Program Overview

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Overview

The Bachelor of Science (Honours) - SMAH (Cell and Molecular Biology) is a degree program designed for high-achieving students who wish to expand their knowledge in a topic of interest. This program provides students with the opportunity to undertake detailed research and demonstrate excellence in research with a clear understanding of a research question in relation to current knowledge.

Cell and Molecular Biology (major)

The Cell and Molecular Biology major provides students with the skills and knowledge to enter careers in biomedical science and the biotechnology industry. Students can select additional minors to explore other areas of study. This major incorporates fundamental components of biological and medical science and has an increasingly important role in many aspects of modern medicine, genetics, evolutionary biology, genomics, bioinformatics, and biotechnology.

Careers

Possible career paths for graduates of this program include:

• Agricultural Biotechnologist
• Bioinformatics Specialist
• Biologist
• Biomanufacturing Specialist
• Cell Culture Scientist
• Clinical Geneticist
• Clinical Research Associate
• DNA Analyst
• Environmental Biotechnologist
• Forensic Scientist
• Genetic Counsellor
• Immunologist
• Laboratory Technician
• Microbiologist
• Molecular Biologist
• Molecular Pathologist
• Research Associate

Accreditation & professional recognition

Graduates qualify to apply for membership of relevant professional societies, such as the Australian Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology and the Australian Society for Microbiology.

Admissions information

Admission into the honours program is competitive. Students considering entry into the Bachelor of Science (Honours) - SMAH must have completed a 3-year full-time equivalent bachelor degree with a minimum distinction (75%) weighted average mark (WAM) and have acceptance from a potential supervisor.

Academic Entry Requirements

• Admission into the honours program is competitive.
• Students must have completed a 3-year full-time equivalent bachelor degree with a minimum distinction (75%) weighted average mark (WAM).
• Students must have acceptance from a potential supervisor.
• Applicants are required to complete a Project Proposal form prior to submitting their application and attach the completed form as a supporting document.

English Language Requirements

The following level of English is required to gain admission to this program:

• IELTS Academic: 6.0 overall, with a minimum of 6.0 in each band.
• TOEFL (Internet-based): 70 overall, with a minimum of 18 in Reading, 18 in Writing, 17 in Listening, and 17 in Speaking.
• UOW College: English for Tertiary Studies: Pass (weighted average mark of 50 overall and minimum 50 in Academic Reading and Writing).

Workload

As a full-time student, you can expect to commit around 48 hours of study per week. This includes class time and independent study. You may need to factor more time for examination study, practical work, and placements.

Credit for Prior Learning

If you have completed prior studies or relevant professional experience, you can request course credit or subject exemptions to reduce the duration and cost of your program.

More detail

Fees

International Course fees:

• Campus: Wollongong
• Delivery method: On Campus
• Session fee: $19,176 (2025)
• Course fee: $38,352 (2025)

Key dates

• Autumn Session, 2025 at UOW:
  • Application Deadline: See important dates for more information
  • Orientation: Check your campus details
  • Session: 03 March - 27 June 2025
• Spring Session, 2025 at UOW:
  • Application Deadline: See important dates for more information
  • Orientation: Check your campus details
  • Session: 28 July - 20 November 2025
• Autumn Session, 2026 at UOW:
  • Application Deadline: Applications must include all required documents to be considered complete.
  • Orientation: Check your campus details
  • Session start: 2 March, 2026
  • Census date: 31 March, 2026
  • Mid-session recess: 20 - 24 April, 2026
  • Session end: 25 June, 2026
• Spring Session, 2026 at UOW:
  • Application Deadline: Applications must include all required documents to be considered complete.
  • Orientation: Check your campus details
  • Session start: 27 July, 2026
  • Census date: 31 August, 2026
  • Mid-session recess: 28 September - 2 October, 2026
  • Session end: 19 November, 2026

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