Biology courses
Introduction to Biology
Begin your path towards a career in biology, health or other science-related industries.
The online biology courses available through us explore the building blocks of life on earth—from genetics, cell structures and molecular biology through to marine science and human evolution.
Start by comparing what’s available with leading universities below. You can study a one-off subject in an area of biology that interests you, or major in biology as part of a full science qualification.
Whatever you choose, we can provide advice on entry requirements, flexible study options and course fees.
Discover biology courses
Online biology subjects and short courses
UndergraduateUSA-BIOL1052
100% online
No ATAR required. Start with a subject.
Starts 01 Apr 2024, 16 Sep 2024
Non-AwardCUR-UNR06
100% online
No ATAR required. Start with a subject.
Starts 26 Feb 2024, 26 Aug 2024
UndergraduateTAS-CAD101
100% online
No ATAR required. Start with a subject.
Starts 26 Feb 2024, 04 Nov 2024
UndergraduateLTU-PSY1BNB
100% online
No ATAR required. Start with a subject.
Starts 29 Jul 2024
Online biology degrees
UndergraduateMAQ-BSC-DEG
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.
Online & on-campus
3 years full time or part time equivalent
No ATAR required. Start with a subject.
Available majors
- Core Zone: Major in Biology,
UndergraduateSCU-SCI-DIP
A pathway to the lab or further science studies
An online science course with specialisations in forestry, marine, or Earth and environmental systems. You’ll explore chemistry, physics, biology and geology. Think about the role science plays solving big issues like climate change and pollution.
Online & on-campus
1 year full time or part time equivalent
UndergraduateTAS-SFS-ADG
Associate Degree in Applied Science (Fermentation and Separation)
Learn the science behind food and drink production
Want to create innovative products in the food and beverage space? This specialised course will give you the knowledge you need to excel in brewing, winemaking or food fermentation. You’ll study key areas like microbiology, chemistry and quality management.
Online & on-campus
2 years full time or part time equivalent
No ATAR required. Start with a subject.
PostgraduateECU-BIO-MAS
Harness bioinformatics in a real-life industry project
Hone skills in working with complex data sets – combining biology, computer science and information engineering. Work on a project under the eyes of an industry professional. Make workplace connections. Become a bioinformatition or informatician.
Online & on-campus
2 years full time or part time equivalent
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Biology study FAQs
The study of biology is the study of living organisms, and includes a wide range of specialised disciplines across four main areas: human biology, microbiology, zoology and botany.
Biology explores the building blocks of life, unpacking how living organisms develop, evolve and function. Biology is a discipline of science, and is important to understanding other scientific disciplines as well.
You’ll learn how living organisms work—including their evolution, functions and roles in the broader environments they’re part of.
Depending on your course, you’ll focus on a specific area of the discipline, for example human biology, microbiology or marine science amongst many others. Or you can gain generalist knowledge by studying across specialties.
It depends on the course and whether you choose something short or long-term. Here’s a general guide:
Course Duration Single subject 10-18 weeks Short course 10-18 weeks Undergraduate certificate 6 months (if full time) Diploma 1 year (if full time) Associate degree 2 years (if full time) Bachelor degree 3 years (if full time) Graduate certificate 6 months (if full time) Graduate diploma 1 year (if full time) Masters degree 2 years (if full time) If you study a degree in biology through Open Universities Australia, you have the flexibility to choose how many subjects you take per term. This means you can complete your qualification at a faster or slower pace than you would on campus.
You should study biology if you’re looking to build a career in science. Biology knowledge is necessary for roles in many scientific industries, such as health, environmental science and forensic science.
Upskilling in biology can also help you become more proficient in other scientific disciplines that you may already be qualified in. For example, an understanding of biology is relevant to studies of chemistry.
Browse the online biology courses available through us for more information on the career outcomes you can access from specific qualifications.
You should study biology online if you are looking for a flexible and accessible way to gain your qualification. Studying online will also give you access to a wide range of biology subjects from different universities, which you can undertake individually without having to commit to a degree.
There are a lot of reasons to study your course online through us.
- You can enrol without entry requirements
We have a unique open-door policy that makes it possible for everyone to enrol in university study, no matter their academic history. If you don’t meet the entry requirements for a degree, we’ll help you get in through single undergraduate subjects and transition into a qualification from there. - You have total control over how you study
Upskill without committing to a whole degree upfront. Or enrol in a full degree, but take it a subject at a time. We’ll introduce you to flexible study options you didn’t even know about, so you can fit uni around what matters to you. - You’ll graduate with the same qualification as an on-campus student
Once you enrol through us, you’ll study online with the university that provides your degree. This means that when you complete your qualification, you’ll graduate with the same degree as on-campus students. - We’ll help you navigate the university world
Our friendly student advisors will be your guide every step of the enrolment journey. They'll help you compare universities, choose a course, provide documentation and understand your finance options.
- You can enrol without entry requirements
With a biology degree, you could be a:
- biology teacher
- researcher/academic
- biologist
- lab technician
- microbiologist
A biology degree can provide the prerequisite you need for further specialisied study in an area like medicine or pharmacology. It could also put you on the path towards a PhD.
If you’re looking to transition your career into a different area of biology, or seeking to change your direction completing, studying a biology course online is a great way to get started and help you identify your next steps.Enrol in a single subject to get a taste of the content for any qualification you’re interested in. The subjects available through us are covered by HELP funding, which means eligible students aren’t obligated to pay for their studies upfront.
Or book a free phone consultation with a student advisor to discuss your available study options. We’ll help you find the course that suits you best.
Before starting an enrolment, it’s important to read the entry requirements for your chosen course to ensure that you’re eligible to apply. If you don’t quite meet the requirements, we may be able to help you find a pathway into your course through open-entry subjects, which anyone can study.
Chat with us to find out more.
Here at Open Universities Australia, we make enrolling online as straightforward as possible. To get started, find the course for you by browsing the options on this page. You can also compare different qualifications using our handy comparison tool, or request help from one of our student advisors.
When you’ve made your choice, click ‘Apply now’ on the relevant course page and follow the prompts to begin your enrolment. We’ll ask you to supply some supporting documentation, including proof of your identity, your tax file number, and a unique student identifier (USI) during this process.
Your university will get in touch with you via email to confirm whether or not your application has been successful.
If you get stuck at any time, reach out to us and we’ll talk you through it.
You can also take a look at our online self-service enrolling instructions.
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Want a career in the space industry?
You don't have to become an astronaut to work in the space sector. You don't even need to go to NASA. Space jobs are on the rise right here in Australia.We’re here to guide you to the right uni course
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