Biological Science is offered by the School of Life and Environmental Sciences in the Faculty of Science. Units of study in this major are available at standard and advanced level.
Biology is the study of living organisms, whether single-celled or multi-cellular, as individuals or in groups, and their interaction with their environment and with each other. It is concerned with all levels of biological complexity from the molecular level through to cells and tissues, to organisms, their populations and the ecosystems of which they form a part. Biologists seek to understand the structure and function of the living world. Biologists investigate how organisms access and use energy, and the processes by which they develop and replicate. Evolution provides an overarching framework for understanding changes that have occurred in individuals or groups of organisms over time.
The major will initially cover fundamental concepts in biology, such as life cycles, the structure and function of molecules, cells and organisms and processes including metabolism and respiration.
Biology is a particularly dynamic discipline. As a broad and interconnecting major, it is characterised by integrating 'biology' sub-disciplines which are distinguished by:
This major has been structured to allow students to focus on their preferred sub-disciplines. Key areas of study in biology (e.g. genetics and molecular biology) have developed relatively recently. Biology is now moving into a phase of rigorous and rapid expansion that places biologists at the forefront of scientific research and discovery in fields that impact human and planetary health.
Requirements for the major and minor in Biology are listed in the .
Honours in Biology is a one-year program available via an appended Honours. Honours is comprised of a total of 48-credit points that is distributed across a 36-credit point research project that gives you the opportunity to take part in cutting edge research programs aligned with your degree major(s). Two 6-credit point coursework units will aid in the development of fundamental research and communication skills in science together with access to a comprehensive range of modern technology platforms. To view a full list of potential supervisors offering biochemistry or molecular biology projects please visit the Honours Hub on the
Honours is available to students who have completed a major in Biology or other area relevant to their proposed project and have met the requirements outlined in the resolutions. The first step in applying for honours is to find research projects relevant to your area of interestÌý , talking to supervisors and completing your EOI for the selected project. You will be given further advice and assistance in connecting with supervisors during your third year.
| Website | School of Life and Environmental Sciences |
|---|---|
| soles.education@sydney.edu.au | |
| Major coordinators | Professor Pauline Ross Professor Matthew Crowther |
| Honours coordinator | Sandro Ataide Academic contact: Professor Ashley Ward |