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
- Centre for Evolutionary Biology
- The West Australian Biogeochemistry Centre
- Minderoo-UWA Deep-Sea Research Centre
- NESP Marine and Coastal Hub
- The UWA Centre for Applied Bioinformatics
- See more
Multidisciplinary research hubs
- ARC Centre of Excellence in Plant Energy Biology
- Cooperative Research Centre for Honey Bee Products
- UWA Oceans Institute
- Western Australian Biodiversity Science Institute
- Western Australian Marine Science Institute
- See more
Industry and community partnerships
We collaborate with industry, business and government. Our partnerships generate research outcomes, public awareness and impact policy. Our research partners include:
- Angela Rossen, Artist and Biodiversity Educator
- ARC Centre for Mine Site Restoration
- BASF
- Co-operative Education for Enterprise Development
- CSIRO
- Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions
- Fisheries Research and Development Corporation
- HELIX Molecular Solutions
- Integrated Marine Observing System - IMOS
- Iluka
- Kings Park (Botanic Gardens & Parks Authority)
- Kwongan Foundation
- The Perron Institute for Neurological and Translational Science
- Western Australian Museum
- Perth Zoo
- Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development
- Rio Tinto
- Rottnest Island Authority
- Sea Around Us
- Western Rock Lobster Council
Facilities
- Alison Baird Reserve
- Centre for Microscopy, Characterisation and Analysis
- Harry Waring Marsupial Reserve
- Plant Growth Facilities
- Shenton Park Field Station
- The West Australian Biogeochemistry Centre
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.
Details of all our upcoming events can be found on our events calendar below.
News
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New master architects of the spider world discovered in the Kimberley
Thu, 27 Mar 2025
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Bigger the better for preserving biodiversity
Thu, 13 Mar 2025
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New species of 'dunny frogs' found in Queensland and Western Australia
Wed, 5 Mar 2025

Join us
Dedicated staff and students in the School of Biological Sciences are producing innovative and life-changing research. PhD students, postdoctoral fellows or potential staff who are interested in pursuing projects with the School can find out more about our current opportunities below.

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.