Biological Sciences
This course information is for local students only
Year
2012
Award
Bachelor of Biological Sciences
Length
3 years full-time or up to 6 years part-time.
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
Application
Melbourne: VTAC
Albury-Wodonga: VTAC/UAC (interstate applicants)
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-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.
Middle Band
Successful completion of Biology, Chemistry, Mathematical Methods, Specialist Mathematics, or Physics facilitates an additional 1.5 aggregate points per study, to a maximum of 3 points. Re-ranking is also based on performance in prerequisite studies. Consideration is given to Special Entry Access Scheme (SEAS) criteria; and a regional bonus may apply.
Selection
(ATARs current for 2011)
Melbourne: ATAR 51.20
Albury-Wodonga: ATAR 61.75
Guaranteed Entry (Year 12 applicants only): applicants with an ATAR of 65 or above will receive a first-round offer; those with lower ATARs will be considered through normal selection processes.
Non-Year 12 selection may involve: ENTER/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.
Applicants through UAC may need to complete the La Trobe Alternative Category form, available at: www.latrobe.edu.au/studadmin/aw/downloads/Altentry.pdf
Prerequisites
VCE Units 3 & 4: English (any).
NSW HSC: English
Semester starts
Semester 1 and 2 (March and July)
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 the Bachelor of Biological Sciences (Advanced Science).
Career opportunities
Depending on their specialisation, graduates are likely to find roles 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.
With appropriate supplementary qualifications, they may also teach in secondary schools.