All life shares a common ancestor, and so whether your interest is in genetics, ecology, botany, zoology, agriculture, evolution, or the medical, veterinary or other health sciences, it all starts in the same place.
The biological and health sciences are diverse and expansive – you really can pursue a career that aligns with your interests, whether it's in a lab or clinical setting, allied health or even a national park.
As well as your deep scientific knowledge, you'll be highly regarded for your skills in project and stakeholder management, data analysis, quality assurance and control, customer service and business development. You’ll also become familiar with software and coding languages widely used by industry professionals in the biological and health sectors: Python, SAO, SQL, Tableau, Salesforce, ERP and C++.
Industry/market salary guide
6,626
biochemistry and molecular biology jobs advertised in 2023
3,806
biotechnology and physiology jobs advertised in 2023
7,601
pathology jobs advertised in 2023
10,082
psychology jobs advertised in 2023
$120,538
is the average geneticist salary
$114,036
is the average lab manager salary
$111,480
is the average botanist salary
$112,645
is the average ecologist salary
Source: EmployMe and au.talent.com, 2024.
Where do our graduates go?
You could work as an allied health professional, animal biologist, bioinformatics scientist, biosecurity officer, clinical coder, forensic scientist, medical scientist, park ranger, physiologist, plant breeder or pathologist, technical officer, or a laboratory assistant, technician or manager.
Outside of lab or clinical settings, you could pursue a career as a marketing manager, museum curator, quality assurance expert, policy advisor, teacher, ecotourism expert, patent lawyer or consultant.
Biological sciences employers can include: Australian and state governments, CSIRO, Florey Institute, Museums Victoria, Parks Victoria, Peter Doherty Institute, Roche, VicForests and Zoos Victoria.
Health sciences employers can include: Australian and state governments, Dorevitch Pathology, Healius Limited, Murdoch Children’s Research Centre, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Royal Melbourne Hospital Sonic Healthplus, Southern Cross Care, Suncorp Group Limited, Thermo Fisher Scientific.
Get your career started
Biological sciences
The University of Melbourne’s Bachelor of Science, with a major in the biological sciences, is a fantastic place to start whether you’re interested in animal science, botany, biotechnology, ecology, forestry, genetics, horticulture, marine biology or zoology. Learn from our renowned researchers, who work on everything from sensory ecology to aquaculture technology and plant pathology. Gain business, analytical and communication skills which can be applied in the global workforce, alongside many of our alumni.
Health sciences
Pursue your interests in audiology, nursing, physiotherapy, social work, speech pathology and optometry and vision sciences. At the University of Melbourne, you’ll have access to state-of-the-art facilities in the Melbourne Biomedical Precinct and a network of skilled professionals. Clinical education and fieldwork placements will also give you invaluable practical experience.