Biology, Testamur Major (T053)

This is an archived copy of the 2021-2022 catalog. To access the most recent version of the catalog, please visit https://hbook.westernsydney.edu.au.

  • Western Sydney University Major Code: T053

Previous Code: MT3042

Available to students in other Western Sydney University programs?  No

This testamur major is available as an elective major for Bachelor of Medical Science students only.

Biology is underpinned by cells, the fundamental units necessary for organisms to grow, reproduce and interact with each other and the environment. Cells are also the basis of emerging computer models and bio-technology innovations. Biologists integrate principles from many disciplines, including chemistry, bio-physics, genetics, biochemistry, physiology and bioinformatics, for a more complete understanding of animal, plant and microbial cell function. Understanding these processes and the principles that govern the organization and function of cells are a necessary framework for creating the next advances in developmental biology and disease mitigation. At WSU, the strong emphasis on hands-on experience gives biology graduates an excellent foundation for careers in: teaching, academia, research, biotechnology, industry, law and administration. The flexibility of the major also enables students to combine their interest with other disciplines including ecology, environment, zoology and agriculture and environmental health..

Location

Campus Mode Advice
Campbelltown Campus Internal Dr Ryan McQuinn
Hawkesbury Campus Internal Dr Ryan McQuinn
Parramatta Campus - Victoria Road Internal Dr Ryan McQuinn

Recommended Sequence

Select the link for your program below to see details of the major

Bachelor of Science

Qualification for the award of Bachelor of Science with a major in Biology requires the successful completion of 240 credit points as per the recommended sequence below.

Full-Time

Plan of Study Grid
Year 1
Autumn sessionCredit Points
NATS 1019 Scientific Literacy 10
BIOS 1001 Biodiversity 10
CHEM 1008 Introductory Chemistry 10
Select one elective 10
 Credit Points40
Spring session
CHEM 1005 Essential Chemistry 2 10
BIOS 1012 Cell Biology 10
Select one of the following: 10
Quantitative Thinking  
Mathematics 1A  
Select one elective 10
 Credit Points40
Year 2
Autumn session
BIOS 2022 Microbiology 1 10
BIOS 2042 Biochemistry 10
BIOS 2018 Genetics 10
Select one elective 10
 Credit Points40
Spring session
BIOS 3027 Molecular Biology of the Cell 10
BIOS 2006 Comparative Physiology 10
Select one of the following: 10
Complex Case Studies in Science  
Work Internship for Science Professionals  
Select one elective 10
 Credit Points40
Year 3
Autumn session
BIOS 3032 Plant Science 10
BIOS 3033 Applied Bioinformatics 10
Select two electives 20
 Credit Points40
Spring session
BIOS 3034 Molecular Biotechnology 10
BIOS 3012 Conservation Biology 10
Select two electives 20
 Credit Points40
 Total Credit Points240

Bachelor of Science (Pathway to Teaching Primary/Secondary)

Qualification for the Bachelor of Science (Pathway to Teaching Primary/Secondary) with a major in Biology requires the successful completion of 240 credit points as per the recommended sequence for the Bachelor of Science with a major in Biology, given above.

In addition, all students must complete the mandatory 40 credit point minor in Education Studies:

No results found.

Students must meet this requirement by choosing the subjects from the Education Studies minor as electives within their Bachelor of Science program.

Bachelor of Advanced Science

Qualification for the award of Bachelor of Advanced Science with a major in Biology requires the successful completion of 240 credit points as per the recommended sequence below.

Full-Time

Plan of Study Grid
Year 1
Autumn sessionCredit Points
NATS 1019 Scientific Literacy 10
BIOS 1001 Biodiversity 10
CHEM 1008 Introductory Chemistry 10
Select one elective 10
 Credit Points40
Spring session
CHEM 1005 Essential Chemistry 2 10
BIOS 1012 Cell Biology 10
Select one of the following: 10
Quantitative Thinking  
Mathematics 1A  
Select one elective 10
 Credit Points40
Year 2
Autumn session
BIOS 2022 Microbiology 1 10
BIOS 2042 Biochemistry 10
BIOS 2018 Genetics 10
NATS 2001 Advanced Science Project A 10
 Credit Points40
Spring session
BIOS 3027 Molecular Biology of the Cell 10
NATS 2002 Advanced Science Project B 10
BIOS 2006 Comparative Physiology 10
Select one of the following: 10
Complex Case Studies in Science  
Work Internship for Science Professionals  
 Credit Points40
Year 3
Autumn session
BIOS 3032 Plant Science 10
NATS 3043 Advanced Science Research Project C 10
BIOS 3033 Applied Bioinformatics 10
Select one elective 10
 Credit Points40
Spring session
NATS 3043 Advanced Science Research Project C 10
BIOS 3034 Molecular Biotechnology 10
BIOS 3012 Conservation Biology 10
Select one elective 10
 Credit Points40
 Total Credit Points240

Diploma in Science/Bachelor of Science

Qualification for this award requires the successful completion of 250 credit points which include the subjects listed in the recommended sequence below.

Full-time

Plan of Study Grid
Year 1
Year 1: College Subjects  
Standard 3 term year  
Preparatory Subject:  
CHEM 0001 Chemistry (WSTC Prep) 10
And  
Eight University Level Subjects:  
BIOS 1003 Biodiversity (WSTC) 10
BIOS 1014 Cell Biology (WSTC) 10
CHEM 1006 Essential Chemistry 2 (WSTC) 10
CHEM 1009 Introductory Chemistry (WSTC) 10
BIOS 1023 Introduction to Human Biology (WSTC) 10
MATH 1027 Quantitative Thinking (WSTC) 10
NATS 1020 Scientific Literacy (WSTC) 10
And  
Select one subject from the following (depending on the testamur major chosen): 10
Concepts in Human Anatomy (WSTC)  
Concepts in Human Physiology (WSTC)  
Environmental Issues and Solutions (WSTC)  
Food Science 1 (WSTC)  
Management of Aquatic Environments (WSTC)  
Water Quality Assessment and Management (WSTC)  
 Credit Points90
Year 2
Autumn sessionCredit Points
BIOS 2022 Microbiology 1 10
BIOS 2042 Biochemistry 10
BIOS 2018 Genetics 10
Select one elective 10
 Credit Points40
Spring session
BIOS 3027 Molecular Biology of the Cell 10
BIOS 2006 Comparative Physiology 10
Select one of the following: 10
Complex Case Studies in Science  
Work Internship for Science Professionals  
Select one elective 10
 Credit Points40
Year 3
Autumn session
BIOS 3032 Plant Science 10
BIOS 3033 Applied Bioinformatics 10
Select two electives 20
 Credit Points40
Spring session
BIOS 3034 Molecular Biotechnology 10
BIOS 3012 Conservation Biology 10
Select two electives 20
 Credit Points40
 Total Credit Points250