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Program handbook

Description

Biotechnology harnesses the natural biochemical and genetic processes of living organisms for our own use. Right now we are using it in genetic engineering, human health, pharmaceuticals, plant and animal agriculture, food production, fuels and waste management. The diversity of jobs available in biotechnology continues to increase and it is expected to become one of the growth areas of the 21st Century.


Program learning outcomes

On successful completion of the program students will have:

  • In-depth knowledge and skills in biotechnology.
  • An understanding of the biotechnology industry and its requirements.
  • The ability to effectively collect, analyse and organise biotechnology-related information.
  • Skills in problem solving and critical analysis.
  • A high level of skill in communication using written, oral and graphical presentation techniques appropriate to the audience.
  • Ethical awareness, professional practice and awareness of the relationship between biotechnology and society.

Details

Information correct as atMar 28, 2024 11:57 pm
Program code10981
AQF level

Level 7 Bachelor Degree

Locations and UAC codes
Mode of delivery
  • Face to Face
Duration
  • Australian students - 3 years full-time or part-time equivalent.
  • International students - 3 years full-time.
Selection Rank
LocationSelection Rank
Callaghan Campus65.00-

Find out more about Selection Ranks

Assumed knowledgeMathematics Advanced and Chemistry
Recommended studiesHSC Biology or equivalent and HSC Physics or equivalent
Term typeSemesters
Fees
  • International students - AUD43,320 (indicative annual fee, 2024)
    Indicative annual fees are based on a full year full time load (80 units) Find out more about fees
Relevant University rules and policies
CRICOS Code059879B

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Admission information

Admission requirements

Eligibility for admission to this program is based on applicants meeting the minimum selection rank, or satisfying the requirements for an approved admission scheme.

The University of Newcastle accepts a range of qualifications to determine eligibility for admission. These include, but are not limited to, Australian or overseas senior secondary qualifications (such as the HSC), prior tertiary studies, prior TAFE/VET studies, and completed enabling programs.

For further information on the pathways that are available to you, please refer to:

 

Enrolling in mathematics - Maths placement test

Your degree includes either compulsory or optional courses in maths. To maximise your likelihood of academic success, it is recommended that you select the course which matches your existing knowledge and understanding of maths concepts.

Answer a few questions now to find out what mathematics you should enrol in.

English Language Requirements

All Applicants must demonstrate that they meet the University’s English proficiency requirement. Further information regarding English language proficiency requirements can be found at the English Language Proficiency for Admission Policy here.

  • IELTS Overall Minimum: 6
  • IELTS Sub Test Minimum: 6

Credit transfer

If you wish to apply for credit for studies completed at another institution, or if you are changing programs within the University and wish to transfer your credit to the new program, visit the University's credit website for more information on applying for credit.

Credit may be granted for studies completed at another institution. Credit will be granted by the Pro Vice-Chancellor of the Faculty of Science and Information Technology in accordance with the relevant policies approved by the University.


Professional recognition

Australian Institute of Biology

Graduates may apply for membership to the Australian Institute of Biology.

Australian Society of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology

Graduates may apply for membership to the Australian Society of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology.

Australia's Biotechnology Organisation

Graduates may apply for membership to AusBiotech - Australia's Biotechnology Organisation.


Academic requirements for program completion

Total units required

240 units

Program duration

3 years full-time or part-time equivalent up to 8 years maximum.

International students studying this program on campus are required to enrol full time to comply with their student visa requirements and complete their study in the standard minimum program duration. International students requiring enrolment advice should review the program plan corresponding to the semester and year of commencement and can contact their Program Advisor at ProgramAdvice@newcastle.edu.au

Program requirements

Students are required to complete a total of, but no more than, 240 units, comprised of the following:

  • 200 units of core courses
  • 20 units of chemistry courses from the course list
  • 10 unit mathematics course from the course list
  • 10 unit elective

In addition, the program must also include:

  • No more than 100 units at 1000 level.
  • At least 40 units at 2000 level.
  • At least 60 units at 3000 level.

Program planner

Current students program planner

Current students can plan their program using Program Planner.

Program Planner

Prospective student degree planner

If you're a prospective student considering studying this degree take a look at My Degree Planner to see what your study journey will look like.

