Bachelor of Science (Biological Sciences)

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.

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

Entry requirements

Minimum academic requirements

Did you complete secondary school in Australia?

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.

Scholarships and financial support

You can apply for scholarships to help you with study and living costs.

These scholarships are available for this course:

View all scholarships