Biology, Testamur Major (T053)
- Western Sydney University Major Code: T053
Previous Code: MT3042
Available to students in other Western Sydney University programs? No
This major is available as an elective in Bachelor of Science 3754 , and an elective major option in Bachelor of Medical Science 3755. See the related programs tab for more information.
Please note, the BSc Major Environmental Health T076, BSc Adv 3757, Bachelor of Science (Pathway to Teaching Primary/Secondary) 3756 & BMedSc Adv 3758, do not have sufficient Flexible space to accommodate a second/elective Major.
This major applies to students who commenced in Spring 2022 or later.
For Commencement Year 2021 to Autumn 2022 - Please refer to MT3042 Biology
For Commencement Year 2020 - Please refer to MT3016 Biology
Students should follow the major structure for the session start date relevant to the year they commenced.
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 | science@westernsydney.edu.au |
| Hawkesbury Campus | Internal | science@westernsydney.edu.au |
| Parramatta Campus - Victoria Road | Internal | science@westernsydney.edu.au |
Recommended Sequence Current
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
| Year 1 | ||
|---|---|---|
| Autumn session | Credit Points | |
| NATS 1019 | Scientific Literacy | 10 |
| BIOS 1001 | Biodiversity | 10 |
| CHEM 1008 | Introductory Chemistry | 10 |
| Choose one elective | 10 | |
| Credit Points | 40 | |
| Spring session | ||
| CHEM 1005 | Essential Chemistry 2 | 10 |
| BIOS 1012 | Cell Biology | 10 |
| Choose one of | 10 | |
| Quantitative Thinking | ||
| Mathematics 1A | ||
| Biometry | ||
| Choose one elective | 10 | |
| Credit Points | 40 | |
| Year 2 | ||
| Autumn session | ||
| BIOS 2042 | Biochemistry | 10 |
| BIOS 2022 | Microbiology 1 | 10 |
| BIOS 2018 | Genetics | 10 |
| Choose one elective | 10 | |
| Credit Points | 40 | |
| Spring session | ||
| BIOS 3027 | Molecular Biology of the Cell | 10 |
| BIOS 2006 | Comparative Physiology | 10 |
| Choose one of | 10 | |
| Complex Case Studies in Science | ||
| Work Internship for Science Professionals | ||
| Choose one elective | 10 | |
| Credit Points | 40 | |
| Year 3 | ||
| Autumn session | ||
| BIOS 3032 | Plant Science | 10 |
| Choose two electives | 20 | |
| Credit Points | 30 | |
| Spring session | ||
| BIOS 3033 | Applied Bioinformatics | 10 |
| BIOS 3034 | Molecular Biotechnology | 10 |
| Choose two electives | 20 | |
| Credit Points | 40 | |
| 1H session | ||
| NATS 3055 | Practicum 1 | 10 |
| Credit Points | 10 | |
| Total Credit Points | 240 | |
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 a mandatory 40 credit point minor in Education Studies. Students must choose one of:
Education Studies – Primary Teaching, Minor (0296)
Or
Education Studies - Secondary Teaching, Minor (0267)
Students must meet this requirement by choosing subjects from the selected 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
| Year 1 | ||
|---|---|---|
| Autumn session | Credit Points | |
| NATS 1019 | Scientific Literacy | 10 |
| BIOS 1001 | Biodiversity | 10 |
| CHEM 1008 | Introductory Chemistry | 10 |
| Choose one elective | 10 | |
| Credit Points | 40 | |
| Spring session | ||
| CHEM 1005 | Essential Chemistry 2 | 10 |
| BIOS 1012 | Cell Biology | 10 |
| Choose one of | 10 | |
| Quantitative Thinking | ||
| Mathematics 1A | ||
| Biometry | ||
| Choose one elective | 10 | |
| Credit Points | 40 | |
| Year 2 | ||
| Autumn session | ||
| BIOS 2042 | Biochemistry | 10 |
| BIOS 2022 | Microbiology 1 | 10 |
| BIOS 2018 | Genetics | 10 |
| NATS 2001 | Advanced Science Project A | 10 |
