School of Biological Sciences
Our vision: Biology without borders
Our mission: Investigating the Earth’s species and natural environments to ensure sustainable futures
The School of Biological Sciences is a large, multidisciplinary School with research and teaching focused on understanding and conserving life on Earth. Understanding the vulnerabilities and resilience of species and the ecosystems in which they live helps to better value and protect life on our planet.
As biologists, we are passionate about understanding how living organisms – microorganisms, fungi, plants and animals – grow, adapt, sense the world around them, communicate, reproduce and evolve. We study how species and ecosystems can be managed, conserved and restored. Our work also provides clues to advance food production, treatment of plant and animal diseases and medical science.
Our researchers tackle challenges in the laboratory and at field sites across the world, studying plants and animals in both natural and managed environments. We use techniques ranging from molecular and genetic analysis, to data collection from whole populations, communities and ecosystems, to big-data synthesis science. We are committed to the communication of science to our communities. Read more about achievements in our latest research report.
Our teaching supports majors in botany, conservation biology, marine science, neuroscience and zoology, as well as a secondary major in science communication.
Our research
Computational biology
Computational biology researchers answer biological questions using big data mathematics, statistics and computer science.
Ecology and conservation
The ecology and conservation research group investigates species’ interactions with each other and their environment, ecosystems and their conservation.
Evolutionary biology
The evolutionary biology research group studies species’ evolutionary processes such as sexual selection, genetic diversity and competition.
Neuroscience (Biological Sciences)
Neuroscience, in the School of Biological Sciences, studies neurobiology and neuroecology as well as neural regeneration from spinal trauma in humans.
Science communication
Our science communication unit interprets scientific research and information so it can be accessed and understood by a wider audience.
School of Biological Sciences postgraduate profiles
This page details the School of Biological Sciences postgraduate profiles
Research projects
For Honours and Master's research projects download the full lists below:
Student Research Projects 2019 (PDF 1MB) Marine Student Research Projects 2019 (PDF 400KB)
Industry and community partnerships
We collaborate with industry, business and government. Our partnerships generate research outcomes, public awareness and impact policy. Our research partners include:
- Angela Rossen, Artist and Biodiversity Educator
- BASF
- Co-operative Education for Enterprise Development
- CSIRO
- Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions
- Centre of Excellence for Climate Change, Woodland and Forest Health
- Fisheries Research and Development Corporation
- HELIX Molecular Solutions
- Integrated Marine Observing System - IMOS
- Iluka
- Kings Park (Botanic Gardens & Parks Authority)
- Kwongan Foundation
- The Perron Institute for Neurological and Translational Science
- Western Australian Museum
- Perth Zoo
- Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development
- Rio Tinto
- Rottnest Island Authority
- Sea Around Us
- Western Rock Lobster Council
Courses
Community and engagement
The School values its links with the community, reaching out to share its knowledge and expertise. Our academics and students actively engage with school children and community events, such as Perth Royal Show, Perth Science Festival. In addition, they give radio interviews, newspaper articles and public talks.
Details of all our upcoming events can be found on our events calendar below.
News
Awards and Achievements – January 2019
Tue, 5 Feb 2019UWA staff and graduates recognised in Australia Day honours list
Tue, 29 Jan 2019Termites help reduce the impact of drought on tropical rainforests
Fri, 11 Jan 2019
Join us
Dedicated staff and students in the School of Biological Sciences are producing innovative and life-changing research. PhD students, postdoctoral fellows or potential staff who are interested in pursuing projects with the School can find out more about our current opportunities below.

School of Biological Sciences Seminar Series
The School holds a weekly seminar series featuring local and international guest speakers. The seminars are held each Friday at 3pm with afternoon tea prior to the seminars at 2.45pm.
Information about the seminar topics and venue can be found in the fortnightly School of Biological Sciences Newsletter.
Related links
PhD opportunities in Science
You can research your PhD at UWA and join leading academics and researchers on innovative projects answering the world’s big questions through our PhD opportunities in Science.
UWA School of Agriculture and Environment
The UWA School of Agriculture and Environment uses Western Australia’s rich biodiversity to better understand the world’s natural resources.
Restoring and maintaining balance in our natural environment
Our environmental research at UWA is protecting biodiversity and helping keep man-made climate change in check.
Plant Growth Facility
The UWA Plant Growth Facility provides a high-quality, functional and practical growing site for carrying out experiments under controlled conditions.