Contact: Associate Professor Jenny Read (School of Biological Sciences)
Biology is the study of life process and living organisms. It is concerned with microbes, plants and animals, and their structure, function, evolution and development.
The School of Biological Sciences offers students a choice of units leading
to a double major (72 points), a major (48 points), or a minor sequence (24
points) in the following sub-disciplines: biology, ecology, environmental and
conservation biology, evolution and adaptation, genetics, human genetics,
marine and freshwater biology, molecular biology, plant sciences, and zoology.
Many of the units are suitable for students enrolled in BBiomedSc or BEnvSc,
and many units may be sensibly combined with units from other fields of study
such as chemistry, microbiology, physiology, geography and environmental
science, biochemistry or geosciences to provide valuable training for
particular career paths.
Students may undertake a fourth year of study for a BSc(Hons) degree in a
course combining studies of advanced topics with a research program under
supervision.
Minor sequence in biology (24 points):
Major sequence in biology (48 points):
Minor and major sequences are also offered in the sub-disciplines of ecology, environmental and conservation biology, evolution and adaptation, genetics, human genetics, marine and freshwater biology, molecular biology, plant sciences, and zoology. Refer to the entry for each sub-discipline in this section of the handbook for the name of the contact person and the units required to complete the major and minor sequences.
The School of Biological Sciences offers three six-point units at level one: BIO1011 in first semester is followed by either BIO1022 or BIO1042 in second semester. The combination BIO1011 with BIO1022 is a general first-year biology study. BIO1042 emphasises environmental aspects of biology. A complete 12-point, two-semester sequence in biology at level one is a prerequisite for the level-two units BIO2082, BIO2103, BIO2181, BIO2231, BIO2242, GEN2041 and GEN2052.
First-year students planning to take biological science units in subsequent years should take note of the level-one prerequisites for units at level two.
Various combinations of level-two units are possible. Students are recommended to take one or more of the preferred combinations listed as sub-disciplines above. Students wishing to enrol in other combinations of units are strongly advised to discuss their proposed course plan with a unit coordinator.
Any student who intends to enrol in level-three units offered by the School of Biological Sciences should have completed a total value of at least 12 points of level-two units offered by the school. Students should note, however, that some level-three units do have some specific level-two units as prerequisites. Details of these are given in the unit descriptions.
Note that students wishing to proceed to honours in biology are expected to take BIO3011 if it is offered.
Students with a good academic record and at least a distinction average in units worth 24 points at level three may apply to enrol in an honours year in either biology or genetics. Students undertake supervised research, present a research seminar, and submit an essay on advanced topics. Special studies may be included to meet the needs of individual students. Students in biology may commence the honours year at the beginning of either semester. Students in genetics start at the beginning of first semester. Further information is available from the head of school and at meetings held with prospective students during second semester.
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