Bachelor of Biotechnology (Honours)

The Bachelor of Biotechnology(Honours) is a one year full-time (or equivalent part-time) program that allows students to further develop their specific areas of interest. This degree prepares students for careers in biotechnology as well as providing a pathway into Research Higher Degree studies.

The University of Newcastle is a leading research University with Research Centres in Biotechnology and Development, Integrative Legume Research and Reproductive Science as well as the Tom Farrell Institute for the Environment. Students have the opportunity to be involved with research at the forefront of their discipline.

Graduates will have excellent knowledge of modern biotechnology, including molecular biology, and gain experience in research methods, data analysis, instrumentation and information technology and microbiology. They will also have worked in a biotechnology environment.

Graduates may work in biomedical research, pathology laboratories, biotechnology industries, bioanalytical laboratories in government and industry, reproductive biology industries and a range of veterinary and agricultural support industries. Graduates also may choose to pursue further study with a research higher degree.

Applicants must have successfully completed the Bachelor of Biotechnology or Bachelor of Science (Biotechnology) or equivalent program with a minimum GPA of 5.0 (credit grade average) calculated from:

• Across the entire degree program; or
• Across a major in the proposed discipline of study, if that degree program includes such a major; or
• Across 80 units of 3000 level courses (which must include at least 40 units of 3000 level courses in the major where a major exists); or
• Where the applicant has completed less than 80 units at 3000 level, a GPA of 5.5 calculated from at least 60 units of 3000 level courses (which must include at least 40 units of 3000 level courses in the major where a major exists).

In exceptional circumstances, the above requirements may be varied with permission of the Head of School and Pro Vice-Chancellor.

No more than two years must have elapsed since completion of the undergraduate degree.

• To apply for entry to this Honours program you will need to apply directly to the Faculty of Science and Information Technology.

  You need to download and complete two forms:

  • Direct Admissions Application form; and
  • Faculty of Science and Information Technology Honours Application Form (End-On Honours).

  Application forms and instructions on how to apply are available at http://www.newcastle.edu.au/service/student-forms/

No credit permitted for Honours

There are three classes of Honours: Class I, Class II and Class III. Class II will have two divisions, namely Division 1 and Division 2. The grading and marking of End-On Honours programs is defined in the Structure for Model 1 Honours Programs Policy (Policy 000643)at http://www.newcastle.edu.au/policylibrary/000643.html

Graduates may apply for membership to the 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 students can also access additional learning support mechanisms provided by the Centre for Teaching and Learning at http://www.newcastle.edu.au/unit/ctl/index.html

The program is delivered through small group learning situations, including studio, group and individual tutorial/mentoring sessions, laboratory and field work. Opportunities for providing individual support will be considered.

The support structures of the Student Support Unit will be available to assist any students with a disability or chronic illness. The Faculty and School accepts responsibility, in liaison with the Student Support Unit, for providing reasonable accommodations to allow students with disabilities to complete the program.

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.

Delivery of this program is face-to-face on campus.