Bachelor of Biotechnology
This degree is part of the Year 12 Subject Spotlight Early Offer Program
Indicative annual fees are based on a full year full time load (80 units). Find out more about fees
Admission to our undergraduate degree programs usually requires successful completion of a senior secondary school qualification similar to the Higher School Certificate (HSC), the highest educational award in New South Wales schools.
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 at | 23 Jan 2021 3:58 am | |||
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Program code | 10981 | |||
AQF level | Level 7 Bachelor Degree | |||
Locations and UAC codes | ||||
Mode of delivery |
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Duration |
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Selection Rank |
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Assumed knowledge | Mathematics and Chemistry. | |||
Recommended studies | Physics | |||
Term type | Semesters | |||
Fees |
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Relevant University rules and policies |
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CRICOS Code | 059879B |
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Admission information
Admission requirements
Admission to this program is available to Australian students, residents and international students. Admission information for Australian students and residents is available online here. Admission information for international students can be found here. During the admission process adjustment factors may be applied to your Selection Rank. Please visit our website to see if you are eligible.
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.
Minimum English language proficiency 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.
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 directed courses
- 10 unit mathematics directed course
- 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 plans
Download a program plan for further details on what you will study. Please refer to the program plan for the year that you commenced or transitioned into this program.
- 2018-2020 Program Plan 194.1 KB
- 2021 Program Plan 173.3 KB
Additional documents
- 2021 Transition Arrangements 232.2 KB
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 are advised to read their program handbook information in conjunction with the program plans for course sequence/enrolment advice. Please refer to the Program Plan for the year that you commenced, or transitioned into, this program - Program Plans are available above.
Advanced course filters
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 Courses
Complete the following core courses. | |||
Code | Title | Term / Location | Units |
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BIOL1001 | Molecules, Cells and Organisms |
| 10 units |
BIOL1002 | Organisms to Ecosystems |
| 10 units |
BIOL1003 | Professional Skills for Biological Sciences 1 |
| 10 units |
BTEC1000 | Introduction to the Biotechnology Sector |
| 10 units |
PHYS1200 | Introductory Physics for the Life Sciences |
| 10 units |
STAT1070 | Statistics for the Sciences |
| 10 units |
BIOL2001 | Molecular Laboratory Skills for Biological Sciences |
| 10 units |
BIOL2002 | Laboratory Skills in Biological Systems |
| 10 units |
BIOL2010 | Biochemistry |
| 10 units |
BIOL2050 | Molecular Genetics |
| 10 units |
BIOL2090 | Microbial Biology |
| 10 units |
BTEC2230 | Biomolecules |
| 10 units |
BIOL3001 | Advanced Laboratory Skills in Biological Sciences |
| 10 units |
BIOL3020 | Animal Physiology, Reproduction and Development |
| 10 units |
BIOL3090 | Molecular Biology |
| 10 units |
BIOL3100 | Microbiology |
| 10 units |
BTEC3200 | Cellular Biotechnology |
| 10 units |
BTEC3251 | Biotechnology Placement |
| 30 units |
Mathematics Directed Courses
Complete 10 units from the following directed courses. Which course you should complete will depend on your previous mathematical background, please refer to each course handbook for more information. | |||
Code | Title | Term / Location | Units |
---|---|---|---|
MATH1001 | Preparatory Studies in Mathematics |
| 10 units |
MATH1002 | Foundational Studies in Mathematics |
| 10 units |
MATH1110 | Mathematics for Engineering, Science and Technology 1 |
| 10 units |
Directed Chemistry Courses
Complete a 20 unit course pair from either [CHEM1010 and CHEM1020] or [CHEM1110 and CHEM1120].
CHEM1010 and CHEM1020 | |||
Code | Title | Term / Location | Units |
---|---|---|---|
CHEM1010 | Introductory Chemistry I |
| 10 units |
CHEM1020 | Introductory Chemistry II |
| 10 units |
CHEM1110 and CHEM1120 | |||
Code | Title | Term / Location | Units |
---|---|---|---|
CHEM1110 | Chemistry for the Life Sciences I |
| 10 units |
CHEM1120 | Chemistry for the Life Sciences II |
| 10 units |
Electives
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 |
Suggested electives
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.
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
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:
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 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.