Master of Applied Science (Biological Science)
Course Overview
The Master of Applied Science (Biological Science) is an advanced postgraduate qualification designed to deepen scientific knowledge and applied research skills across the life sciences. The program combines theory and practice to explore how living systems function — from the molecular and cellular level through to ecosystems and biodiversity. Students can typically specialise in areas such as ecology and evolution, genetics, biomedical sciences, plant sciences, conservation biology, zoology, or microbiology, and may undertake significant research projects supervised by leading scientists in their field. The degree is offered in coursework, research, or combined formats and typically takes one and a half to two years of full-time study to complete.
Why Study This Course?
Australia's life sciences sector faces a significant talent gap — particularly in emerging areas such as digital biology, bioinformatics, genomics, and regulatory science — making postgraduate biological science graduates highly sought after. The federal government has committed billions to medical research, clean energy biotechnology, and scientific infrastructure, including continued investment in organisations like CSIRO and increased biotech activity through partnerships between pharmaceutical companies and universities. Graduates with a master's qualification in biological science are well-positioned to enter research, policy, environmental management, and industry roles in government agencies, biotech companies, conservation organisations, and hospitals — sectors that continue to grow as Australia builds capacity in life sciences innovation.
What You'll Learn
Skills You'll Develop
Common Course Names in Australia
- Master of Applied Science (Biological Science)
- Master of Science in Biological Sciences
- Master of Biological Science
- Master of Science (BioSciences)
- Master of Science in Biology
- Master of Applied Biology
- Master of Science (Ecology and Evolution)
- Master of Conservation Biology
Typical Subjects
Entry Requirements
Applicants for a Master of Applied Science (Biological Science) in Australia are typically required to hold a Bachelor of Science or equivalent qualification, with a major or significant coursework component in a relevant biological discipline. Accepted fields of prior study include biology, biomedicine, ecology, evolutionary biology, genetics, physiology, plant science, zoology, veterinary science, environmental science, or computational biology. Most institutions require a minimum weighted average mark (WAM) of around 50–65%, or an equivalent GPA, though more competitive programs may set higher thresholds. Some universities also assess applicants on the basis of eight or more cognate-discipline courses completed at undergraduate level. Applicants wishing to gain entry based on professional experience may be required to submit a CV and supporting documentation.
International students must demonstrate English language proficiency through an accepted test such as IELTS, TOEFL, or PTE. Typical English requirements are an IELTS overall band of 6.5 with no component below 6.0, a TOEFL iBT score of approximately 79–82 with minimum component scores, or a PTE Academic score of around 64. All overseas qualifications are assessed in line with Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) standards, and universities may convert international grades to their own grading scales to determine eligibility. Some research-focused programs may additionally require applicants to identify and correspond with a potential supervisor before submitting an application.
Mode of Study
This course may be offered in different study modes depending on the university, campus location, course structure and student type. Students should check the available delivery mode before applying, as not every study option is available at every institution.
On-Campus Study
On-campus study is the traditional mode of delivery where students attend classes, lectures, tutorials, workshops or seminars at the university campus. This option may suit students who prefer face-to-face learning, access to campus facilities, networking with classmates, practical workshops, group projects and direct engagement with academic staff.
Online Study
Some universities may offer programs fully online or with online subject options. Online study can be attractive for students who need flexibility due to work, family, location or other commitments. Online study may suit domestic students, working professionals or students who want to study from outside Australia.
Hybrid or Blended Study
Hybrid or blended study usually combines online learning with some on-campus classes, workshops, intensive sessions or practical components. This mode may suit students who want flexibility but still want some face-to-face interaction. The exact structure varies between institutions.
Intake Information
Programs in Australia may have different intake structures depending on the university. The most common intake systems are semester, trimester and block mode.
Semester Intakes
Many Australian universities follow a two-semester academic calendar. The main intakes are commonly Semester 1 (around February or March) and Semester 2 (around July). Semester-based study usually allows students to complete a set number of subjects over approximately 12 to 14 weeks.
Trimester Intakes
Some universities use a trimester system, which generally provides three study periods a year — around February/March, June/July and October/November. Trimester study may provide more flexibility and may help some students complete their course faster.
Block Mode
Some institutions may offer selected subjects or programs in block mode, where students focus on one subject at a time over a shorter, more intensive teaching period. Block mode may suit students who prefer concentrated learning or working professionals managing study around employment.
Flexible or Rolling Intakes
Some online or professionally focused programs may offer more frequent start dates or flexible entry points throughout the year. Students should not assume that every course has monthly or multiple intakes — availability depends on the institution, course structure and student type.