| Credit Points | 40 | |
| Spring session | ||
| BIOS 3027 | Molecular Biology of the Cell | 10 |
| NATS 2002 | Advanced Science Project B | 10 |
| BIOS 2006 | Comparative Physiology | 10 |
| Choose one of | 10 | |
| Complex Case Studies in Science | ||
| Work Internship for Science Professionals | ||
| Credit Points | 40 | |
| Year 3 | ||
| Autumn session | ||
| BIOS 3032 | Plant Science | 10 |
| NATS 3043 | Advanced Science Research Project C | 10 |
| Choose one elective | 10 | |
| Credit Points | 30 | |
| Spring session | ||
| BIOS 3033 | Applied Bioinformatics | 10 |
| BIOS 3034 | Molecular Biotechnology | 10 |
| NATS 3043 | Advanced Science Research Project C | 10 |
| Choose one elective | 10 | |
| Credit Points | 40 | |
| 1H session | ||
| NATS 3055 | Practicum 1 | 10 |
| Credit Points | 10 | |
| Total Credit Points | 240 | |
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
| Year 1 | ||
|---|---|---|
| Year 1: College Subjects | ||
| Standard 3 term year | ||
| Preparatory Subject: | ||
| CHEM 0001 | Chemistry (WSTC Prep) | 10 |
| And | ||
| Eight University Level Subjects: | ||
| BIOS 1014 | Cell Biology (WSTC) | 10 |
| CHEM 1013 | Essential Chemistry (WSTC) | 10 |
| NATS 1020 | Scientific Literacy (WSTC) | 10 |
| CHEM 1009 | Introductory Chemistry (WSTC) | 10 |
| BIOS 1003 | Biodiversity (WSTC) | 10 |
| MATH 1027 | Quantitative Thinking (WSTC) | 10 |
| BIOS 1034 | Management of Aquatic Environments (WSTC) | 10 |
| NATS 1030 | Human Anatomy and Physiology 2 (WSTC) | 10 |
| Credit Points | 90 | |
| Year 2 | ||
| Autumn session | Credit Points | |
| BIOS 2042 | Biochemistry | 10 |
| BIOS 2022 | Microbiology 1 | 10 |
| BIOS 2018 | Genetics | 10 |
| Choose one elective | 10 | |
| Credit Points | 40 | |
| Spring session | ||
| BIOS 3027 | Molecular Biology of the Cell | 10 |
| BIOS 2006 | Comparative Physiology | 10 |
| Choose one of | 10 | |
| Complex Case Studies in Science | ||
| Work Internship for Science Professionals | ||
| Choose one elective | 10 | |
| Credit Points | 40 | |
| Year 3 | ||
| Autumn session | ||
| BIOS 3032 | Plant Science | 10 |
| Choose two electives | 20 | |
| Credit Points | 30 | |
| Spring session | ||
| BIOS 3033 | Applied Bioinformatics | 10 |
| BIOS 3034 | Molecular Biotechnology | 10 |
| Choose two electives | 20 | |
| Credit Points | 40 | |
| 1H session | ||
| NATS 3055 | Practicum 1 | 10 |
| Credit Points | 10 | |
| Total Credit Points | 250 | |
Recommended Sequence 2023
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
| Year 1 | ||
|---|---|---|
| Autumn session | Credit Points | |
| NATS 1019 | Scientific Literacy | 10 |
| BIOS 1001 | Biodiversity | 10 |
| CHEM 1008 | Introductory Chemistry | 10 |
| Choose one elective | 10 | |
| Credit Points | 40 | |
| Spring session | ||
| CHEM 1005 | Essential Chemistry 2 | 10 |
| BIOS 1012 | Cell Biology | 10 |
| Choose one of | 10 | |
| Quantitative Thinking | ||
| Mathematics 1A | ||
| Biometry | ||
| Choose one elective | 10 | |
| Credit Points | 40 | |
| Year 2 | ||
| Autumn session | ||
| BIOS 2042 | Biochemistry | 10 |
| BIOS 2022 | Microbiology 1 | 10 |
| BIOS 2018 | Genetics | 10 |
| Choose one elective | 10 | |
| Credit Points | 40 | |
| Spring session | ||
| BIOS 3027 | Molecular Biology of the Cell | 10 |
| BIOS 2006 | Comparative Physiology | 10 |
| Choose one of | 10 | |
| Complex Case Studies in Science | ||
| Work Internship for Science Professionals | ||
| Choose one elective | 10 | |
| Credit Points | 40 | |
| Year 3 | ||
| Autumn session | ||
| BIOS 3032 | Plant Science | 10 |
| BIOS 3033 | Applied Bioinformatics | 10 |
| Choose two electives | 20 | |
