Biological Sciences
If you are interested in investigating and experimenting to learn more about living organisms, a Biology major is for you. You’ll gain an understanding of the fundamentals of biology including plant and animal biology, cell and molecular biology, plus genetics and evolution.
Building on your in-depth knowledge of the basic principles of biology, you’ll have the opportunity to explore different areas of interest – focusing your studies on different courses to specialise in an area that most suits your career plans.
Research areas cover genetics, plant cell development, DNA damage, reproductive biology to name a few, with opportunities for biology graduates to embark on careers involving biochemistry, environmental/ecological biology for example, or to further study specific topics at a higher level.
Potential job opportunities for biology graduates include animal biologist, biochemist, botanist/plant scientist, environmental/ecological biologist, pathology assistant or research assistant.
Distinguished Emertius Professor John Aitken
Distinguished Emeritus Professor
School of Science
John maintains an active research program with a current focus on biotechnology and the molecular origins of genetic mutations in the germ line
- john.aitken@newcastle.edu.au
- 0249212082
Associate Professor Geoffry De Iuliis
Associate Professor
School of Science
DNA damage, Oxidative stress, Proteomics
- geoffry.deiuliis@newcastle.edu.au
- 0249217295
Associate Professor Zamira Gibb
ARC Research Fellow
School of Science
Fertility, Reproductive biology, Stem cells
- zamira.gibb@newcastle.edu.au
- 0249215637
Associate Professor Ian Grainge
Associate Professor
School of Science
Microbiology, Novel antibiotics, Site specific recombination
- ian.grainge@newcastle.edu.au
- 49217238
Associate Professor Karl Hassan
Associate Professor
School of Science
Antimicrobial resistance, Membrane transport, Microbial genomics
- karl.hassan@newcastle.edu.au
- 0249217236
Dr Ben Long
Senior Lecturer in Molecular Plant Biology
School of Science
synthetic biology approaches to building a CO2 concentrating mechanism in plant chloroplasts to enhance photosynthesis
- ben.long@newcastle.edu.au
- 0240554137
Dr Tessa Lord
Senior Lecturer
School of Science
Fertility, Reproductive biology, Stem cells, Reproduction, Wildlife conservation
- tessa.lord@newcastle.edu.au
- 0240553026
Professor Aduli Malau-Aduli
Honorary Professor
School of Science
Research interests in genetics-nutrition interactions in sheep, beef and dairy cattle fatty acid metabolism, meat eating quality and their associations with SNP molecular markers.
- aduli.malauaduli@newcastle.edu.au
- 0240550989
Dr Vanessa Melino
Lecturer
School of Science
Fertilisers, Seed oil, crop and pasture nutrition, nitrogen use efficiency, plant biology, plant biotechnology, plant genomics, plant physiology, salt tolerance stress resilience
Professor Brett Neilan
Laureate Professor
School of Science
Bioactive compound discovery, Cyanobacteria, Genetics of complex biosynthesis
- brett.neilan@newcastle.edu.au
- 0421227477
Professor Brett Nixon
Deputy Head of College
School of Science
Andrology, Biology, Gamete biology
- brett.nixon@newcastle.edu.au
- 0249216977
Dr Joseph Pegler
Senior Lecturer
School of Science
RNA silencing, microRNAs, Abiotic stress, Plant physiology, Sugar transport
- joseph.pegler@newcastle.edu.au
- 0249216129
Dr John Schjenken
Senior Lecturer
School of Science
Examining the impact of environmental exposures on seminal fluid immune regulatory factor synthesis. Building knowledge of the significance of seminal fluid extracellular vesicles in female immune regulatory function.
Dr Aleona Swegen
Research Fellow
School of Science
using cutting edge, novel techniques in reproductive biology to benefit endangered species and livestock, and developing new approaches to preserve fertility.
The University of Newcastle acknowledges the traditional custodians of the lands within our footprint areas: Awabakal, Darkinjung, Biripai, Worimi, Wonnarua, and Eora Nations. We also pay respect to the wisdom of our Elders past and present.