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Biological Sciences (Advanced Science)

This course information is for local students only

Year

2012

Award

Bachelor of Biological Sciences (Advanced Science)

Length

3 years full-time or up to 6 years part-time.

Campuses

Melbourne

Course description

This course is designed for those intending to pursue a career in biology research and development in universities, government, or private institutions. It features limited class sizes, a project-management environment, provision of postgraduate mentors, a seminar program presented by international researchers, and the development of research-based communication and presentation skills. In addition, it aims to provide valuable leading-edge research experience, undertaking a portion of each year's laboratory component as a research team member in active research laboratories under the supervision of a staff research group.

La Trobe University’s science students will find new Career opportunities and education benefits from the development of AgriBio, 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.

Course structure

First-year studies include the organisation and function of cells, animal diversity, ecology and behaviour, genetics, human biology and evolution, plant science, chemistry, and electives. In later years, students choose two major areas of study from biochemistry, botany, genetics, microbiology, zoology, ecology, human biology or cell and molecular biology.

Contact hours

A minimum of 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, biotechnology

Overseas study opportunities

Overseas study opportunities are available.
Please see www.latrobe.edu.au/international/exchange for more information

Application

VTAC

Fee type

Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP)

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-undergraduates

Additional 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.

Middle Band

Successful completion of Biology, Chemistry, Mathematical Methods (either), Specialist Mathematics, or Physics facilitates an additional 1.5 aggregate points per study, to a maximum of 3 points. Performance in prerequisite studies is also considered.

Selection

ATAR 85.00 (2011)

Guaranteed Entry (Year 12 applicants only): applicants with an ATAR of 90 or above receive a first-round offer; those with lower ATARs are considered through normal selection processes.

Non-Year 12 selection may be based on ATAR, Pi form, GPA, STAT Multiple Choice.

Extra requirements

Non-Year 12 applicants must complete and submit a VTAC Pi form if they wish other information to be considered during the selection process. This may include information such as work experience or reasons for applying. Applicants may wish to provide other documentation in support of their application.

Prerequisites

VCE Units 3 & 4: English (any).
NSW HSC: English.

Semester starts

Semester 1 and 2 (March and July)

Industry experience

The following types of industry experience are available in this course.

  • Workplace experience for academic credit

Additional information

Students performing well in the Bachelor of Biological Sciences (normally achieving an average of 80% or more in a year) are eligible to transfer to this program.

Career opportunities

Depending on their specialisation, graduates are likely to find roles in a wide range of biological disciplines. For example, they can pursue careers in biological research and development in universities, government research institutions, private and commercial research and development institutions. See the Bachelor of Biological Sciences for more details.