School of BioSciences
Research and teaching excellence in
ecology, evolution and molecular and cellular biology
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Contact us
General contacts and maps for the School of BioSciences, and for student, industry, media and philanthropy enquiries.
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Events in the School
Seminars, public lectures, school programs and more.
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Studying a PhD in BioSciences
Pursue a career in research or academia and delve deeper into your area of interest through a Doctor of Philosophy in the School of BioSciences.
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Our research
Learn more about our academic staff and their diverse research interests in the fields of plant science, genetics and zoology.
Highlight on plant science
The School of BioSciences is dedicated to discovering how plant systems function and to solving the ongoing challenge of maintaining food, health, land and water for society and the planet’s natural and agro-ecosystems. Find out more about the cutting-edge research, study options and internationally-acclaimed plant science experts at the School of BioSciences.
Our collections and facilities
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University of Melbourne Herbarium
Australia's largest university herbarium houses around 150,000 specimens of flowering plants, ferns, bryophytes, algae and fungi, as well as historic botanical objects and artwork.
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Tiegs Museum
A collection of zoological specimens dating from the 19th century to the present. Holds a working set of a huge variety of animals, both vertebrate and invertebrate.
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Melbourne Advanced Microscopy Facility
Makes available state-of-the-art electron and optical microscopy equipment to students and staff of the University of Melbourne, as well as the wider community.
News
Banner photo by David Clode. A neon cuckoo bee (Thyreus nitidulus) on a coral vine (Antigonon leptopus).
Learn how you can study biological sciences with us – at undergraduate, masters or PhD levels.
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Undergraduate biosciences
Whether you're studying a Bachelor of Science or another undergraduate degree, there's a way for you to study biology, zoology, plant science or genetics with us.
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Masters courses in biosciences
Level up your skills and knowledge in the biological sciences with one of our coursework masters degrees.
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PhD studies in biosciences
Start your research career here! Become an expert in your field by taking a deep dive into a biological science research project.
What we offer
The School of BioSciences teaches biology, zoology, genetics and plant science subjects in the Bachelor of Science and other undergraduate degrees.
We are also home to a vibrant community of over 200 students studying a PhD, masters or honours degree in these fields.
The School of BioSciences is also home to the University’s popular Science Communication Teaching Program, led by Dr Jen Martin.
Students studying with us join our community of experts, counted among the world’s best by numbers of citations, international awards and major grant success.
Scholarships are available at all levels of study.
Meet our graduates
You might be surprised to learn where some of our School of BioSciences alumni have ended up.
Read about where studying biosciences has taken our students.
Our research focuses on two domains: the Ecology and Evolutionary Biology domain and the Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology domain.
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Research groups
The School of BioSciences Research Groups are centred around various themes which represent research areas that contribute to an interdisciplinary collaborative research environment…
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Research centres
The School of BioSciences is a major participant in a number of collaborative research ventures which ensures it maintains a global perspective. Drawing on the expertise of research activities across…
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Facilities, equipment and resources
Our vibrant research community is supported by state-of-the-art research facilities and equipment which are available for use in research. Some facilities…
Find staff contact details in our directories of academic and professional staff in the School of BioSciences.
Humans of BioSciences
We've been able to achieve as much as we have because of our strong relationships with industry, alumni, our supporters and the community. Engage with us and help us to achieve even more.
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Events
Seminars, public lectures, school programs and more.
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Industry engagement
Research collaborations, technology licensing, student internships and more.
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VCE Biology Program
The School of BioSciences, University of Melbourne, is running an online program for VCE Biology students from 22 June 2021.
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Alumni
Being a valued member of our biosciences community doesn't stop at graduation. Here's how to stay connected.
Support BioSciences
Our generous benefactors make it possible for our best and brightest biosciences talent to flourish, and find solutions to the issues that matter most.
We invite you to join the thousands of donors worldwide who support our people and our work.
If you're passionate about Australian animals, you can support some very practical efforts to help ensure their survivval into the future through the Native Australian Animals Trust. Or donations to our Botany Foundation can enable research with very significant implications for human wellbeing.
By integrating expertise in ecology, evolution, and molecular and cellular biology, we have a unique capacity to address major scientific and societal problems in biology.
About the School of BioSciences
Photo: Paul Burston
Research
At present, the School leads more than 240 research projects supported by competitive funding of about $100m.
Our research falls into two domains: the Ecology and Evolutionary Biology domain and the Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology domain.
We host a number of significant research centres. Our work is supported by state-of-the-art facilities and infrastructure, and our research capacity is strengthened by strategic partnerships with other institutions, government agencies, and industry.
Teaching
The School of BioSciences is a major contributor to teaching of some 3000 undergraduates each year in the Bachelor of Science, as well as a broad range of postgraduate programs.
The quality of our teaching programs has been recognised with multiple national teaching awards, and our School is home to a vibrant community of over 200 PhD, masters and honours students.
Engagement
We welcome community engagement in every aspect of our work. We have a strong educational outreach program in VCE Biology and two great collections of national significance in the University of Melbourne Herbarium and the Tiegs Museum.
Our values
The School of BioSciences values a respectful, consultative and supportive environment that provides a physically and psychologically safe space.
The school supports diversity and inclusion and seeks to foster the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities both within and external to the university.
I invite you to explore our website and learn more about the activities of the School. If you have additional questions or are interested in pursuing studies in our undergraduate or postgraduate programs, we welcome your enquiry.
Professor Ute Roessner
Head of School