Bachelor of Biotechnology (S3V)

The information on this page is for current students. If you are applying for our next intake, please view our active course offerings here.

Overview  2020

Entry Requirements

See entry requirements

Duration

Minimum 3 Years, up to a maximum of 7 Years

Duration

Duration refers to the minimum and maximum amounts of time in which this course can be completed. It will be affected by whether you choose to study full or part time, noting that some programs are only available part time.

Location

This course may not be available to international students. Please see the list of distance courses (i.e. online and taken outside Australia) that are offered to international students

"We're developing an innovative approach to micro-algae cultivation: trying to use the waste oil growing on microalgae to produce oil. In particular, we want to create a renewable source of bio-fuel to replace crude oil, and create Omega 3 oils for human consumption."

Dr Kim Lee Chang
Biotechnology graduate
CSIRO Future Science Platforms
Biotechnology is vital to the continued survival and advancement of the human race.

With an ever-growing population and a need to live in harmony with our planet and its resources, there is an immediate global demand for skilled biotechnology graduates that is only going to increase in the future.

Through the Bachelor of Biotechnology, you can make a positive impact on one person’s life or the lives of millions, in industries all around the world.

You could be solving problems related to gene therapy; identifying and potentially curing currently terminal conditions; creating vaccines for our deadliest diseases; generating sustainable sources of fuel; feeding an ever-increasing worldwide population; helping to make livestock less vulnerable to disease; making plants naturally resistant to pests; or using natural organisms to remove pollution and heavy metals from soil and waterways.

This course specifically aims to equip students with the knowledge, skills, competencies and awareness in preparation for employment in industry and research organisations working in the expanding biotechnology sector as well as for research in higher degrees.

The Bachelor of Biotechnology combines a range of scientific disciplines with advanced technology in order to naturally and ethically manipulate living organisms for the benefit of humanity and the planet.

As the application of biotechnology is deeply integrated with society, you will also cover ethics and social responsibility so that you can apply your scientific skills with a full appreciation of impact and benefits.

All of our biotechnology streams include a significant amount of hands-on experience through laboratory work, field trips, and experiences in external workplaces via industry engagement.

We let you get involved from day one, using the equipment yourself while supported by laboratory technicians, who supervise but do not do it for you. This will help make you job-ready, giving you practical skills that you will be using to create applied solutions on a daily basis.

As well as the facilities and equipment, teaching staff bring their cutting-edge findings and examples to the laboratory and classroom. Our well above world-class* research rankings in biotechnology related fields of analytical and inorganic chemistry, ecology, plant biology, zoology, agriculture, horticulture, clinical sciences, human movement and sport science and neurosciences mean that you will be learning from some of the best in the world in the same environment where they conduct their world-class research.

*2015 Excellent in Research Australia (ERA) rankings.

Tasmania as a Living Laboratory

Your physical location is also a major source of your practical experience opportunities. Tasmania is a living laboratory and your proximity to world-class, industry-standard facilities and pristine, diverse environments both in and outside the University will give you the practical experience you need to prepare you for a career in any stream you choose.

STEM Student Ambassadors

Undergraduates can also serve as STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) Student Ambassadors. The goals of the program are to provide exceptional STEM education, outreach and community engagement in schools and elsewhere. The program provides opportunities and experiences that will lead to personal and professional growth for participants, particularly improving public speaking skills.

Overseas Exchange

Our international exchange program offers opportunities for a semester of study at universities around the world. Exchange can allow students to have an affordable educational and cultural experience in a foreign country for a semester or a full year. To facilitate this, we offer a range of scholarships and financial assistance. Participants may be eligible for OS-HELP Loans or scholarship funding to assist with their airfares, accommodation and other expenses. Find out more about Student Exchange.

Career outcomes

Tom Ross, Associate Professor in Food Microbiology

"A new generation of skilled and innovative biotechnologists will develop the solutions to overcome the increasing pressure on our planet’s ecosystems from growing human populations, as well as providing a range of new products that greatly improve our lives."

Tom Ross, Associate Professor in Food Microbiology

Biotechnology is already a major contributor to a huge range of industries all around the world and will only prove to be more valuable as we need to increase outputs from ever-shrinking resources and adapt to an ever-changing environment.

