Applications for 2025 open in August
There's never been a better time to build new skills and follow your passion. Apply now to secure your place at La Trobe.
Start in 2023 and you could get a STEM industry placement bursary of $2,500 when you complete a Work-Based Learning subject as part of your studies at La Trobe.*
*You must be enrolled in an eligible STEM course and meet all eligibility requirements. View the application and eligibility requirements here.
Entry requirements and pathways
Recent school leavers
ATAR requirements (compulsory)
This course uses the ATAR as part of its selection considerations.
Melbourne (Bundoora) campus
55.85 2024 lowest selection rank (including adjustment factors)
based on the Final 2023 ATAR Profile
Albury-Wodonga campus
N/P 2024 lowest selection rank (including adjustment factors)
based on the Final 2023 ATAR Profile
*N/A: Students not accepted in this category, NC: New course, N/P: Not published (includes categories with less than five students). Learn more about our processes
View the ATAR distribution report for the Bachelor of Biological Sciences [PDF, 216.2 KB].
Prerequisite
VCE: Units 3 and 4: a study score of at least 25 in English (EAL) or at least 20 in English other than EAL.
HSC: One of English Standard, English Advanced (Band 2), English as an Additional Language or Dialect (Band 3).
Meeting minimum prerequisites does not guarantee an offer of a place. Entry into all La Trobe courses is based on competitive selection and there may be limited places available.
Selection criteria
Applicants seeking consideration via Work Recognition must complete all requirements listed on the La Trobe University Work Recognition webpage and submit a Personal Statement, including relevant work experience and reasons for applying for this course.
You may satisfy the academic requirements by completing the STAT multiple choice if you:
- are not currently studying an Australian Year 12 (or equivalent)
- have no prior secondary school (Year 12), VET studies, HE studies or relevant work experience that can be considered for entry, or
- do not meet the minimum academic requirements for the program.
Refer to the La Trobe University STAT page page for further information.
Applicants can complete and submit a Personal Statement if they wish other information to be considered during the selection process. This may include information such as work or community experience or reasons for applying. Applicants may wish to provide other documentation in support of their application.
Selection rank adjustments
Subject adjustments
VCE: A study score of 20 in Health And Human Development, Computing: Informatics, Computing: Software Development, any Mathematics, Physical Education or any Science equals 4 aggregate points per study. A study score of 20 in any LOTE equals 4 aggregate points per study. Overall maximum of 12 points.
HSC: Applicants who successfully complete one of the following HSC or equivalent Year 12 subjects will have their selection rank increased by one point per study: Performance Band 2 in Mathematics General 2, Mathematics, Mathematics Extension 1, Mathematics Extension 2, Biology, Chemistry, Earth and Environmental Science, Physics, Investigating Science; any language other than English (Band 2). Overall, selection ranks can be increased by a maximum of five points.
Special Entry Access Schemes (SEAS)
For information on adjustment factors that may be applicable, such as those through Special Entry and Access Schemes (SEAS) and other La Trobe special access schemes see: Special Entry Access Schemes (SEAS)
Aspire Programs
Our Aspire Early Entry Program provides you with an early conditional offer into your chosen course at La Trobe.
At La Trobe, there’s more than one way into uni. We have multiple streams to choose from so if you’ve given back to your community, achieved good results in Year 11 or taken extra university studies, you could take the stress out of Year 12 exams with an early conditional offer into your dream course.
Aspire Year 11 Conditional Entry
The Aspire Year 11 Conditional Entry program uses your performance in year 11 to secure you an early conditional offer into a range of courses at La Trobe. Once you have secured your place at La Trobe you can take advantage of our other Aspire pathways to unlock access to our most prestigious courses.
Get started
Aspire Early University Study
The Aspire Early University Study program rewards Year 12 students who’ve done additional studies at La Trobe with an early conditional offer into their dream course. The Early University Study stream has two options to help get your university goals back on track.
Credit for previous study (advanced standing)
Credit for previous study (advanced standing) is the recognition of prior study or learning that can be counted towards a qualification. This can reduce the number of subjects required to complete your course. The amount of credit received depends on the level and relevance of your previous study and the number of subjects completed.
