Bachelor of Science - Biological Sciences major

Bachelor of Science - Biological Sciences major

Your guide to majoring in biological sciences with the Bachelor of Science at RMIT.

Student type:
Learning mode:
On campus
Duration:
Full-time 3 years
Part-time 6 years
Next intake:
February, July
Location:
Melbourne City
Learning mode:
On campus
Entry score:

See admissions

Duration:
Full-time 3 years
Fees:

AU$38,400 (2024 annual)

Next intake:
February, July
Location:
Melbourne City

Introduction to the major

When you choose the Biological Sciences major in Bachelor of Science at RMIT, you enjoy flexibility with a degree that allows you to pursue a specialisation in biological sciences while gaining practical real-world experience.

The biological sciences are a broad collection of fields that study life in all its forms – microbes, fungi, plants and animals – and at all levels: from molecules and metabolism to cells and genes, to whole organisms, populations, communities and ecosystems.

Biologists work in laboratories with sophisticated instrumentation and techniques, as well as in the field with the latest digital technologies (and their trusty buckets and shovels).

Biological studies involve keen observation, classical experimentation, and the development of new technologies and applications. With their new ideas and modern tools, biologists are driving many innovations in today’s world, ranging from molecular engineering that improves lives to tackling the numerous threats facing the biodiversity of our planet.

This major gives you breadth of knowledge across all forms and processes of life, practical skills in the lab and field, and a specialisation in your chosen area.

Field trips like the Lizard Island and Fiji coral reef surveys were only a couple of the incredible highlights of the Biological Sciences major. The hands-on experience in these stunning locations left us well-equipped for careers and with memories that will last a lifetime!

- Alex, Bachelor of Science (Biological Sciences) 

About the Bachelor of Science

With the Bachelor of Science at RMIT you will enjoy a cross-disciplinary, flexible and personalised degree that allows you to pursue a range of diverse interest areas across science. You will gain practical real-world experience throughout your degree.

Why choose to major in Biological Sciences with the Bachelor of Science?

Extensive practical learning

Learn and apply cutting-edge biology techniques and practices in laboratory and field settings.

Breadth and depth

Study broadly across all organisms and scales, and specialise in-depth in environmental biology and ecosystems or biotechnology.

Industry-partnered learning

Conduct projects in collaboration with industry partners or informed by industry practices.

Career outcomes

RMIT’s Bachelor of Science will equip you with the expertise, experience and professional skills to have a successful career as a scientist.

With the practical, research and other essential skills developed and gained through your study in this degree, you can go on to work or undertake further study in a range of areas.

As a graduate of the Bachelor of Science majoring in Biological Sciences, you may find work in roles such as:

  • conservation scientist
  • biomedical researcher
  • zoologist
  • geneticist
  • laboratory technician
  • river ecologist
  • botanist
  • park ranger
  • policy adviser
  • academic researcher.

Understanding your course options

This combination of knowledge and skills will prepare you for the complexities of the modern science landscape and equip you to make a meaningful impact in your chosen career path.

As a student in the RMIT Bachelor of Science, you will have the opportunity to focus your studies on a single major complimented with a related generalist and advanced minors, or to select a second major and graduate your degree with a double major. Whether you chose a single or double major, your degree will consist of 24 subjects total.

The below guide will help you understand your options:

Biological Sciences major subjects

You will undertake eight biological sciences subjects focusing on:

  • Cell biology and biochemistry
  • Plant and animal biology
  • Genetics and molecular biology
  • Microbiology and immunology
  • Plant diversity
  • Animal diversity
  • Immunology
  • Ecology and conservation
  • Applied science project

The biological sciences single major consists of eight subjects focused on your major, complemented with an advanced minor linked to your major, in addition to a generalist minor or science options subjects of your choice.

RMIT Bachelor of Science - single major course structure

Four subjects per semester

Year 1 Semester 1

Foundations of Science:

Physical sciences, Life sciences, Maths, Data and Science communication

Semester 2

BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES MAJOR

Generalist minor
(or Science subjects of your choice)

Year 2 Semester 3
Semester 4
  • Complete your Biological sciences major

AND

  • An Advanced Minor

AND

  • Complete electives

AND

  • 3rd year CAPSTONE PROJECT
    Work integrated Learning (WIL)
Year 3 Semester 5
Semester 6
Please note: Some majors have constraints on combinations of majors/minors and electives.

