Study the Bachelor of Science (Honours) (Life Sciences)

Study Life Sciences at Flinders

Life finds a way. Study the environmental, biological, medical and scientific basis of life.

Explore the importance of biological processes on human health and environmental well-being. Students will gain a fundamental understanding in molecular biology, cell physiology and microbiology, and learn about new computational approaches to advance life sciences. This includes investigating the molecular basis of disease, designing new cures and disease prevention strategies, developing diagnostic tools and enhancing population health from a nutritional and food-security perspective.

The Honours year provides students with advanced skills that are required for planning, funding and carrying out research projects.

You will graduate well-prepared for a career in any life-science related field.

Fast facts

Course facts at a glance.

Domestic

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International Student

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Australia or New Zealand.

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Domestic Student

I am an Australian or New Zealand Citizen.

I'm an Australian Permanent Resident
(including Humanitarian Visa holders).

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Prerequisites

None

Assumed knowledge

None

2024 selection rank

80.00

Guaranteed selection rank

85.00

TAFElink

Diploma or above

Adjustment factors available

Yes

SATAC code

244791

Delivery mode

In person:

– Tonsley

Online: No

Duration

4 years full-time
(or part-time equivalent)
Deferrable: Yes

Annual indicative fee

2024: $8,948

How are these fees calculated?

Start dates

– March
– July

Student and ATAR profile

Save course

Student and ATAR profile

Save course

Apply via SATAC

244791 (Bedford Park)

Why study Life Sciences at Flinders?

Broad career opportunities
Development of applied and job-ready skills via comprehensive laboratory practicals
A great foundational basis for exploring further study in medicine
Integration of modern high throughput data processing skills
Become well-versed with cutting-edge laboratory technologies

Your career

A life sciences (honours) degree will prepare you for a broad range of industries and an almost infinite amount of opportunities.

Potential occupations include:

Clinical diagnostics
Quality control (e.g. pharmaceuticals)
Various roles in the food innovation industry
Biotechnologist
Researcher within the molecular life sciences industry

Potential employers include:

Government (eg. Department of Health and Wellbeing or Environment Protection Authority)
Diverse pathology services
SA Water
Food technology companies

What you will study

First year A typical first year may include:	In your first year you will gain core knowledge in the molecular basis of life, evolution and chemistry, by combining laboratory-based practical sessions with problem based learning exercises and teacher-assisted theory.
Second year A typical second year may include:	In addition to building your molecular and biochemical knowledge base, in the second year of study you will integrate your choice of applied life sciences (medical, plant and/or microbiology) and develop new skills in approaching scientific problems in innovation ways.
Third year A typical third year may include:	In the final year of study, you will combine research-driven knowledge gain with real-world work simulations in collaborative projects. This will prepare you for entering the job market whilst simultaneously laying an outstanding foundation for further academic challenges such as honours and PhD studies.
Honours year A typical honours year may include:	There are more than 20 highly diverse research groups with state-of-the-art technologies that you can join for your Honours research project covering areas of plant biology, biomedical sciences and microbiology. The Honours program provides you with comprehensive skills to become a well-rounded graduate with research experiences.

Practical experience

Our topics places a major emphasis on gaining practical skills, to apply your new knowledge and develop a comprehensive understanding of the molecular basis of life.

ATAR and Student Profile Information

ATAR and Selection Rank profile

The table below shows ATAR and Selection Rank data for students offered a place wholly or partly on the basis of ATAR commencing in Semester 1, 2024. It is limited to applicants that have recently completed secondary education (within the last two years). Data may reflect multiple courses available within a suite of courses.

Notes:
<5 – less than 5 ATAR based offers made
N/A – This course uses additional selection criteria and therefore Selection Rank is not published

ATAR-based offers only across all offer rounds	ATAR - Excluding adjustment factors	Selection Rank - ATAR plus any adjustment factors
Highest rank to receive an offer	99.85	99.95
Median rank to receive an offer	88.20	92.78
Lowest rank to receive an offer	71.15	81.75

Student Profile

The table below gives an indication of the likely peer cohort for new students in this course. It provides data on students who commenced study in this course in Semester 1, 2024 including those admitted through all offer rounds and international students studying in Australia. Applicant background groupings are based on educational background, not basis of admission. Data may reflect multiple courses available within a suite of courses.

Notes:
<5 – the number of students is less than 5
N/P – Not published: the number is hidden to prevent calculation of numbers in cells with less than 5 students

Applicant background (Semester 1, 2024)	Number of students	Percentage of all students
Higher education study (includes a bridging or enabling course)	8	21%
Vocational education and training (VET) study	<5	<5
Work and life experience	0	0
Recent secondary education - Admitted solely on the basis of ATAR (regardless of whether this includes the consideration of adjustment factors such as equity or subject bonus points)	20	53%
Recent secondary education - Admitted where both ATAR and additional criteria were considered (e.g. portfolio, audition, extra test)	7	18%
Recent secondary education - Admitted on the basis of other criteria only and ATAR was not a factor (e.g. special consideration pathways)	<5	<5
International Students	0	0
All students	38	100%

Add Innovation and Enterprise
to your degree

At Flinders University, we recognise that careers are evolving and the workplace of the future will look very different from today.

Whatever undergraduate course you are studying at Flinders, you can add innovation and enterprise electives to your degree to gain new, adaptable and transferrable skills that will equip you for the careers of tomorrow.

Learn More

Pursue multiple passions with a combined degree

You can combine this degree with any other bachelor degree within the College of Science and Engineering, subject to meeting entry requirements.

Search all combined degree options

How to apply

Choose your preferred course.

Check the entry requirements and admission pathways available to you.

Choose other courses to include in your preferences.

Visit SATAC and submit your application online.

Apply via SATAC

244791 (Bedford Park)

Apply to transfer internally

Flinders students can apply to transfer to this course internally. Visit: www.flinders.edu.au/internaltransfer for more information.

Admission pathways

Applicants can apply for this course using Year 12 qualifications, previous higher education study, TAFE/VET qualifications, or through adult entry (STAT/Foundation Studies/tertiary preparation course).

Find the entry path that’s right for you.

Explore our pathways

Choosing your preferences

When choosing your preferences through SATAC, you might want to include the Bachelor of Science in your list.

How to apply

Select your course.

Check entry requirements.

Check your eligibility for credit.

Apply online

Obtain certified documents.

Submit your application and documents.

View further details

English language pathways

If you don’t meet our English language entry requirements and need to improve your English language proficiency, you can do so through Flinders University Academy – or our approved English Language Instruction Course for Overseas Students (ELICOS) providers.

This means that you can attend the required English language tuition at approved ELICOS providers and gain direct entry into university without an IELTS or TOEFL test.

Find out more

Academic pathway programs

If you don’t meet our academic entry requirements, you can still gain entry to Flinders University through Flinders University Academy. With a range of diplomas, foundation and English language courses, students can find a direct pathway into the destination degree of their choice.

Find out more

Course enquiries

Want more information about studying at Flinders University? Contact us to find out more – we’d love to help you decide if Flinders University is the right choice for you.

Course enquiries

For all course enquiries phone or email us or complete the course enquiry form.

1300 354 633

askflinders@flinders.edu.au

Bachelor of Science (Honours) (Life Sciences)

Study Life Sciences at Flinders

Fast facts