Warning! There have been changes to the course - please refer to the transition information
Warning! With the exception of the open enrolment subjects, this is a restricted degree. Further enrolment is only available to students admitted into this degree.
Undergraduate MAQ-BSC-DEG-2023
Bachelor of Science
Learn from international leaders in science
Benefit from the guidance of teachers whose research findings are known on a global scale. Use this research to conduct case studies. Take a hands-on approach with a lab component. Specialise in biology, including genetics, genes and life processes.
Available loans
Australian Higher Education Loan Program (HELP)
Total subjects
24
Price
From
$29,240
Study method
Online & on-campus
Assessments
Subjects may require attendance
Credit available
Yes
Applications Close
- 09 Jul 23
This research-intensive university in north-western Sydney offers a range of undergraduate and postgraduate degrees. With over 44,000 current students, Macquarie has a strong reputation for welcoming international students and embracing flexible and convenient study options, including its partnership with Open Universities Australia.
Learn more about Macquarie.
Explore Macquarie courses.
QS Ranking 2023
14
Times Higher Education Ranking 2023
10
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Our student advisors are here to guide you with:
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Degree structure
Core subjects
Major subjects
Elective subjects
Degree
Degree details
On successful completion you will be able to
- Demonstrate broad and coherent in-depth knowledge and skills from a scientific discipline.
- Identify ethical issues as they arise in scientific work and adhere to professional ethical standards when undertaking this work, determining the potential impact on others and the planet, including Indigenous, inter-cultural and environmental contexts.
- Integrate scientific knowledge and skills into practice through working collaboratively on industry- and research-related projects, and effectively communicating scientific concepts in multiple modes to a range of audiences.
- Identify the range of career paths available to science graduates and demonstrate related professional skills and attributes, including career literacy, personal accountability, use of digital communication and technologies, independent learning and critical evaluation.
- Apply sound knowledge of scientific principles, theory and practice, technical skills and foundational quantitative methods, to independently analyse, research and creatively solve complex problems.
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
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.
Easy apply
You can apply direct through Open Universities Australia.
Once you've checked your eligibility, apply and enrol for this degree following the steps.
Select ‘Apply now’
Choose subjects to begin your application. You can choose 1 or 2 subjects to start.
Complete your details
Provide your details and select a funding option. You can pay up-front or apply for government funding in your application.
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