Applications now open
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
International students
Admission requirements
International entry requirements
International entry requirements* for this course at Campus Name**
Please select your type of qualification in the dropdown above.
* The entry requirements provided above are only provided as a guide and based on the course’s current standard minimum Australian Tertiary Admission Rank (ATAR), the primary measure for entry into most undergraduate-entry university programs in Australia.
** Entry requirements may vary by location. To view entry requirements for this course at another location, please select the location in the drop down at the top of this page.
Note: there may also be other entry requirements for this course. If you are unsure, make an enquiry.
Subject prerequisites
Units 3 and 4: a study score of at least 25 in English (EAL) or at least 20 in English other than EAL.
English language requirement
6.0 IELTS (Academic) with no individual band less than 6.0.
Please refer to our English Language Requirements page for details of other accepted English Proficiency tests and additional recognised English Language Proficiency Measures, such as English as the language of instruction.
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.
Questions about the course?
Check when course applications close and find out how to apply directly.
Call (+61 3) 6145 0033
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 1A | CHE1C1A | 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 |
| Microbiology | MNR-MIC-20 |
| 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 Albury-Wodonga
Questions about the course?
Check when course applications close and find out how to apply directly.
Call (+61 3) 6145 0033
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.
Call (+61 3) 6145 0033
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 international students
Estimated fees per year (2025):
Indicative based on 2024 fees
A$39 000 per 120 credit points.
Note: 120 credit points represents full-time study for one year.
Scholarships:
The International 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.
Please note that additional costs are incurred from Essential requirements and additional costs.
International scholarships
Destination Australia – an Australian Government initiative
The Destination Australia scheme supports new international students to study in regional Australia and offers students a high-quality learning experience. For eligible applicants, these scholarships are worth up to A$15 000 per annum for up to four years.
Find out more about Destination Australia scholarships.
If you're a La Trobe graduate, you may be eligible for a 10 per cent fee reduction when you apply for a full-fee postgraduate coursework program. See our Alumni Advantage page for further details.
International students applying for an undergraduate or postgraduate course to study at La Trobe University can be rewarded a bonus grant for completing their admission process early. Recipients will automatically be eligible to receive an Early Bird Acceptance Grant of 5% of the first-year tuition fees.
If you’re a high-achieving international student from either Vietnam, Cambodia or the Philippines and are considering full-time undergraduate or postgraduate study, you can apply to receive a 50 - 100 per cent tuition fees scholarship for the duration of your studies from 2024.
Do you have an excellent academic record? La Trobe High Achiever Scholarships are awarded to high-achieving international students and provide up to a 25 per cent reduction in course fees for selected courses.
Note: You must first have an offer to study at La Trobe before you are eligible to apply for a La Trobe scholarship.
Questions about fees and scholarships?
Check when course applications close and find out how to apply directly.
Call (+61 3) 6145 0033
Ask a question
Submit a question online. We'll get back to you within the next business day.
How to apply
CRICOS code: 006171K
Ready to apply?
Check when course applications close and find out how to apply directly.
Call (+61 3) 6145 0033
Ask a question
Submit a question online. We'll get back to you within the next business day.
