Why Bachelor of Science?
Studying evolutionary biology satisfies a deep human urge to understand our origins. You’ll love investigating the complexities of life on Earth – and your place within it. How did ancient fish come to walk on land? Why would a tree grow fruit underground? The way plants and animals have evolved over time is incredible.
Entering this field puts you at the heart of progress. As climate change accelerates, industries are rushing to adapt to ecological shifts. You'll tackle urgent global challenges such as biodiversity conservation and sustainable living. Your skills will be in demand across exciting fields like biomedicine, forensic science and environmental management.
Overview
Our Bachelor of Science majoring in Evolutionary Biology introduces you to the astonishing diversity of life on Earth. Drawing on Australia’s natural environments – from pristine beaches to rocky ranges – you’ll learn all about the many life forms on our planet.
Explore the origins of plants and animals, their adaptations, and genetic heritage. Examine how evolutionary biology informs conservation efforts and helps predict climate change. With a blend of fieldwork, laboratory research and theory, this degree will inspire your curiosity and open doors to dynamic and fulfilling careers. You’ll graduate as a sharp evolutionary thinker, confident and prepared to join the global science community.
Key features
Fast-track your future in science and research
Choose the 4-year Bachelor of Science (Honours) to build advanced research skills, or fast-track into a Master of Research with just 1–1.25 years of extra study.
Explore the evolution of plants and animals around the world.- Learn to tell fact from fiction in evolutionary theory.
- Gain advanced practical experience through hands-on projects and fieldwork.
- Work in purpose-built laboratories with industry-standard equipment.
- Tackle real-world challenges in evolutionary biology.
- Flexible final year professional experience options including research projects and industry placements.
What you'll learn
This degree will give you a deep understanding of evolution. You’ll explore micro- and macro- evolutionary biology, from the smallest cellular mutations to the patterns of species across continents. What are climate change’s impacts on evolution? How is big data reshaping the field?
Through critical analysis of evolutionary theory, you’ll learn to address contemporary issues in human, animal, plant, fungal and microbial systems. You’ll gain essential skills for a changing future, including practical knowledge of taxonomy, genomics analysis and population genetics.
Core courses will help you build broad scientific literacy, enriched by Aboriginal knowledge and perspectives. This degree offers flexible hybrid delivery, which includes a mix of on-campus and online study.
Your courses with cover both theoretical and practical topics, including:
- Botany
- Zoology
- Biology (of molecules, genes, cells, and organisms)
- Evolutionary biology
- Animal and plant identification and monitoring
- Molecular methods in ecology and evolution.
Our wide range of electives give you the freedom to explore a little bit of everything. You could study another area of science or venture into non-science areas such as arts, languages, business, mathematics – or something else entirely.
In your final year, you’ll develop your professional practice skills through a work-integrated learning experience, including flexible options such as research projects or an industry placement in your chosen area of interest.
Majors
The Bachelor of Science is also available with majors in the following:
- Analytical Chemistry
- Animal Behaviour
- Animal Science
- Biotechnology
- Chemistry
- Computational Physics
- Ecology
- Environmental Science
- Environmental and Geospatial Science
- Evolutionary Biology
- Evolutionary Biology and Palaeontology
- Experimental Physics
- Food Science and Technology
- Genetics
- Geology
- Geology and Earth Resources
- Geology and Palaeontology
- Geophysics
- Marine and Wildlife Conservation
- Medicinal and Biological Chemistry
- Microbiology and Immunology
- Nuclear Chemistry
- Nuclear and Radiation Physics
- Physics and Geophysics
- Plant Biology
- Pure and Applied Chemistry
- Soil Science
- Space Science and Astrophysics
- Theoretical Physics.
Degree Structure: Bachelor of Science majoring in Evolutionary Biology
Program code: BSCIE
Complete 144 units comprising:
- 42 to 54 units for Core Courses, and
- Either:
- 78 to 102 units for one Major from Majors, or
- 54 units for Discipline courses, and
- 0 to 48 units for Electives
Study plan
A study plan sets out the courses you will need to complete and the recommended timing for each one. This will help to guide your enrolment in each study period, alongside any additional information provided below. If you have received a personalised plan or alternative advice from your Program Director, please refer to that guidance in the first instance, or seek help from your Program Director or Student Assist if you are unsure.
Enrolment information
Find details about the rules and notes that apply to your program, along with other essential information required for successful enrolment. Supplementary supporting resources may also be provided where applicable.
Courses
Listed here are all the courses that contribute to your program, including elective options that can be chosen. These courses come together to form your study plan. Courses fall into different categories, each of which have specific unit values that need to be met under the program rules.
