Natural and Physical Sciences

You'll have the opportunity to choose from a range of subjects such as agricultural science, biotechnology, earth sciences, ecology, genetics, geology, marine biology, molecular sciences, wildlife conservation, statistics and more. 

Led by our award-winning researchers, inspirational leaders and expert academics, you’ll be immersed in the hands-on side of natural and physical science with opportunities to use and control high precision instruments in our laboratories, on field trips and in real-world work placements with hospitals, industry and government research organisations. 

Your studies will involve the crucial technical skills in data analysis, visualisation, interpretation and technological skills – all of which are essential in growth industries such as science, technology, engineering and finance. 

Top five reasons to study Natural and Physical Sciences at UWA

1. We have 100+ units offering practical work experience where you'll gain hands-on industry-relevant experience and skills

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2. Get career-ready with our strong industry, business and government networks including Alcoa, BHP, CSIRO, Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions (Kings Park and Perth Zoo), Fortescue, Rio Tinto, WA Museum, Woodside, and more

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3. Be recognised – a number of our courses are accredited by the likes of the Australian Institute of Physics, the Australasian College of Physical Scientists and Engineers in Medicine, and the Royal Australian Chemical Institute

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4. UWA is in the World Top 50 for Agriculture and Forestry, Earth and Marine Sciences, Geology, Geophysics (QS WUR by Subject 2024), and Agricultural Sciences, Biological Sciences, Environmental Science and Engineering, and Oceanography (ARWU 2023)

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5. You'll gain access to leading learning facilities including the Bayliss Building, Biomolecular Interactions Facility, The International Centre for Radio Astronomy Research, The Square Kilometre Array radio-telescope, and supercomputing facilities through The Pawsey Centre and iVEC@UWA

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Explore our short courses

If you’re interested in data collection and statistical data analysis and want to know more about using R and R studio, then register now for this fee free online micro-credential!

Find out more

World-class facilities

EZONE UWA Student Hub

Some of your classes will be held at EZONE, providing you with an unparalleled experience, building an innovative and collaborative culture based on a STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) capability like no other in the country. 

Bayliss Building

The Bayliss Building is an impressive five-storey facility that's the largest and most technically complex building on our campus. Home to the School of Molecular Sciences, the building was named after Emeritus Professor Sir Noel Stanley Bayliss (1906-1996), an eminent Australian chemist whose name was given to the mineral 'baylissite'.

You'll also have access to leading facilities including the Biomolecular Interactions Facility, The International Centre for Radio Astronomy Research, The Square Kilometre Array radio-telescope, and supercomputing facilities through The Pawsey Centre and iVEC@UWA, along with close links and ties with hospitals, industry and government research organisations.

"In my final year of uni, I was accepted into BHP’s graduate program as a Health, Safety and Environment Graduate. Since starting my career path, I have done fly-in fly-out work in the Pilbara, coordinated audits, managed projects and learnt a lot about rehabilitation and biodiversity management in the mining industry.

My current role as Water Quality Specialist Graduate supports the management of water systems (specifically groundwater extraction, wastewater management and data integrity) at our iron ore mining camps.

Outside my professional life, I have had many travel adventures since graduating to satisfy my marine cravings. I have volunteered for the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions’ turtle monitoring program and dolphin conservation program. I also regularly travel to coastal regions where I can snorkel, especially with animals (like manta rays), develop new skills (kitesurfing) and learn about other Pacific cultures, such as the different local conservation programs in the Fiji islands."

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