Biology includes a wide range of related disciplines that encompass the study of life from the molecular level, through cells, tissues and organisms, to populations and ecosystems. Biology is not only of intrinsic interest but has applications in areas from health and medicine to the management of agriculture and biodiversity. The Research School of Biology (RSB) has an excellent reputation for both research and teaching. Our courses use a range of teaching modes including lectures, practical classes, tutorials and seminars and cover fundamental concepts up to the latest research. New biology teaching laboratories reflecting state of the art educational design are currently under construction. We have first year convenors dedicated to providing students with advice and support in the first year of their degree.

RSB offers a wide range of undergraduate courses within the Bachelor of Science and our specialist programs: the Bachelor of Medical Science, the Bachelor of Genetics and the Bachelor of Biotechnology.

Within all these programs, individually designed 'Special Topics' courses are available to high-achieving second and third year students. Special Topics courses allow highly motivated students to undertake supervised independent study, and are an ideal preparation for Honours. Honours is a fourth year in which student undertake a 10 month research project and write a thesis under supervision. On successful completion of Honours, students are eligible for admission to PhD programs.

RSB also offers several advanced programs for undergraduates who wish to gain research and/or working experience. Students have the opportunity to apply for the Bachelor of Philosophy or Bachelor of Science (Advanced). Both of these options are exciting research-focused programs offered at the ANU.

The Australian Tertiary Admission Rank or ATAR score ( formerly the Universities Admission Index - UAI score) necessary to qualify for the programs offered below usually ranges from the the low to mid-80s (BSc, BSc(Biotechnology) and BSc(Genetics)), and from 90-99 (BMedSci, PhB and BSc(Adv)). The ATAR required may alter from year to year depending on government policy and student demand.

Be aware that almost half of the biology courses require chemistry as a co-requisite. We recommend that students study chemistry in college because many of our biology courses require a first year chemistry prerequisite which can only be undertaken by students who have college chemistry. However the Research School of Chemistry does offer a bridging course for students who did not study chemistry in college.

Entry Requirements

You can view both course and program entry requirements for the programs offered through the School below:

Bachelor of Science

Specialist programs:
Bachelor of Biotechnology
Bachelor of Genetics
Bachelor of Medical Science

Advanced programs:
Bachelor of Philosophy (PhB)
Bachelor of Science (Advanced)


Where next:

» More about the Undergraduate Programs offered through RSB

» View Undergraduate Courses offered and the Majors planner

» General information for Future Students at the ANU