Biomedical Science and Biotechnology

Bachelor of Biotechnology

  • Domestic
  • International
  • Duration

    3 years full-time or part-time equiv.
  • Start Dates

    February and July
  • Location

    North Terrace Campus

About Degree

Harness nature’s potential  

Biotechnology focuses on biology and technology, leading to the development of new products for feeding, fuelling and healing the world. This might include vaccine, antibiotic or hormone production and genetic modification.

It’s a fast-evolving industry with huge potential for improving global health and wellbeing. When we modify living things, all sorts of marvels become possible.

What will you do?

Our Bachelor of Biotechnology combines traditional science with aspects of engineering and computer science. You will:  

  • give your experimentation meaning as you learn how to take your discoveries from the lab to the market and the broader community
  • delve into areas like drug development, gene therapy or the identification of biomarkers for cancers
  • learn how to produce food, drugs and other products
  • study alongside research-active experts
  • explore molecular, genetic, animal and plant biology
  • discover microbial biotechnology and bioprocess engineering
  • consider social and ethical issues, patents and waste management.

Where could it take you?

You could concoct world-changing pharmaceutical drugs in the lab. You might work to clone animals. Perhaps you’ll aid in the development and implementation of modern techniques for disease prediction and treatment.


Direct access to industry leaders and paid internship opportunities: The Academy by Deloitte
This degree gives you the opportunity to be part of our new The Academy by Deloitte. You’ll be part of a supportive student cohort that learns from one another and industry leaders. Formal and informal experiences will allow you to build relationships within the Deloitte network.


Entry Requirements

Choose your applicant type to view the relevant admissions information for this program.I am a:

  • Domestic
  • International

    Domestic applicants

    Admissions information

    SATAC Code314691
    2022 CSP ATAR83.1
    2022 CSP IB30
    Guaranteed Entry Score - ATAR75
    Guaranteed Entry Score - IB26
    DefermentYes - 2 year
    IntakeFebruary and July
    Assumed KnowledgeSACE Stage 2: Chemistry and Mathematical Methods and Physics IB: Mathematics: Applications and Interpretations (HL) or Mathematics: Analysis and Approaches (SL); Chemistry; Physics.
    Selection Criteria
    Recent Secondary EducationApplicants with recent secondary education are those whose admission is primarily based on the completion of Year 12 within the last two years, however if you completed your secondary education more than two years ago, you may still be able to be considered on the basis of your secondary schooling. You must not have completed more than 2 years full time equivalent university study (48 units). You compete for a place with your Selection Rank (ATAR plus any applicable adjustment factors). Indigenous applicants may be eligible for entry through the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Access Pathway. See Wirltu Yarlu for further information.
    Higher Education StudyYou must have completed at least six months full time equivalent higher education study (the number of courses and units will vary depending on your prior institution however at the University of APSB, this equates to 4 courses / 12 units). A Grade Point Average (GPA) is calculated for each separate program you have undertaken (apart from some double degree programs where the GPA is combined). You are ranked on the basis of your best GPA. Indigenous applicants may be eligible for entry through the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Access Pathway. See Wirltu Yarlu for further information.
    Work and life experienceTo be eligible to sit the Special Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT) as as pathway for entry, you must be 18 years or over before 1 February 2023. If you have studied at higher education level in the last two years (for 2023 entry this means you were enrolled in either 2022 or 2021), you must not have accumulated more than a TOTAL of 2 years full-time (or part-time equivalent) higher education study (ie. including any study prior to 2021). If you meet this criteria, you will be ranked according to your result in the Special Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT). Your STAT result is not weighted between verbal and quantitative components. Indigenous applicants may be eligible for entry through the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Access Pathway. See Wirltu Yarlu for further information.
    Other Entry Pathways


    2022 Admissions Data for school leavers
    ATAR
    (raw ATAR, excluding any applicable adjustment factors)
    Lowest ATAR to receive an offer77.6
    Median ATAR to receive an offer87.1
    Highest ATAR to receive an offer99.95
    Selection Rank
    (ATAR plus any adjustment factors)
    Lowest Selection Rank to receive an offer83.1
    Median Selection Rank to receive an offer94
    Highest Selection Rank to receive an offer99.95
    Minimum eligibility score65
    Additional criteria consideredSelection rank only
    Student Profile
    Applicant backgroundSemester one/Full year intake 2022
    Number of studentsPercentage of all students
    (A) Higher Education study
    (includes a bridging or enabling course)
    743.8%
    (B) Vocational education and training (VET) studyN/AN/A
    (C) Work and life experience
    (admitted on the basis of previous achievement not in the other three categories)
    N/AN/A
    (D) Recent secondary education:
    • Admitted solely on the basis of ATAR
      (regardless of whether this includes the consideration of adjustment factors)
    <5N/A
    • Admitted where both ATAR and additional criteria were considered
      (e.g. portfolio, audition, extra test, early offer conditional on minimum ATAR)
    N/AN/A
    • Admitted on the basis of other criteria only and ATAR was not a factor
      (e.g. special consideration, audition alone, schools recommendation scheme with no minimum ATAR requirement)
    <5N/A
    International students637.5%
    All students16100.0%