Career Opportunities with Biotechnology

You could be developing new methods for detecting and diagnosing diseases, working in stem cell research to come up with new vaccines and treatments for crippling diseases, or developing cheaper and more effective drugs to combat a range of conditions.

Government agencies utilise biotechnologists for everything from research (CSIRO) to forensics (police). You could be drought and pest-proofing our future food supply, or inventing faster and more accurate DNA identification methods to solve crimes. The breakthroughs you make can have a beneficial effect on millions of people.

You might choose to take a more boutique approach to the application of biotechnology. Careers in the agricultural production sector may see you developing better beer and wines, making longer-lasting cheese and food products, or starting your own business by following an untapped niche market.

Career options in Biotechnology include the following specific jobs and industries:

  • Agriculture, Horticulture and Forestry
  • Aquaculture, marine and freshwater industries
  • Brewer
  • Cheese technologist
  • Food safety advisor to government
  • Food safety auditor
  • Pharmaceutical, nutraceutical, cosmeceutical
  • Plant and animal breeding
  • Public service (department of primary industries, quarantine)
  • Quality assurance manager/consultant (food industry)
  • Research in Universities, CSIRO, and Industry
  • Teaching
  • Wine-maker

Professional Recognition

Graduates may be eligible for membership of a number of professional organisations.

Course structure

In your first year you will study a common range of units (Schedule A and B) that provide a foundation in the sciences that you’ll later learn to apply to solving biotechnology-related challenges.

In years two and three you will combine some prescribed units (Schedule C and E) with others of your choice (Schedule D and F) that are designed to focus your education towards one of five key Biotechnology related streams:

  • Fermentation Science
  • Food Safety
  • Genetics
  • Medicinal Chemistry
  • Plant Biotechnology

Fermentation Science

Fermentation involves the conversion of natural materials into beneficial foods, or drinks, or compounds that are used in medicine and industry. Products made by fermentation include cheese, wine, industrial biochemicals and pharmaceuticals. Most fermentations rely on microorganisms and require detailed knowledge of microbial genetics, physiology and biochemistry, as well as chemistry, to produce the desired end-product safely, reliably and efficiently.

This stream will cover aspects of chemistry, biochemistry and microbiology needed to produce high value foods and chemicals by microbial fermentations.

Food Safety

Food-borne disease costs Australia, and other developed nations, billions of dollars per year. Most food-borne illnesses are caused by microorganisms. Governments invest considerable resources to maximize the safety of our food supply, and food businesses are required to develop and implement food-safety plans based on a scientific understanding of food safety risks.

This stream will equip you with knowledge of microbiology and other sciences related to the production, harvest, processing and distribution of foods, and the analytical skills to enable you to manage and minimise microbial food safety risks to consumers.

Medicinal Chemistry

Medicinal Chemistry is the area of science involved with the discovery, design and action of drugs at the molecular level and is the foundation for the development of new pharmaceuticals.

This stream will cover aspects of chemistry, biochemistry and pharmacology to develop an understanding of molecule synthesis, chemical analysis and natural products chemistry as enabling areas of drug discovery.

Plant Biotechnology

Plants provide us with a wide range of essential resources from food and materials to high value chemicals and bioenergy. Genome analysis and genetic transformation of plants has opened up many opportunities in plant biotechnology. Crops with resistance to herbicides and insects have been grown for many years and future crops will have tolerance to environmental stresses and improved nutritional qualities. Smart breeding will generate improved varieties and engineering of metabolic pathways will provide new pharmaceuticals or biomaterials.

This stream will provide you with knowledge of plant tissue culture, genetic transformation and novel products.

Genetics

Genetics focuses on the study of how genes control the growth, development and function of living organisms and on using this knowledge to improve productivity and human health, preserve natural diversity, and generate innovative products. The basic techniques and approaches used to study the function and diversity of genes and genomes are rapidly developing and are of wide relevance in the agricultural, forestry, fisheries, food, medical and health care industries. As a result, familiarity with genetic concepts and experience with laboratory-based and computational techniques for DNA and genome analysis are important skills for entry into these industries.

This stream will provide you with a broad background in these basic concepts and techniques and how they can be applied to a range of fundamental questions and practical problems.