| Credit Points | 40 | |
| Spring session | ||
| BIOS 3034 | Molecular Biotechnology | 10 |
| BIOS 3012 | Conservation Biology | 10 |
| Choose two electives | 20 | |
| Credit Points | 40 | |
| Total Credit Points | 240 | |
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 a mandatory 40 credit point minor in Education Studies. Students must choose one of:
Education Studies – Primary Teaching, Minor (0296)
Or
Education Studies - Secondary Teaching, Minor (0267)
Students must meet this requirement by choosing subjects from the selected 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
| Year 1 | ||
|---|---|---|
| Autumn session | Credit Points | |
| NATS 1019 | Scientific Literacy | 10 |
| BIOS 1001 | Biodiversity | 10 |
| CHEM 1008 | Introductory Chemistry | 10 |
| Choose one elective | 10 | |
| Credit Points | 40 | |
| Spring session | ||
| CHEM 1005 | Essential Chemistry 2 | 10 |
| BIOS 1012 | Cell Biology | 10 |
| Choose one of | 10 | |
| Quantitative Thinking | ||
| Mathematics 1A | ||
| Biometry | ||
| Choose one elective | 10 | |
| Credit Points | 40 | |
| Year 2 | ||
| Autumn session | ||
| BIOS 2042 | Biochemistry | 10 |
| BIOS 2022 | Microbiology 1 | 10 |
| BIOS 2018 | Genetics | 10 |
| NATS 2001 | Advanced Science Project A | 10 |
| Credit Points | 40 | |
| Spring session | ||
| BIOS 3027 | Molecular Biology of the Cell | 10 |
| NATS 2002 | Advanced Science Project B | 10 |
| BIOS 2006 | Comparative Physiology | 10 |
| Choose one of | 10 | |
| Complex Case Studies in Science | ||
| Work Internship for Science Professionals | ||
| Credit Points | 40 | |
| Year 3 | ||
| Autumn session | ||
| BIOS 3032 | Plant Science | 10 |
| NATS 3043 | Advanced Science Research Project C | 10 |
| BIOS 3033 | Applied Bioinformatics | 10 |
| Choose one elective | 10 | |
| Credit Points | 40 | |
| Spring session | ||
| BIOS 3034 | Molecular Biotechnology | 10 |
| BIOS 3012 | Conservation Biology | 10 |
| NATS 3043 | Advanced Science Research Project C | 10 |
| Choose one elective | 10 | |
| Credit Points | 40 | |
| Total Credit Points | 240 | |
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
| Year 1 | ||
|---|---|---|
| Year 1: College Subjects | ||
| Standard 3 term year | ||
| Preparatory Subject: | ||
| CHEM 0001 | Chemistry (WSTC Prep) | 10 |
| And | ||
| Eight University Level Subjects: | ||
| BIOS 1014 | Cell Biology (WSTC) | 10 |
| CHEM 1013 | Essential Chemistry (WSTC) | 10 |
| NATS 1020 | Scientific Literacy (WSTC) | 10 |
| CHEM 1009 | Introductory Chemistry (WSTC) | 10 |
| BIOS 1003 | Biodiversity (WSTC) | 10 |
| MATH 1027 | Quantitative Thinking (WSTC) | 10 |
| BIOS 1034 | Management of Aquatic Environments (WSTC) | 10 |
| NATS 1030 | Human Anatomy and Physiology 2 (WSTC) | 10 |
| Credit Points | 90 | |
| Year 2 | ||
| Autumn session | Credit Points | |
| BIOS 2042 | Biochemistry | 10 |
| BIOS 2022 | Microbiology 1 | 10 |
| BIOS 2018 | Genetics | 10 |
| Choose one elective | 10 | |
| Credit Points | 40 | |
| Spring session | ||
| BIOS 3027 | Molecular Biology of the Cell | 10 |
| BIOS 2006 | Comparative Physiology | 10 |
| Choose one of | 10 | |
| Complex Case Studies in Science | ||
| Work Internship for Science Professionals | ||
| Choose one elective | 10 | |
| Credit Points | 40 | |
| Year 3 | ||
| Autumn session | ||
| BIOS 3032 | Plant Science | 10 |
| BIOS 3033 | Applied Bioinformatics | 10 |
| Choose two electives | 20 | |
| Credit Points | 40 | |
| Spring session | ||
| BIOS 3034 | Molecular Biotechnology | 10 |
| BIOS 3012 | Conservation Biology | 10 |
| Choose two electives | 20 | |
| Credit Points | 40 | |
| Total Credit Points | 250 | |