School of Biological Sciences
Our vision: Biology without borders
Our mission: Investigating Earth’s biodiversity and natural environments to ensure sustainable futures through effective engagement
The School of Biological Sciences is a large, multidisciplinary School with research and teaching focused on understanding and conserving life on Earth. Understanding and communicating the vulnerabilities, adaptability and resilience of plants and animals on land and in our rivers and oceans helps to better value and protect the biodiversity around us.
As biologists, we are passionate about understanding how all forms of life – microorganisms, fungi, plants and animals – grow, acclimate, sense the world around them, communicate, defend themselves, reproduce and evolve. We study how species and ecosystems can be managed, conserved and restored. Our work also provides knowledge to advance sustainability, food production, plant and animal disease management, environmental management, climate science, medical science and science communication.
Our researchers tackle challenges to society in laboratories and at field sites across the world, studying plants and animals and their habitats in both natural and managed environments. We use techniques ranging from molecular and genetic analyses to novel and cutting-edge techniques like genomics and environmental DNA and big-data synthesis to assess and monitor whole populations, communities and ecosystems both regionally and globally. We are committed to engaging with diverse communities through innovative, inclusive, and evidence-based practise. Read more about our achievements in our latest highlight report.
Our teaching supports undergraduate majors in botany, biodiversity and evolution, conservation biology, marine biology, marine science, neuroscience, plant biology, wildlife conservation and zoology, as well as minors in science communication and ecology. At the Masters level, we deliver specialisations in bioinformatics, conservation biology, marine biology and zoology within the Master of Biological Sciences, as well as a Master of Science Communication.
Courses
Higher Degree by Research opportunities and projects
Students who are interested in research projects should visit the Higher Degree by Research Application Portal and browse the Project Opportunities section.
All current projects and their supervisors are available in this Portal. This includes PhD and Master by research projects and scholarships. You can search by research areas or a specific school, see available scholarships and contact prospective supervisors. You can also directly contact a potential supervisor using the discipline links (above).
Research centres and groups
- Centre for Evolutionary Biology
-
The Centre for Evolutionary Biology is a UWA Centre of Excellence, delivering excellence in research and research training. We adopt a multidisciplinary approach to exploring selective processes acting on the morphological and life-history traits of whole organisms and their gametes.
We offer excellence in research training at undergraduate and postgraduate levels, including master's and PhD scholarships, with many opportunities available.
- The West Australian Biogeochemistry Centre
-
The West Australian Biogeochemistry Centre (WABC) connects researchers in stable isotope science and is part of the John de Laeter Centre of Excellence in Mass Spectrometry.
The Centre is a centralised, stable isotope facility conducting research which focuses on the application of stable isotope science to environmental and ecological problems in terrestrial and marine environments.
- Minderoo-UWA Deep-Sea Research Centre
-
The University of Western Australia and Minderoo Foundation have joined forces to establish a world leading deep-ocean research centre, to increase understanding about the deepest parts of the ocean. The multidisciplinary centre spans biological, ecological, geological and technological aspects of the deep-sea through extensive scientific exploration.
- NESP Marine and Coastal Hub
-
UWA has a leadership role in the Marine and Coastal Hub is funded by the Australian Government's National Environmental Science Program (NESP).
The Hub is designed to foster and lead research to improve environmental, cultural, social, and economic outcomes for marine and coastal Australia. Our collaborative approach is driven by the needs of research users, and builds on 15 years of achievement in previous national funding programs. - The UWA Centre for Applied Bioinformatics
- The UWA Centre for Applied Bioinformatics is a virtual centre that supports bioinformatics teaching, research training, research and outreach for individuals who share similar requirements for training and access to infrastructure. The centre brings together expertise from across UWA, from six schools, Perkins, TKI and the Marshall centre. The Centre supports researchers at all levels and people with diverse expertise and requirements, from needing to analyse their lab data through to large scale studies using high performance computing.
- See more
-
- Marine Futures Laboratory
Research at the Marine Futures Laboratory boasts high academic and real-life impacts. It is used to directly inform and influence both policy and management actions on national and international scales.
Our skill set is as board as our range of interests with strong expertise in areas such as quantitative and behavioural ecology, statistical modelling, environmental monitoring, molecular biology, or wildlife genetics. - Sea Around Us - Indian Ocean
The Sea Around Us – Indian Ocean, in partnership with the global Sea Around Us research initiative, uses big-data science in global and ocean-basin scale fisheries and marine conservation research. Over the last 20 years, we have built the world’s largest database of fisheries data. Such data lend themselves to a wide variety of scientific investigations, and allow the answering of strategic policy questions raised by stakeholders in global fisheries or that address national needs of Indian Ocean rim countries.
- Marine Futures Laboratory
Multidisciplinary research hubs
- ARC Centre of Excellence in Plant Energy Biology
-
The Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence in Plant Energy Biology (PEB) is a cutting edge research centre focused on better understanding the way in which plants interconvert forms of chemical energy in response to environmental change.
Our vision is to enhance plant energy efficiency by simultaneously optimising energy capture, conversion and use in changing environments to improve the sustainable productivity of plants. - Cooperative Research Centre for Honey Bee Products
-
The Cooperative Research Centre for Honey Bee Products addresses industry problems limiting the value and expansion of the Australian honey bee products industry.
It aims to make Australian honey renowned as unique, pure and priced for its rarity. The Centre undertakes research to ensure better understanding of the Australian honey bee, its product and its pivotal importance within Australian agriculture.