Additional documents


Transition arrangements

2021 Revision

From 2021 there are changes to the program. For students who commenced the program prior to 2021, please refer to the 2021 Transition Arrangements in the Additional Documents section for more information.

2020 Revision

For those commencing in 2020, a minimum of 60 units must be taken at the 3000 level. 

2018 Revision

The Bachelor of Biotechnology was revised in 2017, and changes to the Program were implemented for Semester 1 2018.  Transition arrangements will be as follows:

BTEC3220 Biotechnology Finance and Commercialisation was discontinued and offered for the last time in Semester 2 2017.  New course, BTEC1000 Introduction to the Biotechnology Sector, was introduced in Semester 1 2018 as a core course at the 1000 level.  Continuing students who decide to take the Placement option (in 2017; BTEC3200, BTEC3220 and BTEC3250) and who still have not completed BTEC3220 will be required to take new course BTEC1000.  Continuing students who are taking the Non-Placement option (30 units of directed courses and 20 units of elective courses) are not required to take the new core course BTEC1000.

PHYS1200 was introduced as a core course to the program.  Pre-2018 students are still required to select 20 units of directed MATH/PHYS courses at the 1000 level, and therefore, are not required to take PHYS1200 as core.  New students from 2018 must take PHYS1200 as a core course.

The 20 unit BTEC3250 Biotechnology Placement course was discontinued and replaced with the 30 unit BTEC3251 Biotechnology Placement course.  Students choosing the Placement Grouping must select 30 unit BTEC3251 as a compulsory course in this grouping from 2018 onwards.


Program structure

Students can plan their program using Program Planner. It is recommended students review the program handbook in conjunction with using Program Planner.

Courses that are currently unavailable are hidden by default. You can show them by adjusting the advanced course filters above, or clicking the 'show all' links below each section.

Core

Complete the following core courses to fulfil the requirements of this program.

CodeTitleTerm / Location Units
BIOL1001Molecules, Cells and Organisms
  • Semester 1 - 2024 (Callaghan)
  • Semester 1 - 2024 (Central Coast)
  • Winter - 2024 (Callaghan)
10 units
BIOL1002Organisms to Ecosystems
  • Summer 2 - 2024 (Callaghan)
  • Semester 2 - 2024 (Callaghan)
  • Semester 2 - 2024 (Central Coast)
10 units
BIOL1003Professional Skills for Biological Sciences 1
  • Semester 2 - 2024 (Callaghan)
10 units
BTEC1000Introduction to the Biotechnology Sector
  • Semester 1 - 2024 (Callaghan)
10 units
PHYS1200Introductory Physics for the Life Sciences
  • Semester 1 - 2024 (Callaghan)
10 units
STAT1070Statistics for the Sciences
  • Summer 2 - 2024 (Callaghan)
  • Semester 1 - 2024 (Callaghan)
  • Semester 2 - 2024 (Callaghan)
  • Semester 2 - 2024 (Central Coast)
10 units
BIOL2001Molecular Laboratory Skills for Biological Sciences
  • Semester 1 - 2024 (Callaghan)
10 units
BIOL2002Laboratory Skills in Biological Systems
  • Semester 2 - 2024 (Callaghan)
10 units
BIOL2010Biochemistry
  • Semester 1 - 2024 (Callaghan)
10 units
BIOL2050Molecular Genetics
  • Semester 1 - 2024 (Callaghan)
10 units
BIOL2090Microbial Biology
  • Semester 2 - 2024 (Callaghan)
10 units
BTEC2230Biomolecules
  • Semester 2 - 2024 (Callaghan)
10 units
BIOL3001Advanced Laboratory Skills in Biological Sciences
  • Semester 1 - 2024 (Callaghan)
10 units
BIOL3020Animal Physiology, Reproduction and Development
  • Semester 1 - 2024 (Callaghan)
10 units
BIOL3090Molecular Biology
  • Semester 1 - 2024 (Callaghan)
10 units
BIOL3100Microbiology
  • Semester 1 - 2024 (Callaghan)
10 units
BTEC3200Cellular Biotechnology
  • Semester 2 - 2024 (Callaghan)
10 units
BTEC3251Biotechnology Placement
  • Semester 2 - 2024 (Callaghan)
30 units

Mathematics Course List

Complete 10 units from the following course list. Which course you should complete will depend on your previous mathematical background, please refer to each course handbook for more information.

