Monash University
Bachelor of Science (Plant Sciences)
Nationally Recognised Higher EducationPlant science is the study of plants, their diversity and structure, and how they function. It involves studying plants living on land, in the sea and in freshwater environments, from the scale of genes and molecules to ecology. In this major you will investigate how plants function, how they obtain water and nutrients, and how they use energy from sunlight to produce carbohydrates by photosynthesis. You will also study how plants adapt to particular environments, and the factors that influence the distribution and diversity of plant species, and the plant communities in which they grow.
This is particularly important for understanding the impact of human activities – including global climate change – on plant communities, so that we can provide better management in the future. In Plant sciences you will investigate how plants function and study the diversity of plant groups, from algae and mosses through to gymnosperms and angiosperms. In learning how plants are adapted to particular environments, you will study the exciting biology and ecology of terrestrial and aquatic plants and plant communities in their natural environment. Learning about the factors that influence the distribution and diversity of plant species, and the plant communities in which they grow, is particularly important in understanding the impact of human activities – including global climate change – on plant communities, so that we can provide better management into the future.
You can complement these studies with electives that expand your knowledge of ecological management, the biology and ecology of aquatic organisms, or plant biotechnology, to take a few examples. As a graduate with a major in Plant sciences you will be equipped to seek a career in environmental management and consulting, biotechnology, a range of careers in government departments (for example, related to environmental issues, park management, primary industry and sustainability), crop science, research and teaching.
Delivery mode
Monash University offers this course through the following delivery modes:
On campus
Work with instructors and classmates in a supportive and collaborative environment.
Locations
- Wellington Road, Clayton
Entry requirements
Domestic Students
- There are no mandated entry requirements.
Qualifications
Equivalent Australian Year 12
Subject prerequisites
Equivalent Australian Year 12
Australian VCE subjects
English - Units 3 & 4: a study score of at least 27 in English (EAL) or 25 in English other than EAL
Sciences/Other -Units 3 & 4: a study score of at least 25 in one of Biology, Chemistry, Environmental Science, Geography, Mathematical Methods (Any), Specialist Mathematics, Physics or Psychology
IB subjects
English - At least 4 in English SL or 3 in English HL or 5 in English B SL or 4 in English B HL
Sciences/Other - At least 4 at Standard Level (SL) or 3 at Higher Level (HL) in Biology, Chemistry, Environmental Systems and Societies (SL only), Further Mathematics (HL only), Geography, Mathematics, Mathematics: Analysis and Approaches, Mathematics: Applications and Interpretations (HL only), Physics or Psychology.
VET Study
All applicants must satisfy the VCE subject prerequisites demonstrating high performance in Year 12 or equivalent in English and in one unit of mathematics or science.
VET Diploma graduates: To be considered, applicants who have completed VCE or its equivalent and who are applying with a science-based diploma will require an average result of at least 60%. Applicants who have not completed VCE but have completed a science-based diploma will require an average result of at least 70%. Programs that involve competency-based assessment without grades or marks will not meet the admission requirements.
VET Certificate IV graduates: To be considered, applicants with science-based certificate IV level studies will require average results of at least 80%. For applicants who have also completed VCE, both qualifications will be considered. No credit is granted for these studies.
Higher education
University: Two single units at an Australian higher education institution satisfy minimum entry requirements, but more units may be useful for selection, especially in science areas. Applicants should have at least a 60% average in their studies. Studies must have been completed within five years of intended commencement.
All applicants must satisfy the VCE subject prerequisites demonstrating high performance in Year 12 or equivalent in English and in one unit of mathematics or science.
Work and life experience
Applicants who have successfully completed Year 12 are eligible to apply for this course.
Applicants with no formal secondary or tertiary qualifications are not eligible to apply for this course. This course uses the entire academic record as part of its selection considerations.
If you don't have the entrance requirements above, you'll be able to gain entry to this course by completing the pathway course Diploma of Higher Education.
Additionally, we recognise that some applicants may have experienced difficulties that have disadvantaged them when applying for university. We offer a range of special admissions schemes that may help you gain entry to your chosen course.
All applicants must satisfy the VCE subject prerequisites demonstrating high performance in Year 12 or equivalent in English and in one unit of mathematics or science.
Additional requirements may apply.Course fees
$123,300
$151,200
$123,300
$151,200
Career opportunities
The Bachelor of Science (Plant Sciences) will prepare you for the following roles.
Plant Pathologist
A Plant Pathologist investigates plant diseases and disorders to understand their causes and develop strategies for their management. You might wor...
Agronomist
An Agronomist works with farmers to improve the quality of their crop or livestock. You’ll analyse agricultural production to observe problem issue...
Geneticist
A Geneticist studies genes, heredity, and variation in living organisms. You might work in a laboratory, research facility, or hospital. Geneticist...
Botanist
A Botanist studies plants of a particular species or a particular geographical area. You might carry out field work and perform tests on a range of...
Crop Scientist
A Crop Scientist studies and improves crop production and quality. You might work in research institutions, agricultural companies, or government a...
Horticulturalist
A Horticulturalist works in a range of different fields to cultivate green areas or help other people select plants. You might work with farmers to...
About Monash University
Monash is a modern, global, research-intensive university, delivering education and research excellence in Australia and across the Indo-Pacific.
We’re making a positive impact on today's global challenges – whether that’s by mitigating climate change, easing geopolitical insecurity or fostering healthy communities.
We've achieved an enviable reputation for research and teaching excellence in a short 60 years and are ranked among the world's top universities.
