What to expect in first year

Studying biology at first-year level at Monash provides students with an exceptional grounding in the generic skills required by modern biologists and those interested in obtaining a broadly-based science degree. It has been said that while the 20th century was the century of physics, the 21st century will be the century of biology. This is most likely due to the increase demand for a sustainable and healthy environment and the advances in the areas of genetics, medicine and ecology. This is an exciting time to be a biologist and studying biology provides you with the opportunity to be a part of these great changes! The first-year biology lab was completely refurbished in the late 1990’s and is considered to be one of the best teaching facilities for biology in Australia. It is a well-equipped laboratory complex, with state-of-the-art computer facilities, multimedia resources and is designed to allow large and small group learning. We provide a structured course with excellent student support and facilities. We will prepare students for a broad range of careers through high quality programs in basic sciences. We will inspire and nurture your curiosity in order to improve our understanding of how our world evolved and operates. With the support of a full-time tutor, the latest tutorial and assessment tools are utilised to facilitate learning in biology. We create a flexible and innovative teaching program that provides you with the skills to learn, the motivation to want to learn, and opportunities to improve those skills that you wish and need to develop to your full potential. We will enter into a contract with students and if you are willing and want to learn we will provide the resources, knowledge and experience.

Preparation for studying at tertiary level

First-year biology does not assume prior knowledge of biology. The flexible learning structure of the subject, with considerable staff and multimedia support and extensive self-learning opportunities, means that even if you have had no experience in biology you can excel. However, students who have studied VCE biology will be challenged and stimulated by the content and presentation of the course English is a compulsory prerequisite, and subjects such as biology, chemistry and mathematics would be extremely useful. First-year biology is a prerequisite for many of our second year units and some third-year units have second-year prerequisites. The weekly contact hours for a student studying biological sciences units is two one-hour lectures and a one three-hour practical (or equivalent).

Transition

The first-year biology staff pride themselves on the special attention they give to the transition of students from a secondary to tertiary education environment. In understanding the complexities and difficulties confronting students as they undertake a university degree, the learning ability of students is enhanced.