Why study biotechnology at UoN? 

Biotechnology is one of the fastest growing areas of science in the world today. The race to improve medical treatments, produce crops resistant to pests and disease and to protect against bioterrorism has resulted in a flourish of research activity. With a long history of cutting-edge research in the field of biotechnology, we conduct research in a wide variety of areas such as wildlife conservation, human health, reproductive technologies, environmental toxicology and remediation, biofuels, food production and agriculture, overcoming viral and bacterial disease, putting microbes to work and biosecurity threats posed by invasive pest species.

What is biotechnology?

Biotechnology is any technique that uses living organisms to make or modify products or improve plants and animals. In medicine, it has been used to develop vaccines and antibiotics (think Gardisil, a vaccine to help against cervical cancer and Relenza, a medicine used to treat Influenza), to test for diseases and to assist couples to have children by IVF. Biotechnology is part of the search for cures for diseases like Alzheimer’s, cancer, diabetes, obesity and cardiac disorders. In agriculture, biotechnology resulted in Dolly the cloned sheep and tomatoes that don't rot!

How does biotechnology differ from biomedical science?

The Biotechnology degree focuses on biochemical, cell and molecular knowledge and technologies that can be applied to microbes, plants and animals as well as biomedical areas. Biomedical science at Newcastle has some overlap (as does any program involving living systems) but has a more direct focus on humans and their organ systems.

A focus on modern biotechnology

The Bachelor of Biotechnology is especially designed for those students who have a particular interest in the application of biology in modern technologies. The focus of courses in this program is on molecular and cell biology subjects. Biotechnology is the harnessing of the biochemical and genetic processes of living organisms for our own use. The degree emphasises DNA and cell technologies and their application to human health, plant and animal agriculture and the environment. Students have the opportunity to gain practical experience working in research and development facilities in industry and research laboratories within the university during their degree.

Real-world experiences while you study

We maintain close contact with industry - to quote a company executive: "We like Newcastle biotech graduates as they are very flexible and can fit in to our organisation anywhere." Find out more

Exciting discoveries and attractive job prospects

Choosing a career in biotechnology opens up a world of exciting discoveries and attractive job prospects in one of the world's fastest developing industries. Find out more

Meet our achievers

Why would you do this degree? Find out from graduates, students and academics. Discover how their future is taking shape, and learn first-hand what it's like to study at uni. Find out more

Practical Experience

An exciting feature of our program is the 10 week full-time industrial placement that you can undertake in your final year. This is the longest placement available to students studying biotechnology in Australia, and it means you can apply what you have learnt to a biotechnology environment while broadening your experience in preparation for your future.

Integrating teaching and research

The results of our research feed directly into our teaching so that you will be kept up to date with the latest developments and discoveries. We are highly respected for our learning methods which encourage you to develop problem-solving skills and become a strategic thinker.

Our integrated teaching allows third year students to spend a whole week at a time in laboratory training. These intense laboratory courses feature teamwork activities that prepare students for the workplace.

Benefit from our links to industry

We maintain close contact with industry, which will benefit you when you are taking part in work placements, doing research and looking for potential employers. To quote a company executive: "We like Newcastle biotech graduates as they are very flexible and can fit in to our organisation anywhere."

Study with the best

In the biotechnology program you will have a high level of contact with our teaching and research staff, many of whom are acknowledged as international research leaders particularly in the fields of reproductive biology, stem cells in plants, biofuel and molecular microbiology, who are working to solve real-world problems. We maintain close contact with industry, which will benefit you when you are taking part in work placements, doing research and looking for potential employers.Our research is strongly supported by government funding to ensure we keep producing quality results that benefit the nation.

Exciting discoveries and attractive job prospects

Choosing a career in biotechnology opens up a world of exciting discoveries and attractive job prospects in one of the world's fastest developing industries. You could be saving lives, creating improved crops to feed a hungry world or protecting endangered species.

Broad career areas

A range of career opportunities are available for graduates, including:

• clinical research
• crop development
• environmental careers, including working to save endangered species, creating biofuels, implemeting pollution and waste treatment
• product devlopment for business
• research and academia
• pathology
• genetic counselling
• forensic science laboratories such as within a police department - eg DNA fingerprinitng diagnostic purposes
• state and federal government - eg quarantine, regulatory agencies
• biotechnology advice, defence
• communication and education

Diverse industries

Industries where you are likely to find employment include:

• modern biotechnology - stem cell research, cancer research, genetic modification of plants
• pharmaceutical - insulin, human growth hormone, vaccines
• veterinary pharmaceuticals and agricultural support
• traditional biotechnology - wine, beer, cheese, bread etc.
  

Increase your options with Honours

The majority of our students go on to do an Honours year, involving a full year in a laboratory performing a research project. This additional year will provide you with advanced knowledge, skills and research training to complement your undergraduate degree program - opening further career and research options and increasing your earning capacity as a scientist.

Professional recognition

Graduates may apply for membership of AusBiotech (Australia's Biotechnology Organisation), and of specialist societies such as the Australian Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology.

Meet our achievers

Chris

Jacqueline

Present: Manager in Clinical Development, Peplin Limited, Queensland, Australia

Bachelor of Biotechnology

The degree allowed me to immediately start employment at the Mothers and Babies Research Centre (JHH). After a year I decided to broaden my horizons and left for the UK where I worked for University College London as a research technician. There, it was my role to develop a functional assay to predict patient response to a virus.

When I returned to Australia, I moved to Brisbane where I took a role at the Centre for Immune and Targeted Therapy with the University of Queensland as a senior research assistant. I worked in a team of three people to co-ordinate a Phase 1 Clinical trial. It was also part of my role to perform cell therapy

Currently I work with a small Australian based Biotech company – Peplin Limited. My role is somewhat diverse but generally I am a manager in Clinical Development. I coordinate the running of the clinical trials for example, I ensure Peplin meets the ethical and regulatory requirements as well as monitor the clinical trial sites.

Skye

Bachelor of Biotechnology

During my degree I undertook a 10-week placement in the reproductive science group at the University. Working with internationally recognised researchers allowed me to gain a better understanding of biotechnology research and gave me the opportunity to learn new techniques. 

I was inspired to undertake research in biotechnology because of a need to understand how things work.

My research will increase the understanding of germ cell cancer and the male reproductive system – which will help in the treatment of both infertility and cancer.

Ricky

Bachelor of Biotechnology

During this program I have been able to encounter real world problems and learn how to solve them. I have gained very valuable experience and improved my skills for the future.

Seeseei

Bachelor of Biotechnology

I chose Newcastle because it is one of the major headquarters in Australia in terms of biotechnological advances.