Undergraduate

Biodiversity and Evolution (Extended Major)

80
ATAR
3
Years Full Time

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

8.30am - 5pm AWST, Monday - Friday

Frequently asked questions

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Careers and further study

This course opens up a world of future study pathways and career opportunities.

Career Pathways

Graduates may have career opportunities in private sector companies (such as consultancy companies, resources sector), in government departments (for example, Environment; Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions; Primary Industries and Regional Development; State Fisheries), in public agencies (such as botanic gardens, museums and zoos) and environment and conservation research agencies (CSIRO), while others may join academic institutions.
Graduates may have career opportunities in private sector companies (such as consultancy companies, resources sector), in government departments (for example, Environment; Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions; Primary Industries and Regional Development; State Fisheries), in public agencies (such as botanic gardens, museums and zoos) and environment and conservation research agencies (CSIRO), while others may join academic institutions.

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

Indicative annual course fee
2025
Commonwealth Supported Place $10,248.76

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

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.

International Student Fees

Indicative first year fee
2024
$46,600.00
2025
$49,200.00

Find out more about tuition fees or visit the fee calculator for the estimated total course fee.

Note, tuition fees are reviewed annually and are subject to increase up to 7.5 per cent per annum.

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

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.

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

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

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.

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

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

How to apply

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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. 

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Course details

The extended major in Biodiversity and Evolution is designed for students interested in understanding the evolution and maintenance of the outstanding biodiversity that exists in Australia, with a special emphasis on Western Australia, a globally recognised hotspot of animal and plant diversity. This extended major explores the basics of animal and plant biology and how these systems have evolved, adapted and diversified.

About the course

This extended major explores the basics of animal and plant biology and how these systems have adapted and diversified in the unique environments found in Australia. It explores how biodiversity arose through the processes of evolution from the molecular genetic to the community levels. There will be opportunities to study animals and plants living in a diverse range of habitats in Western Australia, from deserts to forests and tropical reefs, and to carry out your studies in both the classroom and in the field.
Biodiversity and Evolution extended major

Quick details

Status
  • Available
Locations
  • Perth (Crawley campus)
Attendance
  • Full-time
  • Part-time
Delivery
  • On-campus
Starting dates
  • Semester 1, Semester 2
Level of study
  • Undergraduate
Course Code
  • MJD-BIDEM
Full time/part time duration
  • 3 years full-time or part-time equivalent
Biodiversity and Evolution extended major
Status
  • Available
Locations
  • Perth (Crawley campus)
Attendance
  • Full-time
  • Part-time
Delivery
  • On-campus
Starting dates
  • Semester 1, Semester 2
Level of study
  • Undergraduate
Course Code
  • MJD-BIDEM
Full time/part time duration
  • 3 years full-time or part-time equivalent
Honours Available
  • Yes
Degrees course is available in
  • Bachelor of Biological Science
  • Bachelor of Philosophy (Honours)

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Course structure

Extended majors enable you to dive deeper into a particular area of study and normally require 13 to 18 units studied over the course of your degree.

Course Structure

Why study this course?

  • Study animals and plants living in a diverse range of habitats in Western Australia, from deserts to forests and tropical reefs, with the opportunity to carry out your studies in both the classroom and in the field.
  • Gain discipline-specific expertise and practical skills from world-leading academics and industry partners.
  • This extended major will also prepare you for entry into Honours in Zoology and the Master of Biological Science.

You'll learn to

  • Explain the major differences in the development, structure and functioning of animals and plants and explain animal and plant diversity in a phylogenetic context.
  • Explain broad patterns of global biodiversity and the evolutionary history of Australia's biodiversity.
  • Explain how animals and plants diversify and function in different environments using evolutionary, physiological, ecological and molecular genetic concepts.
  • Develop and apply relevant employability skills for roles related to biodiversity and evolution.
Ranked 1st in Australia and 32nd in the world for Biological Sciences (gras 2023)

Your degree options

This major is offered as a degree-specific major for these degrees.