RMIT University
Bachelor of Science (Biological Sciences)
Nationally Recognised Higher EducationWhen 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.
Delivery mode
RMIT University offers this course through the following delivery modes:
On campus
Work with instructors and classmates in a supportive and collaborative environment.
Locations
- 124 La Trobe Street, Melbourne
Entry requirements
Domestic Students
- There are no mandated entry requirements.
You must have successfully completed an Australian Year 12 (or equivalent qualification).
Prerequisites
Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE) units 3 and 4:
- a study score of at least 25 in English other than EAL; or
- a study score of at least 30 in English (EAL) or equivalent studies.
AND
Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE) units 3 and 4:
- a study score of at least 20 in one of Maths: General Mathematics, Maths: Mathematical Methods or Maths: Specialist Mathematics or equivalent studies.
I am an applicant with Vocational Education and Training study
Entry to this program is competitive. Applicants are ranked and selected in order of merit based on their academic achievement, e.g., level of TAFE qualification completed (including any adjustment factors).
We will consider your entire academic record to determine your eligibility for entry. The highest level of education you have previously completed will usually determine how you are ranked.
You will be assigned a selection rank (comparable to an ATAR) based on your highest completed qualification:
- Advanced Diploma: 81
- Diploma: 72
- Certificate IV: 54
I am an applicant with Higher Education study
Entry to this program is competitive. Applicants are ranked and selected in order of merit based on their academic achievement, e.g., GPA (including any adjustment factors).
We will consider your entire academic record to determine your eligibility for entry. Previous fail grades in similar courses may affect your eligibility.
You must have satisfactorily completed at least four courses (subjects) (0.5 EFTSL) at an Australian undergraduate level (or overseas equivalent). You will be assigned a selection rank (comparable to an ATAR) based on your GPA.
I am an applicant with Work and Life Experience
Entry to this program is competitive. Applicants are ranked and selected in order of merit based on their academic achievement, e.g., Special Tertiary Admission Test (STAT) score (including any adjustment factors).
You must have successfully completed an Australian Year 12 (or equivalent qualification) and meet the stated prerequisites.
Work and life experience does not provide any additional consideration for entry to this program. You may satisfy the academic requirements by completing the STAT multiple choice.
Academic requirements
You must have successfully completed an Australian Year 12 or an equivalent senior secondary school qualification with a minimum average of 65% (see calculator below).
Equivalent qualifications may also include completion of the RMIT Foundation Studies program or a recognised post secondary diploma in the relevant discipline with the required grades.
Meeting the minimum academic requirements does not guarantee entry. Your application will still need to be assessed and accepted.
Prerequisites
Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE) units 3 and 4:
- a study score of at least 20 in one of Maths: General Mathematics, Maths: Mathematical Methods or Maths: Specialist Mathematics or equivalent studies.
English language requirements
To study this course you will need to complete one of the following English proficiency tests:
- IELTS (Academic): minimum overall band of 6.5 (with no individual band below 6.0)
- TOEFL (Internet Based Test - IBT): minimum overall score of 79 (with minimum of 13 in Reading, 12 in Listening, 18 in Speaking and 21 in Writing)
- Pearson Test of English (Academic) (PTE (A)): minimum score of 58 (with no communication band less than 50)
- Cambridge English: Advanced (CAE): minimum of 176 with no less than 169 in any component.
Course fees
Career opportunities
The Bachelor of Science (Biological Sciences) will prepare you for the following roles.
Biologist
A Biologist studies living organisms and their interactions with the environment. You might work in research institutions, universities, or environ...
Ecologist
An Ecologist studies the relationships between organisms and their environments, focusing on ecosystems, biodiversity, and natural resource managem...
Geneticist
A Geneticist studies genes, heredity, and variation in living organisms. You might work in a laboratory, research facility, or hospital. Geneticist...
Microbiologist
A Microbiologist studies microorganisms and uses their knowledge to develop products such as vaccines or medications. You might focus on a particul...
Research Scientist
A Research Scientist collects and analyses information from scientific tests, trials and experiments. You might work in a particular field of scien...
About RMIT University
RMIT is a world leader in Art and Design; Architecture; Education; Engineering; Development; Computer Science and Information Systems; Business and Management; and Communication and Media Studies.
RMIT aims to inspire and engage our many audiences to discover new ideas and perspectives by exploring our cultural spaces, resources, and collections.
At RMIT, teaching, research, and engagement are central to making an impact and creating life-changing experiences for our students.