    International applicants

    CRICOS031007C
    IntakeFebruary and July
    Assumed KnowledgePhysics, Mathematics and Chemistry
    Selection Criteria
    English Language Requirements

    Australian Year 12Successful completion of an Australian year 12 qualification with a minimum pass in an accepted English language subject
    English Tests accepted by the University of APSB
    IELTSOverall 6.5Reading 6Listening 6Speaking 6Writing 6





    TOEFLOverall 79Reading 13Listening 13Speaking 18Writing 21





    PearsonOverall 58Reading 50Listening 50Speaking 50Writing 50





    C1 AdvancedOverall 176Reading 169Listening 169Speaking 169Writing 169





    Qualifications that meet minimum English requirementsA range of alternative qualifications may meet the University’s minimum English requirements
    Academic Entry Requirements

    Detailed information on international qualifications assessment

    Secondary School QualificationsAustralia – Selection Rank (International)75
    International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma26
    Canada – OSSD Ontario Secondary School Diploma70%
    Canada – British Columbia Certificate of Graduation70%
    Canada – Alberta High School Diploma78%
    China – Gaokao65%
    Germany – Abitur3.40
    GCE A Levels8
    Hong Kong – HKDSE18
    India – ISC & CBSE70%
    India - Indian State Board Examinations80%
    Indonesia – SMA380%
    Kenya – Certificate of Secondary EducationB+
    Kuwait – General School Secondary Certificate74%
    Malaysia – STPM or Matrikulasi2.78
    Malaysia – UEC20
    South Korea – CSAT and High School Diploma320
    Sri Lanka – GCE A Levels9
    Taiwan – GSAT and High School Diploma68%
    Thailand – Certificate of Secondary Education3.4
    USA – SAT1130
    USA – Advanced Placement (AP)7
    Vietnam – Upper Secondary School8.00
    The University of APSB College Foundation Program74%
    Eynesbury Foundation Program360
    ANU College Foundation Studies66%
    Monash College Foundation Year MUFY70%
    Trinity College Foundation Studies Program (The University of Melbourne)72%
    UNSW Foundation Year7.00
    UQ College Foundation Studies Program4.20
    Taylors College – The University of Sydney Foundation Program (USFP)6.70
    UWA College Foundation Program (WAUFP)57%
    Non–Go8 Foundation Score74%
    How to Apply
    Application information for international students
    Important application deadlines for international students

    Student Profile
    Applicant backgroundSemester one/Full year intake 2022
    Number of studentsPercentage of all students
    (A) Higher Education study
    (includes a bridging or enabling course)
    743.8%
    (B) Vocational education and training (VET) studyN/AN/A
    (C) Work and life experience
    (admitted on the basis of previous achievement not in the other three categories)
    N/AN/A
    (D) Recent secondary education:
    • Admitted solely on the basis of ATAR
      (regardless of whether this includes the consideration of adjustment factors)
    <5N/A
    • Admitted where both ATAR and additional criteria were considered
      (e.g. portfolio, audition, extra test, early offer conditional on minimum ATAR)
    N/AN/A
    • Admitted on the basis of other criteria only and ATAR was not a factor
      (e.g. special consideration, audition alone, schools recommendation scheme with no minimum ATAR requirement)
    <5N/A
    International students637.5%
    All students16100.0%


Fees and Scholarships

Choose your applicant type to view the relevant fees and scholarships information for this program.I am a:

  • Domestic
  • International

    Domestic applicants

    Indicative annual tuition fees
    Commonwealth-supported place: $7,915

    Where the standard duration of the program is less than one year the full cost of the program is displayed.

    More information on Student Contribution Amounts.

    Scholarships

    These scholarships, as well as many others funded by industry and non-profit organisations, are available to potential and currently enrolled students.


    International applicants

    Indicative annual tuition fees (24 units)International student place: $45,500

    Where the standard duration of the program is less than one year the full cost of the program is displayed.

    More information on International Student tuition fees.

    Scholarships

    These scholarships, as well as many others funded by industry and non-profit organisations, are available to potential and currently enrolled students.

