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Postgraduate

Master of Biological Science

Western Australia (WA) is a terrestrial biodiversity hot spot. Up to 80 per cent of the region's plants and invertebrates are unique to the area, and the state is a stronghold for threatened mammals. This makes WA the ideal living laboratory for studies in biological science.
1.5-2
Years Full Time
Course Details Careers & further study Fees & Scholarships Admission requirements How to apply Contact us
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Careers and further study

Explore the career opportunities available to you.

Career Pathways

Biologist, Botanist, Conservation Biologist, Conservation Officer, Consultant, Ecologist, Enviornmental Manager, Environmental Scientist, Parks Officer, Quarantine Officer, Research Scientist, Research Technician, Rehabilitation Manager, Science Communicator, Wildlife Officer, Zoologist.
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Career Pathways

Biologist, Botanist, Conservation Biologist, Conservation Officer, Consultant, Ecologist, Enviornmental Manager, Environmental Scientist, Parks Officer, Quarantine Officer, Research Scientist, Research Technician, Rehabilitation Manager, Science Communicator, Wildlife Officer, Zoologist.
This course could lead to these

Career Opportunities

Alt content Zoologist Alt content Ecologist Alt content Conservation Biologist Alt content Wildlife Biologist
More career opportunities
This course could lead to these

Career Opportunities

Zoologist

Examine animal characteristics, functions, ecology and environments for wildlife management, conservation, agricultural and medical applications.

Ecologist

Examine relationships and interactions between microbes, plants, animals and their environments.

Conservation Biologist

As a conservation biologist, you focus on how to protect and restore biodiversity, particularly understanding and minimizing human impacts on the natural world.

Wildlife Biologist

Wildlife Biologists are scientists that observe and study the behaviors of animals.

Biologist

Examine anatomy, physiology and biochemistry of living organisms to reveal how they function and interact in the environment.

Botanist

Study plants and their interactions with their environment in order to conserve biodiversity and benefit the natural environment, agriculture, forestry, horticulture, medicine and biotechnology.

Conservation Officer

Develop and implement programs and regulations to protect natural resources.

Marine Biologist

Examine structures, functions, behaviours, interactions and environmental affects of organisms that live in the sea.

Environmental Scientist

Develop modes of environmental conservation and decrease human impact through close examination of the environment.

Environmental Consultant

Advise on policies to determine design, implementation and modification of government or commercial environmental operations.

Environmental Manager

Develop and apply an organisation's environmental management system to identify, solve and alleviate environmental issues for sustainable development.

Academic

Conduct research and teach university students in an area of specialisation.

Animal Scientist

Animal technicians are responsible for the care and welfare of laboratory animals used in scientific and medical research.

Conservationist

As a conservationist, you'll work to protect, manage and enhance the local environment.

Fisheries Officer

Fisheries officers are responsible for the management, conservation and preservation of state and territory fisheries resources.

Geneticist

Unravel the mysteries of DNA and genetics.

Natural Resource Manager

Natural resource managers develop conservation plans for nature reserves, land and other natural resources, so that people can use these resources in an ecologically sustainable way.

Plant Breeder

As a plant breeder you will work on improving the quality and performance of existing agricultural and horticultural crops and create new varieties of plants.

Wildlife Consultant

A wildlife consultant is a scientist who provides hands-on wildlife management assistance on an independent consultation basis.

Wildlife Manager

Wildlife managers are responsible for overseeing all aspects of wildlife conservation and management in a designated territory.

Further Study

Students completing this degree may have the option to pursue further studies in research.
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Further Study

Students completing this degree may have the option to pursue further studies in research.

Fees and scholarships

Learn more about the fees that apply to you for this course.

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.

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Cost of living

There are a few things to consider before applying to study at university. One could be your cost of living. This can depend on factors such as lifestyle, accommodation, tuition fees, medical insurance, textbooks and more. For an indication of expenses and average costs, see our Cost of living page.

Cost of living

International Fees

Postgraduate – onshore students

Annual course fees are calculated based on a standard annual study load of 48 credit points.

