Bridging Biology Course
Overview
The Biology Bridging Course places emphasis on building conceptual understanding and developing skill sets to prepare you for first-year biology units.
The course does not offer formal accreditation or prerequisite qualifications for University of Sydney enrolment.
What you'll learn
By the end of this course, you will:
- Gain knowledge and skill sets applicable to undertaking first-year biology units.
- Receive a certificate of participation upon course completion. The certificate of participation does not hold any accreditation or qualifications for University of Sydney degrees or enrolment.
Faculty of Science
Conducting excellent research and creating the next generation of science talent in Australia is core to the Faculty of Science, as they play a leading role in Australia's ability to compete scientifically on the world stage.
Content
You will explore core biology concepts in four modules, one module per week:
- Diversity & Evolution
- Cell Biology
- Energy
- Genetics & Inheritance
MySydney Entry and Scholarship Scheme
MySydney scholarship recipients starting their studies at the University of Sydney in Semester 1, 2026, may qualify for complimentary enrolment in the Faculty of Science Bridging Courses. For more information see MySydney Entry and Scholarship Scheme. If you meet the eligibility criteria, you will receive a separate invitation to register for these courses.
You can contact MySydney Entry and Scholarship via email at admission.pathways@sydney.edu.au.
The course is suitable for assumed knowledge of biology which will support students moving into the first year of their tertiary studies. It is designed for science students enrolling in first-year biology and have not completed HSC Biology (or equivalent) or found Biology difficult at school. Anyone may take this bridging course regardless of which tertiary institution they are enrolling in.
Biology On-Campus
The face-to-face course option will be an intensive set of lectures, practicals and workshops tutorials by the biology team. This will also include access to the self-serve online resources. Each day, students will participate in a mixture of lectures, investigative laboratories, and interactive workshops. For laboratory sessions, need to bring your own lab coat, safety goggles and wear appropriate footwear that covers the toe, heel, and top of the foot.
The face-to-face course option will include the above plus on-campus tutorial sessions with the biology team.
The online self-paced option will commence 19th January 2026 and conclude 31st March 2026. Invitations to the content will be sent via email.
There will be a final assessment to test your knowledge and a certificate of participation for those who complete the course. The certificate of participation does not hold any accreditation or qualifications for University of Sydney degrees or enrolment.
All courses must be paid in advance of commencing your course. We accept the following payment methods:
- Mastercard
- Visa
- American Express (only available for enrolments made through the Sydney Short Courses website)
- Electronic Funds Transfer (for company invoices only)
- Journal Transfer (for University of Sydney Staff only)
Please see our Payment Options for further information.
All participants should read our terms and conditions prior to enrolling.
Please note the following:
- if you enrol in a course that starts within seven (7) days from the course purchase date, or it has already commenced, a refund will not be granted in any circumstance, and you will not be eligible to withdraw from this course or to claim a credit voucher for the course cost;
- if you enrol in a Bridging course (Biology, Chemistry, Physics or Mathematics) delivered by the Faculty of Science and cancel your enrolment or order within 48 hours of your purchase, we will refund the fees in full.
Dr Hong Dao Nguyen
Email: hongdao.nguyen@sydney.edu.au
Important information
- The online self-paced option will commence 19th January 2026 and conclude 31st March 2026.
- When you enrol, you will receive access to the Learning Management System, Canvas, but the content won't be made available until the 19th January 2026.
- Although you can work through the course content at your own pace, it must still be completed within this timeframe.
Upcoming classes
Self-paced online content plus face-to-face sessions
| When | Time | Where | Session Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wed 4 Feb 2026 | 9:30am - 10:30am (UTC+11:00) | Lecutre Theatre 308-309 - Susan Wakil Health Building | Lecture |
| Wed 4 Feb 2026 | 11am - 1pm (UTC+11:00) | Lecutre Theatre 308-309 - Susan Wakil Health Building | Lecture |
| Wed 4 Feb 2026 | 2pm - 4:30pm (UTC+11:00) | Wet Lab 401-402 - Carslaw Building | Practical |
| Thu 5 Feb 2026 | 9am - 11am (UTC+11:00) | Room TBA - Face-to-face (venue TBA) | Lecture: Check Canvas for venue |
| Thu 5 Feb 2026 | 11:30am - 1:30pm (UTC+11:00) | Room TBA - Face-to-face (venue TBA) | Workshop: Check Canvas for venue |
| Thu 5 Feb 2026 | 2:30pm - 4:30pm (UTC+11:00) | Wet Lab 401-402 - Carslaw Building | Practical |
| Fri 6 Feb 2026 | 9am - 11am (UTC+11:00) | Room TBA - Face-to-face (venue TBA) | Lecture: Check Canvas for venue |
| Fri 6 Feb 2026 | 11:30am - 1:30pm (UTC+11:00) | Room TBA - Face-to-face (venue TBA) | Workshop: Check Canvas for venue |
| Fri 6 Feb 2026 | 2:30pm - 4:30pm (UTC+11:00) | Wet Lab 401-402 - Carslaw Building | Practical |
| Mon 9 Feb 2026 | 9am - 11am (UTC+11:00) | Room TBA - Face-to-face (venue TBA) | Lecture: Check Canvas for venue |
| Mon 9 Feb 2026 | 11:30am - 1:30pm (UTC+11:00) | Room TBA - Face-to-face (venue TBA) | Workshop: Check Canvas for venue |
| Mon 9 Feb 2026 | 2:30pm - 3:30pm (UTC+11:00) | Wet Lab 401-402 - Carslaw Building | Practical |
| Tue 10 Feb 2026 | 9am - 11am (UTC+11:00) | Room TBA - Face-to-face (venue TBA) | Lecture: Check Canvas for venue |
| Tue 10 Feb 2026 | 11:30am - 2:30pm (UTC+11:00) | Room TBA - Face-to-face (venue TBA) | Showcase & Trivia: Check Canvas for venue |