Program Overview

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Bachelor of Biological Sciences - Melbourne (Bundoora)

Overview

The Bachelor of Biological Sciences at La Trobe University provides students with a strong scientific grounding and the flexibility to specialize in an area of interest. The program starts with foundational skills in biology, chemistry, ecology, and biodiversity, and explores the impacts of infection, epidemics, and pandemics. Practical classes begin in the first year, both in on-campus labs and facilities, and in the field. Industry-led workshops and seminars, as well as opportunities for work placements, are also available.

Course Details

• Course Code: SBBIS
• Credit Points: 360
• Duration: 3 years (full-time)
• Study Level: Undergraduate
• AQF Level: Level 7 - Bachelor Degree
• Location: Melbourne (Bundoora)

Study Options

• Domestic: Full-time, Part-time
• International Onshore: Full-time
• Study Modes:
  • Face To Face: All subjects delivered in person at a specific location.
  • Multi-Modal: Subjects delivered using a combination of Face To Face, Online, and Online Asynchronous.
  • Online: All subjects delivered Online without the requirement to attend a specific location.
  • Online Asynchronous: All subjects delivered Online without the requirement to attend at a specific time.
  • Online plus placement/intensive: All subjects delivered Online with the requirement of Face To Face attendance for specific intensive (field/industry placement).

Completion Requirements

To qualify for the award of Bachelor of Biological Sciences, students must complete 360 credit points as follows:

• 120 core credit points
• 120 credit points major subjects
• 120 credit points second major or minor and/or elective subjects

Course Structure

The course is structured over three levels, with core subjects, major subjects, and elective/minor subjects.

Level One

• Core Subjects: 90 credit points
  • LTU0AIM: Academic Integrity Module
  • ABS0WOM: Wominjeka La Trobe: Indigenous Cultural Literacy for Higher Education
  • BIO1MGC: Molecules, Genes and Cells
  • CHE1CHF: Chemistry Foundations
  • MIC1IPE: Infections, Pandemics and Epidemics
  • BIO1AP: Animal and Plant Life
  • BIO1EEB: Ecology, Evolution and Biodiversity
  • STM1001: Making Sense of Data
• Major Subjects: 30 credit points (selected from the chosen major)

Level Two

• Core Subjects: 30 credit points
  • BIO2POS: Practice of Science
  • SHE2001: Career Options and Professional Identity
• Major Subjects: 30 credit points (selected from the chosen major)
• Electives or Major/Minor: 30 credit points (selected from Level one or Level two electives, or subjects from a major or minor)
• Electives or Major/Minor: 30 credit points (selected from Level two electives, or subjects from a major or minor)

Level Three

• Major Subjects: 60 credit points (selected from the chosen major)
• Electives or Major/Minor: 60 credit points (selected from Level three electives, or subjects from a major or minor)

Majors

• Biochemistry
• Botany
• Ecology
• Genetics
• Human Physiological Sciences
• Microbiology
• Zoology

Minors

• Biochemistry
• Botany
• Ecology Studies
• Genetics
• Human Physiological Sciences
• Infectious Disease Epidemiology
• Microbiology
• Molecular Genetics
• Zoology

Course Intended Learning Outcomes

On successful completion, students will be able to:

1. Develop scientific written reports related to a specialist area in biological science.
2. Critically evaluate evidence from scientific and other sources.
3. Generate solutions to complex problems in biological sciences.
4. Solve real-world scientific and technical problems in a specialist area of biological sciences.
5. Work effectively in teams through collaboration and communication.
6. Critically apply understanding of the ethical issues in the work of biological scientists.
7. Apply understanding of a specialist area in biological science to address local, national, and global problems.

Course Features

• Work-based learning (placement) requirements
• Work-integrated learning opportunities
• Student exchange and overseas short programs

Career Outcomes

La Trobe graduates have found work in lab and field-based settings, including private industry, research institutes, and local and state government organizations. Possible roles include:

• Biological Scientist
• Microbiologist
• Environmental Consultant
• Biosecurity Officer
• Geneticist

Additional Costs

• Field trips: Additional costs for food, accommodation, and travel may apply.
• Other costs: Depending on the subjects chosen, extra costs can include a laboratory coat (about AUD$30) and a dissecting kit (about AUD$40).