What courses you'll study
Complete 144 units comprising:
- 42 to 54 units for Core Courses, and
- Either:
- 78 to 102 units for one Major from Majors, or
- 54 units for Discipline courses, and
- 0 to 48 units for Electives
Complete 42 to 54 units comprising:
- 6 to 12 units for all Program Core, and
- 12 to 18 units from Common Core, and
- 6 to 30 units from Core Selective
| Course name | Course code | Units | |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Course name
Science of People, Society and the Future Planet
|
Course code
SCIE1001
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Data Skills for Scientists
|
Course code
STAT1000
|
Units
6
|
Common core description
Common core courses are interdisciplinary courses that build key graduate capabilities.
| Course name | Course code | Units | |
|---|---|---|---|
|
|
Course name
An Ethically Rich Life
|
Course code
COREX001
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Fact or Fiction: Data for Everyone
|
Course code
COREX002
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Igniting Change: Ideas to Action
|
Course code
COREX003
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Transforming Learning through First Nations Knowledges
|
Course code
COREX004
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Responsible AI: Bridging Ethics, Education and Industry
|
Course code
COREX005
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Building Belonging: Navigating Cultural Complexities
|
Course code
COREX006
|
Units
6
|
| Course name | Course code | Units | |
|---|---|---|---|
|
|
Course name
Biology 1A: Molecules, Genes and Cells
|
Course code
BIOL1003
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Biology 1B: Evolution and Diversity of Organisms
|
Course code
BIOL1004
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Foundations in Chemistry
|
Course code
CHEM1000
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Chemistry 1A
|
Course code
CHEM1002
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Chemistry 1B
|
Course code
CHEM1003
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Planet Earth
|
Course code
EART1000
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Earth, Climate and Life Systems
|
Course code
EART1012
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Foundations in Mathematics
|
Course code
MATH1000
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Calculus 1
|
Course code
MATH1004
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Calculus 2
|
Course code
MATH1005
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Essential Mathematics
|
Course code
MATH1015
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Linear Algebra
|
Course code
MATHX104
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Differential Equations
|
Course code
MATHX202
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Foundations in Physics
|
Course code
PHYS1000
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Physics 1A
|
Course code
PHYS1001
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Physics 1B
|
Course code
PHYS1002
|
Units
6
|
Notes
-
Program Core - Students in the following Majors will not enrol in STAT1000 Data Skills for Scientists:
Computational Physics, Experimental Physics, Nuclear and Radiation Physics, Physics and Geophysics, Space Science and Astrophysics, Theoretical Physics
Complete 54 units for ALL of the following:
| Course name | Course code | Units | |
|---|---|---|---|
|
|
Course name
Biology 1B: Evolution and Diversity of Organisms
|
Course code
BIOL1004
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Ecological Issues 1
|
Course code
BIOL1032
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Zoology 2
|
Course code
BIOL2004
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Evolutionary Biology 2
|
Course code
BIOL2022
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Botany 2
|
Course code
BIOL2023
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Molecular Methods in Ecology and Evolution
|
Course code
BIOL3033
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Evolutionary Biology 3 Theory
|
Course code
BIOL3035
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Palaeontology and Palaeoenvironments 3
|
Course code
EART3001
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Scientific Data: Analysis and Visualisation
|
Course code
SCIE2000
|
Units
6
|
Work Integrated Learning description
WIL courses give you real‑world experience as part of your degree.
Complete 6 to 12 units for ALL of the following:
| Course name | Course code | Units | |
|---|---|---|---|
|
|
Course name
Evolutionary Biology 3 Practical
|
Course code
BIOL3036
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Science Professional Placement
|
Course code
SCIE3900
|
Units
6
|
Notes
Students must complete Evolutionary Biology 3 Practical. Students may complete Science Professional Placement or a free elective."
Electives description
A flexible course choice within your degree.
