Bachelor of Biological Sciences

Turn your passion for biology into a diverse career. La Trobe's Bachelor of Biological Sciences gives you a strong scientific grounding plus the flexibility to specialise in an area that interests you.

Start with the basics. Build foundational skills in biology, chemistry, ecology and biodiversity, and explore the impacts of infection, epidemics and pandemics.

This degree is all about getting your hands dirty. You'll start practical classes from your first year - both in our on-campus labs and facilities, and out in the field. Get a glimpse into your professional future in science with industry-led workshops and seminars, as well as opportunities for work placements.

Customise your course with a major of your choice. Select from a range of areas, including biochemistry, botany, ecology, genetics, human physiological sciences, microbiology or zoology. This degree also gives you the option to take a double major or choose an additional minor.

All the way through your degree, you'll be building fundamental skills in experimental design, analysis, data interpretation and reporting. At the same time, you'll develop your expertise in problem-solving, teamwork, written and verbal communication and data presentation - skills that will serve you throughout whatever career you pursue.

You'll learn:

• Animal, plant and microbial biology
  • Understand the fundamentals of biology as well as the structure and function of living organisms, their life processes and diversity.
• Data analysis and communication
  • Explore experimental design issues and statistics to analyse data from experiments. Learn to effectively present information and data to different audiences.
• Foundations of chemistry
  • Understand atomic and molecular structures, chemical reactions and organic and physical chemistry and apply these principles to further study and employment.
• Infections, epidemics and pandemics
  • Discover how infections can threaten human wellbeing and the strategies available to prevent and cure disease.
• Professional conduct and professional identify
  • Learn about ethical conduct when working as a scientific professional and how to promote and communicate your professional identity to potential employers and peers

Students commencing their studies at Albury-Wodonga campus are required to transfer to the Melbourne campus from second year to complete this course.

The qualification awarded on graduation is recognised in the Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) as Level 7 - Bachelor Degree.

You'll learn:

• Animal, plant and microbial biology
  • Understand the fundamentals of biology as well as the structure and function of living organisms, their life processes and diversity.
• Data analysis and communication
  • Explore experimental design issues and statistics to analyse data from experiments. Learn to effectively present information and data to different audiences.
• Foundations of chemistry
  • Understand atomic and molecular structures, chemical reactions and organic and physical chemistry and apply these principles to further study and employment.
• Infections, epidemics and pandemics
  • Discover how infections can threaten human wellbeing and the strategies available to prevent and cure disease.
• Professional conduct and professional identify
  • Learn about ethical conduct when working as a scientific professional and how to promote and communicate your professional identity to potential employers and peers

Students commencing their studies at Albury-Wodonga campus are required to transfer to the Melbourne campus from second year to complete this course.

The qualification awarded on graduation is recognised in the Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) as Level 7 - Bachelor Degree.

Career outcomes

La Trobe graduates have found work in lab and field-based settings, including private industry, research institutes, and local and state government organisations.

Possible roles include:

• Biological scientist
  • Examine plants, animals and microbes to better understand their natural biological processes and impact on the environment.
• Microbiologist
  • Investigate the growth, structure development and other characteristics of microscopic organisms such as bacteria, algae and fungi. Undertake laboratory analysis and monitor microbial cultures, samples and new drugs.
• Environmental consultant
  • Provide expert assessment and advisory services to clients on matters related to the management of environmental issues.
• Biosecurity officer
  • Develop and deliver robust legislation, policies, systems and processes to support our biosecurity system.
• Geneticist
  • Research and study the inheritance of traits at the molecular, organism or population level.

How to apply

Apply now or ask us a question if you need more help. You can also call us on +61 3 9627 4805.

Note: Some courses start earlier than the standard semester, term or study period. Applications for these courses close one week prior. Always check your course's start date to ensure your application is submitted in time.

Check when course applications close

CRICOS code: 006171K