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Biological sciences are diverse, fascinating, rapidly changing, and essential to our understanding of living systems. The Bachelor of Science (Biological Sciences) degree offers a solid grounding in the basic sciences, including biology, microbiology and biochemistry and environmental science.
Study options
FULL TIME
3 years
PART TIME
6 years
Start times
Autumn
March
(2021)
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Biological Science at Western
The biological sciences play a vital role in our understanding of the environment, as well as animals, plants and micro-organisms, and are essential to a wide range of contemporary industries.
You may choose to maximise the biological science content of your degree or combine biological sciences with studies in another discipline.
Course structure
The course structure is outlined in our handbook. Here you can view all of the units (subjects) you will be studying.
Biodiversity; Management of Aquatic Environments; Comparative Physiology; Ecology; Principles of Zoology; Toxicology; Aquatic Ecology; Biological Adaptation to Climate Change.
Biodiversity; Cell Biology; Wildlife Studies; Management of Aquatic Environments; Ecology; Genetics; Botany; Principles of Evolution; Conservation Biology; Aquatic Ecology; Biological Adaptation to Climate Change.
Biodiversity; Cell Biology; plus additional six electives.
Biodiversity; Cell Biology; Wildlife Studies; Principles of Zoology; Biological Adaptation to Climate Change; plus an additional four electives.
Wildlife Studies; Management Dynamics; Environmental Regulation and Policy; Environmental Risk Management; Invertebrate Biology; Vertebrate Biodiversity; plus an additional two electives.
This major will equip students with knowledge and skills in fundamental biology and chemistry, biochemistry and molecular biology to allow students to enter industrial or research-based employment in this area (biotech companies, pathology, quality assurance, university and hospital labs and scientific sales, government policy analysis). As this area has expanding knowledge and technologies, outcomes also include the ability to read, critique and evaluate emerging research with the view to becoming a life-long learner in the field. The outcomes of this major would support honours or masters level research in this area.
Microorganisms impact on all aspects of our lives. A major in microbiology will equip students with the skills and knowledge of microbiology and molecular microbiology relevant to employment in research laboratories and industries including biotechnology companies, medical and environmental laboratories, food, wine and pharmaceutical companies, quality assurance and scientific sales. The major, which includes the study of bacteria, fungi, protists and viruses and their roles in medicine, industry and the environment, will also provide a foundation for research at Honours and postgraduate levels.
Fees and delivery
Fees: Varies depending on units selected. View available units in our handbook.
For further information on University fees, please visit Fees and University Costs.
Delivery: On campus
Fees: AUD $33,600*
Delivery: On campus
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Your career
As a biological science graduate, you can look forward to career opportunities in:
- Forensic science
- Environmental monitoring
- Veterinary research
- Quality control
- Science teaching (with further study)
Your career
Hospital and Pathology Scientist
Hospital Scientists require a degree in science to work in interesting areas of biology such as pathology, cytology, biochemistry, microbiology and genetics. Pathology Scientists with degrees perform most of the medical specimen testing and work closely with Pathologists.
Forensic Scientist
As a Forensic Scientist you'll provide impartial scientific evidence for use in courts of law to support the prosecution or defence in criminal and civil investigations. You'll be primarily concerned with searching for and examining contact trace material associated with crimes.
Secondary Teacher
With further study, you can become a Secondary School Teacher. You will teach one or more subjects and promote students' social, emotional, intellectual and physical development.
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*The tuition fees quoted above are the fees for the normal full-time study load of the program (80 credit points) per annum. International students will be subject to a variable fee regime; i.e. enrolled students will be required to pay fees during their program based on the approved fee for each calendar year. Fee changes (if any) will occur at 1 January each calendar year. Students who extend their program past the normal finish date of the program will be required to pay additional fees based on the prevailing fee level. Western Sydney University is a multi-campus institution. The University reserves the right to alter the location of its programs between campuses and other locations as necessary. Students should be aware of the possibility of change of location for the whole or part of programs for which they enrol and should plan for the need to travel between Western Sydney campuses.
