Biochemists and molecular biologists are interested in the molecular functions of all living organisms from the smallest bacterium to the largest whale.
Introduction
What are genes? How do hormones work? What goes wrong in a cancer cell? These are just some of the questions that biochemists and molecular biologists ask.
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Course description, features and facilities
In this major, you will study the way molecules are organised and how they interact to achieve the functions of the living cell and that of the organism. Your investigations will cover three main areas: the information stored in DNA; molecular interactions; and how organisms gain and use energy. To complement your lectures from renowned experts in their various fields, you will have the chance to discuss, apply and expand on the theory of your unit in weekly practical laboratory classes and structured tutorials. The discipline of Biochemistry within the School of Biomedical Biomolecular and Chemical Sciences has access to state-of-the-art equipment and facilities for teaching and research in the areas of biochemistry, cell biology, molecular biology, proteomics, metabolomics and transcriptomics. The academic staff of the discipline, together with the Centre of Excellence in Plant Energy Biology, have research expertise in all of these areas. At third year level in particular, students are directly taught in the laboratory practicals by academic staff members. One of the strengths of the Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Major at UWA is the high level of practical laboratory training, coupled with theoretical material presented by experts in each subject.
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Student profile
Student profile – James Walshe
At high school I really didn’t have an idea about what I wanted to study at Uni, but Science had always interested me so I decided to choose this pathway.
The Bachelor of Science course at UWA gave me the opportunity to try a broad variety of different science units and also allowed me time to enjoy the “university experience” whilst I tried to figure out which direction to continue in.
I was attracted towards Biochemistry as I find the complexity of living organisms fascinating, and with the ever expanding nature of the field there are no boundaries to what can be learnt or achieved.
As part of a 3rd year Biochemistry unit I was given an opportunity to work within a research laboratory and apply the theoretical components I’d learnt in lectures while gaining further invaluable practical experience. This really ignited my interest in the field and was one of the most enjoyable aspects of the course.
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Structure
UWA's streamlined course structure allows you to pursue studies in a wide range of areas and to take one or two majors in your degree. Your second major can be from a similar field to your first (degree-specific) major, or from a different area or degree entirely.
As well as the units specified in your major, you will study broadening units outside your main area of study and may be able to take a number of elective subjects as well.
You can explore the structure of this major in detail in the University Handbooks.
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Career opportunities
You will find a career in a range of areas including research institutes, universities, CSIRO, hospitals, the health care industry, pharmaceutical industry, general and scientific sales and the food manufacturing industry. Opportunities also exist in government and advisory services, the biotechnology industry, teaching in schools and universities as well as diagnostic services in medicine and agriculture. The underlying skills of problem solving, investigation and report writing can also lead to careers as diverse as industrial management, patent law and research.
I want to be a…
This course could lead to becoming a:
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Further study opportunities
Students with a Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Major can pursue further studies at
honours level, Graduate Diploma in Science, Master of Science or PhD. Other further study options include the Master of Science (Biochemistry), Master of Science (Biotechnology), Master of Food Science, Master of Infectious Diseases, Master of Infectious Diseases, Master of Pharmacy, Master of Science Communication, Master of Science Communication and Education, Doctor of Medicine, and the Doctor of Dental Science.
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Check the Entrance requirements
This course is available to Australian and international students.
On this page
- Prerequisites and minimum scores
- Additional information
- Recommended subjects
- English competency
- Advanced standing
Prerequisites and minimum scores
| Qualification and prerequisite subjects | Course entry score |
|---|
Western Australian Certificate of Education (WACE)
- A scaled score of 50 or above in at least WACE Mathematics 2C/2D
| 80 |
International Baccalaureate
- A score of 4 or above in SL or HL Mathematics (at least Mathematical Studies)
| 29 |
Additional information
If you do not have a pass in WACE Chemistry 3A/3B, you will need to do an introductory chemistry unit during your first year.
If you do not have a pass in WACE Biology 3A/3B, you will need to do an introductory biology unit during your first year.
Please note: to complete this major within the Bachelor of Philosophy (Honours) will require a minimum ATAR of 98 (or equivalent).
Recommended subjects
| Qualification and recommended subjects |
|---|
Western Australian Certificate of Education (WACE)
- A scaled score of 50 or above in WACE Chemistry 3A/3B
- A scaled score of 50 or above in WACE Mathematics 3C/3D
|
International Baccalaureate
- A score of 4 or above in HL Chemistry
- A score of 4 or above in HL Mathematics
|
English competency
University study demands strong English language competency. To be eligible for admission to a undergraduate program at UWA, you must demonstrate satisfactory performance in a UWA-approved test of English. This is the case even if English is your first language.
The minimum requirement is a scaled score of 50 or more in WACE English, Literature or English as an Additional Language/Dialect achieved at Stage 2 or Stage 3 – or an equivalent level of achievement in an interstate or international qualification.
Advanced standing
If you have undertaken prior tertiary study within the last five years, you may be eligible for advanced standing (credit and/or exemption).