Schedules (Applicable Semester 2, 2016 onwards)

Credit Points: 12.5

LocationStudy periodAttendance optionsAvailable to
HobartSemester 1
LauncestonSemester 1
Cradle CoastSemester 1

Key: On-campus    Off-Campus    International students    Domestic students

Credit Points: 12.5

LocationStudy periodAttendance optionsAvailable to
HobartSemester 2
LauncestonSemester 2

Key: On-campus    Off-Campus    International students    Domestic students

Credit Points: 12.5

LocationStudy periodAttendance optionsAvailable to
HobartSemester 1
LauncestonSemester 1

Key: On-campus    Off-Campus    International students    Domestic students

Credit Points: 12.5

LocationStudy periodAttendance optionsAvailable to
HobartSemester 1
HobartSemester 2
LauncestonSemester 1
LauncestonSemester 2
Cradle CoastSemester 1

Key: On-campus    Off-Campus    International students    Domestic students

Credit Points: 12.5

LocationStudy periodAttendance optionsAvailable to
HobartSemester 1

Key: On-campus    Off-Campus    International students    Domestic students

Credit Points: 12.5

LocationStudy periodAttendance optionsAvailable to
HobartSemester 2

Key: On-campus    Off-Campus    International students    Domestic students

Credit Points: 12.5

LocationStudy periodAttendance optionsAvailable to
HobartSemester 1
LauncestonSemester 1

Key: On-campus    Off-Campus    International students    Domestic students

Credit Points: 12.5

LocationStudy periodAttendance optionsAvailable to
HobartSemester 2
LauncestonSemester 2

Key: On-campus    Off-Campus    International students    Domestic students

Credit Points: 12.5

LocationStudy periodAttendance optionsAvailable to
HobartSemester 1

Key: On-campus    Off-Campus    International students    Domestic students

Credit Points: 12.5

LocationStudy periodAttendance optionsAvailable to
HobartSemester 2

Key: On-campus    Off-Campus    International students    Domestic students

Credit Points: 12.5

This unit is currently unavailable.

Credit Points: 12.5

LocationStudy periodAttendance optionsAvailable to
HobartSemester 1

Key: On-campus    Off-Campus    International students    Domestic students

Credit Points: 12.5

LocationStudy periodAttendance optionsAvailable to
HobartSemester 1

Key: On-campus    Off-Campus    International students    Domestic students

Credit Points: 12.5

LocationStudy periodAttendance optionsAvailable to
HobartSemester 2

Key: On-campus    Off-Campus    International students    Domestic students

Credit Points: 12.5

LocationStudy periodAttendance optionsAvailable to
HobartSemester 2

Key: On-campus    Off-Campus    International students    Domestic students

Credit Points: 12.5

LocationStudy periodAttendance optionsAvailable to
HobartSemester 2

Key: On-campus    Off-Campus    International students    Domestic students

Credit Points: 12.5

LocationStudy periodAttendance optionsAvailable to
HobartSemester 1

Key: On-campus    Off-Campus    International students    Domestic students

Credit Points: 12.5

LocationStudy periodAttendance optionsAvailable to
HobartSemester 1

Key: On-campus    Off-Campus    International students    Domestic students

Credit Points: 12.5

LocationStudy periodAttendance optionsAvailable to
HobartSemester 2

Key: On-campus    Off-Campus    International students    Domestic students

Credit Points: 12.5

LocationStudy periodAttendance optionsAvailable to
HobartSemester 2
LauncestonSemester 2

Key: On-campus    Off-Campus    International students    Domestic students

Credit Points: 12.5

LocationStudy periodAttendance optionsAvailable to
HobartSemester 1

Key: On-campus    Off-Campus    International students    Domestic students

Credit Points: 12.5

LocationStudy periodAttendance optionsAvailable to
HobartSemester 2

Key: On-campus    Off-Campus    International students    Domestic students

Credit Points: 12.5

LocationStudy periodAttendance optionsAvailable to
HobartSemester 1
HobartSemester 2

Key: On-campus    Off-Campus    International students    Domestic students

Credit Points: 12.5

LocationStudy periodAttendance optionsAvailable to
HobartSemester 1
HobartSemester 2

