Biology courses

Biology is the study of living organisms, from microscopic bacteria to complex ecosystems. It’s divided into key disciplines such as human biology, microbiology, zoology, and botany—each exploring how life develops, evolves, and functions.

It’s a foundational science that supports other branches of science, like medicine, environmental science, and biotechnology. By understanding biological systems, science can help solve worldwide issues like disease and climate change.

A biology course covers the fundamental principles of life. From molecular structures and genetics to evolution and environmental systems, it delves into the building blocks of life. Depending on the course you choose, you could specialise in areas like:

• Human biology

• Marine science

• Microbiology

You can also take a generalist approach and cover multiple specialties.

Your biology course may also include practical components, like lab work or field studies. This allows you to apply your knowledge in real-world settings.

Entry requirements vary depending on the university, and the course level you’re looking at. Sometimes, a biology degree requires prior study in science or mathematics.

However, through Open Universities Australia, you can get started with no entry requirements across a range of single subjects. Read the entry requirements on each course page before enrolling to ensure you’re eligible, better yet, speak with a student advisor by booking a consultation.

The length of a biology course depends on the course itself. If you choose to study a single subject through Open Universities Australia, you can finish in as little as 12 weeks. Apply for a degree instead, and you can expect to study for a few years.

Studying biology can open doors to a range of careers in science. The knowledge gained in an online biology degree can be applied in many scientific disciplines, like health, environmental science, and forensic science.

Biology is also closely linked to other areas of science, including chemistry and physics. This makes it a valuable topic for anyone interested in understanding how life works at every level.

A biology degree can lead to careers in research, healthcare, education, and environmental science. Careers you could find yourself in include:

• Biologist

• Laboratory technician

• Microbiologist

• Environmental scientist

• Forensic scientist

• Biology teacher

A biology degree can also help tick off the prerequisite you need for further study. Postgraduate study options include areas like medicine and pharmacology, as well as pursuing a PhD.   Not sure if a biology course is the right fit? If you’re interested in health, consider exploring the public health courses or nursing courses on offer, which might be more aligned with your goals.

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.

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.

Please note that enquiries and applications for some courses are handled directly by the university. If this is the case, it will be indicated on the course listing page.  

For more information about enrolment, read our online self-service enrolling instructions. If you get stuck at any time, contact us and we’ll talk you through it.