You are here

HomeStudySearch CoursesCoursesUOW CoursesBachelor of Science (Honours) (Dean's Scholar) - SMAH

Bachelor of Science (Honours) (Dean's Scholar) - SMAH (Cell and Molecular Biology)

Understand our natural world. Investigate global issues. Develop research skills.

For personalised assistance with UOW courses, please reach out to our Future Students Team:

Our team is available during Australian business hours, 9 am to 5 pm.

For other UOW contact details, click here.

For personalised assistance with UOW courses, please reach out to our Future Students Team:

Our team is available during Australian business hours, 9 am to 5 pm.

For other UOW contact details, click here.

If you’re planning to study at UOW immediately after finishing your HSC, International Baccalaureate (IB), or an interstate equivalent, you can apply for Early Admission to this course. Applications can be submitted via the UOW Early Admission website during the designated period, usually June – August each year.

Students can also apply through the Universities Admissions Centre (UAC).

If you’re a non-school leaver (e.g., completed Year 12 previously and/or have a TAFE qualification or equivalent), you can apply directly to UOW.

Before applying, please review the requirements, intakes, and deadlines for your chosen degree.

International students can apply to study at the University of Wollongong (UOW) in several ways. Your application options will depend on your individual circumstances.

Explore your options at UOW Apply.

International students are encouraged to apply with the support of an approved UOW agent to help you navigate the application process, ensure that you submit all necessary documentation, and provide you with visa counselling services. Applying through an approved UOW agent is offered at no cost to students.

For your nearest agent, please see our UOW agent list.

Need help?

Contact the UOW Future Students Team:

For more details about this course

Australia: 1300 367 869. International: +61 2 4221 3218

Student ?
Year ?
Campus
Wollongong
ATAR-SR ?
90
Delivery ?
On Campus
Duration ?
3 years full-time or part-time equivalent
Starts
  • Autumn 2026
  • Spring 2026
Codes
CRICOS: 094538K
UOW: 1786
Reset options

Overview

Become an influential leader exploring the world of scientific discovery with an advanced degree that nurtures your passion for innovation.

The Bachelor of Science (Honours) (Dean's Scholar) degree is for high-achieving students seeking a challenging but comprehensive education in science. As a Dean's Scholar you will be invited to participate in networking and mentoring opportunities, and you will undertake individual research subjects throughout your degree.

All scientists, regardless of their area of expertise, are ignited by a shared passion for pursuing new knowledge and tackling some of the world's most complex challenges. Through this degree students will participate in research experiences and an embedded honours year, positioning you for a career in many industries, and with the skills to build a better future.

Within this degree there are two major discipline areas to choose from:

  • Cell and molecular biology
  • Chemistry

The flexible structure of this degree means you can tailor the course to your interests, enabling you to select additional majors or minors to gain extra expertise and explore your passions. We can help you build the degree that’s right for you by providing career advice and guiding you through your study options to ensure you reach your career goals.

You will participate in practical classes in our purpose-built Sciences Teaching Facility. in the Science Precinct of the Wollongong campus or out in the field, ensuring that you have the skills and knowledge to meet the needs of tomorrow's employers.

See the course handbook for more information.

Built into the fourth year of the course, the honours aspect of your degree requires you to undertake a substantial piece of original scientific research and, in some cases, advanced coursework in your major discipline, developing essential research skills alongside critical and integrative thinking.

See more

Cell and Molecular Biology (major)

Your cell and molecular biology major will provide you with the skills and knowledge to enter careers in biomedical science and the biotechnology industry as you can select additional minors to explore other areas of study. Cell and molecular biology incorporates fundamental components of biological and medical science and has an increasingly important role in many aspects of modern medicine, genetics, evolutionary biology, genomics, bioinformatics and biotechnology.

Learn about DNA and RNA, proteins, and other molecules involved in a variety of cell functions, including the transmission of genetic information, using advanced tools and techniques for separation, manipulation, imaging and analysis.

To support your learning, you will participate in practical classes in our purpose-built Sciences Teaching Facility in the Science Precinct of the Wollongong campus or out in the field.

In your final year you will complete a substantial piece of original scientific research tackling real problems, such as reviewing antibiotic resistance profiles within the Illawarra, while developing and showcasing your employability skills.

Careers

  • Agricultural Biotechnologist
  • Bioinformatics Specialist
  • Biologist
  • Biomanufacturing Specialist
  • Cell Culture Scientist
  • Clinical Geneticist
  • Clinical Research Associate
  • DNA Analyst
  • Environmental Biotechnologist
  • Forensic Scientist
  • Genetic Counsellor
  • Immunologist
  • Laboratory Technician
  • Microbiologist
  • Molecular Biologist
  • Molecular Pathologist
  • Research Associate
See more

Accreditation & professional recognition

Graduates qualify to apply for membership of relevant professional societies, such as the Australian Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology and the Australian Society for Microbiology

Admissions information

A range of admission options are available for future students. The procedures governing admission are defined in UOW's Admissions Procedures, and the UOW College Admissions Policy.

For specific advice or to ask any questions regarding an application, please contact the UOW Future Students Team.

  • Academic Entry Requirements

    Applicants must achieve the required score in a previous qualification, equivalent to completing at least 13 years of schooling in Australia.

    To succeed in your chosen course, you should have completed relevant subjects in senior high school or other qualifications. For more information, refer to UOW's Entry Requirements page.

  • English Language Requirements

    The following level of English is required to gain admission to this program:

    English Test

    Overall Score

    Reading

    Writing

    Listening

    Speaking
    IELTS Academic

    6.0

    6.0

    6.0

    6.0

    6.0

    UOW College: English for Tertiary Studies: Pass (weighted average mark of 50 overall and minimum 50 in Academic Reading and Writing)

    Other qualifications may also be considered. Full details can be found on our English Language Requirements website.