Complete 0 to 48 units for either of the following:
- 0 to 48 units from Free Electives, or
- 0 to 48 units from Electives - unspecified plan
| Course name | Course code | Units | |
|---|---|---|---|
|
|
Course name
Agricultural Production
|
Course code
AGRI1000
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Soils and Landscapes
|
Course code
AGRI1003
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Environmental Sustainability and Soil Carbon 2
|
Course code
AGRI2000
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Soil and Water Resources
|
Course code
AGRI2004
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Crop and Pasture Production
|
Course code
AGRI2005
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Agricultural Biochemistry
|
Course code
AGRI2006
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Microbiology and Invertebrate Biology
|
Course code
AGRI2013
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Soil and Water Management and Conservation 3
|
Course code
AGRI3011
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Contaminants in the Agro-ecosystem
|
Course code
AGRI3012
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Soil and Plant Nutrition
|
Course code
AGRI3013
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Soil Ecology and Nutrient Cycling 3
|
Course code
AGRI3014
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Biology 1C: Molecular Biology and Biomedical Science
|
Course code
BIOL1031
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Ecological Issues 1
|
Course code
BIOL1032
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Zoology 2
|
Course code
BIOL2004
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Principles of Biotechnology 2
|
Course code
BIOL2019
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Botany 2
|
Course code
BIOL2023
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Foundations in Plant Science
|
Course code
BIOL2024
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Plant Identification 2
|
Course code
BIOL2049
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Animal Identification in Wildlife Conservation 2
|
Course code
BIOL2050
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Principles of Ecology 2
|
Course code
BIOL2051
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Molecular and Biomedical Science Practical 2
|
Course code
BIOL2900
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Microbial Ecology
|
Course code
BIOLX200
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Bioinformatics: Sequencing Technologies
|
Course code
BIOLX401
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Bioinformatics: Overview
|
Course code
BIOLX402
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Introduction to Environmental Chemistry
|
Course code
CHEM1004
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Environmental Chemistry 2
|
Course code
CHEM2010
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Food Chemistry
|
Course code
CHEMX200
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Problem Solving and Programming
|
Course code
COMP1002
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Object-Oriented Programming
|
Course code
COMP1005
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Extra-terrestrial Geoscience
|
Course code
EART1002
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Geophysics 2
|
Course code
EART2003
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Sedimentary Geology 2
|
Course code
EART2008
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Structural Geology 2
|
Course code
EART2009
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Igneous and Metamorphic Geology 2
|
Course code
EART2010
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Geochemistry 2
|
Course code
EART2011
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Mineral Resources 2
|
Course code
EART2012
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Palaeontology and Palaeoenvironments 3
|
Course code
EART3001
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Mineral Resources 3
|
Course code
EART3014
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Space Missions
|
Course code
EART4005
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Fire and Culture
|
Course code
EARTX300
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Earth Observation for the Environmental Sciences
|
Course code
ECOL3001
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Introduction to Surveying and Spatial Sciences
|
Course code
ENGI1006
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Introduction to Remote Sensing
|
Course code
ENGI2002
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Spatial Data Acquisition and Analysis
|
Course code
ENGI2004
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Food Processing and Safety
|
Course code
ENGPX415
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Fundamentals of Climate Change
|
Course code
ENVI1001
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Physical Geography and Human Environmental Impacts
|
Course code
ENVI1010
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Environmental Interpretation and Community Engagement
|
Course code
ENVI2007
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Park and Ecotourism Management
|
Course code
ENVI2008
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Climate and Sustainability
|
Course code
ENVI2010
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Environmental Impact Assessment 3
|
Course code
ENVI3002
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
GIS for Agriculture and Natural Resources
|
Course code
ENVI3008
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Environmental Pollution and Monitoring
|
Course code
ENVI3010
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
GIS for Environmental Management
|
Course code
ENVI3011
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Environmental Technologies 3
|
Course code
ENVI3012
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Introduction to Food and Science Technology
|
Course code
FOOD1000
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Future Foods
|
Course code
FOOD3005
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Advanced Food Microbiology
|
Course code
FOOD3015
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Sensory Evaluations of Food
|
Course code
FOODX200
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Food Production in a Future Climate
|
Course code
FOODX300
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Food Microbiology
|
Course code
FOODX500
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Food Quality and Regulation
|
Course code
FOODX501
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Discrete Mathematics
|
Course code
MATH1006
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Geometry
|
Course code
MATH1007
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Mathematics in Action
|
Course code
MATH1012
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Complex Analysis
|
Course code
MATHX100
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Mathematical Modelling
|
Course code
MATHX103
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Data Taming and Prediction
|
Course code
MATHX105
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Critical Evaluation in Data Science
|
Course code
MATHX106
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Algebra
|
Course code
MATHX201
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Real Analysis
|
Course code
MATHX206
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Introduction to Nutrition
|
Course code
NUTR1000
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Astronomy 1
|
Course code
PHYS1003
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Nuclear and Radiation Physics 2
|
Course code
PHYS2006
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Scientific Data: Analysis and Visualisation
|
Course code
SCIE2000
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Human Behaviour and Conservation 3
|
Course code
SCIE3001
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Web Cartography
|
Course code
SCIE3003
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Science International Study Tour
|
Course code
SCIE3009
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Communicating Science
|
Course code
SCIEX300
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Probability and Statistics
|
Course code
STATX100
|
Units
6
|
Notes
-
Electives - unspecified plan - The electives listed above are for students in the unspecified plan of the Bachelor of Science. Students in a defined plan should refer to the electives listed within their major.
