Bachelor of Science Major in Biology

3 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

RMIT University

Program Overview

The Bachelor of Science at RMIT University is built for curious minds who want both freedom and direction. It’s a flexible, hands-on degree that lets you shape your studies around what genuinely excites you—whether that’s biology, data and maths, physics, nutrition, or spatial technologies—while developing the confidence to apply science in the real world.

In your first year, you’ll lay the groundwork across core areas of science, maths, data and communication. These subjects go beyond memorising content; they help you understand how scientists think, how evidence is gathered, and how complex ideas can be clearly explained to different audiences. From the start, you’re learning how science actually works, not just what it knows.

Second year is where your interests really start to take shape. You’ll spend more time in your chosen major and supporting minor, whether that means exploring cell biology and biochemistry, engaging with environmental and industrial biotechnology, or building skills in another scientific field. Lab work, analysis and problem-solving become more central, helping you connect theory with real research questions and practical challenges.

By third year, everything comes together. Advanced subjects and a capstone project give you the chance to apply what you’ve learned in meaningful, hands-on ways—through data analysis, fieldwork, modelling, or experimental research. This year is about thinking like a professional scientist and preparing yourself for life after university, whether that’s work or further study.

The degree offers one major, with options including Biological Sciences, Biotechnology, Physics, Nutrition Science, Mathematics and Statistics, Geospatial Science, and more—so you can focus deeply while still keeping your scientific perspective broad.

By the time you graduate, you’ll be comfortable working with data, evaluating evidence, collaborating across disciplines, and communicating your ideas with clarity and confidence. Just as importantly, you’ll have the adaptability and problem-solving mindset needed to tackle real-world issues in a fast-changing world.

RMIT’s Bachelor of Science is designed around practical experience as much as knowledge. Through labs, field investigations and a substantial capstone project, you’ll graduate with skills that align with employer expectations and support pathways into further study. Studying science at RMIT also means joining a university with a strong national and global reputation, industry connections, and a focus on producing graduates who are ready to make an impact.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

From day one, this degree is about doing science, not sitting back and memorising it. In the Bachelor of Science at RMIT University, you’ll spend plenty of time in labs, out in the field, and working on real projects that reflect how science is actually practised in the real world. It’s designed so that your skills grow alongside your knowledge — by the time you graduate, you won’t just understand science, you’ll know how to apply it with confidence.

As you move through the course, the learning becomes deeper and more hands-on. You’ll work with industry-standard equipment in advanced lab sessions, take part in fieldwork that brings environmental and biological science to life, and collaborate with other students on practical, team-based projects. These experiences mirror the way scientists work every day — testing ideas, solving problems, and learning how to work effectively with others.

One of the most valuable parts of the degree is the Capstone project, which acts as a bridge between university and your future career. Guided by a professional scientist, you’ll design and carry out a substantial research or industry-focused project, present your findings, and graduate with a strong piece of work you can proudly show to employers. Depending on your major, you’ll also complete Work Integrated Learning subjects — such as those in Geospatial Science or Mathematics and Statistics — that connect what you learn in class directly to real-world applications.

Along the way, you’ll hear from guest industry speakers and take part in partner-linked activities built into your subjects, giving you insight into where a science career can take you and helping you start building professional networks early.

If you like the idea of learning science by actually doing it — experimenting in labs, heading into the field, and working on projects that feel meaningful and career-focused — this degree is structured to support you every step of the way.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Choosing a Bachelor of Science at RMIT University isn’t just about earning a degree — it’s about setting yourself up for a future where your skills actually matter in the real world.

From the start, you’re building hands-on scientific skills, learning how to think like a scientist, and gaining experience that employers genuinely value. Graduates head into a wide mix of careers — from biomedical research and laboratory work to conservation, nutrition, and biotechnology — because the degree is designed to keep your options open rather than box you in.

One of the biggest strengths of this program is flexibility. You’re not locked into a single path. Instead, you can shape your studies around what excites you most, whether that’s ecology, genetics, chemistry, data science, or another area of science. As you progress, capstone projects and work-integrated learning give you the chance to apply what you’ve learned to real problems — so you don’t just graduate with knowledge, but with experience you can confidently talk about in job interviews.

What this means for you

Career support that actually supports you
RMIT’s Career Connect team is there to meet you wherever you’re at. Whether you’re figuring out your first résumé, preparing for interviews, or actively job-hunting, you can access personalised guidance, employer connections, and professional advice — all at no extra cost while you study and even after you graduate.

Real-world experience before you graduate
Instead of learning everything in theory, you’ll put your science skills into practice through capstone projects and work-integrated learning. You’ll tackle real challenges, build a professional portfolio, and get a genuine feel for what working in a science-based role is like — before you finish your degree.

Strong graduate outcomes
RMIT graduates consistently move into employment or further study soon after finishing their degrees. That’s a reflection of how strongly the university focuses on practical skills, employability, and preparing students for life beyond the classroom.

Industry-connected learning
Science at RMIT is shaped by industry relevance. Depending on your major, you’ll engage with professionals and organisations across labs, environmental groups, health and biotech sectors, and technology-driven industries — helping you build networks alongside your qualifications.

Continuing your academic journey

If you discover a passion for deeper study, this degree gives you strong pathways forward. Many students continue into honours or postgraduate coursework such as a Master of Science, specialising in areas like biotechnology, environmental science, or applied mathematics. Others move into research degrees, including PhDs, if they’re driven by discovery, innovation, or teaching. These options can lead to advanced research roles, senior analytical positions, or leadership careers in science-focused industries.

At its core, the Bachelor of Science at RMIT is about choice, experience, and momentum — giving you the freedom to explore your interests while building a future that feels both practical and exciting.