Bachelor

Bachelor of Science (Major in Biological Sciences)

Program Overview

The Bachelor of Science majoring in Biological Sciences covers the disciplines of botany, zoology, and microbiology through study of plant and animal anatomy and physiology, biochemistry, genetics, evolution, ethnobiology, ecological processes, and terrestrial, aquatic, and marine ecosystems. Specialised courses include taxonomy, applied entomology, microbiology, and research skills relevant for biologists in Papua New Guinea's extraordinary biodiversity context.

Specialisation streams include Botany (plants, forestry, horticulture, agronomy), Zoology (animals, entomology), Microbiology (microorganisms, plant pathology, food industry), Ecology (biodiversity conservation), Genetics (inheritance and plant/animal breeding), Physiology (cellular and whole-organism function), and Marine/Freshwater Biology (marine resource management and freshwater aquaculture). Papua New Guinea's position as one of the world's most biodiverse nations makes this an exceptionally rich program.

Entry Requirements

To be eligible for selection into the Science Foundation Year (SFY), applicants must have successfully completed Grade 12 from a recognised institution. Requirements are strict:

  • Minimum overall GPA of 3.20 (in practice, applicants with higher GPAs are generally considered).
  • Minimum grade of B in English — a grade of C automatically disqualifies the applicant.
  • Minimum grade of A in Advanced Mathematics (Maths A) — General Mathematics (Maths B) cannot substitute for Advanced Mathematics.
  • Minimum grade of B in Biology, Chemistry, and Physics at Grade 12 level.
  • Intake is limited by a strict quota system.

Non-School Leavers must complete all three sciences in addition to English, and must complete Applied Finite Mathematics if upgrading Mathematics A. They must meet the minimum GPA of 3.20 and will be recommended to enrol at the NCD Open Campus if all requirements are met.

Course Structure

Year 1

Semester 1

  • 1.10102The Biology Century & PNG
  • 1.10104Biology IA

Semester 2

  • 1.10105Biology IB

Year 2

Semester 1

  • 1.20101Introduction to Ecological Processes
  • 1.20104Origin & Diversity of Life

Semester 2

  • 1.20102Introduction to Cellular Processes
  • 1.20103Introduction to Genetics & Evolution

Year 3

Semester 1

  • 1.30101Invertebrate Biology
  • 1.30103Plant Biology
  • 1.30111Biology Work Experience
  • 1.30113Ecological Plant Physiology
  • 1.30114Microbiology
  • 1.30116Biometry

Semester 2

  • 1.30102Vertebrate Biology
  • 1.30104Ecological Dynamics
  • 1.30112Physiological Ecology of Animals
  • 1.30115Approaches to Ethnobiology
  • 1.30117Plant Diversity

Year 4

Semester 1

  • 1.40102Terrestrial Ecosystem & Management
  • 1.40103Marine Ecosystems & Management
  • 1.40106Evolutionary Processes
  • 1.41002Research Techniques & Skills

Semester 2

  • 1.40101Freshwater Ecosystem & Management
  • 1.40104Fundamental & Applied Entomology
  • 1.40105Applied Microbiology
  • 1.40107Principles & Practice of Taxonomy
  • 1.40108Biochemistry
  • 1.41001Selected Topic
  • 1.41003Selected Topic

Course codes shown are indicative. Please contact the School directly for official course codes and credit information.