Bachelor of Science Major in Biology

3 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

Macquarie University

Program Overview

This program invites you to explore the world of science by building a strong foundation in scientific theory, practice, and technique — while tailoring your studies around what fascinates you most. With 11 major specialisations to choose from, you’ll have the flexibility to shape your degree to suit your interests and career goals.

It’s the perfect choice if you’re naturally curious, love investigating how things work, and want to combine hands-on laboratory or field experience with a degree structure that lets you explore different disciplines before committing to a specialisation.

Curriculum Structure

Year 1:
Your first year focuses on building the core skills and mindset of a scientist. You’ll study foundational units such as Introductory Statistics (STAT170) and Quantitative Methods for Science (MATH111), which develop your analytical and quantitative abilities. Alongside these, you’ll start taking subjects related to your chosen major and have the freedom to sample units across different areas of science.

Year 2:
In your second year, you’ll dive deeper into your major — whether that’s biology, earth and environmental science, physics, or mathematics. Learning becomes more applied and practical, with opportunities for project-based work. You can also explore cross-disciplinary study or start a complementary major or minor.

Year 3:
Your final year focuses on real-world application and professional engagement. Through capstone-style units like Professional and Community Engagement (PACE), you’ll collaborate with government, industry, research, or education partners to solve real scientific challenges. You’ll also complete advanced units within your major, preparing you for graduate roles or further study.

Focus Areas

The program brings together:

Foundational core science learning
A major specialisation (such as astronomy and astrophysics, biology, chemistry, earth and environmental sciences, human biology, mathematics, physics, or statistical data science)
Hands-on, practical, and industry-linked experience

Learning Outcomes

By the time you graduate, you’ll have developed:

Strong discipline-specific scientific knowledge and skills
The ability to think critically, analytically, and creatively
Real-world problem-solving and communication skills
Ethical, global awareness in scientific practice
Confidence in independent learning and research-informed decision making

Professional Alignment

This degree is recognised as an AQF Level 7 Bachelor qualification under the Australian Qualifications Framework. Depending on your chosen major — for example, in environmental or earth sciences — you may also gain eligibility for additional professional recognition or memberships relevant to your field.

Reputation and Employability

Macquarie University’s science degrees are designed in consultation with industry, ensuring that what you study aligns with real-world needs. The program emphasises industry relevance and hands-on experience to prepare you for the workforce.

Macquarie is also proud of its outstanding graduate outcomes — it has been ranked number one in Sydney for graduate employment rate, reflecting the strong employability focus across its undergraduate programs.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

From your very first day, this program is all about getting hands-on with science. You won’t just be sitting in lectures — you’ll be using modern lab equipment, heading out into the field for real-world investigations in areas like ecology and geology, and working on data-driven projects that reflect how scientists actually work. Macquarie University’s world-class facilities make this possible, with access to digital microscopy labs, seawater and plant-growth facilities, and even an on-campus fauna park.

What really sets Macquarie apart is its signature Professional and Community Engagement (PACE) program, built into every bachelor degree — including science. Through PACE, you’ll connect directly with industry partners, community organisations, or research institutions, gaining valuable experience that takes your learning beyond the classroom.

So, in this degree you won’t just learn science — you’ll do science in environments that reflect professional practice. Here’s how experiential learning is built into the program:

PACE units (Professional & Community Engagement): Take part in internships, community projects, or fieldwork placements with real-world partners.
Fieldwork and data collection: Conduct hands-on investigations in natural or built environments such as ecological reserves, geological sites, or environmental systems.
State-of-the-art facilities: Use advanced resources like digital microscopes, seawater and plant-growth labs, the university’s fauna park, and the on-campus observatory.
Laboratory and practical classes: Engage in lab-based learning through units such as Organisms to Ecosystems and Genes to Organisms, where you’ll apply scientific methods firsthand.
Collaborative research projects: Work with peers on group projects and research-focused assignments that strengthen your skills in scientific analysis and communication.
Digital tools and data analysis: Learn to use scientific computing and data-analysis software in units like Scientific Computing and Biological Data Analysis, developing crucial computational and numerical skills.
Flexible majors: Choose from more than 11 majors — including biotechnology, environmental management, and data science — so you can tailor your practical experiences to match your interests and career goals.

Progression & Future Opportunities

If you choose the Bachelor of Science at Macquarie University, you’ll be stepping into a world of discovery and opportunity. This degree opens doors to exciting careers — many graduates go on to become Data Analysts, Research Scientists, Environmental Consultants, or Technology Specialists. These paths reflect the strong career outcomes that Macquarie’s science programs are known for.

Progression & Future Opportunities

At Macquarie, you won’t be navigating your career journey alone. The university’s dedicated Careers and Student Employment services, along with the Macquarie Student Employment (MQSE) recruitment program, are there to guide you every step of the way. They help you build workplace skills, plan your career pathway, and connect with part-time or full-time job opportunities — even while you study.

Around 88% of Macquarie University graduates are active in the workforce (either full-time or part-time) within a year after finishing their degree — a testament to the employability of Macquarie graduates.

The university has strong ties with over 4,000 industry partners, ensuring that your learning stays relevant to the real world. Through collaborations with major organisations like Fujitsu and AWS, you’ll have access to cutting-edge research labs and technology-driven projects that enhance your learning experience and strengthen your professional profile.

Hands-on learning is built into the Bachelor of Science through programs like PACE (Professional and Community Engagement), giving you real-world experience and valuable industry exposure before you even graduate.

Graduation Outcomes

As a Bachelor of Science graduate, you’ll gain a solid foundation in scientific theory and practice, along with the freedom to specialise in one of 11 majors — such as environmental science, biotechnology, physics, or mathematics.

This degree equips you with practical, analytical, and research skills that employers value, preparing you for immediate employment or further study. The combination of industry-aligned learning, lab work, field studies, and research projects ensures your skills remain relevant long after graduation.

Further Academic Progression

After completing your Bachelor of Science, you’ll have a range of exciting study options. You could continue into a Master of Science in an area that inspires you — like data science, environmental science, or biotechnology. Alternatively, you could pursue an honours year to prepare for PhD or research opportunities, or expand your expertise through a postgraduate qualification in engineering, policy, or business.

Whichever direction you choose, your Bachelor of Science from Macquarie will be a strong foundation for a rewarding and future-focused career.