The Bachelor of Biological Sciences is an undergraduate degree that provides students with a thorough grounding in the science of life — exploring how living organisms function, interact, evolve, and adapt. Across a typical three-year program, students study core disciplines including genetics, cell biology, ecology, microbiology, physiology, zoology, and plant sciences, with the flexibility to specialise in areas such as conservation biology, biotechnology, molecular biology, marine biology, or evolutionary biology. The degree blends rigorous scientific theory with hands-on practical learning in advanced laboratory settings and field environments, preparing graduates to think critically, conduct research, and solve complex biological problems.

This course is designed for students who are passionate about living systems and motivated by questions ranging from how genes are expressed to how ecosystems function under environmental pressure. It appeals to those interested in human health, wildlife conservation, food security, climate resilience, or cutting-edge biotechnology. The degree is highly flexible, allowing students to pair biological sciences with a second major or minor in disciplines such as chemistry, mathematics, data science, or environmental science.

Graduates are sought after by a wide range of employers across government, industry, research, and the not-for-profit sector. Key employers include the CSIRO, state and federal government agencies, the Australian Institute of Marine Science, environmental consultancies, pharmaceutical and biotech companies, hospitals and pathology labs, national parks authorities, museums, zoos, and universities. The degree also serves as an excellent foundation for postgraduate study in medicine, dentistry, law, research, teaching, or specialised sciences.

To gain entry into a Bachelor of Biological Sciences or equivalent program at an Australian university, domestic students are typically required to have completed Year 12 (or equivalent) with an ATAR generally ranging from approximately 70 to 90, depending on the institution and level of program (standard versus advanced/honours). Prerequisite subjects at Year 11–12 level commonly include Biology and one or more of Chemistry, Mathematics, or Physics, though exact prerequisites vary between providers. Students who do not meet standard ATAR requirements may be eligible through alternative pathways such as foundation programs, TAFE diplomas, enabling courses, or mature-age entry, and many institutions offer flexible admissions based on relevant work or volunteer experience.

For English language requirements, international students are generally required to demonstrate proficiency through tests such as IELTS (typically a minimum overall score of 6.5 with no band below 6.0) or TOEFL (typically a minimum score of 85). Some institutions may also accept PTE Academic or Cambridge scores. Domestic students for whom English is not a first language are also required to meet equivalent standards.

No portfolio or work experience is typically required for undergraduate entry into this course, though relevant experience in laboratory settings, conservation work, or scientific volunteering can strengthen alternative-entry applications. Some universities offer combined bachelor's/master's accelerated programs for high-achieving applicants with an ATAR of 90 or above. Students are encouraged to check individual institution requirements, as prerequisites and entry scores can differ significantly across providers and states.