- UWA Oceans Institute
-
The UWA Oceans Institute provides state-of-the-art facilities for researchers, industry and government to come together to address the challenges facing our oceans, coasts and estuaries.
Fundamental and applied research is conducted across engineering, biophysical sciences and social sciences to support evidence-based decision-making.
- Western Australian Biodiversity Science Institute
-
The Western Australian Biodiversity Science Institute (WABSI) is a joint venture partnership with leading research organisations, with multi-disciplinary research expertise.
It brings industry, government, researchers and community together to help address WA’s strategic biodiversity priorities through collaborative research.
- Western Australian Marine Science Institute
-
The Western Australian Marine Science Institution (WAMSI) is a leading Australian marine research organisation.
Its structure is like no other because it is a collaboration of State, Federal, industry and academic entities cooperating to create benchmark research and independent, quality scientific information.
It carries out research into climate change, biodiversity, the iconic Ningaloo Marine Park, sustainable fisheries, biotechnology and oceanography, and has overseen the development of a marine bioresources library that will store thousands of marine samples collected by researchers.
- See more
Industry and community partnerships
We collaborate with industry, business and government. Our partnerships generate research outcomes, public awareness and impact policy. Our research partners include:
- Angela Rossen, Artist and Biodiversity Educator
- ARC Centre for Mine Site Restoration
- BASF
- Co-operative Education for Enterprise Development
- CSIRO
- Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions
- Fisheries Research and Development Corporation
- HELIX Molecular Solutions
- Integrated Marine Observing System - IMOS
- Iluka
- Kings Park (Botanic Gardens & Parks Authority)
- Kwongan Foundation
- The Perron Institute for Neurological and Translational Science
- Western Australian Museum
- Perth Zoo
- Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development
- Rio Tinto
- Rottnest Island Authority
- Sea Around Us
- Western Rock Lobster Council
Facilities
- Alison Baird Reserve
-
The Yule Brook Reserve is also known as the Alison Baird Reserve and is a protected area of bushland in Kenwick owned by the University. The 35-hectare reserve is part of the Greater Brixton Street Wetlands, an area with the highest plant biodiversity of any surveyed bushland remnant in Perth.
The Reserve is a long-term research and training area for botanists. The Kwongan Foundation Facebook includes a gallery of images of the Alison Baird Reserve at Yule Brook.
- Centre for Microscopy, Characterisation and Analysis
-
Our electron, ion, light imaging and microanalysis facilities are world-class and feature a unique ion probe facility and MRI facility.
Internationally renowned academic and expert general staff provide support ranging from initial project discussion and planning through to application of cutting-edge techniques and assistance with data interpretation. Visit the centre's website for more information. - Harry Waring Marsupial Reserve
-
The Harry Waring Marsupial Reserve is 20 minutes south of Fremantle. It is a feral-proof fenced reserve, without any feral foxes or cats, which harbours endangered marsupials and animals such as brushtail possums, echidnas, quenda (bandicoot), reptiles, black gloved wallabies and kangaroos.
The reserve consists of 200 hectares of pristine Banksia woodlands, which also acts as an important habitat for the endangered Carnaby’s Black Cockatoos and other Australian native birds.
- Plant Growth Facilities
-
The UWA Plant Growth Facility (PGF) provides a high-quality, functional and practical growing site for carrying out experiments under controlled conditions.
The facility has the capacity for a wide range of research projects and is available to all staff and students while also supporting national and international collaborative research.
- Shenton Park Field Station
-
The Shenton Park Field Station spans 67 hectares and is a research facility for various areas of study.
The field station has facilities, including large, open irrigated field areas, netted areas, screen houses, glasshouses, PC2 facilities and quarantine facilities.
- The West Australian Biogeochemistry Centre
-
The West Australian Biogeochemistry Centre (WABC) connects researchers in stable isotope science and is part of the John de Laeter Centre of Excellence in Mass Spectrometry.
The Centre is a centralised, stable isotope facility conducting research which focuses on the application of stable isotope science to environmental and ecological problems in terrestrial and marine environments.
Community and engagement
The School values its links with the community, reaching out to share its knowledge and expertise. Our academics and students actively engage with school children and community events, such as Perth Royal Show, Perth Science Festival. In addition, they give radio interviews, newspaper articles and public talks.
Details of all our upcoming events can be found on our events calendar below.
News
-
Things that go buzz in the night - there really are more insects out after dark
Fri, 19 Apr 2024
-
Masses of scalloped hammerheads have returned to one of Australia's busiest beaches. But we don't need to panic
Tue, 16 Apr 2024
-
Study unearths survival strategies of root systems
Mon, 15 Apr 2024
![](/schools/-/media/faculties/science/rich-text/school-of-bio-sci-join-600_x_361.jpg)
Join us
Dedicated staff and students in the School of Biological Sciences are producing innovative and life-changing research. PhD students, postdoctoral fellows or potential staff who are interested in pursuing projects with the School can find out more about our current opportunities below.
![people sitting in a lecture room](/schools/-/media/faculties/science/rich-text/school-of-biological-sciences-seminar-600_x_361.jpg?h=361&w=600&hash=FEB9E52ABF236636485B9A0262CE98A8)
School of Biological Sciences Seminar Series
The School holds a weekly seminar series featuring local and international guest speakers.
The seminars are held each Friday at 3pm. Information about the seminar topics and venue can be found on the School of Biological Sciences Facebook.