Queensland Biology Winter School, Year 12

What's involved

• Live and breathe biology and related disciplines by exploring contemporary topics in biology (aligned with subject matter in the QCE and IB Biology syllabuses) through interactive lectures, practicals and tutorials.
• Gain scientific skills in literacy, communication and interpretation of biological data (useful skills for QCE Internal Assessment 3: Research Investigation and IB Extended Essay).
• Study with biologists who are passionate about their subject – from leading researchers to teaching specialists and current students at the start of their research careers, all eager to share their knowledge and enthusiasm with you.
• Consolidate your learning with quizzes at the end of both days.
• Make friends with students from around the state and discover how much fun it is to be around people who love biology.

12QBWS coincides with when most Year 12s are completing their Unit 4 (genetics) learning, but where possible reference and revision to Unit 3 (ecology) content will be covered. 

Learning snapshot

Subject to change, you'll learn about:

• introductory genetics including bacterial transformation and gene regulation
• animal behaviour and co-evolution
• biochemistry and molecular biology
• pollination ecology and bioinformatics
• phylogenetics and evolutionary biology.

Cost

• $165 (GST inclusive), including a limited edition QBWS T-shirt and stickers.
• This is a non-residential school held at UQ St Lucia from 9:30am to 3:30pm over 2 days.
• The UQ Accommodation website provides options for students and their parents coming from outside the Brisbane region.

Eligibility

• You must be in Year 12. If you are in Year 11, you should apply for the UQ Year 11 Queensland Biology Winter School.
• Interstate and international applicants are welcome.

How to apply

• Complete and submit the online application form by Sunday 24 May 2026.
• You'll be asked about your motivation for applying for the winter school on the form.
• There are limited places available.
• We will send out offer on Monday 25 May 2026. If you receive an offer, you must accept by Sunday 14 June 2026.

For more information

Email Dr Gurion Ang at gurion.ang@uq.edu.au