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Biological Sciences Major

Code MAAAFY

Designed for students with a strong interest in the living world. Students study cellular and molecular biology, genetics, physiology, ecology and evolution, with an emphasis on the diversity and interactions of organisms with their environments.

Why ECU?

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    ECU top in teaching quality

    For the fifth year in a row, ECU has received the top undergraduate teaching quality ranking of all 37 public universities in Australia.

    ECU was also the top-ranked public university in Australia for undergraduate skills development for the sixth year in a row.

    View QILT results.

  • The Good Universities Guide 2021

    Good Universities Guide

    In the 2021 Good Universities Guide, ECU graduates have given us a 5-star rating for teaching quality, skills development, student support, learning resources, learner engagement and overall student experience.

    The 5-star rating for undergraduate teaching quality has now been achieved for 14 straight years.

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  • THE Impact Rankings 2020

    THE Impact Rankings

    ECU has been ranked number 9 in the world for Quality Education and is in the top 100 overall in the 2020 Times Higher Education (THE) Impact rankings, showing how the global higher education sector is working towards the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals.

    Read more about the THE Impact Rankings

  • THE World University Rankings 2020 Top 100 Young

    THE Young University Rankings

    ECU has been ranked in the world's top 100 universities under 50 years old in the 2020 Times Higher Education (THE) Young Universities Rankings, THE World University Rankings.

Unit set overview

Code

MAAAFY

Availability & Campus

JO ML BU OL
JO - Joondalup BU - South West ML - Mount Lawley OL - Online

Details

Structure

Unit Code Unit Title Credit Points
SCC1123Chemistry for the Life Sciences15
SCI1183Origins and Evolution of Life15
SCI1187Form and Function in Biology15
SCI2112Molecular Biology and Biochemistry15
SCI2116Diversity of Life15
SCI2117Genetics15
SCI3112Evolution and Systematics15
Plus 1 unit selected from the following:
SCI3114 ^Ecophysiology15
SCB3201 ^Studies in Ecology15

^ Core Option

For more detailed unit information for this Major take a look at our Handbook. To organise your life for next semester visit the Semester timetable.

Student handbook

Notes

Learning Outcomes

  1. Think critically to analyse, construct field or experimental approaches and interpret results to complex biological problems.
  2. Think creatively to generate solutions/responses for biological questions.
  3. Use experimental and digital technologies and literacies to access, evaluate and synthesise relevant information from multiple sources.
  4. Communicate disciplinary knowledge and values in professional and public contexts.
  5. Demonstrate a global outlook on organismal diversity.
  6. Work collaboratively and demonstrate initiative to implement social, sustainable, and ethical values, including Indigenous cultural competence.
  7. Demonstrate autonomy, accountability and judgement for own learning and professional practice.
  8. Apply broad discipline knowledge to a range of theoretical and practical biological situations.

Career Opportunities

Employment opportunities

This major prepares graduates for professional employment in research, industry, teaching, government agencies and science-based businesses.

Possible future job titles

Biomedical Researcher, Nature Conservationist, Environmental Consultant, Botanist, Catchment Officer, Natural Resource Officer, Sanctuary Manager, Animal Biologist, Conservation Field Officer, Ecologist

This Major can be studied in the following courses

Need some help deciding what to study?

Our future student events include a mix of on-campus and online sessions designed to help you decide what to study at ECU.

Become World Ready

World Ready facilities

Explore your options

Applied and Analytical Chemistry student Samantha Ridgway talks about the ease of returning to study as a mature age student.

Student stories

  • Rebecca MacMillan, ECU Science graduate

    Rebecca MacMillan

    ECU Science graduate

    "Anything is achievable"

    Coming from a farming background, I was always interested in studying biology. So I made the decision to move here and begin my studies at ECU.

    ECU offered me a course with exciting fieldwork and lecturers who were so welcoming. They even helped me find work experience positions! I have completed volunteer work at the Western Australian Herbarium.

    I’ve learned that anything is achievable if you set your mind to it and focus on your goals and dreams.

  • Samantha Ridgway

    Chemistry student

    "The chemistry was right to return to study"

    Applied and Analytical Chemistry student Samantha Ridgway talks about how easy it was to come back to study as a mature age student.

  • Abbie Milne

    Abbie Milne

    Conservation and Wildlife Biology graduate

    "I got real-world experience with dolphins in Monkey Mia"

    I wanted to pursue a career that would allow me to work outdoors. I chose the ECU course because of how practical it was. The facilities were great, the lecturers were really helpful and I made life‑long friends.

    I was also able to get real-world work experience with the Department of Environment and Conservation in Monkey Mia at the dolphin reserve. It was one of my favourite experiences throughout uni.