Biology

Biological Science is offered by the School of Life and Environmental Sciences in the Faculty of Science. Units of study in this major are available at standard and advanced level.

About the major

Biology is the study of living organisms, whether single-celled or multi-cellular, as individuals or in groups, and their interaction with their environment and with each other. It is concerned with all levels of biological complexity from the molecular level through to cells and tissues, to organisms, their populations and the ecosystems of which they form a part. Biologists seek to understand the structure and function of the living world. Biologists investigate how organisms access and use energy, and the processes by which they develop and replicate. Evolution provides an overarching framework for understanding changes that have occurred in individuals or groups of organisms over time.

The major will initially cover fundamental concepts in biology, such as life cycles, the structure and function of molecules, cells and organisms and processes including metabolism and respiration.

Biology is a particularly dynamic discipline. As a broad and interconnecting major, it is characterised by integrating 'biology' sub-disciplines which are distinguished by:

• their subject matter
• the scale of the subject matter
• the suite of tools used for investigation.

This major has been structured to allow students to focus on their preferred sub-disciplines. Key areas of study in biology (e.g. genetics and molecular biology) have developed relatively recently. Biology is now moving into a phase of rigorous and rapid expansion that places biologists at the forefront of scientific research and discovery in fields that impact human and planetary health.

Requirements for completion

The Biology major and minor requirements are listed in the Biology unit of study table.

Honours

Honours in Biology may be undertaken in certain appended honours degrees.  Admission requirements and unit of study information can be found on the Biology - Honours unit of study table. Read how to apply for honours as a current student.

Contact and further information

Website School of Life and Environmental Sciences
Email soles.education@sydney.edu.au

Major coordinators

Professor Pauline Ross
E pauline.ross@sydney.edu.au

Dr Thomas Newsome
E thomas.newsome@sydney.edu.au