Botany is the scientific study of plants.
Introduction
Botany examines their structure, growth, reproduction, development, diseases, ecology and evolution – from their indispensable roles in ecosystems to the intricacies of their cell function.
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Course description, features and facilities
Botanists have a proactive role in mitigating loss of biodiversity by studying how plants evolve and adapt to changing climates and environments. Botany comprises eight sub-disciplines each studying a different aspect of plants: genetics, systematics, cell biology, anatomy, morphology, physiology, pathology, and ecology.
This major is for you if you are enthusiastic about our unique native flora, or agricultural crops, and are interested in addressing current and future threats to plant conservation and sustainability.
Teaching methods consist of lectures from leading experts, weekly practical and laboratory classes and tutorials. This major also includes field work and three field trips of two to seven days. UWA is well equipped for teaching and research in botany and our teaching is supported by the world class research of the Kings Park and Botanic Gardens Biodiversity Conservation Centre, the International Centre for Plant Breeding Education and Research (ICPBER), the WA Biogeochemistry Centre, and the Ecosystem Restoration Laboratory.
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Student profile
Student profile – Patrick Hayes
I grew up on a farm in Margaret River and was always fascinated by the sheer diversity and beauty of the native plants found there. My studies at UWA have helped me to expand my interests in plant biology, and the broad approach allowed me to realise my field of interest in native flora.
I continue to be fascinated with the ability of native plants to survive in some of the harshest conditions. In the future I hope to conduct my own research and help further understand our unique and diverse native flora.
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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
Botany graduates are highly sought after and employed by private sector consultants, the mining industry, government departments (such as Agriculture and Food, Environment and Conservation), botanic gardens (for example, Kings Park) and research agencies (CSIRO) that either work in, or are interested in, the environment, conservation, restoration and horticulture.
I want to be a…
This course could lead to becoming a:
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Further study opportunities
Students with a Botany major can pursue further studies at
honours and/or master's level.
A master's can be studied either by coursework (in areas such as Plant Conservation biology) or by research (via a combination of thesis and coursework) in either Botany or Ecology and Evolution.
In addition to the Master of Science, there is a wide range of other
postgraduate degrees via coursework which will diversify your career options – including professional qualifications in fields such as teaching and law.
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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
Prerequisites and recommended courses may not apply to students completing this major as a second major in a degree other than the Bachelor of Science.
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 Mathematics 3A/3B
|
International Baccalaureate
- A score of 4 or above in SL or HL Mathematics (at least Mathematical Methods)
|
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
- English competency
- 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.
English competency
To be eligible for admission to a 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.
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
- Fees
- 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. Applications open Monday 13 August 2012.
Closing dates:
- On-time closing date - Friday 28 September 2012
- The deadline for adding preferences for Assured Entry Pathways to Medicine and Dentistry is Friday 28 September 2012, and late applications will not be accepted.
- Late applications for other courses will be accepted, with a late fee, until Friday 4 January 2013.
- Students completing Year 12 in Australia in 2011 can add preferences (except for Medicine and Dentistry Assured Entry Pathways) until Friday 4 January 2013.
Contact the Admissions Centre for advice.
Second semester entry
Apply online for second semester entry to a range of courses at UWA.
Closing date:
After the closing date, contact the Admissions Centre for advice.
Fees
$, 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 contribution will depend on the mix of units you choose. See the unit costs website for details of individual unit costs.
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–5pm
On this page
- First semester entry
- Second semester entry
- 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.
Closing dates:
- Assured Entry Pathways to Medicine and Dentistry - 30 June 2011
- All other courses - 1 December 2011
You must also:
If you will be under 18 when you begin study at UWA you are required by the Department of Immigration and Citizenship to have appropriate accommodation and welfare arrangements while studying in Australia.
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.
Closing date:
You must also:
If you will be under 18 when you begin study at UWA you are required by the Department of Immigration and Citizenship to have appropriate accommodation and welfare arrangements while studying in Australia.
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 - 5pm
- 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.