Key: On-campus    Off-Campus    International students    Domestic students

Credit Points: 12.5

LocationStudy periodAttendance optionsAvailable to
HobartSemester 1

Key: On-campus    Off-Campus    International students    Domestic students

Credit Points: 12.5

LocationStudy periodAttendance optionsAvailable to
HobartSemester 1

Key: On-campus    Off-Campus    International students    Domestic students

Credit Points: 12.5

LocationStudy periodAttendance optionsAvailable to
HobartSemester 2

Key: On-campus    Off-Campus    International students    Domestic students

Credit Points: 12.5

LocationStudy periodAttendance optionsAvailable to
HobartSemester 1

Key: On-campus    Off-Campus    International students    Domestic students

Credit Points: 12.5

LocationStudy periodAttendance optionsAvailable to
HobartSemester 2

Key: On-campus    Off-Campus    International students    Domestic students

Credit Points: 12.5

LocationStudy periodAttendance optionsAvailable to
HobartSemester 2

Key: On-campus    Off-Campus    International students    Domestic students

Credit Points: 12.5

LocationStudy periodAttendance optionsAvailable to
HobartSemester 2

Key: On-campus    Off-Campus    International students    Domestic students

Credit Points: 12.5

LocationStudy periodAttendance optionsAvailable to
HobartSemester 1

Key: On-campus    Off-Campus    International students    Domestic students

Credit Points: 12.5

This unit is currently unavailable.

Credit Points: 12.5

This unit is currently unavailable.

Credit Points: 12.5

LocationStudy periodAttendance optionsAvailable to
HobartSemester 1

Key: On-campus    Off-Campus    International students    Domestic students

Credit Points: 12.5

LocationStudy periodAttendance optionsAvailable to
HobartSemester 2
LauncestonSemester 2
Cradle CoastSemester 2

Key: On-campus    Off-Campus    International students    Domestic students

Credit Points: 12.5

LocationStudy periodAttendance optionsAvailable to
HobartSemester 1

Key: On-campus    Off-Campus    International students    Domestic students

Credit Points: 12.5

LocationStudy periodAttendance optionsAvailable to
HobartSemester 2

Key: On-campus    Off-Campus    International students    Domestic students

Credit Points: 12.5

LocationStudy periodAttendance optionsAvailable to
Hobart5 Week Session Feb A

Key: On-campus    Off-Campus    International students    Domestic students

Credit Points: 12.5

This unit is currently unavailable.

Credit Points: 12.5

This unit is currently unavailable.

Credit Points: 12.5

LocationStudy periodAttendance optionsAvailable to
HobartSemester 1

Key: On-campus    Off-Campus    International students    Domestic students

Credit Points: 12.5

LocationStudy periodAttendance optionsAvailable to
HobartSemester 2

Key: On-campus    Off-Campus    International students    Domestic students

Credit Points: 12.5

LocationStudy periodAttendance optionsAvailable to
HobartSemester 2

Key: On-campus    Off-Campus    International students    Domestic students

Credit Points: 12.5

LocationStudy periodAttendance optionsAvailable to
HobartSemester 1

Key: On-campus    Off-Campus    International students    Domestic students

Credit Points: 12.5

This unit is currently unavailable.

Credit Points: 12.5

This unit is currently unavailable.

Credit Points: 12.5

LocationStudy periodAttendance optionsAvailable to
HobartSemester 1

Key: On-campus    Off-Campus    International students    Domestic students

Credit Points: 12.5

LocationStudy periodAttendance optionsAvailable to
HobartSemester 1

Key: On-campus    Off-Campus    International students    Domestic students

Credit Points: 12.5

LocationStudy periodAttendance optionsAvailable to
HobartSemester 2

Key: On-campus    Off-Campus    International students    Domestic students

Credit Points: 12.5

LocationStudy periodAttendance optionsAvailable to
HobartSemester 1

Key: On-campus    Off-Campus    International students    Domestic students

Credit Points: 12.5

LocationStudy periodAttendance optionsAvailable to
HobartSemester 2

Key: On-campus    Off-Campus    International students    Domestic students

Credit Points: 12.5

LocationStudy periodAttendance optionsAvailable to
HobartSemester 1
HobartSemester 2
HobartSummer school (early)
HobartWinter school
LauncestonSemester 1
LauncestonSemester 2
LauncestonSummer school (early)

Key: On-campus    Off-Campus    International students    Domestic students

Need help choosing your first year units? Try the Unit Selection Guide.

Entry requirements

If you're interested in studying the Bachelor of Biotechnology, you'll need to meet the general entrance requirements of the University and any course-specific requirements.