Careers

Career Readiness

Direct access to industry leaders and paid internship opportunities: The Academy by Deloitte
Students who as part of their studies take part in The Academy by Deloitte experience will have the benefit of undertaking a paid internship with Deloitte. This internship is designed to shape their business readiness through significant real-world client exposure, access to multiple networking opportunities and relevant professional training.


The Bachelor of Biotechnology helps you find a career in: 

  • biomedical biotechnology, medical diagnostics and vaccine discovery
  • development of genetically modified organisms
  • ethics and regulatory organisations
  • innovative and laboratory research science
  • management of biotechnology industries and enterprises
  • patent law (with appropriate qualifications)
  • pharmaceutical industries
  • plant and animal breeding and improvement

The University of APSB Careers Service prepares, inspires and empowers students to achieve successful career transitions and connect with industry.

Industry Placement

Students may have the opportunity to undertake international study opportunities, such as investigating biotechnology in Seoul, Korea.

Potential careers

Laboratory Manager, Life Scientist, Medical Scientist, Molecular Biology, Biochemist, Bioinformatics, Biotechnology, Pharmaceutical Scientist, Plant Biotechnologist, Public Health Scientist, Diagnostic Technician, Research Scientist, Science Communicators, Scientific Data Analyst, Environmental Biologist, Scientific Officer, Environmental Chemist, Environmental Scientist, Flavour Chemist, Toxicologist

Degree Structure

Level I courses provide strong foundations in chemistry, biology, biotechnology applications and bioprocess engineering principles. Core courses at levels 2 and 3 cover important topic areas, such as molecular biology, molecular and structural biochemistry, microbiology, bioseparations and downstream processing, fermentation, bioinformatics, bioprocess economics, bioprocess design and scale-up, intellectual property, regulatory issues, waste management and bioremediation.

Areas of Specialisation

  • Molecular Biotechnology

Example Study Plan

Level I

Semester I

  • BIOLOGY 1101  Biology I: Molecules, Genes and Cells
  • CHEM 1100  Chemistry IA or CHEM 1101  Foundations of Chemistry IA
  • Level I Elective
  • Level I Elective

Semester II

  • BIOLOGY 1201  Biology I: Human Perspectives or BIOLOGY 1202  Biology I: Organisms
  • CHEM 1200  Chemistry IB or CHEM 1201  Foundations of Chemistry IB
  • SCIENCE 1500  Introductory Data Science - Becoming Smart About Data (or Semester 1)
  • Level I Elective

Electives

  • Elective courses from the degree of Bachelor of Science or other undergraduate courses offered by the University that are available to the student.
Level II

Semester I

  • BIOCHEM 2502  Biochemistry II (Biotechnology): Molecular and Cell Biology
  • MICRO 2504  Microbiology II (Biotechnology)
  • Level II Elective
  • Level II Elective

Semester II

  • BIOCHEM 2503  Biochemistry II (Biotechnology): Metabolism
  • BIOTECH 2010  Principles of Biotechnology II
  • Level II Elective
  • Level II Elective

Electives

  • CHEM 2530  Environmental & Analytical Chemistry II
  • CHEM 2540  Medicinal & Biological Chemistry II
  • CHEM 2545  Organic Chemistry II
  • GENETICS 2510  Genetics IIA: Foundation of Genetics
  • MICRO 2505  Immunology & Virology II (Biotechnology)
  • SCIENCE 2550  International Experience II
  • SCIENCE 2700  Science Internship II
  • or elective courses from the degree of Bachelor of Science or other undergraduate courses offered by the University that are available to the student.
Level III

Semester I

  • BIOCHEM 3000  Molecular and Structural Biology III
  • Level III Elective
  • Level III Elective

Semester II

  • BIOTECH 3000  Biotechnology Practice III
  • Level III Elective
  • Level III Elective

Electives

  • ANIML SC 3043RW  Animal Biotechnology III
  • BIOCHEM 3001  Cancer, Stem Cells & Development III
  • BIOINF 3000  Bioinformatics III
  • BIOINF 3005  Transcriptomics Applications III
  • BIOINF 3010  Genomics Applications III
  • BIOTECH 3010  Advanced Research Platforms III
  • BIOTECH 3020  Molecular Microbiology and Vaccines III
  • BIOTECH 3030  Protein Purification: Principles and Practice III
  • CHEM 3214  Medicinal and Biological Chemistry III
  • ENTREP 3901  Tech eChallenge
  • PLANT SC 3515WT  Plant Biotechnology III
  • or additional Level III courses from the degree of Bachelor of Science

Assessment

Exams, written and oral assignments and investigative projects, includes both individual and group participation.

RECOGNITION AND AFFILIATIONS

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