Overview of Biology
The study of biology, and its related subjects such as chemistry and physics, serves to allow science students to appreciate the workings and differences of living organisms such as humans, animals, marine life and insects.
Biology courses are also essential core subjects for students looking to diversify into specialisations such as medicine, biomedical or veterinary science.
Studying Biology
Depending on your preferred area of specialisation, there will be prerequisite science modules, such as chemistry, that are important to set the foundation of your understanding in biology.
Students looking to study biology at university can undertake a three or four-year biology degree, although individuals who do not have strong science results in their high school examinations can undertake foundation courses in private colleges or Technical and Further Education (TAFE) institutions.
Selected TAFE institutions offer biology diplomas or courses where laboratory and technical support knowledge are taught to individuals who are able to assist scientists and research officers during an experiment or laboratory test.
Postgraduate options are available for biology majors who can opt to specialise in an area of scientific research, or laboratory coursework.
Prerequisites for entry into a science or biology undergraduate programme would be a Year 12 qualification, with passes in English, mathematics and sciences such as chemistry or physics (pure or combined).
Biology students can also choose to specialise in areas such as marine biology.
Careers in Biology
Biology graduates can undertake roles such as: researchers in technology, lifesciences or pharmaceutical industries; scientific officers in agriculture industries; pathology staff in hospitals and clinics; academia (postgraduate qualifications are essential) and teachers or even analysts in science or finance-related fields.
Skills needed in Biology
Trained biologists are organised, detailed and possess good analytical skills.
More information
Science & Technology
Biomedical
Chemistry
Geology
Mathematics
Pathology
Physics
Science
Zoology