course you will gain experience in some of the most advanced laboratories in Australia and be taught by staff at the top of their research fields internationally. You can also expect to stay in touch with the real world, as guest lectures, site visits and opportunities for work-integrated learning bring a strong industry flavour to the degree.
Throughout your course, you will be exposed to cutting edge research and have the opportunity to work and develop links with industry partners and research groups.
You can also gain real work experience through our Work Integrated Learning program, or study a semester overseas as part of your degree.
Career outcomes
Your breadth of skills in experimental design, both in the laboratory and the field, and a strong focus on application to real world problems in biology will prepare you for a range of employment and career pathways.
Biological Science graduates are employed across a variety of industries in the more traditional biology areas such as cell biology, biochemistry and ecology, as well in cutting edge areas of biotechnology and genomics. Career opportunities in research, education and monitoring are available in a range of government organisations and private companies working with food production, pharmaceutical industries, genetics, botany and zoology, and many other areas.
Laboratory-based careers may include laboratory management, basic research, forensic microbiology, or molecular genetics. Farm and field-based work could entail animal management, plant breeding, entomology, marine biology, or pest and disease management. Industrial work might involve biotechnology to produce food, fuel or pharmaceuticals. Other careers could involve science writing, teaching, policy development, or the commercialisation and the management of biological products and processes.
Professional recognition
As a Biological Sciences graduate you will be eligible to join a number of professional associations such as the Genetics Society of Australasia, the Ecological Society of Australia, and the Australian Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology.
Studied at university or TAFE before?
Bachelor of Science is a new course, and we're only offering first year units in 2013.
This means if you're offered a place in 2013 and you're eligible for at least the first year of credit for prior learning (advanced standing), you'll be admitted to Bachelor of Applied Science (SC01).
Units
Your science degree
At QUT you’ll create your own personal science degree program of 24 units. During your first year of study you’ll get to sample a range of core science disciplines, allowing you to decide on your major later.
Faculty core and Imagine Science units
These six units give you an introduction to the principles of science the opportunity to learn by enquiry, and to broaden your understanding of the core sciences. You’ll study two Faculty core units, two Imagine Science units and two Optional units of your choice.
From your very first semester, you will collaborate with your peers and teaching staff in QUT’s exciting new learning environments. In your Imagine Science units you will explore real-world problems from multiple scientific perspectives and learn the tools of the trade. Depending on your choices, you may find yourself out in the field, working in the laboratory or learning about the impact of scientific discovery on people, policy, industry and the planet.
Working with data you have collected, you’ll study how to apply fundamental methods of scientific practice, perform scientific analysis, and learn the tools to present your findings. You’ll have the opportunity to explore and discover the range of career and professional outcomes available to you, so you can gain the most from your unit selection and the flexibility the Bachelor of Science has to offer.
Primary major
Your major is your main area of study for what you aspire to become professionally. You will receive in-depth knowledge and expertise within your chosen scientific discipline, preparing you for entry into the workforce or further study.
It comprises 10 units and there are five majors to choose from:
- Biological Sciences
- Chemistry
- Earth Science
- Environmental Science
- Physics
Complementary study areas
This is where you make the degree your own, tailoring your studies to further match your individual career goals with a wide range of complementary study options available. You’ll have the opportunity to develop sought-after professional skills, deepen your understanding of your major discipline, pursue an interest from across the university, or broaden your scientific understanding. You can even work with industry or study overseas to gain credit towards your degree.
You can choose: a Second major (eight units); or an Extended minor (four units) or Breadth minor (four units), plus either a Faculty minor (four units) or Breadth minor (four units).
Second major (eight units)
Choose a second area of study to complement your major, and develop a significant depth of knowledge and skills in two discipline areas. Experience another field, learn another academic methodology and experience interdisciplinary networking.
Choose a second Science discipline, or explore different perspectives which might include:
• computational science
• computer science
• innovation
• education (STEM disciplines)
• science communication, or
• science policy.
Minor (four units)
You might prefer to expand the breadth and depth of your studies by adding to your chosen science major with two minors. Minors include:
Extension minor (four units)
Gain further insights and depth in your primary area of study. Intensify your chosen major to develop additional knowledge, skills and experience for your career in science.
Breadth minor (four units)
Broaden your studies to include minors from the list of science majors, second majors or from the list of University-wide minors.
Entry requirements
Assumed knowledge
Before you start this course we assume you have sound knowledge in these areas:
- Maths B
- English
We assume that you have knowledge equivalent to four semesters at high school level (Years 11 and 12) with sound achievement (4, SA). Recommended Study: Biology and Chemistry.
Did you get an OP 1-5?
If you receive an OP 1-5 or equivalent, you're guaranteed an offer for this course in the major offer round.
Course fees
Your actual fees may vary depending on which units you choose. All fees are based on current fixed fee prices. We review fees annually.
2013: CSP $4,200 (indicative) per Semester (subject to annual review)
Student Services and Amenities Fee
You'll need to pay the Student Services and Amenities Fee (SSAF) as part of your course costs.
HECS-HELP: loans to help you pay your course fees
You may not have to pay anything upfront if you're eligible for a HECS-HELP loan.
Find out if you're eligible for a HECS-HELP loan
Scholarships and financial support
You can apply for scholarships to help you with study and living costs.
These scholarships are available for this course:
You may also be eligible for Centrelink payments
Apply
How to apply for Bachelor of Science (Biological Sciences)
You apply through QTAC for all our undergraduate courses.
Are you ready to submit your application?
You're ready if you've:
- Found all the courses you want to apply for - you can apply for up to 6.
- Checked important dates.
- Checked you meet the entry requirements.
- Checked your course costs and if you're eligible for financial support.
All done? Then you're ready to apply.
Important: Make a note of the QTAC code for this course (418011) because you'll need to enter it as part of your QTAC application.
After you've submitted your application to QTAC
If you've studied before or if you have at least two years' work experience, you may want to apply for credit for prior learning.