The University will designate courses where there is only admission into Year 1 of the course. In these cases, there is limited credit. See list of limited entry courses.
To check if this course is available for credit, please visit the Advanced standing webpage.
Pathways
A pathway is simply an alternative way for a student to get into their dream course - if direct entry isn't an option.
We've listed the 'pathway method and outcome' - which is how you can transfer into the area you want to study, assuming you meet the entry requirements (e.g. minimum WAM). You'll also find an estimate of how long it could take you to graduate, from the start of your pathway to the completion of your dream degree.
| Preferred course | Alternative pathway courses | Pathway method & outcome | Years to graduate including the Pathway course (approx.) |
|---|---|---|---|
Bachelor of Biological Sciences | Diploma of Biological Sciences | 3.5 years |
Questions about the course?
Check when course applications close and find out how to apply directly or via VTAC.
Call 1300 135 045
Book a one-on-one
Book a consultation with us to get advice on your study options.
Ask a question
Submit a question online. We'll get back to you within the next business day.
What you'll study
Sample course structure
Please note, the following course structure is indicative and subject to change depending on your course location, offer year or how you tailor your course with specialisations, majors, minors and electives. Structures for the following year are not normally finalised until October, so the sample provided is based on the most recently approved structure. For more information, please refer to the La Trobe University Handbook.
To qualify for the award of Bachelor of Biological Sciences, students must complete a total of 360 credit points across 3 years.
Year 1 requires the completion of 120 credit points including:
- 90 credit points from chosen Core
- 30 credit points from chosen Major
Year 2 requires the completion of 120 credit points including:
- 30 credit points from chosen Core
- 30 credit points from chosen Major
- 30 credit points from chosen Electives or major or minor
- 30 credit points from chosen Electives or major or minor
Year 3 requires the completion of 120 credit points including:
- 60 credit points from chosen Major
- 60 credit points from chosen Electives or major or minor
Study options
Design your own degree: open access majors and minors available
La Trobe's open access majors and minors mean you could customise your degree with cross-disciplinary studies, work-integrated learning and study overseas.
Whatever you're studying, if there's enough spare credit points in your course structure and room in your timetable, you could choose an open access major or minor from your course’s discipline or a completely different discipline – mix business with science or arts with IT or combine a range of disciplines to design a degree to match your interests and truly find your niche.
Core subjects are required subjects in your course. You need to complete these subjects to attain your degree.
| Subject name | Subject code | Year | Credit points |
|---|---|---|---|
| ACADEMIC INTEGRITY MODULE | LTU0AIM | 1 | 0 |
| WOMINJEKA LA TROBE: INDIGENOUS CULTURAL LITERACY FOR HIGHER EDUCATION | ABS0WOM | 1 | 0 |
| ANIMAL AND PLANT LIFE | BIO1AP | 1 | 15 |
| CHEMISTRY FOUNDATIONS | CHE1CHF | 1 | 15 |
| ECOLOGY, EVOLUTION AND BIODIVERSITY | BIO1EEB | 1 | 15 |
| INFECTIONS, PANDEMICS AND EPIDEMICS | MIC1IPE | 1 | 15 |
| MAKING SENSE OF DATA | STM1001 | 1 | 15 |
| MOLECULES, GENES AND CELLS | BIO1MGC | 1 | 15 |
| CAREER OPTIONS AND PROFESSIONAL IDENTITY | SHE2001 | 2 | 15 |
| PRACTICE OF SCIENCE | BIO2POS | 2 | 15 |
Course majors
A major is a sequence of related subjects studied in your course. To attain a major, this sequence must add up to 120 credit points. In some courses, you need to complete at least one major from your course's discipline to attain your degree.
| Course majors | Major code |
|---|---|
| Biochemistry | MAJOR-BCH-1 |
| Botany Open access | MAJOR-BOT-1 |
| Ecology Open access | MAJOR-ECO-1 |
| Genetics Open access | MAJOR-GEN-1 |
| Human physiological sciences StudyFlexOpen access | MJR-HPS01 |
| Microbiology Open access | MAJOR-MIC-1 |
| Zoology Open access | MAJOR-ZOO-1 |
Open access majors
If there is room in your degree for more than one major, you may wish to complete an open access major from another discipline area.
