Undergraduate + Postgraduate

Bachelor of Biological Science and Master of Biological Science

Help preserve our ecosystems and protect the future of wildlife through conservation of our threatened animals and their environments. 
90
ATAR
4
Years Full Time
Course Details Careers & further study Fees & Scholarships Admission requirements How to apply Contact us Enquire Apply

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Address

Student Central

The University of Western Australia (M355), 35 Stirling Highway, Perth, Western Australia 6009

Telephone

131 UWA (131 892)

International

(+61 8) 6488 1000

Email

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Hours

8.30am - 5pm AWST, Monday - Friday

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Fees and scholarships

Learn more about the fees that apply to you for this course. For fee type definitions and further assistance, see the Fee Calculator Help page. You can also search our database for scholarships that are relevant to you or this course

Domestic Student Fees

For Commonwealth-supported places, student contribution amounts are charged by unit, based on area of study. For a fee estimate, go to the Fee Calculator and select “I want to price my units”. Fees are subject to annual indexation. Refer to the Handbook to identify the units required. More information on how fees are calculated.

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Scholarships

Scholarships are available to students from a diverse range of backgrounds, including academic achievement, financial need, educational disadvantage, leadership and community service, artistic or sporting achievements, and being from a rural or remote area.

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Cost of living

There are a few things to consider before applying to study at university. One could be your cost of living. This can depend on factors such as lifestyle, accommodation, tuition fees, medical insurance, textbooks and more. For an indication of expenses and average costs, see our Cost of living page.

Cost of living

International Student Fees

Annual course fee
2024
$47,300.00
2025
$49,900.00

Onshore international students are charged an annual course fee, charged per credit point at a rate dependent on the course in which the student is enrolled. Annual course fees are calculated based on an annual study load. Check the handbook to confirm the annual study load for your course.

Find out more about international student tuition fees and visit the fee calculator for the relevant course fees.

Fees are subject to annual indexation.

Fee calculator

Scholarships

Scholarships are available to students from a diverse range of backgrounds, including academic achievement, financial need, educational disadvantage, leadership and community service, artistic or sporting achievements, and being from a rural or remote area.

Search Scholarships

Cost of living

There are a few things to consider before applying to study at university. One could be your cost of living. This can depend on factors such as lifestyle, accommodation, tuition fees, medical insurance, textbooks and more. For an indication of expenses and average costs, see our Cost of living page.

Cost of living

Admission requirements

The University of Western Australia welcomes applications from international and domestic school-leavers. If you’re interested in studying this major, find out the admission details below.

Admission requirements

For applicants with recent secondary education, information on admission criteria is available on our entry requirements page or on the UWA Handbook for course specific requirements and prerequisites.

Admission requirements

Minimum entry requirements

Minimum entry requirements

Below you’ll find a list of admission equivalencies for this course's Australian Tertiary Admissions Rank (ATAR).

Indonesian Sekolah Menengah Atas (SMA) - Pass of 65
  • 86
Monash University Foundation Year
  • 308
South Korean College Scholastic Ability Test (CSAT)
  • 344
Trinity College Foundation
  • 338
University of Western Australia College (UWAC) Foundation Program
  • 74
Western Australian Universities' Foundation Program (WAUFP)
  • 70
Western Australian Certificate of Education (WACE) 2016 onwards
  • 90
Below you’ll find a list of admission equivalencies for this course's Australian Tertiary Admissions Rank (ATAR).
Indonesian Sekolah Menengah Atas (SMA) - Pass of 65
  • 86
Monash University Foundation Year
  • 308
South Korean College Scholastic Ability Test (CSAT)
  • 344
Trinity College Foundation
  • 338
University of Western Australia College (UWAC) Foundation Program
  • 74
Western Australian Universities' Foundation Program (WAUFP)
  • 70
Western Australian Certificate of Education (WACE) 2016 onwards
  • 90
View full details
ADMISSION REQUIREMENT

English competency

English is the language of instruction and assessment at UWA and you will need to meet the English language requirements of the University to be eligible for a place.

Minimum overall IELTS score of 6.5, with no band less than 6.0.

ADMISSION REQUIREMENT

English competency

Mathematics requirement

This major requires a certain level of Mathematics. If you do not meet this level, you may be able to take additional Mathematics units in your first year to satisfy this requirement.

WACE prerequisite: Mathematics Methods ATAR

Mathematics requirement

How to apply

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Ready for the next step?

Find out how to apply through our simple online application process. 

We'll guide you through our entry requirements, admission pathways available to you and application deadlines for your chosen course. 

We can’t wait for you to join us!  

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Course details

This Combined Bachelor's and Master's (CBM) is a four-year accelerated program for those with an ATAR of 90 or above. Over the first three years you’ll have the option to complete an extended major in Wildlife Conservation or Biodiversity and Evolution, and some units from the Master of Biological Science. You can then choose to exit after three years with an Advanced Bachelor's Degree in Biological Science, or continue with the Master of Biological Science and be awarded a Bachelor of Biological Science and a Master of Biological Science at the end of the four years.
 

About the course

Gain an appreciation of how living organisms, ranging from microbes to megaflora and megafauna, grow, reproduce, adapt and evolve. You'll learn how species and ecological communities can be managed, conserved and restored, using techniques ranging from genetic analysis to data collection from whole populations and ecosystems, to big data synthesis science.
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About the course

By completing this Combined Bachelor's and Master's course you will graduate with both a Bachelor of Biological Science and a Master of Biological Science.

In your first three years, you will complete your selected major in the Wildlife Conservation Extended Major or Biodiversity and Evolution Extended Major, followed by a semester of postgraduate study. Gain an appreciation of how living organisms, ranging from microbes to megaflora and megafauna, grow, reproduce, adapt and evolve. You will learn how species and ecological communities can be managed, conserved and restored, using techniques ranging from genetic analysis to data collection from whole populations and ecosystems, to big data synthesis science.

