Master of Biological Science

Program Overview

The Master of Biological Science at the University of Western Australia provides students with advanced knowledge of plant and animal biology, and the skills to manage natural systems and conserve species. The program offers a choice of specializations in Conservation Biology, Ecology, or Zoology, and is taught by experienced academics using a variety of teaching methods including lectures, tutorials, practical classes, and field trips. Graduates are well-prepared for careers in research, conservation, and other fields related to the biological sciences.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

The Master of Biological Science is a postgraduate degree offered by the University of Western Australia. It is designed to provide students with an advanced understanding of the evolution, diversity, physiology, reproduction, behaviour and ecology of plants and animals. The program also equips students with the skills to apply this knowledge to the management of natural systems and the species they support. The program aims to develop students' ability to:

• Integrate advanced knowledge of species biology and ecology to understand the threats species face, including their vulnerability to rapid environmental change.
• Possess communication and technical skills to justify and interpret methodologies, conclusions and professional decisions to specialist and non-specialist audiences.
• Become a broad thinker who can critically assess advanced research in their discipline and integrate this into practical solutions or new research questions.
• Contribute to group-led research, as well as plan and execute their own substantial research project focused on plants, animals, or ecosystems.

Outline:

The Master of Biological Science is a 1.5-2 year program that can be studied full-time or part-time. The program is structured around a core set of units, as well as a range of elective units that allow students to specialize in Conservation Biology, Ecology, or Zoology.

Course Structure:

• Conversion: Students who have not completed cognate studies in their Bachelor degrees must complete up to four relevant conversion units (24 points) including SCIE4401 and SCIE4403 and considering their specialisation, as advised by the School.
• SCIE4401 Data Use in Science (6)
• SCIE4403 Ethical Conduct and Communication of Science (6)
• Core: Take all units (6 points):
• SCIE4402 Data Management and Analysis in the Natural Sciences (6)
• Option: Students in course by coursework and dissertation, take all units in this group (36 points):
• BIOL5552 Masters in Biological Sciences Research Dissertation Part 1 (6)
• BIOL5553 Masters in Biological Sciences Research Dissertation Part 2 (6)
• BIOL5554 Masters in Biological Sciences Research Dissertation Part 3 (6)
• BIOL5555 Masters in Biological Sciences Research Dissertation Part 5 (6)
• BIOL5556 Masters in Biological Sciences Research Presentation Skills (6)
• BIOL5557 Masters in Biological Sciences Research Dissertation Part 4 (6)
• Option: Students in course by coursework only, take units to the value of (12 points).
Students must complete SCIE5004 and choose another 6 points from the remaining units.
• SCIE5004 Professional Skills in Science (6)
• SCIE5005 Science in Practice (6)
• SCIE5304 Science Practicum (6)
• SVLG5001 McCusker Centre for Citizenship Internship (6)

Specializations:

• Conservation Biology:
• Core:
• BIOL5502 Managing Threatened Species and Ecological Communities (6)
• ENVT5310 Biodiversity on Country (6)
• ENVT5513 Decision Strategies for Biodiversity Conservation (6)
• Option:
Students in course by coursework and dissertation, take units to the value of (12 points). Students in course by coursework only, take units to the value of (36 points).
• ANIM4410 Animal Identification (6)
• ANIM5110 Biology of Australian marsupials (6)
• ANIM5502 Evolutionary Ecology (6)
• BIOL5301 Big Data, Modelling and Meta-analysis in Biology, Conservation and the Environment (6)
• BIOL5542 Conservation Genetics (6)
• ENVT4409 Remote Sensing of the Environment (6)
• ENVT5509 Global Ecological Challenges (6)
• ENVT5512 Ecosystem Biogeochemistry (6)
• ENVT5517 Ecological Rehabilitation (6)
• ENVT5518 The Sustainable Development Goals (6)
• ENVT5576 Aquatic Ecology (6)
• PLNG5511 Climate Change Policy and Planning (6)
• POLS5010 NGOs, Governance and Development (6)
• SCOM4402 Synthesising Research Literature: Reviewing, Analysing, and Reporting (6)
• SCOM5309 Citizen Science (6)
• Ecology:
• Core:
• ENVT5509 Global Ecological Challenges (6)
• ENVT5512 Ecosystem Biogeochemistry (6)
• ENVT5576 Aquatic Ecology (6)
• Option:
Students in course by coursework and dissertation, take units to the value of (12 points). Students in course by coursework only, take units to the value of (36 points).
• ANIM4410 Animal Identification (6)
• ANIM5502 Evolutionary Ecology (6)
• BIOL4408 Marine Ecology (6)
• BIOL5301 Big Data, Modelling and Meta-analysis in Biology, Conservation and the Environment (6)
• BIOL5502 Managing Threatened Species and Ecological Communities (6)
• BIOL5542 Conservation Genetics (6)
• ENVT4409 Remote Sensing of the Environment (6)
• ENVT5310 Biodiversity on Country (6)
• ENVT5517 Ecological Rehabilitation (6)
• GEOS5510 Applied Palynology (6)
• SCOM4402 Synthesising Research Literature: Reviewing, Analysing, and Reporting (6)
• Zoology:
• Core:
• ANIM4410 Animal Identification (6)
• ANIM5110 Biology of Australian marsupials (6)
• ANIM5502 Evolutionary Ecology (6)
• Option:
Students in course by coursework and dissertation, take units to the value of (12 points). Students in course by coursework only, take units to the value of (36 points).
• BIOL5301 Big Data, Modelling and Meta-analysis in Biology, Conservation and the Environment (6)
• BIOL5502 Managing Threatened Species and Ecological Communities (6)
• BIOL5504 Sex in the Sea (6)
• BIOL5542 Conservation Genetics (6)
• ENVT5310 Biodiversity on Country (6)
• ENVT5509 Global Ecological Challenges (6)
• ENVT5576 Aquatic Ecology (6)
• SCOM4402 Synthesising Research Literature: Reviewing, Analysing, and Reporting (6)
• SCOM5309 Citizen Science (6)

Assessment:

The assessment methods used in the Master of Biological Science program vary depending on the individual unit. However, common assessment methods include:

• Assignments: These can take the form of essays, reports, presentations, or other written work.
• Practical work: This may involve laboratory work, fieldwork, or other hands-on activities.
• Dissertation: Students who choose to complete a dissertation will be required to conduct a research project and write a thesis.

Teaching:

The Master of Biological Science program is taught by a team of experienced and highly qualified academics. The program uses a variety of teaching methods, including:

• Lectures: These are traditional classroom-based lectures that provide students with an overview of the course material.
• Tutorials: These are smaller group sessions that allow students to discuss the course material in more detail and ask questions.
• Practical classes: These are hands-on sessions that allow students to develop their practical skills.
• Field trips: These provide students with the opportunity to experience the real-world applications of their studies.

Careers:

Graduates of the Master of Biological Science program are well-equipped for a range of careers in the biological sciences, including:

• Biologist
• Botanist
• Conservation Biologist
• Conservation Officer
• Consultant
• Ecologist
• Environmental Manager
• Environmental Scientist
• Parks Officer
• Quarantine Officer
• Research Scientist
• Research Technician
• Rehabilitation Manager
• Science Communicator
• Wildlife Officer
• The program offers field-based, lab-based and data-based dissertation projects, each supervised by active researchers.
• The Centre for Evolutionary Biology is a UWA Centre of Excellence, delivering high quality research and research training.
• The Centre's research specialties include sexual selection, acoustic signaling, predator-prey interactions, visual ecology, sperm form and function, chemical ecology, population genetics, phylogenetic comparative analysis and the genetic mapping of complex traits.