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I want more infoLearning in the field
At QUT, science students don’t just learn in labs and lecture theatres. They get hands-on experience in some of Queensland's unique environments. On a recent groundwater field trip to Springbrook, students worked in World Heritage rainforests, learned from Traditional Owners and industry experts, and even helped monitor endangered crayfish alongside QPWS rangers.
Learn from experts
Learn from leading researchers like Professor Helen Wallace, who has led a long-term project transforming the galip nut - a traditional, nutrient-rich crop from Papua New Guinea - into an internationally-recognised product. Her research, in partnership with local communities and global agencies, is improving livelihoods, enhancing food security, and creating new opportunities for women farmers in the face of climate change.
Science communication
When storytelling meets sustainability: discover how two QUT students are blending environmental science and communication to create real-world impact. In this video, they share how their studies opened doors to exciting opportunities for turning their passions into purpose-driven careers.
Ella's success story
'This is the side of a science career that a lot of people don't expect is possible.'
Ella Sinclair majored in biological sciences at QUT and, today, works as a Health Safety and Environmental Consultant focusing on contaminated land and health risks. No two days on the job are the same. It's not your average science job and Ella loves it.
Prepared for the real world
'The only constant is change and I think QUT not only equips us with the right knowledge but with the right attitude to learn constantly and be aware of how the world is reacting to our field of study. From researching real-world problems of the theories we learn to actually engaging in debates over these problems, we become more prepared for what the real world has in store for us.'
Biological science and journalism student, Singapore
Graduate outcome: biosecurity officer
'While studying at QUT, I often wondered "Is this relevant to the real world?" The answer I have found is "yes". I refer to the information taught in the Invasion Ecology unit daily, whether I am modelling the potential distribution of a new invasive species or conferring with a stakeholder on the importance of preventing invasive species on their land.'
Biosecurity officer (inspector)
Using AI for species conservation
Meet Callan, a threatened species project officer at BirdLife Australia, a PhD student and a research assistant at QUT who is studying bird interactions in the Granite Belt's vineyards using sound. With a background in music and a passion for birdwatching, Callan has found his niche in ecoacoustics and believes that AI and technology can revolutionise species conservation.
Prepared for the real world
'The only constant is change and I think QUT not only equips us with the right knowledge but with the right attitude to learn constantly and be aware of how the world is reacting to our field of study. From researching real-world problems of the theories we learn to actually engaging in debates over these problems, we become more prepared for what the real world has in store for us.'
Biological science and journalism student, Singapore
Science communication
When storytelling meets sustainability: discover how two QUT students are blending environmental science and communication to create real-world impact. In this video, they share how their studies opened doors to exciting opportunities for turning their passions into purpose-driven careers.
Ella's success story
'This is the side of a science career that a lot of people don't expect is possible.'
Ella Sinclair majored in biological sciences at QUT and, today, works as a Health Safety and Environmental Consultant focusing on contaminated land and health risks. No two days on the job are the same. It's not your average science job and Ella loves it.
Real world experiences
'I'm in my final year, which means I get to carry out a capstone project, which brings together all the skills you’ve learned throughout the duration of your degree. Our project explored the preference of fruit ripeness stages for a particular species of fruit fly in Queensland.'
In this course you will
- Gain real-world insight and experience with industry guest lectures, site visits and work experience opportunities.
- Combine theory and practice in plant and animal biology across study areas, including conservation, evolutionary biology, food security and biotechnology.
- Learn from teaching staff at the top of their fields internationally.
- Prepare yourself for various career options, such as animal management, plant breeding, entomology, marine biology, pest and disease management, biotechnology and pharmaceuticals.
In this course you will
- Gain real-world insight and experience with industry guest lectures, site visits and work experience opportunities.
- Combine theory and practice in plant and animal biology across study areas, including conservation, evolutionary biology, food security and biotechnology.
- Learn from teaching staff at the top of their fields internationally.
- Prepare yourself for various career options, such as animal management, plant breeding, entomology, marine biology, pest and disease management, biotechnology and pharmaceuticals.
Why choose this course?
Biology is the study of life and living things: animals, insects, plants, and microorganisms; everything that breathes, grows and feeds us.
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 love a challenge. Can we use biological waste to solve our energy crisis? How can we protect our plants and animals from new and fiendish exotic diseases? How many rare species can we save from extinction?
Explore this course
This course provides a strong foundation in the core biological sciences such as physiology, genetics, zoology, plant sciences and microbiology. It is designed to be hands on, to develop problem-solving skills through active learning, and to give an early appreciation of the way that many disciplines can be brought to bear on a problem.