Complementary advanced minors

Advanced minors are extended studies that follow on from your chosen major. There are two available options for the Biological sciences major:

  • Advanced minor in environmental biology and ecosystems
  • Advanced minor in biotechnology

Complementary generalist minors

A Generalist minor is four subjects completed in an alternative area of science to your major. It provides some understanding and specialisation (minor) in another discipline.

Suggested generalist minors to combine with the Biological sciences major include:

  • Chemistry
  • Environmental science
  • Food science and technology
  • Foundations of teaching
  • Geospatial science
  • Mathematics
  • Nutrition science
  • Physics
  • Statistics.

*You can only complete one generalist minor

**Your advanced minor must be linked to your chosen major

By electing to choose a second major instead of a combination of minors with your major in Biological sciences, you will focus on your studies equally on your two areas of specialisation.

The double major option consists of eight subjects in each chosen major.

RMIT Bachelor of Science - double major course structure

Four subjects per semester

Year 1 Semester 1

Foundations of Science (4 subjects):
Physical sciences, Life sciences, Maths, Data and Science communication

Semester 2 Biological sciences major (2 subjects)
Second major (2 subjects) 
Year 2 Biological sciences major (4 subjects)
Second major (4 subjects)
Year 3 Biological sciences major (2 subjects)
Second major (2 subjects)
Electives (2 subjects)
Capstone project (2 subjects)
Please note: Some majors have constraints on combinations of majors/minors and electives.

Complementary majors

The following majors allow for a double major with biological sciences:

Bachelor of Science full course information

This is just one of the 8 majors that you can choose from. Visit the Bachelor of Science course page to find full course information, explore your study options, and get details on entry requirements, pathways, fees, plan structure and more.

RMIT Bachelor of Science - double major course structure

Four subjects per semester

Year 1 Semester 1

Foundations of Science (4 subjects):
Physical sciences, Life sciences, Maths, Data and Science communication

Semester 2 Biological sciences major (2 subjects) Second major (2 subjects) 
Year 2 Semester 3 Biological sciences major (2 subjects) Second major (2 subjects)
Semester 4 Biological sciences major (2 subjects) Second major (2 subjects)
Year 3 Semester 5/Semester 6 Biological sciences major (2 subjects)
Second major (2 subjects)
Electives (2 subjects)
Capstone project (2 subjects)
Please note: Some majors have constraints on combinations of majors/minors and electives.

RMIT Bachelor of Science - double major course structure

Four subjects per semester

Year 1 Semester 1

Foundations of Science (4 subjects):
Physical sciences, Life sciences, Maths, Data and Science communication

Semester 2 Biological sciences major (2 subjects) Second major (2 subjects) 
Year 2 Semester 3 Biological sciences major (2 subjects) Second major (2 subjects)
Semester 4 Biological sciences major (2 subjects) Second major (2 subjects)
Year 3 Biological sciences major (2 subjects)
Second major (2 subjects)
Electives (2 subjects)
Capstone project (2 subjects)
Please note: Some majors have constraints on combinations of majors/minors and electives.

RMIT Bachelor of Science - double major course structure

Four subjects per semester

Year 1 Semester 1

Foundations of Science (4 subjects):
Physical sciences, Life sciences, Maths, Data and Science communication

Semester 2 Biological sciences major (2 subjects)
Second major (2 subjects)
Year 2 Semester 3 Biological sciences major (2 subjects)
Second major (2 subjects)
Semester 4 Biological sciences major (2 subjects)
Second major (2 subjects)
Year 3 Biological sciences major (2 subjects)
Second major (2 subjects)
Electives (2 subjects)
Capstone project (2 subjects)
Please note: Some majors have constraints on combinations of majors/minors and electives.
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Acknowledgement of Country

RMIT University acknowledges the people of the Woi wurrung and Boon wurrung language groups of the eastern Kulin Nation on whose unceded lands we conduct the business of the University. RMIT University respectfully acknowledges their Ancestors and Elders, past and present. RMIT also acknowledges the Traditional Custodians and their Ancestors of the lands and waters across Australia where we conduct our business - Artwork 'Luwaytini' by Mark Cleaver, Palawa.

aboriginal flag
torres strait flag

Acknowledgement of Country

RMIT University acknowledges the people of the Woi wurrung and Boon wurrung language groups of the eastern Kulin Nation on whose unceded lands we conduct the business of the University. RMIT University respectfully acknowledges their Ancestors and Elders, past and present. RMIT also acknowledges the Traditional Custodians and their Ancestors of the lands and waters across Australia where we conduct our business.