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I want more infoWorking on the reef
'I grew up in Fiji, so we spent a lot of time on the reef. I found out that you could be a marine biologist, working on coral reefs and with marine species, and I knew that's where I wanted to be. My ultimate job is to work in a field that uses marine science research to give back to communities that are heavily impacted by climate change. In the second year of my degree, I completed a short-term overseas exchange in Costa Rica for three weeks. This was an amazing experience—conducting field work in the Caribbean Sea, snorkelling, diving, tagging sharks and stingrays, and learning about shark finning and other issues.'
Biological sciences graduate
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)
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.'
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
Working on the reef
'I grew up in Fiji, so we spent a lot of time on the reef. I found out that you could be a marine biologist, working on coral reefs and with marine species, and I knew that's where I wanted to be. My ultimate job is to work in a field that uses marine science research to give back to communities that are heavily impacted by climate change. In the second year of my degree, I completed a short-term overseas exchange in Costa Rica for three weeks. This was an amazing experience—conducting field work in the Caribbean Sea, snorkelling, diving, tagging sharks and stingrays, and learning about shark finning and other issues.'
Biological sciences graduate
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.'
Think biological sciences. Think QUT.
With a biological sciences degree, you can contribute to solutions for global challenges like feeding the growing world population, solving our energy crisis and saving species from extinction.
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
- Laboratory assistant
- Marine scientist
- Microbiologist
- Plant biotechnologist
- Population ecologist
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, 2024.
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.
Helping you to get into your course
If you don't think your ATAR or selection rank is high enough to get into this course, you can guarantee your entry with guaranteed advanced standing by upgrading through one the following programs which you can select as one of your QTAC preferences:
Dual TAFE-Qld Brisbane/QUT award
If you enrol in a QTAC offer in the following dual TAFE-Qld Brisbane/QUT award you will automatically receive a QUT conditional offer in June after your enrolment at TAFE-Qld Brisbane is confirmed.
Upon completion of the TAFE-Qld diploma you will be able to enrol at QUT. You will also automatically receive half a year (48 credit points) credit transfer and be able to complete the degree in 2.5 years as a full-time student (or equivalent part-time). More details will be provided in your QUT conditional offer letter.
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.
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, 2023
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
99.45
|
Selection rank
99.95
|
| Median ATAR/selection rank to receive an offer |
Selection rank
79.70
|
Selection rank
81.70
|
| Lowest ATAR/selection rank to receive an offer |
Selection rank
64.55
|
Selection rank
70.35
|
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.
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. Tests must be taken no more than 2 years prior to the QUT course commencement.
| English Test | Overall | Listening | Reading | Writing | Speaking |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| PTE Academic/PTE Academic Online | 58 | 50 | 50 | 50 | 50 |
|
Cambridge English Score
You must share your results with QUT through the Candidate Results Online website. |
176 | 169 | 169 | 169 | 169 |
| IELTS Academic / IELTS Online / IELTS One Skills Retake | 6.5 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 |
| TOEFL iBT / Home / Paper | 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.
2025 fees
2025: CSP fees available from September
2025 fees
2025: Available from July
2024 fees
2024: CSP $8,800 per year full-time (96 credit points)
2024 fees
2024: $41,800 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.
Women in Science, Mathematics and IT Merit Scholarship
A scholarship for high achieving female students who want to study science, mathematics or IT.
- Scholarship eligibility
- Academic performance; Women
QUT Excellence Scholarship (Academic)
QUT's premier offering for students with outstanding academic achievement.
- 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 Real World International Scholarship
A scholarship to cover tuition fees, with eligibility based on your prior academic achievements.
- Scholarship eligibility
- Academic performance
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