Undergraduate + Postgraduate
Bachelor of Molecular Sciences and Master of Bioinformatics
Contact us
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
Hours
Frequently asked questions
Events you may be interested in
Show more eventsCareers and further study
This course opens up a world of future study pathways and career opportunities.
Career Pathways
A bachelor’s degree in Molecular Life Sciences from UWA would be highly recognised amongst employers in the biosciences. Career options include agricultural consultancy, biotechnology, drug development, food production and quality control, fermentation industries and chemical production. Life scientists find jobs in diagnostic laboratories in hospitals, veterinary health, toxicology and allied health fields. Opportunities beyond the laboratory include education, patent law and policy-making, as well as in agriculture and the environment, sales and marketing for medical, research and pharmaceutical industries. With their specialist knowledge of living systems, molecular life scientists find work as journalists and science communicators. A degree in Molecular Life Sciences is also an ideal launchpad for specialised postgraduate courses in bioinformatics, synthetic biology or forensics. Finally, many careers in the molecular life sciences benefit from further study towards a higher degree by research, so that graduates can reach more senior positions in research and development, whether in academia or in industry.
Some international, Australian and WA-based companies and institutions include:
• Pharmaceutical companies (e.g. Pfizer, CSL, Abbvie, GlaxoSmithKline, EvansPetersen Healthcare)
• Biotechnology companies (e.g. Dimerix, PYC Therapeutics, Orthocell, Novozyme, Life Cykel, Qiagen, Roche, Merck)
• Molecular diagnostics laboratories (e.g. Pathwest, Safe Work Laboratories)
• Biochemical/protein analytical laboratories (e.g. Proteomics International)
• Provisioners of scientific instrumentation (e.g. Thermo Fisher Scientific, Westlab, LabGear Australia)
• Research Centres (e.g. Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO), Telethon Kids Institute, Ingham Institute, Garvan Institute for Medical Research)
• Top-ranked universities around the world
Master of Bioinformatics
Fees and scholarships
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.
Cost of living
International Student Fees
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.
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.
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.
Minimum entry requirements
- 13.5
- 12
- 2.6
- 86
- 308
- 344
- 16.5
- 338
- 74
- 1270
- 70
- 90
Admission requirements
Mathematics requirement
This major requires a certain level of Chemistry and Mathematics. If you do not meet this level, you can take additional Chemistry and/or Mathematics units in your first year to satisfy this requirement.
WACE prerequisite: Mathematics Methods ATAR and Chemistry ATAR
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.
How to apply
Apply through TISC
- Log in to the TISC website
If you’re a Year 12 student studying a WACE course at a WA high school or a pathway program, you are already automatically registered with TISC. - Select your preferences
You can choose up to six preferences when you apply through TISC. You should list your preferences in order from your most desired course onwards; this way you’ll have plenty of options to get into UWA. - Lodging your application
You’re almost there! After answering a few questions, you’ll need to make a declaration about your application. - Application processing fee
Your TISC application is lodged once you’ve completed the payment. For more information on fees and payments, visit the TISC website.
Course details
About the course
Quick details
- Available
- Perth (Crawley campus)
- Full-time
- Part-time
- On-campus
- Semester 1
- Undergraduate + Postgraduate
- CM024
- 107481M
Course Structure
In your first three years you will complete the Molecular Life Sciences extended major and a semester of postgraduate study. You will then complete a final year of postgraduate study in the Master of Bioinformatics.
Why study this course?
- Learn from leading researchers in the field about the most recent advances in molecular life sciences, how these affect our everyday lives and how we can use this knowledge to solve global challenges.
- Learn through hands-on laboratories while also gaining skills in data analysis and interpretation and critical thinking.
- Develop a solid foundation in molecular sciences with professional and transferable skills that open up many exciting possibilities for future career develop and/or study.
You'll learn to
- Demonstrate a profound understanding of the theoretical basis of biochemistry, molecular biology, genetics in animals, plants and microorganisms.
- Gain technical competency and practical skills to master state-of-the-art molecular techniques.
- Develop and demonstrate your skills in critical thinking, experimental design, data analysis and interpretation.
Bayliss Building
Cutting-edge facilities enable world-class research and study
Cell and Molecular Life
The Cell and Molecular Life Facility offers state-of-the-art technology to staff and students whose research investigates diverse insults affecting animal and human cells and tissues.