Bachelor of Biological Science
The course
Bachelor of Biological Science
Melbourne Burwood Campus
Deakin's Biological Science degree provides you with a wide range of units in biology, including animal and plant biology, genetics, physiology and evolution. You will learn in a modern teaching environment and gain hands-on experience by participating in laboratory and project work and by undertaking a three-unit professional pathways sequence.
This course has a first year of foundation units followed by a second year focusing on biodiversity and organismal biology. Using electives from second and third year, you are able to pursue a particular interest in biology either by selecting one of the planned majors, or by tailoring your degree with elective units which you may choose from a range of second and third-year biology units or units from any other Faculty within the University.
Why study this course?
The course has been designed to give students relevant and wide-ranging practical experience in both the laboratory and the field. During your degree you have the opportunity to not only study, but also conduct research projects in Evolutionary Biology, Cell and Molecular Biology, Genetics, Physiology or Ecology to gain real life experience in the profession. A series of professional practice units will introduce you to careers in biology, while a work placement will give you an insight into laboratory science, field science, or an approved alternative.
Career opportunities
You may find employment in a range of areas, including those within the general health and medical industry (hospital scientists, analytical and diagnostic laboratory scientists and research scientists), food and agriculture-based industries, animal health, quarantine, wildlife biology, environmental consulting, museums, herbaria and the emerging biotechnology industries.
Facilities
Deakin Biological Science students learn in a modern teaching environment and gain hands-on experience by participating in laboratory, field and project work. They have access to first-class infrastructure and facilities and are taught by lecturers who are active researchers in their chosen field of biology.
Professional practice
SLE390 Professional Practice in Biosciences
Industry and government links
The course remains relevant and progressive through Deakin's partnership with industry leaders in the field of biological sciences who are members of the Advisory Board. These industry leaders help inform and update the curriculum to ensure the course remains relevant and continues to produce career-ready graduates.
Flexibility
A degree in Biological Science is a broad qualification that combines the skills for a specialised career with generic skills that give graduates flexibility and a wide range of career and further study options. Students can choose from a range of units including many from the closely-aligned Bachelor of Environmental Science and Bachelor of Biomedical Science programs. Students also have the option of using a number of their electives to complete a major sequence in Cell and Molecular Biology or Zoology to complement their studies.
Study while you see the world
At Deakin you’ll find opportunities to help prepare you for a global future.
In 2013, the Faculty of Science, Engineering and Built Environment is introducing a new program to help high achieving students add an international experience to their studies. The Global Science and Technology Program aims to recognise, reward and support high achieving students who would like to conduct part of their studies overseas (via an exchange or study abroad program). Successful applicants will be offered a scholarship of $3,000 to assist with the travel costs. As part of the program, they will be required to participate in the Deakin Global Citizenship program. To find out more, visit the Global Science and Technology Program page.
Deakin's Study Abroad and Exchange Office also offers various programs including exchange, study abroad, short-term study programs, study tours and international volunteering opportunities, enabling students to study overseas for a few weeks, a trimester, or a year as part of their degree.
Tropical Biology Association
The School of Life and Environmental Sciences is a member of the Tropical Biology Association (TBA). This non-governmental, non-profit organisation works in partnership with environmental institutions in Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Madagascar and Malaysia. The TBA provides practical training for conservation biologists and practitioners with the potential to have a significant impact on biodiversity management and research. Students benefit from this membership by receiving priority access to places on TBA field courses at reduced rates.
Further information is available at www.tropical-biology.org
Related courses
- Biomedical Science
- Environmental Science (Wildlife and Conservation Biology)
- Science
- Dean's Scholars Program
Course structures and prerequisites
For complete information on course structures and prerequisites refer to the Deakin course search website
Want to find out more?
Contact us at the School of Life and Environmental Sciences