La Trobe open access majors and minors offer an opportunity to customise your degree with cross-discipline studies and work integrated learning.
View our open access majors
Course minors
A minor is an optional sequence of related subjects studied in your course. To attain a minor, this sequence must add up to 60 credit points. A minor can be undertaken in a similar or different interest area in your course or major's discipline and, in some cases, taken from a different discipline. Up to two minors can be chosen in place of an optional second major or standalone elective subjects.
Open access minors
| Course minors | Minor code |
|---|---|
| Biochemistry | MNR-BCH-01 |
| Botany | MNR-BOT-20 |
| Ecology studies | MNR-ECO-20 |
| Genetics | MNR-GEN-20 |
| Human physiological sciences StudyFlexOpen access | MNR-HPH-20 |
| Infectious disease epidemiology | MNR-MAT02 |
| Microbiology | MNR-MIC-20 |
| Molecular genetics | MNR-GEN01 |
| Zoology | MNR-ZOO-20 |
A range of standalone elective subjects is available in this course. Some electives are recommended for your course, but you may also be able to choose from a range of University-wide electives or electives from other interest areas or disciplines. Note these electives may have their own prerequisites and other requirements. Please refer to the La Trobe University Handbook for the subjects available.
Work-Based Learning
Elective placement opportunities (Work Based Learning)
During this course, you will have the opportunity to participate in a Work Based Learning (WBL) placement experience, designed to allow you to extend your formal academic learning beyond the classroom. The WBL experience will provide the opportunity to bring your learning from the university into a work environment and test out your knowledge in a professional real-world environment. Some courses include compulsory WBL subjects, however, we also offer a range of elective WBL subjects, both cross-discipline and subject-specific. La Trobe University will source placements for some subjects, while others will require you to source your own placement. If you are required to source your own placement, dedicated staff will guide and support you through the process. Elective WBL subjects generally involve an application process and Subject Coordinator approval. The location and number of hours undertaken can vary considerably depending on the activity and the discipline area. Please refer to the individual subject entries for more information.Regional students are eligible to access additional support under the Regional Reward program
See La Trobe University Handbook for more details
The Handbook contains detailed course information designed for enrolled students, including course structures, electives and options. The delivery of this course can vary between campuses.
View course information for Melbourne (Bundoora)
Questions about the course?
Check when course applications close and find out how to apply directly or via VTAC.
Call 1300 135 045
Book a one-on-one
Book a consultation with us to get advice on your study options.
Ask a question
Submit a question online. We'll get back to you within the next business day.
Bachelor of Biological Sciences course and career outcomes
However you choose to structure your study, La Trobe recognises your hard work. Here are the pathways you could follow as you move through your course.
Year 1
After completing 1 year of full-time study
You can exit with a Diploma of Biological Sciences
Year 2
After completing 2 years of full-time study
You can exit with an Associate Degree in Biological Sciences
Year 3
After completing 3 years of full-time study
You can exit with a Bachelor of Biological Sciences
Course intended learning outcomes
- Develop scientific written reports related to a specialist area in biological science that communicate professionally to peers and lay communities.
- Critically evaluate evidence from scientific and other sources to formulate advice in a specialist area in biological science.
- Generate solutions to complex problems in biological sciences with purposeful questions and application of scientific ideas, evidence and local information.
- Solve real world scientific and technical problems in a specialist area of biological sciences appropriate scientific methods.
- Work effectively in teams through collaboration and communication to complete professional projects and tasks.
- Critically apply understanding of the ethical issues in the work of biological scientists.
- Apply understanding of a specialist area in biological science to address local, national and global problems
Bachelor of Biological Sciences career opportunities
La Trobe graduates have found work in lab and field-based settings, including private industry, research institutes, and local and state government organisations.