As well as receiving core training in the basics through the biology major, you can either add breadth to your degree by choosing a minor from a complementary discipline (for example, chemistry) or depth to your biological skills through a specialised minor such as biotechnology.
You will experience some of the most advanced laboratories and field work opportunities in Australia and be taught by staff who are at the top of their research fields internationally. You will also 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.
Other study options
Careers and outcomes
Graduates work in a wide range of public and private sectors jobs, and in environments including offices, laboratories, farms, fields, factories, cities and forests.
Laboratory-based careers may include laboratory management, basic research, forensic microbiology or molecular genetics. Farm and field-based work often entails animal management, plant breeding, entomology, marine biology, or pest and disease management. Industrial work can involve biotechnology to produce food, fuel or pharmaceuticals. Careers may also include science writing, teaching, policy development, or the commercialisation and management of biological products and processes.
Professional recognition
Professional recognition can be achieved through membership of an appropriate scientific society, such as the Australian Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, the Ecological Society of Australia, the Australian Society of Horticultural Science and others.
Possible careers
- Biologist
- Biomedical laboratory officer
- Cytologist
- Forensic biologist
- Government officer
- Inventor
- Marine scientist
- Microbiologist
- Plant biotechnologist
- Population ecologist
- Research scientist
To meet the course requirements of the Bachelor of Science, you must complete a total of 288 credit points, made up of:
- Core units - 60 credit points
- A Major – 120 credit points
- QUT You - 24 credit points
- Complementary studies - 84 credit points, made up of:
- a second major (84 credit points), or
- a minor (48 credit points) and elective units (36 credit points).
To meet the course requirements of the Bachelor of Science, you must complete a total of 288 credit points, made up of:
- Core units - 60 credit points
- A Major – 120 credit points
- QUT You - 24 credit points
- Complementary studies - 84 credit points, made up of:
- a second major (84 credit points), or
- a minor (48 credit points) and elective units (36 credit points).
- ATAR/selection rank threshold
- 70.00
These thresholds are the lowest adjusted scores to which QUT made an offer in Semester 1, 2026.
Don't have a ATAR/selection rank?
- Course code
- ST01
- QTAC code
- 418011
- CRICOS code
- 077696D
-
- Gardens Point
-
- Gardens Point
- 3 years full-time
- 6 years part-time
- 3 years full-time
- February and July
- February and July
Assumed knowledge
Before you start this course, we assume you have sound knowledge of the subject/s listed below. If you don't have the subject knowledge, you can still apply for the course but we strongly encourage you to undertake bridging studies to gain the knowledge:
- English, or Literature, or English and Literature Extension, or English as an Additional Language (Units 3 & 4, C)
- Mathematical Methods, or Specialist Mathematics (Units 3 & 4, C)
Year 12 early offer scheme
If you're a current Queensland Year 12 student, you may be eligible to receive an offer for this course on the last day of Queensland Year 12, before receiving your ATAR or selection rank.
Offer guarantee
If you achieve an ATAR or selection rank of 70.00 or higher (including any adjustments) and satisfy all other admission requirements, you are guaranteed an offer for this course in the Semester 1 offer rounds, up to the main offer round in mid-January.
VET guarantee
If you have completed an AQF certificate IV, diploma or higher, and satisfy all other admission requirements, you are guaranteed an offer for this course in the Semester 1 offer rounds.
Advanced standing
If you have prior studies or work experience, you may be eligible for advanced standing (credit). You can apply for advanced standing once you've been accepted to QUT. If you're in your first semester of study, you must apply for advanced standing within 10 days of receiving your offer.
Deferment
You can defer your offer and postpone the start of your course for one year.
More about deferring your offer
Adjustments to your ATAR/selection rank
Any adjustments you receive to your ATAR or selection rank will be applied to this course.
Find out if you’re eligible for an adjustment to your ATAR or selection rank
Offers we made to school leavers in Semester 1, 2025
The figures listed in the tables below reflect the offers that were made to recent ATAR students. The entry thresholds box at the top of this page shows the lowest adjusted ATAR/selection rank required to receive an offer for all applicants for the most recent January QTAC offer round.
| Excluding adjustments | Including adjustments | |
|---|---|---|
| Highest ATAR/selection rank to receive an offer |
Selection rank
98.15
|
Selection rank
99.95
|
| Median ATAR/selection rank to receive an offer |
Selection rank
78.15
|
Selection rank
79.95
|
| Lowest ATAR/selection rank to receive an offer |
Selection rank
62.90
|
Selection rank
70.15
|
You can find out more about your fellow students’ backgrounds with this course’s student profile.