School leavers

An ATAR score of 65 or higher and successful completion of the following prerequisite unit(s) at TQA3 level, or equivalent:

  • Chemistry (CHM415115)
  • General Mathematics (MTG315115)

Mature age students/non-school leavers

You will need to meet University General Entry Requirements through alternative qualifications or experience.

You will also be required to meet the pre-requisites listed above via the completion of foundation units, or by demonstrating equivalent qualification or knowledge. Even if you don’t need to meet a prerequisite, foundation units are a great way to refresh your knowledge and give you the best preparation possible for staring your Bachelor level studies.

International Students

All international applicants will need to meet the International General Entrance Requirements.

For those applicants who are nationals of and currently residing in a country where English is NOT the official language, evidence of an IELTS or TOEFL test must be provided. The Bachelor of Biotechnology requires an IELTS (Academic) of 6.0.

You will also need to meet any course specific requirements with recognised qualifications, or equivalent experience. More information is available at the International Future Students website.

Credit for appropriate studies completed at TAFE and/or other university courses may be granted. You can apply for advanced standing as part of the application process, or it can be assessed independently via a separate application.

Please contact us for further information.

Credit for relevant units will be given to transferring students.

Students completing their third year with sufficient merit will be invited to enter Honours in their fourth year of study. Honours graduates may apply for entry into Masters or PhD courses.

If you successfully complete this course, you may be eligible to apply for a range of other postgraduate courses including Graduate Certificates and Graduate Diplomas and Masters by coursework and research. Filter the Course list on the Science study theme page by Postgraduate to view the current courses available.

If you meet the minimum ATAR but haven't completed the required pre-requisite unit(s), we offer foundation units to help you bridge the gap. Many run in spring and summer school so you can meet a prerequisite and not delay the start of your Bachelor level studies. HECS scholarships may also be available for domestic students.

Even if you don’t need to meet a pre-requisite, these units are a great way to refresh your knowledge and give you the best preparation possible for starting your Bachelor level studies.

If you do not meet the minimum ATAR you should consider enrolment in the Diploma of University Studies (Science pathway), which includes the mathematics and chemistry foundation units, as a pathway to the Bachelor of Biotechnology.

If you do not meet the General Entry Requirements (GER), you should consider enrolment in the Diploma of University Studies (Science pathway) or the University Preparation Program.

In all cases, contact us to discuss an option best suited to your needs.

Detailed admissions information and advice for all undergraduate courses, including comprehensive, course-level student profiles, is available from UTAS Admissions.

Fees & scholarships

Domestic students

Domestic students enrolled in a full fee paying place are charged the Student Services and Amenities Fee but this fee is incorporated in the fees you pay for each unit you enrol in. Full fee paying domestic students do not have to make any additional SSAF payments.

Detailed tuition fee information for domestic students is available at the Domestic Student Fees website, including additional information in relation to a compulsory Student Services and Amenities Fee (SSAF).

International students

2020 Total Course Fee (international students): $99,244 AUD*.

Course cost based on a rate of $31,950 AUD per standard, full-time year of study (100 credit points).

* Please note that this is an indicative fee only.

International students

Domestic Students

Fees for domestic students are based on individual unit selections. Please refer to the fees section of each unit description in the online Course and Unit Handbook to work out an indicative annual cost.

If you are a domestic student enrolling in the Bachelor of Biotechnology, you may be eligible to receive a Commonwealth supported place at university. To find out what to pay and whether you are eligible you can read the information and guidelines.

In addition to course costs, students may be subject to other costs related to study at university including:

International students are charged the Student Services and Amenities Fee but this fee is incorporated in the annual rate. International students do not have to make any additional SSAF payments.

Scholarships

Domestic Students

Each year, the University offers more than 900 awards to students from all walks of life, including: those who have achieved high academic results, those from low socio-economic backgrounds, students with sporting ability, students undertaking overseas study, and students with a disability.

For information on all scholarships available at the University of Tasmania, please visit the scholarships website.

Applications for most awards commencing in Semester 1 open at the beginning of August and close strictly on 31 October in the year prior to study.

International students

There are a huge range of scholarships, bursaries and fee discounts available for international students studying at the University of Tasmania. For more information on these, visit the Tasmanian International Scholarships (TIS) website.

How can we help?

Do you have any questions about choosing a course or applying? Get in touch.

Domestic
1300 363 864
International
+61 3 6226 6200
Email
Course.Info@utas.edu.au
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