Biological Sciences
This course information is for local students only
Year
2012
Award
Bachelor of Biological Sciences
Length
3 years
Campuses
Melbourne, Albury-Wodonga
Course description
Whether students want to help protect native forests and grasslands, discover new medicinal cures or sustainable agricultural practices, or map the genome of endangered species, students will need a thorough knowledge of biological science to succeed.
In addition, students will need skills that will enable them to find a job and develop their career – being able to demonstrate communication, critical thinking, decision making, problem-solving and teamwork capabilities.
In 2012, this course offers a unique opportunity to combine both, with the implementation of a new work-ready specialisation for Biological Science students, which includes subjects specifically designed to provide additional skills to help kick-start your career. You can also choose to complete recognised volunteer programs as part of their degree, giving them an edge with employers seeking work-ready staff.
As a biological science student at La Trobe you will have the opportunity to attend a full range of practical classes to support lectures, and participate in a range of field trips throughout your the course. Students can study biological phenomena in the Wildlife Sanctuary on-site at La Trobe’s Melbourne campus and have the option of field trips to locations across Victoria – as well as exchange opportunities around the world.
La Trobe University’s science students will find new Career opportunities and education benefits from the development ofAgriBio, the Centre for AgriBioscience, a $288 million public private partnership between the Victorian government and La Trobe University, and the $94-million La Trobe Institute for Molecular Science. Once completed, these Centres will expand laboratory facilities as well as education and research opportunities for La Trobe science students.
The degree is flexible, allowing students to take a general overview, dipping into many areas of biology, or to specialise in particular areas such as biotechnology, molecular biology, conservation ecology, genetics, microbiology, botany or zoology.
Please note students enrolling at the Albury-Wodonga campus must transfer to the Melbourne campus for the last two years of the course.
Course structure
First year introduces core areas of chemistry and biology, including organisation and function of cells, diversity and biology of animals, plants and microbes, genetics and evolution, and ecology. In later years, students major in at least two areas, from biochemistry, microbiology, cell and molecular biology, genetics, human biology, ecology and conservation, botany, and zoology. Students can also take elective subjects from science or other disciplines. Equal time is given to lectures and practical classes.
Contact hours
24 hours a week (average) in first year
Subject details
Major areas of study
Biochemistry, biology, botany, ecology, genetics, microbiology, zoology, cell and molecular biology, conservation, human biology, and biotechnology.
Overseas study opportunities
Overseas study opportunities are available.
Please see
www.latrobe.edu.au/international/exchange
for more information
Fee type
Fees (Fee-Help available)
Annual (or Total) Tuition Fee (AUD)
23 360
Scholarships
Applicants who are Australian citizens or who hold permanent humanitarian visas are eligible for a range of University-wide scholarships, including Commonwealth Scholarships. For details please see http://www.latrobe.edu.au/scholarships/future-undergraduatesAdditional costs (AUD)
Depending on the subjects chosen, extra costs can include a laboratory coat - about A$30 - and a dissecting kit - about A$40. Students can purchase these items from any supplier; they remain students' personal property. Additional costs for field trips - food, accommodation, travel - may also apply.
Selection
Successful completion of English for Further Studies Advanced Stage 5B certificate at undergraduate (EFS5 (60%) UG) level conducted by La Trobe Melbourne; for more information please visit the La Trobe Melbourne website.
IELTS (Academic) score of 6.0 with no individual band score less than 6.0; or
TOEFL Paper-based Test: a minimum score of 550 with a score of 5 or better in the Test of Written English; or
TOEFL Computer-based Test: a minimum score of 213 with a score of 5 in essay writing; or
TOEFL Internet-based Test: a minimum score of 80 with no individual score less than 20; or
Satisfactory completion of an English language subject at Year 12 or equivalent level. This must have been completed in the last two years and at an academic level acceptable to the University; or
Approved equivalent.
Academic entry requirements
LTM Foundation Studies - 50
Aust. Yr 12 (ATAR) 2011 (indicative only) - 51.20, 61.75 (AW)
International Baccalaureate - 24
GCE A Levels - 8
Hong Kong A Levels - 6
HKDSE - 8,2
Sri Lankan A Levels - CCD
STPM - 8
MICSS (UEC) - 2A 4B
Canada Secondary School (or CPU) - 65
Norway Upper Secondary Certificate - 3.3
Sweden Slutbetyg - G/VG
All Indian Sen SC (Best 5 Subjects) - 60
Vietnam (Year 12) - 8
Thailand (Matayoma 6) - GPA 2.5
GAC Cert. IV - GPA 2.0
GAOKAO - see: the website
If you do not meet these entry requirements you might be interested in La Trobe's Foundation Studies and Diploma Programs, which provide an alternative pathway to La Trobe's undergraduate program. For more information please visit the La Trobe Melbourne website.
Prerequisites
VCE Units 3 and 4: English (any).
Semester starts
Semester 1 and 2 (February and July)
Additional information
Semester 2 (July) entry is only available to students with Advanced Standing (credit) for previous studies.
Students at the Albury-Wodonga campus must transfer to the Melbourne campus after successful completion of their first year.
Career opportunities
Depending on their specialisation, graduates may obtain work in a wide range of biological disciplines including bacteriology, biochemistry, biotechnology, botany, cytology, ecology, electron microscopy, embryology, entomology, environmental biology, forensic science, genetics, immunology, marine biology, mammalogy, microbiology, molecular biology, mycology, animal and plant physiology, phycology, plant breeding, plant pathology, taxonomy, virology, zoology, medical science, and secondary school teaching.