Undergraduate
Molecular Life Sciences (Extended Major)
Contact us
Address
Student Central
The University of Western Australia (M355), 35 Stirling Highway, Perth, Western Australia 6009
Telephone
131 UWA (131 892)
International
(+61 8) 6488 1000
Hours
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Careers and further study
This course opens up a world of future study pathways and career options.
Career Pathways
UWA is Western Australia’s top ranked University, and is also one of the Group of Eight leading research universities in Australia. UWA’s biological disciplines, including those that comprise the molecular life sciences, are particularly renowned nationally and internationally and rank amongst the world’s best 100 in their subject area.
A bachelor’s degree in Molecular Life Sciences from UWA would be highly recognised amongst employers in the biosciences. Career options include agricultural consultancy, biotechnology, drug development, food production and quality control, fermentation industries and chemical production. Life scientists find jobs in diagnostic laboratories in hospitals, veterinary health, toxicology and allied health fields. Opportunities beyond the laboratory include education, patent law and policy-making, as well as in agriculture and the environment, sales and marketing for medical, research and pharmaceutical industries. With their specialist knowledge of living systems, molecular life scientists find work as journalists and science communicators. A degree in Molecular Life Sciences is also an ideal launchpad for specialised postgraduate courses in bioinformatics, synthetic biology or forensics. Finally, many careers in the molecular life sciences benefit from further study towards a higher degree by research, so that graduates can reach more senior positions in research and development, whether in academia or in industry.
There are numerous companies and institutions in diverse industries that seek molecular life scientists in Western Australia (indicated by *), nationally and internationally:
• Pharmaceutical companies (e.g. Pfizer*, CSL, Abbvie, GlaxoSmithKline, EvansPetersen Healthcare)
• Biotechnology companies (e.g. Dimerix*, PYC Therapeutics*, Orthocell*, Novozyme, Life Cykel, Qiagen, Roche, Merck)
• Molecular diagnostics laboratories (e.g. Pathwest*, Safe Work Laboratories*)
• Biochemical/protein analytical laboratories (e.g. Proteomics International*)
• Provisioners of scientific instrumentation (e.g. Thermo Fisher Scientific, Westlab, LabGear Australia)
• Research Centres (e.g. Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO)*, Telethon Kids Institute*, Ingham Institute, Garvan Institute for Medical Research)
• Top-ranked universities around the world
Salary Information
Based on salary information for biochemists and molecular biologists, you can expect an annual salary of $108,000 (+ bonus) as the average across all industries and experience levels, with a salary growth of ~2.0% per year.
Fees and scholarships
Domestic Student Fees
Eligible Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP) students can use the HECS-HELP loan program to pay their tuition fees. For Full-Fee Paying (FFP) places, students are charged an annual course fee.
Find out more information about tuition fees, or visit the fee calculator for a more accurate cost.
Scholarships
Scholarships are available to students from a diverse range of backgrounds, including academic achievement, financial need, educational disadvantage, leadership and community service, artistic or sporting achievements, and being from a rural or remote area.
Cost of living
International Student Fees
Find out more about tuition fees or visit the fee calculator for the estimated total course fee.
Note, tuition fees are reviewed annually and are subject to increase up to 7.5 per cent per annum.
Scholarships
Scholarships are available to students from a diverse range of backgrounds, including academic achievement, financial need, educational disadvantage, leadership and community service, artistic or sporting achievements, and being from a rural or remote area.
Cost of living
Admission requirements
The University of Western Australia welcomes applications from international and domestic school-leavers. If you’re interested in studying this major, find out the admission details below.
Minimum entry requirements
- 3.3
- 79
- 270
- 330
- 300
- 66
- 1170
- 60
- 80
Admission requirements
Prerequisites
This major requires:
- Mathematics Methods ATAR; OR
- Mathematics Applications ATAR with a mathematics unit taken in the first year; OR
- Students without ATAR mathematics to take two mathematics units in their first year.
- Chemistry ATAR or an additional chemistry unit taken in the first year.
English competency
English is the language of instruction and assessment at UWA and you will need to meet the English language requirements of the University to be eligible for a place.
Minimum overall IELTS score of 6.5, with no band less than 6.0.
How to apply
Ready for the next step?
Find out how to apply through our simple online application process.
We'll guide you through our entry requirements, admission pathways available to you and application deadlines for your chosen course.
We can’t wait for you to join us!
Course details
About the course
Quick details
- Available
- Perth (Crawley campus)
- Albany (Regional campus)
- Full-time
- Part-time
- On-campus
- Semester 1, Semester 2
- Undergraduate
- MJD-MLSDM
- 3 years (BSc), 4 years (BSc[Hons])
Why study this course
- Learn about the most recent advances in the molecular life sciences, how these affect our everyday lives and how we can use this knowledge to solve global challenges
- Learn through hands-on laboratories while also gaining skills in data analysis and interpretation and critical thinking
- Develop a solid foundation in molecular life sciences with professional and transferable skills that open up many exciting possibilities for future career development and/or study
You'll learn to
- demonstrate a profound understanding of the theoretical basis of biochemistry, molecular biology, genetics in animals, plants and microorganisms
- gain technical competency and practical skills to master state-of-the-art molecular techniques
- develop and demonstrate your skills in critical thinking, experimental design, data analysis and interpretation
Course Structure
Our undergraduate degrees offer you a broad range of options allowing you to combine subjects in a way that matches your career goals and personal interests.
Reuben Lemmes
Reuben Lemmes
Work Integrated Learning
Work Integrated Learning (WIL) helps bridge the gap between theory and practice by providing opportunities for students to gain hands-on, practical industry relevant experience and for employers to help shape the graduates of tomorrow.
Your degree options
Bachelor of Molecular Sciences
Bachelor of Philosophy
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The Cell and Molecular Life Facility offers state-of-the-art technology to staff and students whose research investigates diverse insults affecting animal and human cells and tissues.