Bachelor of Biotechnology

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.

Admission requirements

Enrolling in mathematics - Maths placement test

Minimum English language proficiency requirements

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.

Australian Institute of Biology

Australian Society of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology

Australia's Biotechnology Organisation

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.

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. However, the Faculty suggests the following course options that may complement your program or major.

A full list of courses that are available to study as an elective can be found in the course handbook.

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.

All students can access free academic skills and support provided by Academic Learning Support through the Pathways and Academic Learning Support Centre.

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.

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.

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 Faculty 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.