Bachelor of Biotechnology

University of Newcastle

Australia, Newcastle

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175

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University of Newcastle

Australia , Newcastle

Key Facts

Program Level

Bachelor

Study Type

Full Time

Delivery

On Campus

Course Code

059879B

Campuses

Newcastle

Program Language

English

Start & Deadlines

Next Intake Deadlines26-Feb-2024

Apply to this program

Go to the official application for the university

Duration 3 year(s)

Tuition Fee

AUD 43,320 / year

Next Intake 26-Feb-2024

Bachelor of Biotechnology

About

Imagine using living organisms to produce novel and improved products, such as creating a new vaccine or cancer drug that will save millions of lives. When you study a Bachelor of Biotechnology, you will help to develop technologies that improve our communities and the health of our planet. You might be the researcher that develops a super crop that can survive harsh climates and feed the hungry. The products of biotechnology are all around us in all aspects of our everyday lives, and with the recent development of the Covid-19 vaccines, biotechnology has reached new prominence. As a biotechnologist you can be right at the forefront of scientific development and the next big discovery.

Biotechnology harnesses the natural biochemical and genetic processes of living organisms to benefit the modern world. Right now, biotechnology is applied in genetic engineering, human health, pharmaceuticals, plant and animal agriculture, conservation, food production, renewable fuel development and waste management. The diversity of jobs available in the biotechnology industry continues to increase rapidly and this trend will continue throughout the 21st Century.

The Bachelor of Biotechnology features a compulsory 10-week full time industrial placement. An additional feature of this degree are the discrete courses that focus on laboratory skills allowing students to experience hands-on learning and gain key lab-based abilities.

Our academics are internationally recognised as leaders in their respective fields and are working to solve real-world problems. Via their mentorship, you will focus on the application of DNA and cellular technologies to improve human health, plant and animal agriculture, and adapt to a changing environment.

Under their guidance, your study will have a strong focus on biology − both basic and applied with some chemistry and mathematics − and you will have a chance to enrol in elective courses from a range of areas depending on your interests and career ambitions.

You will study:

Biochemistry
Bioethics
Biomolecules
Biotechnology finance and commercialisation
Cell and molecular biology
DNA technology
Laboratory skills in biological systems
Microbiology
Molecular genetics
Reproductive science and physiology
Statistics for the sciences

Advanced study options

Honours Degree

With increasing competition in all sectors of scientific employment, students who graduate with an Honours degree in biotechnology have a distinct advantage. It is often considered by employers as an added skill and has been used by previous graduates to pursue higher positions and salaries. As part of this degree you will develop and carry out research on a topic of interest, potentially leading to further academic study such as a research degree.

As an Honours graduate, you will have excellent knowledge of modern biotechnology, including molecular biology, and gain experience in:

research methods
data analysis
instrumentation and information technology
microbiology

You will also have worked in a biotechnology environment.

The University of Newcastle is a leader in research, with Research Centres in Reproductive Science and Crop Improvement. You will have the opportunity to be involved with research at the forefront of your field.

Offered through the College of Engineering, Science and Environment, the Bachelor of Biotechnology (Honours) prepares you for careers in biotechnology as well as providing a pathway into research degree studies.

As a graduate of the Biotechnology Honours degree, you may work in:

biomedical research
pathology laboratories
biotechnology industries
bioanalytical laboratories in government and industry
reproductive biology industries
a range of veterinary and agricultural support industries

Biotechnology (Honours) program handbook Apply

Program plans

Download a program plan for further details on your degree's structure and what courses you will study.

These program plans are applicable to new students. Current students should refer to the program handbook to access the plan relevant to the year they commenced.

Program Plan 2021-2022 100.6 KB

View the full course list

Career

The following list provides some examples of job titles that may be available to Biotechnology graduates. Some of these jobs will depend on the amount and level of study, level of experience, the combination of other majors and electives studied. Some jobs below may also require further study.

Biotechnology

Biochemist
Biological Sciences Technician
Biologist
Biotechnologist
Clinical Research Coordinator
Embryologist
Flavourist
Food Scientist
Food Technologist
Forensic Biologist
Geneticist
Laboratory Analyst
Laboratory Manager
Microbiologist
National Park Ranger
Neurophysiological Technician
Park Ranger
Pathology Assistant
Pharmaceutical Scientist
Pharmaceutical/Clinical Specialist Sales Representative
Pharmaceutical/Medicinal Chemist
Quality Assurance Technician
Reproductive Medicine/IVF Specialist
Research Manager
Research Officer
Research Scientist
Science Editor
Science Information/Education Officer
Scientific Patent Examiner/Technical Advisor
Scientific Policy Officer
Scientific Writer
Technical Sales Representative
Tissue Culture Technician
University Lecturer/Academic

Not everyone uses their degree in the same way and the transferable skills gained through university study may allow graduates to pursue a range of careers that might not be directly linked to their study. Below is a sample list of job titles that might be suitable for graduates with the skills gained in a Biotechnology degree.

Some of these jobs will depend upon the amount and level of study undertaken, level of experience, and the combination of other majors and electives studied, for example some may require further study.