  • Workload

    Full-Time Study Load

    As a full-time student, you can expect to commit around 48 hours of study per week. This includes class time and independent study. You may need to factor more time for examination study, practical work and placements.

    For more details on course workloads, please refer to the UOW Handbook.

  • Credit for Prior Learning

    If you have completed prior studies or relevant professional experience, you can request course credit or subject exemptions to reduce the duration and cost of your program.

    Credit for prior learning evaluates your previous study or work experience related to your chosen subjects.

    UOW values lifelong learning and recognises various types of prior learning, regardless of how or where it was obtained. For more information, refer to UOW's Credit for Prior Learning page.

More detail

International Course fees table
Campus Delivery method Session fee* Course fee*
WollongongOn Campus$20904 (2026)$167232 (2026)

* Session fees are for one session for the year shown. Total course tuition fees shown are indicative, and are based on normal course length and progression. These fees are subject to change from year to year. However, if you receive an offer to study at UOW, your fees will be fully confirmed at the time of your offer.

Tuition fees are reviewed annually: fees payable are dependent on the year of commencement and are subject to increase during the period of study

Additional Fees

In addition to tuition, there are other fees and costs you will need to consider, including but not limited to:

  • Autumn Session, 2026 at UOW

    Application Deadline
    Applications must include all required documents to be considered complete. If submitted late, your application may be reviewed for a future session if a decision cannot be made in time for your preferred session. 

    ApplicationDate
    Domestic (UAC Early Bird)30 September, 2025
    International9 December, 2025
    Domestic (direct)31 December, 2025
    Domestic (UAC final round)29 January, 2026

    Session Details
    For more detailed information like enrolment cutoffs and exam periods, see key dates. 

     Date
    OrientationCheck your campus details
    Session start2 March, 2026
    Census date31 March, 2026
    Mid-session recess20 - 24 April, 2026
    Session end25 June, 2026
  • Spring Session, 2026 at UOW

    Application Deadline
    Applications must include all required documents to be considered complete. If submitted late, your application may be reviewed for a future session if a decision cannot be made in time for your preferred session. 

    ApplicationDate
    International5 May, 2026
    Domestic (direct)31 May, 2026
    Domestic (UAC final round)2 July, 2026

    Session Details
    For more detailed information like enrolment cutoffs and exam periods, see key dates.

     Dates
    OrientationCheck your campus details
    Session start27 July, 2026
    Census date31 August, 2026
    Mid-session recess28 September - 2 October, 2026
    Session end19 November, 2026

     

  • Autumn Session, 2027 at UOW

    Application Deadline
    Applications must include all required documents to be considered complete. Applications submitted after the advertised closing date will still be accepted. We will endeavour to process late applications in time for the nominated session, however this cannot be guaranteed.

    ApplicationDate
    Domestic (UAC Early Bird)30 September, 2026
    InternationalSee International students page for key application cut-off dates
    Domestic (direct)31 December, 2026
    Domestic (UAC final round)28 January, 2027

    Session Details
    For more detailed information like enrolment cutoffs and exam periods, see key dates. 

     Date
    OrientationCheck your campus details
    Session start1 March, 2027
    Census date31 March, 2027
    Mid-session recess19 - 23 April, 2027
    Session end24 June, 2027
  • Spring Session, 2027 at UOW

    Application Deadline
    Applications must include all required documents to be considered complete. Applications submitted after the advertised closing date will still be accepted. We will endeavour to process late applications in time for the nominated session, however this cannot be guaranteed.

    ApplicationDate
    InternationalSee International students page for key application cut-off dates
    Domestic (direct)31 May, 2027
    Domestic (UAC final round)1 July, 2027

    Session Details
    For more detailed information like enrolment cutoffs and exam periods, see key dates.

     Dates
    OrientationCheck your campus details
    Session start26 July, 2027
    Census date31 August, 2027
    Mid-session recess27 September - 1 October, 2027
    Session end18 November, 2027

     

    Indicative enrolment

    The tables below contain information on the 2025 commencing student cohort, which indicates the likely profile of students for 2026.

    Student profile

    This table shows the breakdown of the applicant background of the student group at UOW for this course. It provides data on students that commenced undergraduate study and continued study beyond the census date at UOW in 2025.

    Student profile table
    Applicant background 2025 intake 2025 intake (%)
    Higher education study <5 <5
    Vocational education & training study 0 0%
    Work & life experience 0 0%
    Recent secondary education
    ATAR Only <5 <5
    ATAR plus additional criteria 0 0%
    Other criteria only (non-ATAR) 6 75%
    International students 0 0%
    All students 8 100%

    < 5: Number of students is less than 5
    N/A: Data not available for this item
    N/P: Not published (hidden to prevent calculation of other numbers less than 5)

    ATAR profile

    This table relates to all students selected on the basis of ATAR alone or ATAR in combination with adjustment factors. For more information on adjustment factors commonly available to applicants, see ATAR-based admission.

    ATAR profile table
    ATAR profile of ATAR-based offers in 2025 ATAR Selection Rank
    Highest rank to receive an offer <5 <5
    Median rank to receive an offer <5 <5
    Lowest rank to receive an offer <5 <5

    < 5: Less than 5 ATAR-based offers made
    N/A: Data not available for this item
    N/P: Not published (less than 5 ATAR-based offers made)

    More information

    For more information about UOW admission pathways, see UOW Admission Information.

    Search all courses