You will then complete a final year of postgraduate study in the Master of Biological Science which will provide you with the ability to extend your biological and analytical knowledge and skills obtained from the undergraduate program and the opportunity to develop independent thinking. You will have the opportunity to explore and focus on areas of interest and specialise in Conservation Biology, Ecology or Zoology.

 

If you decide not to continue in the CBM you can exit after three years with a Bachelor of Biological Science (Advanced). Note that the Advanced Bachelor Degree is available only as a CBM exit award. It is not offered for direct enrolment and is not awarded on completion of the CBM.
Bachelor of Biological Science and Master of Biological Science

Quick details

Status
  • Available
Locations
  • Perth (Crawley campus)
Attendance
  • Full-time
  • Part-time
Delivery
  • On-campus
Starting dates
  • Semester 1
Level of study
  • Undergraduate + Postgraduate
Course Code
  • CM005
CRICOS code
  • 102861F
View full details
Bachelor of Biological Science and Master of Biological Science

Quick details

Status
  • Available
Locations
  • Perth (Crawley campus)
Attendance
  • Full-time
  • Part-time
Delivery
  • On-campus
Starting dates
  • Semester 1
Level of study
  • Undergraduate + Postgraduate
Course Code
  • CM005
CRICOS code
  • 102861F
Full time/part time duration
  • 4 years full time or equivalent
Degrees course is available in
  • Bachelor of Biological Science

Why study this course?

  • Australia faces serious challenges to conserve its threatened fauna and needs skilled graduates to fill positions in state management agencies and an expanding number of conservation NGOs
  • Australia's fauna is megadiverse, and Western Australia is home to almost half our animal species
  • Our researchers tackle challenges in the laboratory and at field sites across the world, studying plants and animals in both natural and managed environments 
     
 

Why study this course?

You'll learn to

  • Recognise threatened animal species and the functioning ecosystems they require for their survival   
  • Understand patterns of global biodiversity and the evolutionary history of biodiversity in Australia    
  • Appreciate the relationships between an animal's biology, ecology and physiology and its vulnerability to environmental change
  • Discuss major threats to biodiversity, their causes, and the management and research to mitigate them
  • Explain the role of different stakeholders in shaping conservation policy and decision making
  • Demonstrate the high-level analytical and communication skills necessary for impactful applied science
  • Gain advanced knowledge in the study of biological systems, using field, experimental laboratory and statistical methodologies
 

You'll learn to

 

Course structure

In your first three years, you will complete your selected extended major in Wildlife Conservation or Biodiversity and Evolution, and a semester of postgraduate study. You will then complete your selected specialisation in the Master of Biological Science. Refer to the example study plan for more information.

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Course structure

Bachelor of Biological Science and Master of Biological Science CBM

BBioSc (Wildlife Conservation Extended Major or Biodiversity and Evolution Extended Major) and Master of Biological Science

#4ec3e0Undergraduate (UG) specific units

Elective units

Postgraduate (PG) specific units

YEAR SEMESTER UNITS
1ST YEAR 1 BIOL1130 GEOG2201 SCIE1104 Elective
2 BIOL1131 ANIM2207 ENVT2221 GEOG1104
2ND YEAR 1 ANIM2220 BIOL2261 ANIM2209 ENVT2250
2 ANIM3353 ANIM3363 ANIM3365 GEOG3303
3RD YEAR 1 ANIM3361 ANIM3362 BIOL3360 Elective
2 PG Specific* PG Specific* PG Specific* PG Specific*
4TH YEAR 1 PG Specific* PG Specific* PG Specific* PG Specific*
2 PG Specific* PG Specific* PG Specific* PG Specific*

* Postgraduate units will vary depending on your chosen specialisation, a study plan will be provided later in your degree.


Unit Description

Research

Testing a new place for Western Swamp Tortoises in a changing climate

Western swamp tortoise

Testing a new place for Western Swamp Tortoises in a changing climate

Perth’s western swamp tortoises was probably always a rare species, but habitat loss and climate change are presenting new challenges.

Work Integrated Learning

Work Integrated Learning (WIL) helps bridge the gap between theory and practice by providing opportunities for students to gain hands-on, practical industry relevant experience and for employers to help shape the graduates of tomorrow.

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Work Integrated Learning

Develop your employability skills through a science work placement. The following units are available to all science undergraduate students who are looking to gain practical hands-on industry relevant experience:

Your degree options

Ranked 1st in Australia and 24th in the world for Biological Sciences (gras 2024)

Fieldwork in Science

Students on a boat in Elizabeth Quay

Fieldwork in Science

Find out more about our amazing field trips in the Natural and Physical Sciences interest area that'll take you all around Western Australia and beyond.

Centre for Microscopy Characterisation and Analysis

Providing world-class microscopy and microanalysis facilities and expertise to publicly funded researchers and industry.

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Centre for Microscopy Characterisation and Analysis

The Centre for Microscopy, Characterisation and Analysis has expert academic, technical and professional staff who support the full user pathway from initial project discussion and planning, through to application of cutting-edge characterisation and analytical techniques, assistance with data interpretation, and publication.

 

Visit the CMCA website

Facility

Shenton Park Field Station

Dedicated facility supporting plant and animal research

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Facility

Shenton Park Field Station

The Shenton Park Field Station is a centrally located large scale agricultural research facility that caters to the broader scale experiments with less reliance on artificial conditions. Being 7 kilometres from the Crawley Campus and the ability to grow out large scale crop, pasture, horticultural or native plants gives a real world perspective.

 

Visit the SPF webpage