Welcome to the School of Biological Sciences and Biotechnology

The School of Biological Sciences and Biotechnology at Murdoch University has built an impressive reputation over the years as a result of its longstanding and popular degree courses Biological Sciences and Biotechnology.

Over the past 25 years, a lot of changes have occurred in science. The expansion of our knowledge in the area of molecular genetics has taken genetic engineering out of the realm of science fiction and made it a reality. Gene manipulation is assuming immense importance in medicine and the relevance of gene transfer technology to industry is also increasing.

In recognition of the major contribution that molecular biology will make to science and society in the 21st century, we have strengthened our Biotechnology course, and from 1999 have offered an exciting new course in Molecular Biology. We have also initiated a special joint degree in Biotechnology and Commerce, which admitted students for the first time in 2002. Another area of recent change in the biological sciences is the emergence of Conservation Biology as a discipline in its own right. Many ecologists believe that the current rates of extinction of animal and plant species are higher than the normal "background" rate by a factor of up to 1,000. This is due to the increasing impact humans are having on the normal functioning of ecosystems. It is an ominous trend, and to combat it there is an increasing worldwide need for graduates with rigorous training in the management of ecosystems and the conservation of wildlife. To address this need, in 1999 we initiated a new degree course in Conservation Biology.

We also live in a world in which there is an increasing appreciation of the role of our oceans, as sources of food, as generators of weather and as regions filled with a fascinating flora and fauna. In collaboration with our colleagues in the School of Environmental Science, we have offered, since 1998, a course in Marine Science, which integrates both the biology and the physical aspects of the oceans.

The establishment of a national DNA database to help identify criminals, the use of generic analysis in paternity testing and the increased application of DNA profiling in medicine, agriculture and in conservation biology, has resulted in an increased demand for graduates with well developed skills in these areas. In recognition of these growing requirements, the School established a degree in Forensic Biology and Toxicology, which commenced in 2004. We have already experienced unprecedented demand for this new course.

Our highly successful degree in Biological Sciences has been retained to provide the generalist training important in a world where scientific courses are best addressed through an interdisciplinary approach. Our degree courses have been structured with a view to maintaining the flexibility this school has always valued. Different emphases are available to suit your needs and attractive double majors and minors have been constructed to enhance your employability and to increase your adaptability as we move further in the 21st century.

Associate Professor Max Cake
Head of School of Biological Sciences and Biotechnology
March 2004