Program Overview

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Anatomy and Human Biology

The Anatomy and Human Biology major explores what it means to be human in an integrative way, combining studies of the biology and behaviour of human beings with current social and ethical issues. You'll investigate the structure, systems and functions of the body at the same time as seeking a holistic understanding of the body by conducting integrated studies from cells and molecules to species and populations.

About the course

What is it that makes us human? The Anatomy and Human Biology major allows you to explore the fascinating concept of what it means to be human in an integrative way, combining studies of the education, behaviour and biology of human beings with current social and ethical issues. The units offered cover topics as diverse as human functional anatomy; genetics, variation and evolution; reproduction, embryology and growth; microscopic structures of cells and tissues; structure and function of the nervous system; and ecology, behaviour and biosocial interactions. You’ll explore all of these from the molecular to the population level and beyond.

Quick details

• Status: Available
• Locations: Perth (Crawley campus), Albany (Regional campus)
• Attendance: Full-time, Part-time
• Delivery: On-campus
• Starting dates: Semester 1, Semester 2
• Weekly contact time: 16-25 hours teaching time, plus your own study time
• Level of study: Undergraduate
• Course Code: MJD-ANHBY
• Full time/part time duration: 3 years (BBiomedSc), 4 years (BBiomedSc[Hons])
• Honours Available: Yes
• Degrees course is available in: Bachelor of Science, Bachelor of Biomedical Science, Bachelor of Philosophy (Honours)

You'll learn to

• understand the structural, functional and genetic biology of humans
• demonstrate familiarity with human biology, including genetics, functional morphology, histology and cell biology, evolutionary ecology, and biological anthropology
• understand how humans respond to changing environments, due to factors like climate change and pandemics

Why study this course at UWA

• Discover how and why your body works, where people come from and how we are related
• UWA is ranked 1st in Australia for Biological Sciences (ARWU 2023) and 3rd in Australia for Anatomy and Physiology (QS 2023)
• Learn from award-winning teaching staff and internationally renowned researchers
• Engage in hands-on experiences to enhance learning and facilitate career readiness

Course Structure

Our undergraduate degrees offer you a broad range of options allowing you to combine subjects in a way that matches your career goals and personal interests.

Level 1

• Core:
  • ANHB1101 Human Biology I: Becoming Human (6)
  • ANHB1102 Human Biology II: Being Human (6)
  • SCOM1101 Communicating Science (6)
• Bridging:
  • MATH1720 Mathematics Fundamentals (6)
  • MATH1721 Mathematics Foundations: Methods (6)
  • SCIE1500 Analytical Methods for Scientists (6)

Level 2

• Option:
  • ANHB2212 Human Structure and Development (6)
  • ANHB2214 Human Organs and Systems (6)
  • ANHB2215 Biological Anthropology: Human Adaptation and Variation (6)
  • ANHB2216 Human Reproductive Biology (6)

Level 3

• Option:
  • ANHB3315 Human Evolutionary Ecology (6)
  • ANHB3316 Human Reproduction (6)
  • ANHB3321 Biological Anthropology: Genes and Society (6)
  • ANHB3322 Human/Primate Social Organisation (6)
  • ANHB3323 Cells, Tissues and Development (6)
  • ANHB3330 Human Structure and Function - Head and Neck (6)
  • ANHB3331 Human Structure and Function - Limbs (6)
• Option:
  • ANHB3310 Human Biology: Applications and Investigations I (6)
  • ANHB3320 Human Biology: Applications and Investigations II (6)

Your degree options

This major is offered as a degree-specific, or first, major for these degrees. It is also offered as a second major in our other bachelor's degrees.

• Bachelor of Science
• Bachelor of Biomedical Science
• Bachelor of Philosophy (Honours)

Popular combinations

• Physiology
• Archaeology
• Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
• Exercise and Health
• Law and Society
• Microbiology and Immunology
• Neuroscience
• Public Health
• Sport Science
• Zoology

Admission requirements

The University of Western Australia welcomes applications from international and domestic school-leavers. If you’re interested in studying one of these majors, find out the admission details below.

Minimum entry requirements

• All India Senior School Certificate (CBSE): 9
• Canadian High School (except Quebec): 68
• French Baccalaureate: 10
• Gao Kao (PR China NCEE)/750: 507
• GCE A-Levels: 8
• German Abitur: 3.6
• Hong Kong Diploma of Secondary Education: 14
• Indian Senior School Certificate (CISCE): 45
• Indonesian Sekolah Menengah Atas (SMA) - Pass of 65: 75.5
• International Baccalaureate Diploma (IB): 24
• Malaysian STPM: 10
• Monash University Foundation Year: 254
• NCUK Foundation Program: 8
• Norwegian Vitnemål: 3.5
• Singapore - Cambridge A Levels: 6.5
• South African National Senior Certificate: 4
• South Korean College Scholastic Ability Test (CSAT): 324
• Sweden Slutbetyg: 14.5
• Trinity College Foundation: 280
• Unified Examination Certificate (UEC): 14
• University of Western Australia College (UWAC) Foundation Program: 61
• US College Board Advanced Placements: 7
• US College Board SAT: 1130
• Western Australian Universities' Foundation Program (WAUFP): 56
• Western Australian Certificate of Education (WACE) 2016 onwards: 75

English competency

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

Fees and scholarships

Learn more about the fees that apply to you for this course. For fee type definitions and further assistance, see the Fee Calculator Help page. You can also search our database for scholarships that are relevant to you or this course.

Domestic Student Fees

• For Commonwealth-supported places, student contribution amounts are charged by unit, based on area of study. For a fee estimate, go to the Fee Calculator and select “I want to price my units”. Fees are subject to annual indexation. Refer to the Handbook to identify the units required.

International Student Fees

• Annual course fee: $46,300.00 (2025)
• Onshore international students are charged an annual course fee, charged per credit point at a rate dependent on the course in which the student is enrolled. Annual course fees are calculated based on an annual study load. Check the handbook to confirm the annual study load for your course.

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.

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. Refer to TISC Online for current course codes and application deadlines.
• Domestic Graduate Entry: Applications are lodged via GEMSAS, which open and close in accordance with the GEMSAS timeline. All domestic applicants must submit a valid GAMSAT score by the application closing date.

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.