Program summary
Program overview
Career opportunities
Advanced standing, recognition of prior learning, credit and articulation
Program structure
Program requirements and notes
Enquiries
Recommended enrolment patterns
Program summary
QTAC code: 013071
OP/Rank for 2006 entry: OP-18 / Rank-59
Award abbreviation: BAnimPlantMarineBiotech
Degree type: undergraduate
Mode of study: on campus
Duration: 3 years full-time or equivalent part-time
Fee type: Commonwealth supported places, domestic fee-paying places, international fee-paying places
Total units: 288
Recommended prior study: English, Maths and one or more of the Sciences, preferably Chemistry
Commence: Semester 1 or Semester 2
CRICOS code: 058122M
Program overview
Biotechnology and genetics offer an unprecedented ability to understand and manipulate a wide range of life processes. This has led to the creation of a profusion of new and improved plant and animal products for use by industries and society. This program is focused on marine, animal, and plant biotechnology. You gain a strong foundation in areas such as biotechnology of marine animals in aquaculture and fisheries, genetic engineering, environmental biotechnology and molecular biology. You also undertake training in business to develop skills in commercialisation, marketing and intellectual property.
In first year, you gain a strong theoretical understanding in basic sciences such as cell biology and chemistry and develop broader skills in communication, innovation and entrepreneurship. In second year, you build on your foundations in science by studying biochemistry, molecular biology, biotechnology and microbiology. The third year of study has an applied focus, for example, aquaculture.
Throughout the program, you are able to select specialist areas of study such as marine, environmental, animal and plant, or biomedical sciences. You also have the option of further business training, in particular marketing and management to develop strong skills for the commercial applications of biotechnology.
Professional membership
Graduates may become members/associate members of the following professional bodies depending on their areas of specialisation:
- Australian Institute of Food Science and Technology
- Australian Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
- Australian Society of Microbiology
- Australian Society for Genetics
Career opportunities
If you choose to enter the workforce rather than proceed to graduate studies opportunities may include an aquaculture and fisheries research officer, biotechnology companies (manager, researcher, technician), biotechnology research scientist, genetics research officer, government advisory and policy officer, marketing and promotion of biotechnology products, and tissue culture research officer.
Program structure
Core courses
Select 2 courses from:
COR109 Communication and Thought
COR110 Innovation, Creativity and Entrepreneurship
COR111 Environment, Technology and Sustainability
Introductory courses
4 required courses:
BUS105 Marketing Theory and Practice
SCI103 Cell Biology
SCI105 Chemistry
SCI110 Science Research Methods
Plus select 2 courses from the Faculty of Science, Health and Education. (These must not include NUR or EDU coded courses)
Advanced courses
3 required courses:
MBT251 Biochemistry
MBT252 Molecular Biology
MBT263 Microbiology
Plus select at least 3 courses from:
BIM341 Biochemical Pharmacology
ENS332 Production Systems Research
ENS371 Aquaculture
MBT333 Applications of Biotechnology in Society #
MBT352 Molecular Biotechnology
Plus select at least 4 advanced courses from the Faculty of Science, Health and Education, 2 of which are 300 level. These must not include EDU or NUR coded courses.
# Subject to special entry requirements.
Electives
Select up to 6 courses from any faculty ( Faculty of Science, Health and Education, Arts and Social Sciences or Business), 4 of which are at advanced level.
Course substitution: the GO (Global Opportunities) Program
As part of their USC program, students may apply to participate in the GO Program to undertake courses with an overseas higher education provider
Program requirements and notes
- A maximum of 10 introductory (100 level) courses may be chosen, including the core courses:
- A minimum of 14 advanced (200 and 300 level) courses must be chosen, 5 of which must be 300 level science (not coded NUR or EDU) courses.
- Refer to the Academic Rules.
- Refer to explanation of terms.
- Refer to the recommended enrolment patterns.
Enquiries
Faculty of Science, Health and Education
Tel: +61 7 5430 2869
Email: scienceinfo@usc.edu.au