Other courses you may like
COURSE
Bachelor of Agriculture
3 years full-time or part-time equivalent3 years full-time
Melbourne (Bundoora), Albury-Wodonga
COURSE
Bachelor of Animal and Veterinary Biosciences
3 years full-time or part-time equivalent3 years full-time
Melbourne (Bundoora), Albury-Wodonga
COURSE
Bachelor of Animal and Veterinary Biosciences with Honours
1 year full-time or part-time equivalent1 year full-time
Melbourne (Bundoora)
COURSE
Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Science
4 years full-time or part-time equivalent4 years full-time
Melbourne (Bundoora)
COURSE
Bachelor of Biological Sciences with Honours
1 year full-time or part-time equivalent1 year full-time
Melbourne (Bundoora)
COURSE
Bachelor of Biomedicine (Honours)
1 year full-time or part-time equivalent1 year full-time
Melbourne (Bundoora)
COURSE
Bachelor of Science
3 years full-time or part-time equivalent3 years full-time
Melbourne (Bundoora), Bendigo
COURSE
Bachelor of Science (Honours)
1 year full-time or part-time equivalent1 year full-time
Melbourne (Bundoora)
COURSE
Bachelor of Science (Wildlife and Conservation Biology) with Honours
1 year full-time or part-time equivalent1 year full-time
Melbourne (Bundoora)
COURSE
Bachelor of Veterinary Nursing
3 years full-time or part-time equivalent3 years full-time
Other
COURSE
Bachelor of Wildlife and Conservation Biology
3 years full-time or part-time equivalent3 years full-time
Melbourne (Bundoora)
COURSE
Diploma of Biological Sciences
1 year full-time or part-time equivalent
Melbourne (Bundoora)
COURSE
Diploma of Science
1 year full-time or part-time equivalent1 year full-time
Melbourne (Bundoora), Bendigo
COURSE
Master of Biotechnology Management
2 years full-time or part-time equivalent2 years full-time
Melbourne (Bundoora)
COURSE
Master of Biotechnology and Bioinformatics
2 years full-time or part-time equivalent2 years full-time
Melbourne (Bundoora)
COURSE
Master of Chemical Sciences
2 years full-time or part-time equivalent2 years full-time
Melbourne (Bundoora)
Overview
Key facts
| Award | Bachelor of Biological Sciences |
|---|---|
| CRICOS code | 006171K |
| Start dates |
Indicative based on 2024 start dates Semester 1 (March 2025), Semester 2 (July 2025) |
| Duration | 3 years full-time |
| Available locations | Melbourne (Bundoora), Albury-Wodonga |
| Scholarships | View fees and scholarships |
| Majors | |
| Annual tuition fee |
Indicative based on 2024 fees A$39 000 per 120 credit points.Note: 120 credit points represents full-time study for one year. |
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.
Call (+61 3) 6145 0033
Ask a question
Submit a question online. We'll get back to you within the next business day.
Other courses you may like
COURSE
Bachelor of Agriculture
3 years full-time or part-time equivalent3 years full-time
Melbourne (Bundoora), Albury-Wodonga
COURSE
Bachelor of Animal and Veterinary Biosciences
3 years full-time or part-time equivalent3 years full-time
Melbourne (Bundoora), Albury-Wodonga
COURSE
Bachelor of Animal and Veterinary Biosciences with Honours
1 year full-time or part-time equivalent1 year full-time
Melbourne (Bundoora)
COURSE
Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Science
4 years full-time or part-time equivalent4 years full-time
Melbourne (Bundoora)
COURSE
Bachelor of Biological Sciences with Honours
1 year full-time or part-time equivalent1 year full-time
Melbourne (Bundoora)
COURSE
Bachelor of Biomedicine (Honours)
1 year full-time or part-time equivalent1 year full-time
Melbourne (Bundoora)
COURSE
Bachelor of Science
3 years full-time or part-time equivalent3 years full-time
Melbourne (Bundoora), Bendigo
COURSE
Bachelor of Science (Honours)
1 year full-time or part-time equivalent1 year full-time
Melbourne (Bundoora)
COURSE
Bachelor of Science (Wildlife and Conservation Biology) with Honours
1 year full-time or part-time equivalent1 year full-time
Melbourne (Bundoora)
COURSE
Bachelor of Veterinary Nursing
3 years full-time or part-time equivalent3 years full-time
Other
COURSE
Bachelor of Wildlife and Conservation Biology
3 years full-time or part-time equivalent3 years full-time
Melbourne (Bundoora)
COURSE
Diploma of Biological Sciences
1 year full-time or part-time equivalent
Melbourne (Bundoora)
COURSE
Diploma of Science
1 year full-time or part-time equivalent1 year full-time
Melbourne (Bundoora), Bendigo
COURSE
Master of Biotechnology Management
2 years full-time or part-time equivalent2 years full-time
Melbourne (Bundoora)
COURSE
Master of Biotechnology and Bioinformatics
2 years full-time or part-time equivalent2 years full-time
Melbourne (Bundoora)
COURSE
Master of Chemical Sciences
2 years full-time or part-time equivalent2 years full-time
Melbourne (Bundoora)