Course Credit Points
96
Total Course Fee - 2022
$86,400.00
Fee calculator

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.

Search Scholarships

Cost of living

There are a few things to consider before applying to study at university. One could be your cost of living. This can depend on factors such as lifestyle, accommodation, tuition fees, medical insurance, textbooks and more. For an indication of expenses and average costs, see our Cost of living page.

Cost of living

Admission requirements

If you’re interested in furthering your career by studying this postgraduate degree, find out the admission details below.

Admission Requirements

(1) To be considered for admission to this course an applicant must have—
(a) a Bachelor of Science, or an equivalent qualification, as recognised by UWA;
and
(b) the equivalent of a UWA weighted average mark of at least 50 per cent;
and
(c) met the prerequisite for the chosen specialisation
(2) For the Conservation Biology specialisation an applicant must have successfully completed prior studies at a tertiary level in biology (excluding human biology); or in a related cognate discipline, as recognised by UWA
(3) For the Ecology specialisation an applicant must have successfully completed prior studies at a tertiary level in
biology (excluding human biology); or in a related cognate discipline, as recognised by UWA
(4) For the Zoology specialisation an applicant must have successfully completed prior studies at a tertiary level in animal science; or in a related cognate discipline, as recognised by UWA
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Admission Requirements

(1) To be considered for admission to this course an applicant must have—
(a) a Bachelor of Science, or an equivalent qualification, as recognised by UWA;
and
(b) the equivalent of a UWA weighted average mark of at least 50 per cent;
and
(c) met the prerequisite for the chosen specialisation
(2) For the Conservation Biology specialisation an applicant must have successfully completed prior studies at a tertiary level in biology (excluding human biology); or in a related cognate discipline, as recognised by UWA
(3) For the Ecology specialisation an applicant must have successfully completed prior studies at a tertiary level in
biology (excluding human biology); or in a related cognate discipline, as recognised by UWA
(4) For the Zoology specialisation an applicant must have successfully completed prior studies at a tertiary level in animal science; or in a related cognate discipline, as recognised by UWA

Ranking and Selection Process

Where relevant, admission will be awarded to the highest ranked applicants or applicants selected based on the relevant requirements.
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Ranking and Selection Process

Where relevant, admission will be awarded to the highest ranked applicants or applicants selected based on the relevant requirements.

ADMISSION REQUIREMENT

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.
ADMISSION REQUIREMENT

English competency

How to apply

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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!  

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Course details

The Master of Biological Science will developed advanced understanding of the evolution, diversity, physiology, reproduction, behaviour and ecology of plants and animals, and the skills to apply this knowledge to the management of natural systems and the species they support.

About the course

Western Australia is a terrestrial biodiversity hot-spot, offering exceptional opportunities to study unique plants and animals that have evolved in our wetlands, forests and deserts. You'll gain an advanced understanding and practical skills in ecology, evolution, genetics, species identification, reproduction and behaviour, and can apply your knowledge to conserving species and their habitats. You also have the opportunity to design, execute, analyse and report on field and/or laboratory-based projects, supported by world-class researchers.
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About the course

Western Australia is a terrestrial biodiversity hot-spot, offering exceptional opportunities to study unique plants and animals. You'll gain an advanced understanding of their ecology, evolution, genetics, reproduction and behaviour, and will develop high-level skills in data analysis. You also have the opportunity to design, execute, analyse and report on field and/or laboratory-based projects, supported by world-class researchers.

When you graduate from the Master of Biological Science you will have the ability to integrate your advanced knowledge of species biology and ecology to understand the threats species face, including their vulnerability to rapid environmental change.

You’ll possess communication and technical skills to justify and interpret methodologies, conclusions and professional decisions to specialist and non-specialist audiences. You’ll become a broad thinker who can critically assess advanced research in your discipline and integrate this into practical solutions or new research questions. You’ll contribute to group-led research, as can plan and execute your own substantial research project focused on plants, animals, or ecosystems.

