School of Biological Sciences

Our vision: Biology without borders

Our mission: Investigating Earth’s biodiversity and natural environments to ensure sustainable futures through effective engagement

The School of Biological Sciences is a large, multidisciplinary School with research and teaching focused on understanding and conserving life on Earth. Understanding and communicating the vulnerabilities, adaptability and resilience of plants and animals on land and in our rivers and oceans helps to better value and protect the biodiversity around us.

As biologists, we are passionate about understanding how all forms of life – microorganisms, fungi, plants and animals – grow, acclimate, sense the world around them, communicate, defend themselves, reproduce and evolve. We study how species and ecosystems can be managed, conserved and restored. Our work also provides knowledge to advance sustainability, food production, plant and animal disease management, environmental management, climate science, medical science and science communication.

Our researchers tackle challenges to society in laboratories and at field sites across the world, studying plants and animals and their habitats in both natural and managed environments. We use techniques ranging from molecular and genetic analyses to novel and cutting-edge techniques like genomics and environmental DNA and big-data synthesis to assess and monitor whole populations, communities and ecosystems both regionally and globally. We are committed to engaging with diverse communities through innovative, inclusive, and evidence-based practise. Read more about our achievements in our latest highlight report.

Our teaching supports undergraduate majors in botany, biodiversity and evolution, conservation biology, marine biology, marine science, neuroscience, plant biology, wildlife conservation and zoology, as well as minors in science communication and ecology. At the Masters level, we deliver specialisations in bioinformatics, conservation biology, marine biology and zoology within the Master of Biological Sciences, as well as a Master of Science Communication.

Higher Degree by Research opportunities and projects

Students who are interested in research projects should visit the Higher Degree by Research Application Portal and browse the Project Opportunities section.

All current projects and their supervisors are available in this Portal. This includes PhD and Master by research projects and scholarships. You can search by research areas or a specific school, see available scholarships and contact prospective supervisors. You can also directly contact a potential supervisor using the discipline links (above). 

Research centres and groups

Multidisciplinary research hubs

Facilities

Community and engagement

The School values its links with the community, reaching out to share its knowledge and expertise. Our academics and students actively engage with school children and community events, such as Perth Royal Show, Perth Science Festival. In addition, they give radio interviews, newspaper articles and public talks.

 

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Details of all our upcoming events can be found on our events calendar below.

Events calendar

News

  • New master architects of the spider world discovered in the Kimberley

    Thu, 27 Mar 2025

    A team of scientists led by The University of Western Australia has discovered two new species of trapdoor spiders in the Kimberley region, marking the first time members of the species have been found in northern Australia.

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  • Bigger the better for preserving biodiversity

    Thu, 13 Mar 2025

    Large and undisturbed forests are better at harbouring biodiversity than fragmented landscapes, according to an international team of ecologists.

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  • New species of 'dunny frogs' found in Queensland and Western Australia

    Wed, 5 Mar 2025

    So-called ‘dunny frogs’, often found hiding in toilets, showers and water tanks, have long been considered a single species but new research has revealed they are actually three distinct species.

    Read More

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School of Biological Sciences Seminar Series

The School holds a weekly seminar series featuring local and international guest speakers.

The seminars are held each Friday at 3pm. Information about the seminar topics and venue can be found on the School of Biological Sciences Facebook.

Contact the School of Biological Sciences

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