Biology
UNDERGRADUATE MAJOR
Biology is the study of life, ranging from molecules and their modes of action, through to understanding complex communities and their relationship with the environment. We are living in a most exciting time for studying and working in biology as new technologies, such as recombinant DNA, genomics and proteomics, place powerful tools in the hands of biologists. These advances, along with our ability to process and interpret large volumes of complex data, have generated a gigantic leap in our understanding of the fundamental molecular mechanisms and processes controlling life.
If you are planning to specialise in biology, you may wish to consider taking advanced units of study, which provide an opportunity to research an area of your special interest, working with research scientists and other professionals.
Study plan
FIRST YEAR
If you are planning a major in biology, you will normally take 1 junior biology unit per semester, in your first year. Junior units of study in biology cater for students according to whether biology was studied at HSC level or equivalent. The topics covered range from the ecology of whole organisms to the cellular interactions and molecular networks that underpin structure and function.
SECOND YEAR
You will complete the intermediate units of study which are prerequisites for your senior units of study. Units offered in intermediate biology include invertebrate and vertebrate zoology, botany and plant sciences, genetics, cell biology and conservation biology.
THIRD YEAR
You will complete 24cp of senior biology units of study. Senior study in biology provides a deeper scientific understanding in molecular biology and genetics, bioinformatics, fungal biology, cell biology, physiology, ecology, marine biology, plant science, evolution and biodiversity.
EXAMPLE UNITS
Concepts in Biology
Human Biology
Living Systems
Zoology
Ecology and Conservation
Marine Biology
Tropical Wildlife Biology and Management
Coral Reef Biology
Evolutionary Genetics & Animal Behaviour
Animal Physiology
Terrestrial Field Ecology
Course accreditation
Graduates who hold a major in biology are recognised as accredited biological researchers by the Asia-Pacific Academy of Biologists and Microbiologists.
Graduate opportunities
As a biology graduate you can expect an exciting and rewarding career contributing to the community through opportunities in business, research, training, education and government. Even in areas where specific biological knowledge has no direct input, a wide biological knowledge and advanced analytical skills allow biology graduates to play a leading role in local and global events. As a graduate you may combine laboratory research and fieldwork to study biological systems in many of the world's remote and fascinating ecosystems.
Further study for major
If you are interested in furthering your specialisation in biology, you may wish to undertake an honours year, or a postgraduate coursework or research program, subject to admission requirements.
Rich opportunities for honours and postgraduate research are available for eligible students in a variety of biology related fields including animal behaviour, ecology, genes and genetic interactions, plant science, molecular biology and much more.
If you are interested in a more structured program of study, there are coursework programs available to you through the Faculty of Science, in biology related areas such as wildlife health and population management, molecular biotechnology and more.
Related subject areas
Anatomy and Histology
Biochemistry
Bioinformatics
Biology
Cell Pathology
Chemistry
Immunobiology
Medicinal Chemistry
Microbiology
Neuroscience
Pharmacology
Physiology