Master of Science in Biological Sciences(Advanced option available)
Study Biological Sciences at ANU
What would you do with a greater understanding of how plants, animals and other life on earth work? Or the intricacies of chemical changes in the human body?
The Master of Science in Biological Sciences is your opportunity to develop knowledge and skills in areas such as biomedical sciences, ecology and evolution, genetics, plant sciences and biochemistry. You will be prepared for working in research, policy and management roles.
At ANU you can study with some of Australia's leading scientists from range of disciplines to enhance your academic and practical skills. In addition to theoretical work, staff will help with the more technical aspects of research projects, including use of equipment, computers and labs.
Key facts
What you'll learn
Master of Science in Biological Sciences
The Master of Science in Biological Sciences is a versatile program that allows you to explore different fields in Biology. You can also explore related topics such as biological anthropology, ethics, health and disease, innovation and public policy, environmental change, and contemporary perspectives in environmental science.
Through this program you will also develop a critical understanding of the role of science in society, a vital skill that will enable you to identify, communicate and respond to societal needs and global challenges.
Advanced program
The Advanced program incorporates a research project supervised by an academic, and is a gateway to further research, such as a PhD. A scholarship is offered to international students who receive the highest mark in the Advanced program.
What it's like to study Biological Sciences
Australian Plant Phenomics Facility
Use state-of-the-art phenotyping tools at the only place in the world providing high-calibre public sector access to infrastructure and expertise on crop performance.
A close look at biology leads graduate to find herself
It was while looking down a microscope that Minette Salmon made a huge breakthrough—she started to see her own biology differently.
Virtual tour
Explore ANU science places, classrooms, laboratories and more through our interactive virtual tour.
Meet some of your teachers
Dr Rachael Remington
Rachael's research has primarily focused on freshwater fishes: from investigating patterns of desert larval fish drift ecology to evolution of turbid-water traits in North American minnows.
Biological Sciences careers
As a graduate, you will be highly employable for work in research, policy and management roles in Australia and across the world, including project management, research and analysis, education and community awareness, and policy.
Biological Science is an area with many career opportunities in government, industry and the non-profit sector.
Federal government agencies
- Department of Agriculture and Fisheries, Queensland Government
- Office of the Gene Technology Regulator
- IP Australia
- Therapeutic Goods Administration
- Department of Health
- Department of Agriculture
- Department of the Environment and Energy
- Department of Industry, Innovation and Science
- Department of Education and Training
- Defence Science and Technology Organisation
- Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade
Peak bodies
- Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO)
- Australian Academy of Science
- National Measurement Institute
- Cancer Council Australia
- Australian Academy of Technological Sciences and Engineering
- Ecological Society of Australia
- Australian Science Media Centre
- RiAus - Australia’s national science channel
- Australian Institute of Marine Science
- Questacon
- Pharmaceutical Society of Australia
- NPS MedicineWise
- Food Standards Australia New Zealand
International NGOs
- World Health Organisation
- World Intellectual Property Organization
- United Nations.
You could also work in universities, private consultancy firms, think tanks, state and local government agencies, and research centres.
The Australian National University has been ranked as the top university for graduate employability in Australia in the Global University Employability Ranking 2020. As a student at ANU, you gain access to the ANU CareerHub – an online career development and employability tool that includes a jobs board and careers resources. You also have access to drop-in chats with a career consultant and to attend our career fairs to meet potential employers.
Fees & scholarships
Tuition fees: Tuition fees
Scholarships: Scholarships
ANU offers many scholarships both to overcome disadvantage and to recognise academic merit.
Watch the webinar
How to apply
Understand the entry requirements
- Check domestic admission dates on the ANU Study website.
- Check admission requirements and deadlines for this degree on the Handbook website. Read the requirements carefully to make sure you understand them.
- You must also meet the University's English language admission requirements.
Gather supporting documents
If you graduated from an Australian university, UAC will be able to access your results in most cases. However, you may be asked to provide transcripts or other documentation, so it is a good idea to prepare your records just in case.
You can still apply before you complete your bachelor degree if you are in your final year, and you must advise UAC in your application. You may need to provide a copy of your academic transcript directly to UAC as soon as you complete your degree. UAC will provide instructions during the application process.
Submit an application
Start your application on the Universities Admissions Centre website.
Receive an offer
All offers are made through UAC and are released on a rolling basis. You can access your offers and correspondence by logging into your UAC account.
Accept your offer
Once you receive an offer it is very important that you accept it to ensure your place at ANU is reserved.
Understand the entry requirements
- Check international admission dates on the ANU Study website.
- Check admission requirements and deadlines for this degree on the Handbook website. Read the requirements carefully to make sure you understand them.
- You must also meet the University's English language admission requirements.
Prepare entry requirements & support documents
When you apply to ANU, you must be prepared to provide specific documents that we need to assess your application.
Submit your application
Start your application on the ANU Admissions website.
Receive an offer
There are three assessment rounds in each semester. Applying in the first round will give you three opportunities to be assessed and accepted, giving you the best chance of being offered a place at ANU.
Accept your offer
Accept the offer and enrol at ANU!
Need more information?
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