Subject prerequisites
Units 3 and 4: a study score of at least 25 in English (EAL) or at least 20 in English other than EAL.
IELTS (Academic) score of 6.0 with no individual band score less than 6.0
TOEFL Internet based (iBT): overall score of 64 with 13 in Reading, 12 in Listening, 18 in Speaking and 21 in Writing.
La Trobe College Australia ELICOS (LTCA): completion of EFS level 5B with minimum 60% overall and 60% in final exam.
La Trobe College Australia Foundation Studies (LTCA): completion of Foundation studies with 60% in English (Academic Communication).
Pearson Test of English (Academic) (PTE): overall score of 50 with no communicative skill score less than 50.
Cambridge Certificate of Advanced English (CAE): 169 with no less than 169 in any component.
Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency in English (CPE): 169 with no less than 169 in any component.
Turn your passion for biology into a diverse career. La Trobe's Bachelor of Biological Sciences gives you a strong scientific grounding plus the flexibility to specialise in an area that interests you.
Start with the basics. Build foundational skills in biology, chemistry, ecology and biodiversity, and explore the impacts of infection, epidemics and pandemics.
This degree is all about getting your hands dirty. You'll start practical classes from your first year – both in our on-campus labs and facilities, and out in the field. Get a glimpse into your professional future in science with industry-led workshops and seminars, as well as opportunities for work placements.
Customise your course with a major of your choice. Select from a range of areas, including biochemistry, botany, ecology, genetics, human physiological sciences, microbiology or zoology. This degree also gives you the option to take a double major or choose an additional minor.
All the way through your degree, you'll be building fundamental skills in experimental design, analysis, data interpretation and reporting. At the same time, you'll develop your expertise in problem-solving, teamwork, written and verbal communication and data presentation – skills that will serve you throughout whatever career you pursue.
You'll learn:
Animal, plant and microbial biology
Understand the fundamentals of biology as well as the structure and function of living organisms, their life processes and diversity.
Data analysis and communication
Explore experimental design issues and statistics to analyse data from experiments. Learn to effectively present information and data to different audiences.
Foundations of chemistry
Understand atomic and molecular structures, chemical reactions and organic and physical chemistry and apply these principles to further study and employment.
Infections, epidemics and pandemics
Discover how infections can threaten human wellbeing and the strategies available to prevent and cure disease.
Professional conduct and professional identify
Learn about ethical conduct when working as a scientific professional and how to promote and communicate your professional identity to potential employers and peers
CRICOS code: 006171K
More information: click here
Study options
Core subjects
Core subjects are required subjects in your course. You need to complete these subjects to attain your degree.
Year 1
academic integrity module
wominjeka la trobe: indigenous cultural literacy for higher education
animal and plant life
chemistry foundations
ecology, evolution and biodiversity
infections, pandemics and epidemics
making sense of data
molecules, genes and cells
Year 2
career options and professional identity
practice of science
Majors
A major is a sequence of related subjects studied in your course. To attain a major, this sequence must add up to 120 credit points. In some courses, you need to complete at least one major from your course's discipline to attain your degree. If there is room in your degree for more than one major, you may wish to complete an open access major from another discipline area.
Course majors
Biochemistry
Botany
Ecology
Genetics
Human physiological sciences
Microbiology
Zoology
Minors
A minor is an optional sequence of related subjects studied in your course. To attain a minor, this sequence must add up to 60 credit points. A minor can be undertaken in a similar or different interest area in your course or major's discipline and, in some cases, taken from a different discipline. Up to two minors can be chosen in place of an optional second major or standalone elective subjects.
Course minors
Biochemistry
Botany
Ecology studies
Genetics
Human anatomy
Human physiological sciences
Microbiology
Zoology
Elective subjects
A range of standalone elective subjects is available in this course. Some electives are recommended for your course, but you may also be able to choose from a range of University-wide electives or electives from other interest areas or disciplines.
La Trobe graduates have found work in lab and field-based settings, including private industry, research institutes, and local and state government organisations.
Possible roles include:
Biological scientist
Examine plants, animals and microbes to better understand their natural biological processes and impact on the environment.
Microbiologist
Investigate the growth, structure development and other characteristics of microscopic organisms such as bacteria, algae and fungi. Undertake laboratory analysis and monitor microbial cultures, samples and new drugs.
Environmental consultant
Provide expert assessment and advisory services to clients on matters related to the management of environmental issues.
Biosecurity officer
Develop and deliver robust legislation, policies, systems and processes to support our biosecurity system.
Geneticist
Research and study the inheritance of traits at the molecular, organism or population level.
530 AUD/year