Possible roles include:
- Biological scientist
- Examine plants, animals and microbes to better understand their natural biological processes and impact on the environment.
- Microbiologist
- Investigate the growth, structure development and other characteristics of microscopic organisms such as bacteria, algae and fungi. Undertake laboratory analysis and monitor microbial cultures, samples and new drugs.
- Environmental consultant
- Provide expert assessment and advisory services to clients on matters related to the management of environmental issues.
- Biosecurity officer
- Develop and deliver robust legislation, policies, systems and processes to support our biosecurity system.
- Geneticist
- Research and study the inheritance of traits at the molecular, organism or population level.
Questions about the course?
Check when course applications close and find out how to apply directly or via VTAC.
Call 1300 135 045
Book a one-on-one
Book a consultation with us to get advice on your study options.
Ask a question
Submit a question online. We'll get back to you within the next business day.
Fees and scholarships
Estimated course fees for domestic students
Estimated fees per year (2025):
Indicative based on 2024 fees
$8,639 (CSP) per 120 credit points.
Commonwealth supported places (CSP):
The estimated fees are indicative only. The tuition fees you pay will depend on the subjects you choose to study, with each subject having its own cost. In some cases, your course fees may be higher than the indicated fees because of the subjects you choose.
To get a more accurate estimation, you can use the fee calculator to calculate your course fees and study load (EFTSL: Equivalent full-time study load)
How your fees are calculated
The tuition fees you pay will depend on the subjects you choose to study, with each subject having its own cost. This estimated cost is provided as a guide only – the actual cost will vary depending on:
- the subjects you choose
- the time it takes to do your course based on your study load (full-time/part-time)
- approved credit for prior learning
If part-time study is permitted, your annual fees will be proportionally lower based on the number of subjects taken per semester.
Fee help
Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP)
In a Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP), your tuition fees are subsidised by the Australian Government. Your share of the fee (the student contribution), is set each year by the government and is determined by the discipline areas (bands) of your individual subjects, not the overall course.
Learn more about Commonwealth Supported Places (CSP)
HECS-Help Loan
HECS-HELP is the Australian Government’s Higher Education Loan Program. It enables you to borrow the amount of your student contribution and then pay that loan back once you are in the workforce and earning at a specified level. A HECS-HELP loan is not means tested.
HECS-HELP is available to eligible Australian citizens and permanent humanitarian visa holders who are enrolled in a CSP. As a CSP student, you may be eligible to apply for a HECS-HELP loan, which allows you to defer payment of up to 100% of your student contribution.
Please note that additional costs are incurred from Essential requirements and additional costs.
Scholarships
Scholarships are available for both current and future students. Find out what La Trobe scholarship opportunities might be available to you. View all available scholarships
Note: You must first have an offer to study at La Trobe before you are eligible to apply for a La Trobe scholarship.
Scholarships that may be available for this course
Tertiary Access Payment (TAP) Program
Albury-Wodonga Campus, Bendigo Campus, Melbourne Campus, City Campus, Mildura Campus, Shepparton Campus – Future undergraduates, 1st year undergraduates, Australian Citizen, Humanitarian Visa, New Zealand Citizen, Permanent Resident
Full time enrolment and proof of relocation will be confirmed before payment is made into the recipient's bank account.
Questions about fees and scholarships?
Check when course applications close and find out how to apply directly or via VTAC.
Call 1300 135 045
Book a one-on-one
Book a consultation with us to get advice on your study options.
Ask a question
Submit a question online. We'll get back to you within the next business day.
How to apply
Before you apply
If you are applying for multiple courses you will need to apply through UAC or VTAC (Semester 1 only). If you are applying for one course, you may be able to apply direct.
Applying for a Bachelor's degree
Current Year 12 students living in Victoria
Book a 1:1 consultation
If you’re a Year 12 student from Victoria, you’ll lodge an application via the Victorian Tertiary Admissions Centre (VTAC). Your application will then be assessed based on your Year 12 results when they’re released.
