Bachelor of Science

Completion of this course provides you with a range of career opportunities, including:

• Biotechnology industry
• Forensic scientist
• Hospital scientist
• Patent officer
• Pharmaceutical industry
• Science communication
• Science teacher, secondary and tertiary
• Scientific research

Higher education via OUA

Higher education via OUA:

4 OUA undergraduate subjects at pass level from any OUA provider, OR

2 OUA undergraduate subjects at credit grade level from any OUA provider

Secondary education

A competitive ATAR of 75 or equivalent OP of 12.
 

English Proficiency Requirements

The required standard of English for this program is:

Academic IELTS of 6.5 overall with minimum 6.0 in each band, or equivalent.

All applicants to coursework programs at Macquarie University are required to provide evidence of proficiency in English. 

For more information on accepted equivalents, please see English Language Requirements.

On campus requirements

Due to the specialist nature of this degree, you will be required to attend Macquarie University in Sydney to complete practical and laboratory classes.

These subjects require 4-6 days of on-campus attendance. The classes are typically offered in 2-day blocks.

The following subjects have on-campus laboratory and/or practical classes:

• BIOX1310 Organisms to Ecosystems
• CHEX1001 Foundations in Chemistry
• BIOX2210 Life Processes
• BIOX2310 Diversity of Life
• BIOX3130 Ecology and Evolution of Emerging Infectious Diseases
• BIOX3510 Vertebrate Biology and Behaviour - Coming Soon

On-campus Classes

All classes are based at Macquarie University, North Ryde Campus, Sydney, NSW.

2023 On-campus Schedule to be confirmed.

Travel and Accommodation

• Map of North Ryde Campus

Financial Support

• Please note that you may also be eligible for a travel subsidy from OUA.

If you have completed prior study at Diploma level or higher, you may be eligible for credit towards your Bachelor at Macquarie which can reduce the duration of your program.

For more information see our Recognition of Prior Learning page or submit an enquiry.

The Bachelor of Science allows you to follow a path to suit your intended career in the sciences. You will undertake an in-depth study of the Biology  – the study of all living things, encompassing diverse subdisciplines, including cell and developmental biology, behaviour, biodiversity, conservation, ecology, genetics, microbiology, anatomy and physiology. You'll learn about the function and processes that influence the ecology and evolution of organisms. You’ll consider taxa ranging from microbes to fungi, plants and animals, with a focus on Australia’s unique biodiversity. Following our philosophy of learning by doing, you’ll learn to apply your knowledge and skills, with foundational quantitative methods, to independently analyse, research and creatively solve problems. You’ll be equipped to adapt and thrive in future enterprises and employment with skills such as working collaboratively on industry- and research-related projects, and effectively communicating scientific concepts in multiple modes to a range of audiences.

Supporting the primary study in Biology, students will study a minor in human biology. This popular area of biology encompasses all aspects of what it is to be human, including genetics, anatomy, physiology, anthropology, ecology and epidemiology.

Core units in the degree will address the quantitative skills needed by all scientists. Scientists need to be able to understand, analyze and communicate data.

Critical employability skills will be addressed both in the core units and through embedded learning in the discipline units of the majors.

The course integrates real-world learning activities, culminating in a Science Capstone unit.

By providing both in-depth discipline education as well as the broader skills required by all scientists the degree will provide a world-class science education.

The Bachelor of Science will help you develop skills such as problem-solving and critical thinking through practical work and peer-assisted learning. Our science staff are recognised for their excellence in teaching and many are known internationally for their research, ensuring you are taught with the most up-to-date scientific knowledge.

Please note: Some subjects in this degree require you to attend laboratory sessions in Sydney.

Recommended Study Pattern

Students are required to complete 24 subjects (240 credit points).

Core zone - 160 credit points comprised of:

• Major - 80 credit points
• Minor - 40 credit points
• Essential Subjects - 40 credit points

Flexible zone - 80 credit points

You can enrol in any OUA subject for which you meet the requisites.

Major

Biology major: - 80 credit points

• BIOX1310 Organisms to Ecosystems
• CHEX1001 Foundations in Chemistry and Molecular Sciences 1
• BIOX2210 Life Processes
• BIOX2310 Diversity of Life
• BIOX2610 Biological Data Analysis
• BIOX3110 Evolutionary and Conservatory Genetics
• BIOX3130 Ecology and Evolution of Emerging Infectious Diseases
• BIOX3510 Vertebrate Biology and Behaviour

Minor

Human Biology Minor - 40 credit points

• BIOX1110 Genes to Organisms
• BIOX1210 Human Biology
• BIOX2110 Genetics
• BIOX3120 Human Genetics and Evolutionary Medicine

Essential subjects - 40 credit points

• FOSX1015 Statistical Concepts for Science
• FOSX1025 Scientific Computing
• BIOX1320 Biological Basis of Behaviour
• FOSX3000 Making Science Work for You and Society :Capstone

Award Requirements

To be awarded the degree, students must complete the following minimum requirements.

Minimum number of subjects for the degree = 24

Applications are due the Friday two weeks prior to the close of enrolment date for the study session you are applying for.

Please Note: Commonwealth Supported Places (CSP) and HECS are not available for this degree. However, subject to your eligibility, other HELP loans may be available.

Once you have been admitted into your degree, you must enrol in at least one subject in the study term immediately following admission, and you must remain enrolled past the census date. If not, your admission will lapse and you will need to re-apply for the degree again. Deferment is not available for OUA students.

https://students.mq.edu.au/study/faculties/open-universities-australia/degree-information.

Please note that students who have an Academic Standing of Suspension or Exclusion under Macquarie University's Academic Progression Policy will not be permitted to register in Macquarie University degrees offered through OUA. Students with an Academic Standing of Suspension or Exclusion who have enrolled in units through OUA will be withdrawn.

In 2021, the curriculum of the Bachelor of Science has been changed. Students previously admitted in the 2020 curriculum will be migrated to the new curriculum.

Changes in 2021:

The Bachelor of Science is no longer the Bachelor of Science (Specialisation in Biology).

This degree will become a generalist degree with a major in Biology and minor in Human Biology.

Students can now gain entry to the degree by completing:

4 OUA undergraduate subjects at pass level from any OUA provider, OR

2 OUA undergraduate subjects at credit grade level from any OUA provider.