Master of Biological Science

Quick details

Status
  • Available
Locations
  • Perth (Crawley campus)
Attendance
  • Full-time
  • Part-time
Delivery
  • On-campus
Starting dates
  • Semester 1, Semester 2
Weekly contact time
  • Please refer to the UWA Handbook
Level of study
  • Postgraduate
Course Code
  • 72520
CRICOS code
  • 074948B
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Master of Biological Science

Quick details

Status
  • Available
Locations
  • Perth (Crawley campus)
Attendance
  • Full-time
  • Part-time
Delivery
  • On-campus
Starting dates
  • Semester 1, Semester 2
Weekly contact time
  • Please refer to the UWA Handbook
Level of study
  • Postgraduate
Course Code
  • 72520
CRICOS code
  • 074948B
Full time/part time duration
  • 1.5-2 years
Degrees course is available in
  • Master of Biological Science

Course Structure

Postgraduate coursework degrees and combined (coursework and dissertation) degrees comprise 12-16 units, depending on your background, and you can specialise in Conservation Biology, Ecology or Zoology. Refer to the course structure for more information.

Course structure details

Conversion

Conversion

Students may be required to take conversion units up to a value of (24 points) based on an assessment of prior learning by the School.
Core

Core

Take all units (12 points):
Conservation Biology specialisation

Core

Take all units (24 points):
Ecology specialisation

Core

Take all units (18 points).

Core

Take units to the value of 6 points.
Zoology specialisation

Core

Take all units from this group (24 points).
Coursework and Dissertation specialisation

Option

Students in course by coursework and dissertation, take all units in this group (30 points):

Option

Students in course by coursework and dissertation, take units to the value of (6 points). Students in course by coursework only, take units to the value of (24 points). :

Course structure details
Study your way

Flexibility

We understand that life is busy. That's why our postgraduate courses are designed so you can balance your work and studies. Our flexible degree includes the opportunity to study part time, and to learn via intensive units. You can also choose a coursework only degree, or one that includes coursework and a dissertation. You can also convert an honours degree into a Masters of Biological Science by undertaking an additional semester of postgraduate coursework.
Study your way

Flexibility

Dissertation options

Interior of Bayliss Building

We offer field-based, lab-based and data-based dissertation projects, each supervised by active researchers. This booklet shows you some current options, but you can also contact course coordinators to discuss project ideas and potential supervisors.

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Dissertation options

Course Coordinators

The staff below can provide course advice, approve variation to coursework units, and help you find a dissertation project aligned to your interests. It is a good idea to identity your dissertation project and supervisors the semester before you plan to start your dissertation units.

Masters of Biological Science

Conservation Biology Specialisation

Ecology Specialisation

Zoology Specialisation

Ranked 1st in Australia and 34th in the world for Biological Sciences (ARWU 2021)

Fieldwork in Science

Biological science students out in the field

Fieldwork in Science

Find out more about our amazing field trips in the Agricultural, Environmental and Biological Sciences interest area that'll take you all around Western Australia and beyond.

Research

Testing a new place for Western Swamp Tortoises in a changing climate

Western swamp tortoise

Testing a new place for Western Swamp Tortoises in a changing climate

Perth’s western swamp tortoises was probably always a rare species, but habitat loss and climate change are presenting new challenges.

Centre

Evolutionary Biology

Research boat on the ocean

The Centre for Evolutionary Biology is a UWA Centre of Excellence, delivering high quality research and research training. We adopt a multidisciplinary approach to exploring selective processes acting on the morphological and life-history traits of whole organisms and their gametes.

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Centre

Evolutionary Biology

Through the Centre for Evolutionary Biology, we look at species from the tiniest single celled algae to large, multicellular organisms including humans. The Centre's research specialties include sexual selection, acoustic signaling, predator-prey interactions, visual ecology, sperm form and function, chemical ecology, population genetics, phylogenetic comparative analysis and the genetic mapping of complex traits.

Visit the Centre for Evolutionary Biology website

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