Current Year 12 students living in NSW
Find out how
If you’re a Year 12 student from New South Wales, you’ll lodge an application via UAC. Your application will then be assessed based on your Year 12 results when they’re released.
Ready to apply?
Check when course applications close and find out how to apply directly or via VTAC.
Call 1300 135 045
Book a one-on-one
Book a consultation with us to get advice on your study options.
Ask a question
Submit a question online. We'll get back to you within the next business day.
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Overview
Key facts
| Award | Bachelor of Biological Sciences |
|---|---|
| VTAC code | Biological Sciences (Biochemistry major): 2100312911 (CSP) Biological Sciences (Botany major): 2100312921 (CSP) Biological Sciences (Ecology major): 2100312931 (CSP) Biological Sciences (Genetics major): 2100312941 (CSP) Biological Sciences (Human Physiological Sciences major): 2100312951 (CSP) Biological Sciences (Microbiology major): 2100312961 (CSP) Biological Sciences (Zoology major): 2100312971 (CSP) Biological Sciences (Bachelor): 2100322581 (CSP) |
| Start dates |
Indicative based on 2024 start dates Semester 1 (March 2025), Semester 2 (July 2025) |
| Duration | 3 years full-time or part-time equivalent |
| Available locations | Melbourne (Bundoora), Albury-Wodonga |
| Scholarships | View fees and scholarships |
| Majors | |
| Prerequisite | English (Please refer to admission requirements for details) |
| Fees |
Indicative based on 2024 fees Estimated cost per year if studying full time $8,639 (CSP) per 120 credit points.Actual fees may vary depending on subject choice; Learn more about Fees and scholarships. |
ATAR requirements
* based on the Final 2023 ATAR Profile
Melbourne (Bundoora) campus
Lowest selection rank 55.85
Albury-Wodonga campus
Lowest selection rank N/P
Estimate your ATAR
ATAR calculator*N/A: Students not accepted in this category, NC: New course, N/P: Not published (includes categories with less than five students).
About the Bachelor of Biological Sciences
Turn your passion for biology into a diverse career. La Trobe's Bachelor of Biological Sciences gives you a strong scientific grounding plus the flexibility to specialise in an area that interests you.
Start with the basics. Build foundational skills in biology, chemistry, ecology and biodiversity, and explore the impacts of infection, epidemics and pandemics.
This degree is all about getting your hands dirty. You'll start practical classes from your first year – both in our on-campus labs and facilities, and out in the field. Get a glimpse into your professional future in science with industry-led workshops and seminars, as well as opportunities for work placements.
Customise your course with a major of your choice. Select from a range of areas, including biochemistry, botany, ecology, genetics, human physiological sciences, microbiology or zoology. This degree also gives you the option to take a double major or choose an additional minor.
All the way through your degree, you'll be building fundamental skills in experimental design, analysis, data interpretation and reporting. At the same time, you'll develop your expertise in problem-solving, teamwork, written and verbal communication and data presentation – skills that will serve you throughout whatever career you pursue.
You'll learn:
- Animal, plant and microbial biology
- Understand the fundamentals of biology as well as the structure and function of living organisms, their life processes and diversity.
- Data analysis and communication
- Explore experimental design issues and statistics to analyse data from experiments. Learn to effectively present information and data to different audiences.
- Foundations of chemistry
- Understand atomic and molecular structures, chemical reactions and organic and physical chemistry and apply these principles to further study and employment.
- Infections, epidemics and pandemics
- Discover how infections can threaten human wellbeing and the strategies available to prevent and cure disease.
- Professional conduct and professional identify
- Learn about ethical conduct when working as a scientific professional and how to promote and communicate your professional identity to potential employers and peers
Students commencing their studies at Albury-Wodonga campus are required to transfer to the Melbourne campus from second year to complete this course.
The qualification awarded on graduation is recognised in the Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) as Level 7 - Bachelor Degree.
Have questions?
Check when course applications close and find out how to apply directly or via VTAC.
Call 1300 135 045
Book a one-on-one
Book a consultation with us to get advice on your study options.
Ask a question
Submit a question online. We'll get back to you within the next business day.
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