Program Overview

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Undergraduate

Biodiversity and Evolution (Extended Major)

Course Details

This extended major in Biodiversity and Evolution is designed for students interested in understanding the evolution and maintenance of the outstanding biodiversity that exists in Australia, with a special emphasis on Western Australia, a globally recognised hotspot of animal and plant diversity.

About the Course

This extended major explores the basics of animal and plant biology and how these systems have evolved, adapted and diversified in the unique environments found in Australia. It explores how biodiversity arose through the processes of evolution from the molecular genetic to the community levels. There will be opportunities to study animals and plants living in a diverse range of habitats in Western Australia, from deserts to forests and tropical reefs, and to carry out your studies in both the classroom and in the field.

Why Study This Course?

• Study animals and plants living in a diverse range of habitats in Western Australia, from deserts to forests and tropical reefs, with the opportunity to carry out your studies in both the classroom and in the field.
• Gain discipline-specific expertise and practical skills from world-leading academics and industry partners.
• This extended major will also prepare you for entry into Honours in Zoology and the Master of Biological Science.

You'll Learn To

• Explain the major differences in the development, structure and functioning of animals and plants and explain animal and plant diversity in a phylogenetic context.
• Explain broad patterns of global biodiversity and the evolutionary history of Australia's biodiversity.
• Explain how animals and plants diversify and function in different environments using evolutionary, physiological, ecological and molecular genetic concepts.
• Develop and apply relevant employability skills for roles related to biodiversity and evolution.

Quick Details

• Status: Available
• Locations: Perth (Crawley campus)
• Attendance: Full-time, Part-time
• Delivery: On-campus
• Starting dates: Semester 1, Semester 2
• Level of study: Undergraduate
• Course Code: MJD-BIDEM
• Full time/part time duration: 3 years full-time or part-time equivalent

Careers and Further Study

This course opens up a world of future study pathways and career opportunities.

Career Pathways

Graduates may have career opportunities in private sector companies (such as consultancy companies, resources sector), in government departments (for example, Environment; Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions; Primary Industries and Regional Development; State Fisheries), in public agencies (such as botanic gardens, museums and zoos) and environment and conservation research agencies (CSIRO), while others may join academic institutions.

Postgraduate Study at UWA

• Master of Biological Science

Fees and Scholarships

Domestic Student Fees

• Fee calculator

International Student Fees

• Annual course fee: $49,200.00

Scholarships

Scholarships are available to students from a diverse range of backgrounds, including academic achievement, financial need, educational disadvantage, leadership and community service, artistic or sporting achievements, and being from a rural or remote area.

Admission Requirements

The University of Western Australia welcomes applications from international and domestic school-leavers.

Minimum Entry Requirements

• All India Senior School Certificate (CBSE): 11.5
• Canadian High School (except Quebec): 70
• French Baccalaureate: 12
• Gao Kao (PR China NCEE)/750: 525
• GCE A-Levels: 9
• German Abitur: 3.3
• Hong Kong Diploma of Secondary Education: 15
• Indian Senior School Certificate (CISCE): 60
• Indonesian Sekolah Menengah Atas (SMA) - Pass of 65: 79
• International Baccalaureate Diploma (IB): 26
• Malaysian STPM: 11
• Monash University Foundation Year: 270
• NCUK Foundation Program: 9
• Norwegian Vitnemål: 3.8
• Singapore - Cambridge A Levels: 8
• South African National Senior Certificate: 4.6
• South Korean College Scholastic Ability Test (CSAT): 330
• Sweden Slutbetyg: 15
• Trinity College Foundation: 300
• Unified Examination Certificate (UEC): 12
• University of Western Australia College (UWAC) Foundation Program: 66
• US College Board Advanced Placements: 8
• US College Board SAT: 1170
• Western Australian Universities' Foundation Program (WAUFP): 60
• Western Australian Certificate of Education (WACE) 2016 onwards: 80

Mathematics Requirement

This major requires a certain level of Chemistry and Mathematics. If you do not meet this level, you can take additional Chemistry and/or Mathematics units in your first year to satisfy this requirement.

English Competency

English is the language of instruction and assessment at UWA and you will need to meet the English language requirements of the University to be eligible for a place.

• Minimum overall IELTS score of 6.5, with no band less than 6.0.

How to Apply

The application process to this course is different for the assured and graduate entry pathways, and for international and domestic applicants.

Domestic Pathways

• Domestic Assured Pathway/School Leaver Entry: Applications are lodged via TISC.
• Domestic Graduate Entry: Applications are lodged via GEMSAS.

International Pathways

• International Assured Pathway/School Leaver Entry: Applications are lodged via UWA's online application system or via an authorised international education agent.
• International Graduate Entry: Applications are lodged via UWA's online application system or via an authorised international education agent.

Fieldwork in Science

Find out more about our amazing field trips in the Natural and Physical Sciences interest area that'll take you all around Western Australia and beyond.

Your Degree Options

This major is offered as a degree-specific major for these degrees.

• Bachelor of Biological Science
• Bachelor of Philosophy

Ranked 1st in Australia and 24th in the world for Biological Sciences (gras 2024)

Contact Us

• Address: Student Central, The University of Western Australia (M355), 35 Stirling Highway, Perth, Western Australia 6009
• Telephone: 131 UWA (131 892)
• International: (+61 8)
• Email: Ask UWA
• Book an online consultation
• Hours: 8.30am - 5pm AWST, Monday - Friday
• Frequently asked questions: Ask UWA

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Cost of Living

There are a few things to consider before applying to study at university. One could be your cost of living. This can depend on factors such as lifestyle, accommodation, tuition fees, medical insurance, textbooks and more. For an indication of expenses and average costs, see our Cost of living page.