西澳大学

The Molecular Life Sciences double major will help you develop a scientific understanding of the biochemistry, molecular biology and genetics of all living organisms. By understanding how molecules are organised and interact in living cells, you’ll also gain the tools to improve our quality of life. This may be through the development of new vaccines or advances in drought-resistant crops.

The double major in Molecular Life Sciences will help you develop a scientific understanding of the biochemistry, molecular biology and genetics of all living organisms. You will study the way molecules are organised and how they interact to achieve the functions of the living cell and that of the organism. This double major further introduces you to aspects of agriculture, marine and aquatic food resources, and environmental aspects through units in plant, fisheries and soil sciences. This combination was carefully selected to provide you with a broader base for your career choices and will enable you to pursue a Master’s degree in Biotechnology with specialisations in AQUAtech, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Environmental and Agricultural Biotechnology, Genetics and Genomics or Synthetic Biology.

Why study this course

Learn about the most recent advances in the molecular life sciences, how these affect our everyday lives and how we can use this knowledge to solve global challenges
Learn through hands-on laboratories while also gaining skills in data analysis and interpretation and critical thinking
Develop a solid foundation in molecular life sciences with professional and transferable skills that open up many exciting possibilities for future career development and/or study

You'll learn to

demonstrate a profound understanding of the theoretical basis of biochemistry, molecular biology, genetics in animals, plants and microorganisms
gain technical competency and practical skills to master state-of-the-art molecular techniques
develop and demonstrate your skills in critical thinking, experimental design, data analysis and interpretation

Career Pathways

UWA is Western Australia’s top ranked University, and is also one of the Group of Eight leading research universities in Australia. UWA’s biological disciplines, including those that comprise the molecular life sciences, are particularly renowned nationally and internationally and rank amongst the world’s best 100 in their subject area.

A bachelor’s degree in Molecular Life Sciences from UWA would be highly recognised amongst employers in the biosciences. Career options include agricultural consultancy, biotechnology, drug development, food production and quality control, fermentation industries and chemical production. Life scientists find jobs in diagnostic laboratories in hospitals, veterinary health, toxicology and allied health fields.