Bachelor of Biotechnology

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.

Work placement is a popular part of our degree. Students may spend one semester working in a biotechnology environment in industry, university research facility or the CSIRO. This experience enhances the employment prospects of students by providing relevant workplace experience.

The program provides excellent knowledge in modern biotechnology, including molecular biology, molecular genetics and microbiology, as well as a range of experiences in research methods, data analysis, instrumentation and commercialisation.

Graduates may work in biomedical research, pathology laboratories, biotechnology industries, bioanalytical laboratories in government and industry, reproductive biology industries, plant biotechnology and a range of veterinary and agricultural support industries.

Admission to this program is available to Australian students, residents and international students. Please visit http://www.newcastle.edu.au/what-can-i-study/undergraduate-programs/how-to-get-in/ for information on how to gain entry.

You may also be eligible to receive bonus points if you will be receiving an Australian Tertiary Admission Rank (ATAR). Please visit

http://www.newcastle.edu.au/what-can-i-study/undergraduate-programs/how-to-get-in/domestic-students/options-for-entry/bonus-points.html to see if you may be eligible.

A sound background in mathematics and chemistry would be a strong advantage in this program. If you have no previous knowledge of mathematics or chemistry (e.g., a good mark in General Mathematics at HSC, or equivalent) you are strongly advised to enrol in a bridging course offered by the English Language and Foundation Studies Centre in January/February or June/July.

Link to bridging courses: http://www.newcastle.edu.au/students/foundation-studies/bridging-courses/

Physics

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 your new program, go to http://www.newcastle.edu.au/service/credit-transfer/and click on How to apply for credit.

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.

In addition to the practical classes in courses, students can spend one semester in a biotechnology environment. Placement can be taken in any appropriate (industry or research) laboratory. The Program organisers arrange a number of placement positions already organised, both within and external to the University. Where the number of requests exceeds this number, places are allocated on a competitive basis, eg. highest grade point average for first two years of the program. Those students who are not offered a place under the competitive program mentioned above can also organise their placement independently. However, the placement location must be approved by the Program Convenor.

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

International students must comply with the University of Newcastle's English language proficiency requirements. 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 http://www.newcastle.edu.au/students/international/student-support/ to find out more about the support services available to international students.

Students with disabilities who require reasonable adjustments to undertake their program should contact the Disability Support Service before semester or early in the semester. Some adjustments need up to 4 weeks lead time to organise, so it is imperative that early contact is made. The Disability Support Service and relevant Faculty and School officers will work together to ensure reasonably adjustments are provided 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 & consider the effects of any medical condition or disability on their ability to complete course requirements. Please visit http://www.newcastle.edu.au/service/disabilty for more information.

It is recommended that students undertake the maths diagnostic quiz prior to enrolment to assist in selecting the appropriate level of maths course. A link to the quiz is available at: http://www.newcastle.edu.au/faculty/science-it/degree-programs/mathsreq.html

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

All students can access additional learning development mechanisms provided by the Centre for Teaching and Learning at http://www.newcastle.edu.au/unit/centre-for-teaching-and-learning/learning-development/

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