Bachelor of Biotechnology | UniSC | University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland, Australia

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Bachelor of Biotechnology

Program summary

QTAC code: 013071
OP/Rank for 2008 entry: OP-18 / Rank-62
Award abbreviation: BBiotech
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
Total units: 288 units (normally 24 courses)
Recommended prior study: English, Maths and at least one of the Sciences
Commence: Semester 1 or Semester 2
CRICOS code: not available to international students on student visas

Program overview

Biotechnology is an expanding and exciting field touching our everyday lives. It offers an unprecedented ability to understand and manipulate a wide range of organisms and life processes. You will gain a strong foundation in scientific areas that underpin most biotechnology. You have the opportunity to pursue interests in the latter part of the program in biotechnology dealing with animals, particularly marine animals in aquaculture and fisheries, plants, environmental biotechnology and microbiology.

You also undertake training in business to develop skills in commercialisation, marketing and intellectual property. Your third year of study has an applied focus. There is sufficient flexibility in the program for you to pursue a number of options including further business courses, in particular marketing and management, to develop strong skills for the commercial applications of biotechnology, as well as the possibility of industry placement and special scholarship projects with an emphasis on research.

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 of Microbiology
  • Australian Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
  • Australian Society for Genetics

Career opportunities

Graduates that choose to enter the workforce rather than proceed to postgraduate studies may obtain employment in the following fields:

    Agri-biotech
    • Animal Health and Breeding Programs/Genetic Engineering
    • Aquaculture and Fisheries
    • Fibre Crops
    • Nutraceuticals/Functional Foods
    Environmental Biotechnology
    • Bio-discovery (Bio-pesticides)
    • Biological control of Pests and Plant Diseases
    • Bioremediation
    • Water Management and Treatment
    • Bio-monitoring/Detection Systems (Biosensors)
    • Marine Biotechnology
    Industrial Biotechnology
    • Biomaterials
    • Bio-mining
    • Enzymes, Health care products, Bio-pharmaceuticals
    • Bio-fuels
    • Food Processing
    Other
    • Patent law, IP, Commercialization of biological discoveries,
    • Government Departments for Policy Advice and Ethics
    • Biotechnology Marketing and Promotion
    • Forensic Science
    • Biotechnology Education

    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
    LFS100 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:
    LFS251 Biochemistry
    LFS252 Molecular Biology
    LFS261 Microbiology

    Plus select
    at least 5 biotechnology or related courses as approved by the Dean *, a minimum of 3 of which must be coded at 300 level.

    Plus select at least 2 advanced courses from the Faculty of Science, Health and Education. These must not include EDU or NUR coded courses.

    Electives

    Select up to 6 courses from any faculty (Faculty of Science, Health and Education, Arts and Social Sciences or Business)

    * List of Biotechnology or related courses:
    BIM263 Introduction to Pharmacology
    BIM341 Biochemical Pharmacology
    ENS232 Ecological Principles of Land and Water Management
    ENS321 Restoration Ecology and Genetics
    ENS332 Production Systems Research
    ENS371 Aquaculture
    NUT201 Principles of Food Preservation
    NUT311 Food Chemistry and Analysis
    LFS262 Medical Microbiology
    MBT301 Food Microbiology and Fermentation
    MBT352 Molecular Biotechnology
    MBT353 Microbial Pathogenesis
    BIM331 Immunology
    MBT361 Applied Microbiology and Biotechnology
    SRP301 Special Scholarship Project †
    SRP302 Special Scholarship Project †
    WPL310 Workplace Learning I †
    WPL320 Workplace Learning II †
    WPL330 Workplace Learning III †

    † With Course Coordinator approval.

    Course substitution: the GO (Global Opportunities) Program

    As part of your USC program, you may apply to participate in the GO Program to undertake courses with an overseas higher education provider

    Program requirements and notes

    1. Refer to the Academic Rules.
    2. Refer to explanation of terms.
    3. Refer to the recommended enrolment pattern.
    4. International students need to refer to the English language requirements.
    5. Only a full-time study option is available to international students.
    6. A minimum of 4 x 300 (3rd year level) courses must be selected in total.

    Enquiries

    Faculty of Science, Health and Education
    Tel: +61 7 5430 2869
    Email: sheinfo@usc.edu.au

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