This major explores the origins, interactions and future prospects for plant and animal life. It embraces:

·         evolution of species diversity

·         structural consequences of functional adaptation

·         within- and between-species interactions

·         survival and reproductive strategies

·         species/environment interactions, and the impact of climate change

Designated courses provide a theoretical and practical grounding in genetics, evolution, ecology and physiology. With a thorough understanding of the basic principles in each field, and hands-on experience of experimental design and techniques used to develop and test hypotheses, students will be well placed to pursue a career in research and field-based studies in plant and animal sciences, or to make a professional contribution to the development of policy in the areas of conservation, environment, agriculture and fisheries.

Learning Outcomes

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

1. Explain the evolutionary processes and the major evolutionary innovations that have led to the diversity of extant plant and animal life.

2. Demonstrate and apply knowledge of the structures and processes involved in the functioning of plants and animals.

3. Describe the nature of interactions between and among plants and animals, and describe the important processes governing the dynamics of plant and animal communities.

4. Explain how biology is an evidence-based discipline involving observation, experimentation and hypothesis testing and how it relates to other scientific disciplines.

5. Develop and implement experimental strategies to investigate different biological and experimental systems and analyse and present results of these investigations.

6. Critically assess biological information and apply it to theoretical, experimental and professional contexts.

7. Employ their collaborative and independent educational experiences of laboratory, project and course work in other contexts.

8. Clearly communicate biological processes and principles to both science literate and non-science literate audiences.

9. Recognise how biology contributes to resolving ethical, social and environmental issues and the expectations this places on their professional practice.

Advice to Students:

Students should complete BIOL1003, BIOL1004, and BIOL1009 in first year. While not essential for this Major, CHEM1101 provides students with maximum options for later year courses.

BIOL2202 is a recommended course as it has been designed specifically for students to develop quantitative skills in biology. Note that some of the alternative courses listed have prerequisites, and it is your responsibility to choose courses for which you meet the requirements. 

Students should note that this major only requires 2 x 3000 level coded courses. In order to complete the overall Science degree requirements of 6 x 3000 level course from the Science course list, students will need to complete another 4 x 3000 level Science courses.

Students should seek further course advice from the academic convener of this major.

Relevant Degrees

• Bachelor of Environment and Sustainability (BENSU)
• Bachelor of Environment and Sustainability Advanced (Honours) (AENSU)
• Bachelor of Science (BSC)
• Bachelor of Science (Advanced) (Honours) (ASCAD)