CodeTitleTerm / Location Units
MATH1001Preparatory Studies in Mathematics
  • Semester 1 - 2024 (Callaghan)
  • Semester 1 - 2024 (Central Coast)
  • Semester 2 - 2024 (Callaghan)
10 units
MATH1002Foundational Studies in Mathematics
  • Semester 1 - 2024 (Callaghan)
  • Semester 2 - 2024 (Callaghan)
10 units
MATH1110Mathematics for Engineering, Science and Technology 1
  • Summer 2 - 2024 (Callaghan)
  • Semester 1 - 2024 (Callaghan)
  • Trimester 3 - 2024 (Singapore) (Singapore)
  • Semester 2 - 2024 (Callaghan)
10 units

Chemistry Course List

Complete a 20 unit course pair from either [CHEM1010 and CHEM1020] or [CHEM1010 and CHEM1120].

CodeTitleTerm / Location Units
CHEM1010Introductory Chemistry I
  • Summer 2 - 2024 (Callaghan)
  • Semester 1 - 2024 (Callaghan)
  • Semester 1 - 2024 (Central Coast)
  • Winter - 2024 (Central Coast)
10 units
CHEM1020Introductory Chemistry II
  • Semester 2 - 2024 (Callaghan)
10 units
CHEM1120Chemistry for the Life Sciences II
  • Semester 2 - 2024 (Central Coast)
10 units

Electives

Electives 10 unit requirement

Complete 10 units of electives to fulfil the requirements of the program. Electives can be used to extend and complement your core studies with more courses in the same field of study, or from areas that might be of interest to you. Electives can be chosen from all courses available at the University that do not have any other conditions (such as a course requisite) applied to them.

10 units

Honours

An Honours year is available to students as a separate program in the form of an additional year to those who meet the entry requirements. For more information about Honours in Biotechnology please see the  Bachelor of Biotechnology (Honours) Program Handbook.


Additional information

Through the Pathways and Academic Learning Support Centre, students can access a free suite of NUPrep preparation courses as well as Academic Learning Support.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students can draw on the assistance and support provided by the Indigenous Student Support and Development service through the Wollotuka Institute.

It is recommended that students undertake the maths diagnostic quiz prior to enrolment to assist in selecting the appropriate level of maths. For more information please follow the link below:

http://www.newcastle.edu.au/current-students/learning/study-skills/develop-your-skills/mathematics-and-statistics

Students taking MATH1001, Preparatory Studies in Mathematics, are recommended to do so prior to commencing STAT1070.


International students

All International Students enrolled in the program will be provided with an orientation to familiarise them with the rules, expectations, facilities and services offered by the University. Please visit our International Students website to find out more about the support services available to international students.


Additional support

AccessAbility provides advice and reasonable adjustments to Students with a medical or health condition or disability. If you require adjustments to undertake your program, contact the Student Support Advisors - AccessAbility before semester or early in the semester. They will work with the College or School to ensure that this happens in a timely manner.

Please note: All students must fulfil the inherent requirements of the programs and courses they are undertaking. While reasonable adjustments can be made, these adjustments cannot compromise academic integrity. It is the student's responsibility to check all the requirements of courses, and consider the effects of any medical condition or disability on their ability to complete course requirements. More information is available online.

Bachelor of Biotechnology

UAC Code , Program Code 10981

Selection rank
Duration (FT)(PT)
Next start date

CRICOS Code , Program Code 10981

Indicative fee1
Duration (FT)
Next start date
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Student type
Degree duration
Study location
Admission info

Selection rank

Duration (FT)(PT)

Next start date

UAC Code

Program Code 10981

This criteria is based on a full-time domestic student attending Callaghan campus. Please select your criteria to personalise your study options and your circumstances.

Apply via UAC

Indicative fee1

Duration (FT)

Next start date

English proficiency requirements IELTS overall minimum -
IELTS section minimum -

CRICOS Code

Program Code 10981

This criteria is based on a full-time international student attending Callaghan campus. Please select your criteria to personalise your study options and your circumstances.

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