Program Requirements

The Master of Biological Sciences requires the completion of 96 units, which must consist of:

6 units from completion of BIOL8291 Research Presentation Skills

6 units from completion of courses from the following list:

BIOL8700 Research Proposal

BIOL8702 Advanced Research Techniques

BIOL8704 Biology Literature Research Project

A minimum of 12 units from completion of further 8000-level courses from the subject area BIOL Biology

A maximum of 72 units from completion of 6000-level courses from the subject area BIOL Biology

A maximum of 18 units from completion of 6000-level and 8000-level courses from the following subject areas:

BIAN Biological Anthropology

CHEM Chemistry

EMSC Earth and Marine Science

ENVS Environmental Science

MATH Mathematics

NEUR Neuroscience

POPH Population Health

PSYC Psychology

SCOM Science Communication

Admission Requirements

A Bachelor degree or international equivalent with an average mark of at least 70% and at least eight courses in cognate disciplines.

All applicants must meet the University’s English Language Admission Requirements for Students

Applicants with a Bachelor Degree or Graduate Certificate in a cognate discipline may be eligible for up to 24 units (one semester) of credit.

Applicants with a Graduate Diploma or Honours in a cognate discipline may be eligible for up to 48 units (one year) of credit.

Cognate disciplines

Biology, Biomedical Sciences, Biochemistry, Genetics, Evolution, Ecology, and Plant Sciences.

Scholarships

ANU offers a wide range of scholarships to students to assist with the cost of their studies.

Eligibility to apply for ANU scholarships varies depending on the specifics of the scholarship and can be categorised by the type of student you are.  Specific scholarship application process information is included in the relevant scholarship listing.

For further information see the Scholarships website.

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion, students will have the skills and knowledge to:

1. demonstrate high level knowledge in the area of their study;
2. apply their knowledge in biological sciences to new problems;
3. interpret, synthesize and critically analyse published literature of relevance to biological sciences;
4. demonstrate basic laboratory skills that are commonly used in biological sciences research;
5. perform experimental work under guidance, interpret and analyse results, write reports;
6. clearly communicate theory and results in both written and oral formats.

Further Information

Please note that BIOL8704 Biology Literature Research Project is unavailable for enrolment in 2015.

Students have the option of applying to transfer to the Master of Biological Sciences (Adv) and undertaking a 48 unit research project if they satisfy the following requirements:

• achieve a minimum 70% weighted average mark in the initial 48 units of coursework

• have the approval of an identified supervisor, and 

• have completed compulsory courses in the Master Biological Science (Advanced)