Biological Sciences

Biology is the study of life. It is an immensely diverse science, ranging from the study of molecules and their modes of action, through to understanding complex communities and their relationship with the environment. We are living in a most exciting time for studying and working in biology as the new technologies, such as recombinant DNA, genomics and proteomics, place powerful tools in the hands of biologists. These advances, along with our ability to process and interpret large volumes of complex data, have generated a gigantic leap in our understanding of the fundamental molecular mechanisms and processes controlling life.

www.bio.usyd.edu.au/

What biologists do after graduation

As a biology graduate, you can expect an exciting and rewarding career, contributing to your community in numerous ways through opportunities in business, research, training, education and government. The employment record of students who have taken biology at the University of Sydney is exciting and diverse as illustrated in the sample appearing on the accompanying page. Even in areas where specific biological knowledge has no direct input, a wide biological knowledge and advanced analytical skills allow biology graduates to play a leading role in local and global events. A career in biology provides challenging opportunities to combine laboratory and fieldwork often with collaborating scientists and institutions. Thus, there is frequently an opportunity to study biological systems in many of the world’s remote and fascinating ecosystems.

How do you study biology?

Biology units of study are offered in a number of ways. You can major in biology within the Bachelor of Science, Bachelor of Science (Advanced) or Bachelor of Liberal Studies programs. If you intend to specialise in a particular area of biology and have a good academic record, you can apply for admission into one of the specialist degrees such as Molecular Biology and Genetics, Marine Science or Molecular Biotechnology. If you are interested in the applications of computer technology and mathematics to analyse complex biological data, you might consider the bioinformatics major. Regardless of your specialty choice, if your interests change during the course of your studies, you can transfer to another program.

Assumed knowledge

The Biology Bridging Course is strongly recommended for students who: are starting university but have not completed HSC Biology; need to refresh their knowledge after a break from study; or have found it difficult to comprehend biological principles. Advanced options in the degree programs, provide a more challenging route through the course materials and are available in all units of study to students who have a sound knowledge of biology or who are strongly committed to the discipline. Biology students regularly participate in the Talented Student Program.

What will you study?

FIRST YEAR
In first year, all of the fundamental areas of biology are structured into semester-based units of study. In semester one, students who have completed HSC Biology enrol in Biology: Ecosystems to Genes and those students without HSC Biology enrol in Concepts in Biology. In semester two, students are offered Living Systems, Human Biology, Human Biosciences and Molecular Biology and Genetics. The topics covered range from the ecology of whole organisms to the cellular interactions and molecular networks that underpin structure and function. Similarly, students will examine how the various life forms have evolved on this planet, their modes of reproduction and the transfer of genetic information from one generation to the next, through lectures and laboratory exercises.

SECOND YEAR
In second year, students choose from units covering, invertebrate and vertebrate zoology (the biology of animals), the biology of plants (botany and plant sciences), genetics, cell biology and conservation biology. These units of study are presented as lectures and laboratory classes, and many involve students in fieldwork activities. Advanced units of study provide an opportunity to research an area of your special interest, working with research scientists and other professionals.

THIRD YEAR
Subjects in third year provide a deeper scientific understanding in a number of areas including molecular biology and genetics, bioinformatics, fungal biology, cell biology, physiology, ecology, marine biology, plant science, evolution and biodiversity. The latest technologies and research outcomes are integrated into the course teaching resources, which are presented through lecture and laboratory sessions, fieldwork and, in some units, specialised projects. Each unit is structured to provide students with the essential skills and knowledge required by a professional biologist.

Advanced units of study

The advanced options are available to students throughout the first three years of study. These advanced units offer a more challenging route to students who are highly motivated or who have a proven record of high academic achievement. Entry into these advanced units is highly competitive and students, whilst undertaking a project of their choice, are required to work closely with their academic supervisors.

Honours

The fourth year is an Honours year and students who choose to continue to this level of study are able to refine their scientific and analytical skills essential for independent biological research. In conjunction with the structured course material, students undertake a six-month research project of their choice, submitted as a thesis for assessment.

Further Studies

If you intend to pursue a career in leading biological research or to engage in biology at a high level, you may wish to consider a higher degree, such as a MSc (Masters degree) or PhD (Doctorate) by research or a Graduate Diploma or Masters degree by coursework (which may include a short research project). At present, there are over 50 postgraduate students in the School of Biological Sciences with whom to interact.