Complete 6 to 12 units from the following:
| Course name | Course code | Units | |
|---|---|---|---|
|
|
Course name
Plant Identification 2
|
Course code
BIOL2049
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Animal Identification in Wildlife Conservation 2
|
Course code
BIOL2050
|
Units
6
|
Complete 24 to 42 units for ALL of the following:
| Course name | Course code | Units | |
|---|---|---|---|
|
|
Course name
Biology 1C: Molecular Biology and Biomedical Science
|
Course code
BIOL1031
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Freshwater Ecology 3
|
Course code
BIOL3034
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Conservation Biology 3
|
Course code
BIOL3037
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Advanced Concepts in Ecology 3
|
Course code
BIOL3038
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Bioinformatics: Overview
|
Course code
BIOLX402
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Planet Earth
|
Course code
EART1000
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Earth, Climate and Life Systems
|
Course code
EART1012
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Field Palaeontology 3
|
Course code
EART3002
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Communicating Science
|
Course code
SCIEX300
|
Units
6
|
Career outcomes
Evolutionary biology can lead to many different careers exploring the evolution of life. You could unravel the genetic secrets of viruses as a molecular evolutionist. You might work in a museum, curating fossil or insect exhibits. As an extraterrestrial ecologist, you could even design ecosystems for other planets.
Other possible careers include:
- Genetic counsellor
- Conservation geneticist
- Climate adaptation strategist
- Forensic DNA analyst
- Biomedical research scientist
- Environmental consultant
- Evolutionary ecologist
- Paleogeneticist
- Public health adviser
- Zoologist
- Botanist
- Science communicator.
Industry trends
Advances in DNA sequencing and computational biology have led to an explosion of genetic data. Evolutionary biologists who can analyse this data are crucial for understanding genetic diversity, adaptation, and the evolutionary relationships between species.
As the climate changes, we also need skilled evolutionary biologists to develop strategies for maintaining and protecting ecosystems. Our degree provides the expertise needed to navigate these challenges and make a valuable contribution to the evolving landscape.
Ready to apply?
Please note that a non-refundable application fee of AUD$150 applies for every application submitted to Adelaide University.
Your study experience and support
Adelaide University sets you up for success in your studies – and your social life. You’ll have access to work placement and internship opportunities, overseas study tours and exchanges, networking events with guest speakers and more. Our campuses are equipped with purpose-built facilities including lecture theatres, libraries, workshops, laboratories, and spaces that simulate real work environments. These are all supported by the latest technologies and a 24/7 online learning platform with personalised study information and resources.
You’ll have everything you need to live well and thrive during your studies, with health services on campus, gymnasiums, technology zones and modern student lounges. Get involved in campus sport or join our student clubs that will connect you to your passions – and the people who share them.
Adelaide also has a variety of accommodation options to suit your individual requirements and budget, with options ranging from dedicated student accommodation to private rentals. One of the world’s most liveable cities, Adelaide has lots of leafy parks, gardens and social hubs – and some of the highest living standards globally. No matter where you are in Adelaide, you’re only a short distance from beaches, vineyards, museums, art galleries, restaurants, bars and parklands. Visit the accommodation web page to find out more.
Student services
We’re here to support you on your student journey. Adelaide University offers a range of support services and facilities, including:
- Career advice and mentoring services
- Personal counselling
- LGBTQIA+ support
- Academic support
- Fees and finance help
- Security services
- Accommodation services
- Common rooms
- Prayer rooms.
You’ll also have unlimited access to our dedicated student support hub. Visit in-person or online, or contact our friendly team by phone. We can assist you with anything study-related including enrolment, identification cards, timetables, fees and more.
Your program team
Your campus
You'll be studying at one of our renowned campuses, accessing cutting-edge facilities and contemporary study spaces.
Study hours
Your courses will require a combination of different learning formats, including lectures, tutorials, workshops, seminars and practicals. Aside from your classes, you’ll also need to allocate additional time for independent study. This may include assignments, readings, projects and contributing to online discussion forums. As a rough guide, full-time studies may require 12-26 hours of class time and 14-18 hours of independent study per week.
Assessment
During your studies at Adelaide University, you’ll complete a mixture of practical, professional and research-based learning. Your assessment types will vary depending on the degree you’re studying, but may include:
- Case studies
- Essays and assignments
- Examinations
- Group projects
- Internships and placements
- Practicals
- Presentations
- Reports and project documentations
- Research projects
- Workplace and classroom contributions.
