Why Study in BoZo? Biology Program Planner - Use this document for help with planning Majors.

The Importance of Biology
Biology is the science of life, and a subject of interest to everyone, regardless of whether they pursue it is as a career or not. Biology is also the fastest developing and most complex of the sciences, and one to which Australia makes a disproportionately large contribution. Our unique natural heritage and massive agricultural industries also make Australia one of the most exciting places to study and work in biology.

Symbolic of this importance, the two biology Schools (BoZo and BaMBi) are the two largest Schools in the Faculty of Science. Not only are there large numbers of university-employed lecturers and support staff, but much larger numbers of research students and grant-employed staff than is usual elsewhere. With the input from these people and participation in courses by members of the Institute of Advanced Studies and the CSIRO, ANU is one of the most exciting places in the world to study biology.

Studying Biology at the ANU
After first year, the biology curriculum at ANU is organised into a number of streams, which reflect areas of special strength at the ANU and provide good career paths. You can find detailed information on courses at the following website http://studyat.anu.edu.au/

Genetics Stream
Genetics is the study of information in living organisms and its evolutionary and population consequences. Genetics includes how information is encoded in DNA, how it is transmitted from one generation to the next, and how the information is used during growth and development. Genetics also underpins evolutionary processes including natural selection. Genetics is used increasingly as a tool in studies of ecology and conservation biology. Genetics is a diverse and rapidly expanding field of great importance to the modern world, with new applications being discovered daily.

Ecology and Evolution Stream
Ecology is the study of interactions among species, and between species and their environments. This vast topic can be approached on several levels, from the study of the behaviour of individual animals, to global climate change and patterns of extinction. Diversity of animal mating systems in different habitats, or the richness of speciation in rainforests, for instance, can be studied to gain insights into the various ecosystems.

The study of evolution draws on a secure background in biology, and particularly genetics, organismal behaviour, ecology, development and molecular biology, and leads to discussion of philosophical aspects of this sometimes controversial subject. As the basis of most modern biological thought, evolutionary study provides a unifying theme in biology.

Botany Stream
Plants are fundamental to all other life on the planet, and their uses by humans are not only agricultural and pharmaceutical, but also aesthetic, recreational and environmental. An understanding of the diversity of plants has always been fundamental to plant science, but modern botany extends into matters of genetics, development, physiology and ecology.

Zoology Stream
Animals are perhaps even more diverse than plants, and documenting that diversity has become especially important in deciding what populations are under environmental threat. Detailed study of animal physiology not only relates directly to the animals in question, but also provides insights which have spin-offs in human biology and even engineering and functional design.

Animal and Human Physiology Stream
Physiology is the study of the functional biology of animals, including humans, and plants. Physiological studies investigate the mechanism by which animals and plants control their internal environments, control their growth and development, and adjust to changing external environmental conditions. Physiology integrates closely with biochemistry and cellular biology. Some physiology is included in first year units (BIOL1005, BIOL1006, BIOL1007 and BIOL1008) and physiological studies are the main emphasis in several later-year courses.

Should you undertake a four year course?
By the end of first year, students should begin to think seriously about the possibility of undertaking a four year (BSc Honours) course in science rather than the basic three year BSc.

There are several reasons for considering a four-year Honours degree. Graduates having completed a project-oriented fourth year are favoured over those with a basic degree in selection for jobs. Employers prefer applicants who can show evidence of ability to plan an investigation, work independently on it, and persevere until it is completed, all within time constraints. The fourth year gives far greater opportunity for students to show initiative, and to follow their own lines of interest, than is possible in basic undergraduate course work. In addition, there is often opportunity to become proficient in the use of sophisticated equipment and techniques, experience which is seldom possible to gain in the classroom.

A student may elect to proceed to an Honours year in an area of his/her interest. In order to do this, the Faculty requires that students have a minimum of credit performance in 6 Group B or Group C units related to the Honours topic, but more stringent entry requirements may be imposed by the Schools. The Honours course including a research project, assessable written material, and workshops on experimental design, data handling and communication. An Honours year is the usual qualification for entry into postgraduate studies.

A Graduate Diploma in Science is an alternative to Honours for some students. Such students usually have relevant work experience, but may not meet the formal entry requirements for Honours. The course is similar to that of Honours, but more flexible; it can also be a route to post-graduate study. Consult the Science Faculty office for guidance on entry conditions and fees.

Graduate Studies
Master of Science Degree
A student with a good honours degree, or who has passed a Graduate Diploma in Science (with distinction) in biology at this University may be accepted as a candidate for the MSc degree course to pursue research in a specific area in biology under the supervision of members of the staff of the University. The period of research is a minimum of one year and a maximum of two years. The candidate must submit a research thesis on an approved topic and pass any required examination in any unit or prescribed or approved course. A candidate who does not pursue the research full-time must fulfil a requirement of residence at the University. Please see the Ecology, Evolution and Systematics Graduate Program website for more details.

Doctor of Philosophy Degree
A candidate for this degree will normally hold a BSc with honours at first or at least IIA level. A candidate with a Graduate Diploma or an MSc may be admitted. The candidate is required to devote their whole time to advanced study and research for between three and four years at the end of which time they submit a research thesis and may take an oral examination. In general the time is spent in residence but students may be non-resident for part of the time under certain circumstances. Please see the Ecology, Evolution and Systematics Graduate Program website for more details.

Introductory Orientation Week Lecture
All students intending to take any of the first-year Biology units are invited to an Introductory Lecture in Orientation Week. Check the time and place in the Orientation Week program.