Assessment & Practical Learning
Assessment Methods
- Written research essays and scientific literature reviews
- Laboratory reports and experimental write-ups
- Research thesis or major capstone project
- Oral presentations and seminar delivery
- Group research projects and collaborative reports
- Field survey reports and ecological assessments
- Data analysis assignments using statistical software
- Online quizzes and in-class tests
- Practical laboratory examinations
- Research poster presentations at internal symposia
- Case study analysis in environmental or biomedical contexts
- Reflective journals and professional development portfolios
- Peer review exercises of draft scientific work
- Ethics applications and research design proposals
Practical Components
- Supervised laboratory practicals using cutting-edge experimental techniques
- Field excursions and ecological survey work in natural environments
- Independent research project designed and executed by the student
- Industry or government agency placements and internships
- Use of advanced instrumentation (e.g., electron microscopes, genomic sequencers)
- Bioinformatics workshops using R, Python, and specialised software
- Collaboration with external research institutions such as CSIRO
- Participation in university research laboratories alongside academic staff
- Biodiversity and species identification field camps
- Science communication workshops and public engagement activities
- Research seminars and journal clubs with specialist academics
- Collection, preparation, and storage of biological specimens
Career Opportunities
Graduates of a Master of Applied Science (Biological Science) enter a broad and diverse career landscape spanning government, academia, conservation, healthcare, agriculture, and industry. Employers range from Australian and state government departments, CSIRO, national parks and conservation agencies, to pharmaceutical and biotech companies, environmental consulting firms, food production organisations, and non-profit research institutes. Graduates are highly employable across research, policy, management, field science, and education pathways in Australia and internationally, and can pursue further study at PhD level.
Possible Job Roles
Career Ladder
Entry Level
Graduate / Assistant
Graduate Research Assistant, Laboratory Technician, Junior Ecologist, Field Survey Assistant, Graduate Environmental Officer, Biological Science Lab Assistant
Early Career
Officer / Coordinator
Research Officer, Environmental Scientist, Conservation Officer, Biosecurity Officer, Microbiologist, Science Coordinator, Wildlife Officer, Quality Assurance Officer
Mid-Level
Adviser / Specialist
Senior Research Scientist, Senior Ecologist, Bioinformatics Specialist, Environmental Consultant, Laboratory Manager, Science Policy Adviser, Senior Conservation Biologist
Senior Level
Manager / Senior Adviser
Principal Scientist, Environmental Program Manager, Senior Research Fellow, Conservation Program Manager, Scientific Services Manager, Senior Biosecurity Adviser
Leadership
Director / Head / Principal
Director of Research, Head of Science, Chief Scientist, National Parks Director, Principal Investigator, Head of Ecology, Chief Environmental Officer
Average Salary in Australia
Salaries for biological science graduates in Australia vary depending on specialisation, sector, location, and years of experience, but master's-level qualifications generally provide a meaningful earnings advantage over bachelor's degree holders.
Study Options Across Australia
Melbourne
Melbourne is Australia's leading hub for biological and life sciences, home to world-class research institutes, major hospitals, and biotech companies including CSL and Pfizer's BioNTech partnership, as well as government employers such as Parks Victoria, Museums Victoria, and the Peter Doherty Institute. The city offers the largest concentration of biological science employment opportunities in the country, along with a vibrant student culture and access to diverse ecosystems for field research.
Sydney
Sydney offers a dynamic environment for biological science graduates, with major employers spanning NSW state government departments, environmental consultancies, pharmaceutical companies, and leading medical research institutes. The city's proximity to diverse coastal and national park environments makes it ideal for students interested in ecology, marine biology, and conservation, while its strong biotech and health sector ensures strong graduate employment prospects.
Brisbane
Brisbane is an increasingly prominent location for life sciences and environmental research, with significant investment in Queensland's agricultural biotechnology sector, tropical ecology, and marine science linked to the nearby Great Barrier Reef. The subtropical environment provides unique fieldwork opportunities, and the city hosts a growing biotech precinct with competitive graduate salary offerings.
Perth
Perth sits within one of the world's most significant terrestrial biodiversity hotspots, where up to 80% of plants and invertebrates are unique to the region, making it an exceptional location for studying ecology, conservation biology, and zoology. The city also supports strong employment in environmental consulting linked to the mining and resources sector, as well as federal biosecurity and agricultural research agencies.
Adelaide
Adelaide is home to a strong agricultural biotechnology and food science sector, as well as significant environmental and wine industry science, making it a practical and affordable city for biological science students interested in applied plant and microbial research. The city's research agencies and growing biomedical precinct offer solid career pathways for graduates in both industry and government roles.
Canberra
As Australia's national capital, Canberra is uniquely positioned for biological science students interested in science policy, environmental regulation, and federal government research careers. Home to major institutions such as CSIRO's national headquarters and the Australian Institute of Marine Science coordination networks, Canberra offers unparalleled access to government-funded science and biodiversity research programs.
Who Should Study This Course?
- Science graduates looking to deepen their expertise in biological sciences beyond their undergraduate degree
- Students passionate about ecology, conservation, genetics, or biomedical research who want advanced training
- Professionals already working in environmental, agricultural, or health sectors seeking career advancement
- Graduates seeking entry into competitive research positions at institutions such as CSIRO, universities, or government agencies
- Students interested in combining fieldwork and laboratory science with real-world application
- Those who want to pivot from a general science background into a more specialised biological discipline
- Aspiring researchers who intend to progress to a PhD in life sciences
- Students motivated by environmental sustainability, biodiversity conservation, or global health challenges
- Individuals interested in the growing intersection of biology with data science, bioinformatics, and AI
- Career changers from allied fields such as chemistry, agriculture, or medicine who want formal biological science credentials
Things to Consider Before Applying
Before choosing a course, students should compare:
Additional Information for International Students
International students who want to study in Australia should also consider additional requirements before applying.
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