Question 1

What is the study of biology?

Accepted Answer

The study of biology is the study of living organisms, and includes a wide range of specialised disciplines across four main areas: human biology, microbiology, zoology and botany.

Biology explores the building blocks of life, unpacking how living organisms develop, evolve and function. Biology is a discipline of science, and is important to understanding other scientific disciplines as well.

Question 2

What do you learn in a biology course?

Accepted Answer

You’ll learn how living organisms work—including their evolution, functions and roles in the broader environments they’re part of.

Depending on your course, you’ll focus on a specific area of the discipline, for example human biology, microbiology or marine science amongst many others. Or you can gain generalist knowledge by studying across specialties.

Question 3

How long is a biology course?

Accepted Answer

It depends on the course and whether you choose something short or long-term. Here’s a general guide:

Course	Duration
Single subject	10-18 weeks
Short course	10-18 weeks
Undergraduate certificate	6 months (if full time)
Diploma	1 year (if full time)
Associate degree	2 years (if full time)
Bachelor degree	3 years (if full time)
Graduate certificate	6 months (if full time)
Graduate diploma	1 year (if full time)
Masters degree	2 years (if full time)

If you study a degree in biology through Open Universities Australia, you have the flexibility to choose how many subjects you take per term. This means you can complete your qualification at a faster or slower pace than you would on campus.

Question 4

Why should I study biology?

Accepted Answer

You should study biology if you’re looking to build a career in science. Biology knowledge is necessary for roles in many scientific industries, such as health, environmental science and forensic science.

Upskilling in biology can also help you become more proficient in other scientific disciplines that you may already be qualified in. For example, an understanding of biology is relevant to studies of chemistry.

Browse the online biology courses available through us for more information on the career outcomes you can access from specific qualifications.

Question 5

Why should I study biology online?

Accepted Answer

You should study biology online if you are looking for a flexible and accessible way to gain your qualification. Studying online will also give you access to a wide range of biology subjects from different universities, which you can undertake individually without having to commit to a degree.

Question 6

Why should I study online through Open Universities Australia?

Accepted Answer

There are a lot of reasons to study your course online through us.

You can enrol without entry requirements
We have a unique open-door policy that makes it possible for everyone to enrol in university study, no matter their academic history. If you don’t meet the entry requirements for a degree, we’ll help you get in through single undergraduate subjects and transition into a qualification from there.
You have total control over how you study
Upskill without committing to a whole degree upfront. Or enrol in a full degree, but take it a subject at a time. We’ll introduce you to flexible study options you didn’t even know about, so you can fit uni around what matters to you.
You’ll graduate with the same qualification as an on-campus student
Once you enrol through us, you’ll study online with the university that provides your degree. This means that when you complete your qualification, you’ll graduate with the same degree as on-campus students.
We’ll help you navigate the university world
Our friendly student advisors will be your guide every step of the enrolment journey. They'll help you compare universities, choose a course, provide documentation and understand your finance options.

Question 7

What jobs can you get with a biology degree?

Accepted Answer

With a biology degree, you could be a:

biology teacher
researcher/academic
biologist
lab technician
microbiologist

A biology degree can provide the prerequisite you need for further specialisied study in an area like medicine or pharmacology. It could also put you on the path towards a PhD.

If you’re looking to transition your career into a different area of biology, or seeking to change your direction completing, studying a biology course online is a great way to get started and help you identify your next steps.

Question 8

How do I know which course is right for me?

Accepted Answer

Enrol in a single subject to get a taste of the content for any qualification you’re interested in. The subjects available through us are covered by HELP funding, which means eligible students aren’t obligated to pay for their studies upfront.

Or book a free phone consultation with a student advisor to discuss your available study options. We’ll help you find the course that suits you best.

Question 9

How do I know if I’m eligible to apply for a course?

Accepted Answer

Before starting an enrolment, it’s important to read the entry requirements for your chosen course to ensure that you’re eligible to apply. If you don’t quite meet the requirements, we may be able to help you find a pathway into your course through open-entry subjects, which anyone can study.

Chat with us to find out more.

Question 10

How do I enrol?

Accepted Answer

Here at Open Universities Australia, we make enrolling online as straightforward as possible. To get started, find the course for you by browsing the options on this page. You can also compare different qualifications using our handy comparison tool, or request help from one of our student advisors.

When you’ve made your choice, click ‘Apply now’ on the relevant course page and follow the prompts to begin your enrolment. We’ll ask you to supply some supporting documentation, including proof of your identity, your tax file number, and a unique student identifier (USI) during this process.

Your university will get in touch with you via email to confirm whether or not your application has been successful.

Please note that enquiries and applications for some courses are handled directly by the university. If this is the case, it will be indicated on the course listing page.

For more information about enrolment, read our online self-service enrolling instructions. If you get stuck at any time, contact us and we’ll talk you through it.

Biology courses

Introduction to Biology