Other admission options
If you are of Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander descent, you may be eligible for admission through our Centralised Assessment Selection Process (CASP).
I completed my studies outside of Australia
Select the country where you completed your studies to see a guide to the grades you need to apply for this course.
If your country or qualification is not listed, you can still apply for this course and we will assess your eligibility.
Assumed knowledge
- Mathematical Methods, or Specialist Mathematics (Units 3 & 4, C)
You must have achieved this study at a level comparable to Australian Year 12 or in recognised post-secondary studies.
I completed secondary school in Australia
Assumed knowledge
Before you start this course we assume you have sound knowledge in these areas:
- Mathematical Methods, or Specialist Mathematics (Units 3 & 4, C)
- ATAR/selection rank
- 70.00
Offer guarantee
If you completed secondary school in Australia and achieve an ATAR/selection rank of 70.00 or higher (including any adjustments) and satisfy all other admission requirements, you are guaranteed an offer for this course.
VET guarantee
If you have completed an AQF certificate IV, diploma or higher, and satisfy all other admission requirements, you are guaranteed an offer for this course.
Minimum English language requirements
Select the country where you completed your studies to see a guide on meeting QUT’s English language requirements.
Your scores and prior qualifications in English-speaking countries are considered. Approved English-speaking countries are Australia, Canada, England, Ireland, New Zealand, Scotland, United States of America and Wales.
If your country or qualification is not listed, you can still apply for this course and we will assess your eligibility.
We accept English language proficiency scores from the following tests undertaken in a secure test centre. Tests must be taken no more than 2 years prior to the QUT course commencement.
| English Test | Overall | Listening | Reading | Writing | Speaking |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| IELTS Academic / One Skill Retake | 6.5 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 |
|
Cambridge C1 Advanced
You must share your results with QUT through the Candidate Results Online website. |
176 | 169 | 169 | 169 | 169 |
| PTE Academic | 58 | 50 | 50 | 50 | 50 |
| TOEFL iBT Australia Test (120 scale) | 79 | 16 | 16 | 21 | 18 |
Don't have the English language score you need? We can help!
We offer English language programs to improve your English and help you gain entry to this course.
When you apply for this course, we will recommend which English course you should enrol in.
Your actual fees may vary depending on which units you choose. We review fees annually, and they may be subject to increases.
2027 fees
2027: Fee available from October
2027 fees
2027: Fee available from July
2026 fees
2026: CSP $9,000 per year full-time (96 credit points)
2026 fees
2026: $46,500 per year full-time (96 credit points)
Student services and amenities fees
You may need to pay student services and amenities (SA) fees as part of your course costs.
HECS-HELP: loans to help you pay for your course fees
You may not have to pay anything upfront if you're eligible for a HECS-HELP loan.
You can apply for scholarships to help you with study and living costs.
QUT Excellence Scholarship (Academic)
QUT's premier offering for students with outstanding academic achievement.
- Scholarship eligibility
- Academic performance
Equity scholarships scheme
A scholarship for low-income students studying in any faculty.
- Scholarship eligibility
- Struggling financially
QUT Elite Sport Scholarship
QUT's premier offering for students with outstanding sporting achievement.
- Scholarship eligibility
- Sporting excellence
International Merit Scholarship
A high achievement scholarship for future international undergraduate and postgraduate students.
- Scholarship eligibility
- Academic performance
Oodgeroo Noonuccal Undergraduate & Postgraduate Scholarship
The Oodgeroo Scholarship Program promotes the pursuit of Indigenous Australian studies by supporting the education of Indigenous Australians.
- Scholarship eligibility
- Indigenous Australian
QUT Budding Entrepreneur Scholarship
A scholarship for innovative individuals who are engaged in their passion for entrepreneurial action.
- Scholarship eligibility
QUT Rising Sports Scholarship
QUT’s high performance offering for students with outstanding sporting achievement.
- Scholarship eligibility
- Sporting excellence
Faculty of Science Scholarship for Women and Non-Binary People
We are committed to supporting people who may face barriers due to their gender and building diverse and inclusive cohorts for careers in science, maths and IT.
- Scholarship eligibility
- Academic performance; Women; Non-binary
Faculty of Science Indigenous Australian Scholarship
We are committed to improving Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander participation in science, maths and IT and ensuring students reach their full potential.
- Scholarship eligibility
- Indigenous Australian; Academic performance
International Talent Scholarship
A new scholarship for 2026 that covers tuition fees, with eligibility based on your prior academic achievements.
- Scholarship eligibility
- Academic performance
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