Bachelor of Science (Molecular Biology & Genetics)

Please note: This course will no longer be offered to new students from 2012. The information below is for continuing students who are currently enrolled in this course. If you wish to pursue similar studies, please view our list of courses for future students.

Overview

Molecular biology is an area of biochemistry which seeks to understand and unravel complex structures and the behaviour of living organisms by focusing on their molecular constitution. Biomolecules are chemicals associated with living organisms, and their behaviour conforms to the same chemical and physical principles that govern all matter.

School of Molecular Bioscience

• Course structure
• Career opportunities with this degree
• ATAR, Intake and Assumed Knowledge
• Information for International Students

Course structure

You will study for three years full-time in this course and learn about the following aspects of molecular biology and genetics:

• the structure, information content and replication of genetic material
• the organisation and expression of encoding genes and the structure of gene products (proteins)
• genetic and protein engineering
• macromolecular structure and interactions
• cell differentiation and organism development
• the basis of inherited diseases
• biotechnology and medical diagnostic molecular biology
• genomics, proteomics and bioinformatics

In first year you will study biology, molecular biology, mathematics, advanced chemistry and one other unit (usually physics or computer science). In second year you will complete core units in molecular biology and genetics (two semesters), chemistry, biochemistry and microbiology, and 12 credit points of options. In third year you will study specialised core units in molecular biology and genetics plus two electives from biochemistry, biology, chemistry and microbiology in second semester. You must achieve a credit average in each year of enrolment in order to proceed to the next year. If you choose to do Honours, you will complete a fourth year of study and research.

Other ways of studying genetics

Students can also major in many areas relevant to molecular biology and genetics in the Bachelor of Science, Bachelor of Science (Advanced), BSc/BA, and Bachelor of Liberal Arts and Science.

Career opportunities

Graduates are highly sought after in a wide variety of national and international research laboratories and in hospitals and industry.

The program also forms an ideal base for graduate research in molecular biology and genetics or professional graduate entry programs, such as the University’s medical and dentistry programs.

ATAR, Intake and Assumed Knowledge

Information for International Students