Bachelor of Science Majoring in Biology & Biodiversity

3 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

University of New South Wales

Program Overview

The Bachelor of Science at UNSW gives you the freedom to explore the natural, physical, and human sciences while discovering your true passions. It’s perfect for curious minds who love asking questions, experimenting, and turning discoveries into real-world solutions.

Curriculum Structure:
Year 1: Your first year is all about exploration. You’ll dive into foundational courses like Introduction to Biology, Chemistry for the Sciences, and Data Analysis for Scientists, gaining hands-on lab experience and developing the skills to think critically about scientific problems. This is the year to try different fields and see what excites you most.

Year 2: In your second year, you start to focus on your chosen major while building deeper expertise. Courses such as Molecular Biology, Physics of the Natural World, and Ecology and Evolution will have you designing experiments, analyzing real data, and connecting theory with practice. You’ll also engage in collaborative projects that sharpen your problem-solving abilities.

Year 3: Your final year is where ideas turn into impact. With advanced courses like Genetics and Genomics, Environmental Change, and Science Communication, you’ll undertake substantial research projects or capstone experiences. This is your chance to showcase your knowledge, create innovative solutions, and prepare for a career or further study.

Focus Areas:
Natural sciences, physical sciences, human sciences, research, and innovation.

Learning Outcomes:
Graduates can design experiments, analyze data, solve complex problems, and communicate scientific insights effectively.

Professional Alignment (Accreditation):
The degree is recognized by key professional science bodies, equipping you with practical, career-ready skills that employers trust.

Reputation (Employability Rankings):
UNSW is consistently ranked among the top universities globally for science, with strong employability outcomes highlighted in QS and Times Higher Education rankings.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

If you join the UNSW Bachelor of Science, you’ll get more than just lectures — the program is designed so you actually do science from early on, gaining real-world and career‑ready skills through experiences that matter beyond the classroom. You won’t just learn ideas: you’ll work in real labs, take part in industry or research placements, and engage in projects that let you test, apply and grow your knowledge for future careers. As your marketing‑advisor self, I can tell you this kind of experiential learning makes a difference — you step out of university already comfortable in professional or research environments.

Here’s a breakdown of the concrete experiential learning opportunities built into the degree:

Work‑Integrated Learning (WIL) placements: As part of your Science degree you can opt for professional work placements at external organisations — e.g. research centres, museums, industry labs, or environmental fieldwork partners. Depending on how you enrol, the placement can be short (≈ 105 hours in a term) or more intensive (≈ 210 hours over one or two terms). You get hands‑on exposure and earn academic credit toward your degree while working in realistic settings.
Industry‑linked project work (Project WIL): Through a structured course (e.g. SCIF3000 – Science Industry Project), you collaborate in multidisciplinary student teams under academic and industry mentorship to deliver real-world outputs for partner organisations. This builds teamwork, project management, problem‑solving — and gives you a taste of how science works outside academia.
Research‑Integrated Learning (RIL): If you lean toward research, you have the chance to undertake actual research internships or small experimental/theoretical projects under supervision of academic staff. It’s a great way to explore a career in research and build experience in designing, executing and analysing real scientific work.
Access to world‑class labs and research facilities: UNSW Science boasts state-of-the-art laboratories, biological imaging facilities, simulators and more — so when you do lab work or projects, you’re using tools and environments that mirror what professionals use, giving you a strong technical foundation.
Flexibility to explore and tailor your path: With 28 majors across physical, natural and human sciences (and many minors too), you’re free to explore different disciplines in your first year before specialising — while WIL/RIL and placement opportunities remain open across your time in the program, letting you try out what fits best for you.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates of UNSW’s Bachelor of Science leave with more than just a degree—they develop the analytical thinking and problem-solving skills that employers across industries value. Many go on to careers as research scientists, data analysts, laboratory managers, or environmental consultants, equipped to make meaningful contributions in both public and private sectors.

Here’s what this means for you:

UNSW Career Services: Dedicated support through career workshops, one-on-one coaching, and industry networking events to help you land the right role.
Industry Connections: Strong partnerships with research institutions and corporations across biotech, environmental science, and data sectors provide real-world experience and internship opportunities.
Employability Focus: Embedded courses in professional skills ensure you graduate career-ready, with practical laboratory and research experience.
Accreditation and Outcomes: A degree from one of Australia’s top science faculties is widely recognized, opening doors to both national and international opportunities.

Further Academic Progression:
After completing the Bachelor of Science, you could continue your studies with a range of postgraduate pathways at UNSW. Options include Honours in your chosen major, Master’s programs in specialized fields like biotechnology, data science, environmental management, or research degrees leading to a PhD. These pathways allow you to deepen your expertise and position yourself for leadership or advanced research roles.