Applications for advanced standing are assessed upon acceptance of any offer of admission made by the University.
On this page
- Prerequisites and minimum scores
- Advanced standing
Prerequisites and minimum scores
| Qualification and prerequisite subjects | Course entry score |
|---|
French Baccalaureat
Studies equivalent to WACE Mathematics 2C/2D | 12 |
International Baccalaureate
A score of 4 or above in SL or HL Mathematics (at least Mathematical Studies) | 29 |
UWA Foundation Programme (UWAFP)
Mathematics units as specified in UWAFP prospectus | 66 |
GCE or Cambridge Advanced-level Examinations
A minimum grade of B or above in GCSE O-level Mathematics, or E or above in GCE AS-level Mathematics. | 8 |
Western Australian Universities Preparatory Program (WAUPP)
A scaled mark of 50 or more in at least Mathematics 2C/2D | 63 |
Trinity College Foundation Program
Studies equivalent to WACE Mathematics 2C/2D | 85 |
Monash University Foundation Year (MUFY)
Studies equivalent to WACE Mathematics 2C/2D | 270 |
Canadian Matriculation (except Quebec)
Studies equivalent to WACE Mathematics 2C/2D | 60 |
Chinese Unified Examinations (UEC)
A grade of B6 or above in Mathematics; if you do not have Advanced Mathematics (I) or (II), you will be required to complete a mathematics unit in your first year. | 12 |
Chinese Gao Kao
A score of 80 (out of 150) or above in Mathematics | 525 |
All India Senior School Certificate (CBSE)
Studies equivalent to WACE Mathematics 2C/2D | 12 |
Indian School Certificate (CISCE)
Studies equivalent to WACE Mathematics 2C/2D | 60 |
Norwegian Vitnemål
Studies equivalent to WACE Mathematics 2C/2D | 4.14 |
Swedish Slutbetyg
Studies equivalent to WACE Mathematics 2C/2D | 15.70 |
German Abitur
Studies equivalent to WACE Mathematics 2C/2D | 3.17 |
Singapore-Cambridge A-Levels
A minimum grade of B or above in GCSE O-level Mathematics, or E or above in H1-level Mathematics. | 8 |
South African National Senior Certificate
A grade of 3 (40%) or above in Mathematics | 4.60 |
These are the required prerequisites for applicants who have completed these particular qualifications.
If you are applying for a place based on other qualifications
you need to demonstrate that you have knowledge at least equivalent to the subjects specified.
Advanced standing
Students with previous tertiary level qualifications will be considered for advanced standing (credit).
How to apply
This course is available to Australian and international students.
On this page
- First semester entry
- Second semester entry
- How to apply
- Information for…
- Contact details - admission information
We have two intakes of undergraduate students each year: first and second semester.
First semester entry
Australian citizens or permanent residents, including humanitarian visa holders, and New Zealand citizens apply through the Tertiary Institutions Service Centre.
Contact the Admissions Centre for advice.
Second semester entry
Apply online for second semester entry to a range of courses at UWA.
After the closing date, contact the Admissions Centre for advice.
How to apply
Information for
UWA Admissions Centre (M353)
- Address
- The University of Western Australia
35 Stirling Highway
Crawley, Perth
Western Australia 6009
- Location
- UWA Map
- Telephone
- (+61 8) 6488 2477 – General enquiries
- 1800 653 050 – General enquiries (country callers)
- Fax
- (+61 8) 6488 1226
- Enquire on-line
- askUWA
- Opening hours
- Monday – Friday, 9am–4pm
On this page
- First semester entry
- Second semester entry
- How to apply
- Fees
- Information for…
- Contact details - admission information
First semester entry
International undergraduate applicants must complete this application form and submit it through an authorised UWA overseas representative or directly to the UWA International Centre.
You must also:
Second semester entry
International undergraduate applicants must complete this application form and submit it through an authorised UWA overseas representative or directly to the UWA International Centre.
You must also:
How to apply
This contains text about How to Apply - International
Fees
$30980, per year.
This figure has been arrived at by assuming that you study a full-time study load for one year made up of units all within the same fee band. As some units vary in cost, the actual student fee will depend on the mix of units you choose. The international student fees page has further details.
Information for
UWA International Centre (M352)
- Address
- The University of Western Australia
35 Stirling Highway
Crawley, Perth
Western Australia 6009
- Telephone
- (+61 8) 6488 3939
- Fax
- (+61 8) 9382 4071
- Contacts
- International Centre
- Enquire on-line
- askUWA
- Location
- UWA Map
- Opening hours
- Monday - Friday, 9am - 4pm
- About UWA
- Find out what makes UWA an internationally recognised university.
- Foundation and preparatory courses
- There are a range of programs available to help give you the opportunity to gain the academic qualifications or prerequisites required for admission to UWA.
- Social life on campus
- There are over 20,000 students enrolled at UWA - lots of new friends not only from Perth and Western Australia but from all areas in Australia and around the world.
