Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Biological Sciences
Undertake a PhD in Biological Sciences at Flinders
Delve into the intricacies of life: past, present or future
- Explore how kangaroos evolved and why some of their ancestors became extinct.
- Work to restore endangered native fish species from the Murray-Darling Basin.
- Find novel antibiotics to combat multi-drug resistance microbes.
- Make crop plants that are more resilient to the effects of climate change.
- Develop new DNA based technology to detect and prosecute criminals.
Undertake a Biological Sciences research-based higher degree at Flinders, and you’ll have the opportunity to explore some of the biggest unanswered questions of our time.
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International Student
Australia or New Zealand.
I am a
Domestic Student
I'm an Australian Permanent Resident
(including Humanitarian Visa holders).
Doctor of Philosophy (Science)
Duration: 4 years
Delivery mode:
In Person
Location:
Bedford Park
CRICOS code: 106271G
Annual fees:
2025: $42,700
Master of Science (Research)
Duration: 2 years
Delivery mode:
In Person
Location:
Bedford Park
CRICOS code: 106283C
Annual fees:
2025: $42,700
Doctor of Philosophy (Science) / Master of Business Administration (Future Business)
Duration: 5 years
Delivery mode:
In Person
Location:
Bedford Park
CRICOS code: 113568J
Annual fees:
2025 MBA (Future Business): $42,700
2025 PhD (Science): $42,700
Why undertake a PhD in Biological Sciences at Flinders
- Complete your research under the supervision of nationally and internationally recognised scientists.
- Rated ‘Well above world standard’ in Evolutionary Biology and Plant Biology in the 2018 Excellence in Research for Australia (ERA) assessment.
- Apply your research to the real world with Flinders’ expansive network of industry, government and scientific partners.
- Utilise advanced equipment at Flinders Microscopy and Microanalysis or work in our purpose-built palaeontology laboratory.
- Boost your expertise and career prospects, and become an expert in your area of specialisation.
PhD opportunities
With the guidance of an expert supervisor, take the opportunity to leverage Flinders’ extensive industry and government connections.
Your chosen research area is flexible, and ultimately agreed between you and your supervisor. Areas of focus could include:
- Animal Behaviour
- Aquaculture
- Biodiversity and Conservation
- Ecology and Evolutionary Biology
- Environmental Health
- Forensic Science
- Marine Biology
- Molecular Biosciences
- Palaeontology
- Plant Biotechnology
- Or another area of interest in consultation with your supervisor.
Breathe life into your career, immerse yourself in a field you’re passionate about, and positively impact the future with a PhD in Biological Sciences.
Hear about Antoine Champreux's thesis
Your career
A PhD in Biological Sciences will position you as an expert in your area of specialisation. A PhD is a stepping stone to professional research or as a highly sought-after expert in the private or public sector in Australia or internationally. This prestigious degree will equip you with valuable skills in communications, time management and organisation transferrable to any role.
Potential occupations include:
- Professional researcher
- Consultant or advisor
- Science writer
- Environmental Scientist
- Biochemist
- Forensic Scientist
- Food scientist or technologist
- Academic
- Policy and strategy consultant
Potential employers include:·
- CSIRO
- SA Water
- The South Australian Research and Development Institute (SARDI)
- Primary Industries and Regions South Australia (PIRSA)
- Department for Environment and Water
- Research centres
- Universities
- Public sector
- Private corporations
Research Centres, Consortiums and Institutes
Flinders Biofilm Research and Innovation Consortium
The Flinders Biofilm Research and Innovation Consortium uses multidisciplinary expertise to develop innovative solutions and provide better controls of problematic biofilms. Their knowledge and expertise is relevant to many industries such as desalination and membranes, medical implants, beverage and food, water and wastewater, renewable energy, biosecurity, maritime and mining. Flinders biofilm researchers study environmental, industrial and medical biofilms. The consortium has access to a suite of instruments that allow for advanced studies of biofilms in different environments and you will work on challenges related to biofouling.
Marine and Coastal research consortium
The Marine and Coastal Research Consortium brings together complementary skills in ecology, geomorphology, engineering, archaeology, genomics and oceanography to develop integrated scientific solutions. This group works with government, industry, and community partners to help plan and guide research in directions that maximise benefits to marine and coastal stakeholders. Their research program includes a broad scope of all aspects of life, environment and human relationships with the sea to form a rich centre for marine, coastal and maritime studies that includes Organisms & Ecosystems, Physical & Cultural Environments and Seafood Production & Sustainability.
Potential research supervisors
Flinders academic staff are recognised experts in their specialised Biological Sciences fields. They are embedded in real-world applications of research, with extensive knowledge, networks and industry partners to support PhD students and deliver exciting and valuable research outcomes. Get in touch with a supervisor of your choice today, to discuss your area of interest, and start on your path to thought leadership.
Associate Professor Vera Weisbecker
Professor Corey Bradshaw
Professor John Long
Dr Sunita Ramesh
Dr Harriet Whiley
Learn what to prepare before approaching a potential research supervisor.
Learn what to prepare before approaching a potential research supervisor.
Ready to find the perfect supervisor for your research journey?
Explore Research @ Flinders.
Enquire now
Review answers to regularly asked questions about applying for a higher degree by research (FAQs).
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For queries relating specifically to a project, direct your enquiry to the College where you plan to study.
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