Bachelor of Biotechnology
Overview
Want to help feed, fuel and heal the planet? Combine life sciences theory, specialised practical training and entrepreneurial skills to join one of the world’s most exciting and creative scientific fields.
Biotechnology is a creative entrepreneurial field, where scientists design innovative products and technologies, pioneering new frontiers in health, agriculture, science, engineering and beyond.
Develop the skills and knowledge needed to translate innovative scientific ideas into commercially viable solutions. Learn real-world insights from educators who are at the frontier of emerging research fields in biotechnology.
You will combine theory and practice to examine biotechnology’s varied applications, from antibody engineering to fight disease and genetic plant engineering to increase agricultural yields, through to vaccine design, cell and tissue culture technologies, and more.
Deepen your understanding of the key issues within biotechnology such as intellectual property, regulatory compliance, quality assurance and quality control. Learn to apply quality management systems in biotechnology so that products and technologies are safe and reproducible.
Learn how to assess the market potential and financial viability of new products or technical services such as vaccines, diagnostics, biopharmaceutical drugs, transgenic plants or innovations in stem cell therapy.
Build your expertise in one of 5 specialist areas: Agricultural Biotechnology, Chemical and Nano Biotechnology, Medical Biotechnology, Molecular and Microbial Biotechnology or Synthetic Biology and Industrial Biotechnology.
Complement your specialist learning to enhance your employability by studying a minor in either Bioinformatics or Innovation and Entrepreneurship.
You will be equipped for a wide variety of employment opportunities in Australia’s thriving life sciences sector, which includes the biotechnology, pharmaceutical, food, medical and agricultural technology industries.
Alternatively, kick start your career in research by progressing into an honours or master's degree.
Program highlights
- Learn from Australia's leading educators in biotechnology and equip yourself with advanced skills.
- Access world-class laboratory, research and computer facilities to gain hands-on experience.
- Set yourself up for a career in the expanding biotech industry. Australia has more than 850 companies operating in sectors including health, agriculture, chemical, pharmaceutical, diagnostics, law and commerce.
Majors
Tailor your studies to suit your goals. This program offers these options:
- Agricultural Biotechnology
- Bioinformatics
- Chemical and Nano Biotechnology
- Innovation and Entrepreneurship
How you'll learn
Your learning experiences are designed to best suit the learning outcomes of the courses you choose.
- Lectures
- Tutorials
- Research experience
- Laboratory work
- Seminars
- Workshops
What you'll study
At UQ, degrees are called 'programs' and subjects are called 'courses'. Here's a sample of the courses you could study in this program:
- Introduction to Biotechnology
- Commercialisation of Biotechnology Products
- Quality Management Systems in Biotechnology: GMP, GLP, GCP
- Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
- Genes, Cells & Evolution
Dual programs
Double your skills and your opportunities with a dual degree. You can study the Bachelor of Biotechnology as a part of these dual programs:
Career possibilities
Our programs prepare you for your first job and beyond. Depending on which major you choose, here are some of the careers you could be on your way to:
- Production bioinformatics engineer
- Research officer
- Bioprocess scientist
- Quality control manager
- Biochemist
- Research scientist
- Microbiologist
- Cancer researcher
- Trial coordinator
- Lecturer
Graduate salary
Science and mathematics (undergraduate)
compared.edu.au
Next steps after graduation
Your high-level knowledge and technical skills will be relevant to a range of modern biotechnologies.
Careers in biotechnology span many industrial and service sectors, including health, agriculture, diagnostics, environment, forestry, law and commerce.
With more than 850 companies operating in the growing Australian biotechnology industry, you’ll be well placed for roles in:
- agricultural industries (in areas such as plant breeding and engineering)
- chemical companies (in areas such as nanotechnology and biosensor applications, and developing drug leads)
- diagnostic companies (undertaking diagnostic test design, development and production)
- government agencies (as a technology analyst or commercialisation officer)
- legal and consulting companies (as a business plan analyst)
- pharmaceutical companies (in areas such as drug design and development or pharmaceutical production, as well as research institutes, universities or industry)
- venture capital companies
- start-up ventures.
Alternatively, you can use this qualification to further your research ambitions and make significant contributions to knowledge by enrolling in a higher degree by research program.
I enjoyed learning the science behind biological mechanisms and working with the plants in the glasshouses on campus knowing that I can have a real, positive impact on agriculture.
I particularly loved the visits to research centres outside UQ. I learned about research institutions and private industries I could work for. I also liked the enriching research culture at UQ and the opportunities to get quality experience working alongside researchers and academics.
I enjoyed learning the science behind biological mechanisms and working with the plants in the glasshouses on campus knowing that I can have a real, positive impact on agriculture.
I particularly loved the visits to research centres outside UQ. I learned about research institutions and private industries I could work for. I also liked the enriching research culture at UQ and the opportunities to get quality experience working alongside researchers and academics.
Events
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7 April
International Baccalaureate Research Skills Program
30 June
Queensland Biology Winter School, Year 11
Stories
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Entry requirements
Prerequisites
- General English subject (Units 3 & 4, C)
- Mathematical Methods (Units 3 & 4, C), and
- One of Biology, Chemistry or Physics (Units 3 & 4, C)
Prerequisites
- General English subject (Units 3 & 4, C)
- Mathematical Methods (Units 3 & 4, C), and
- One of Biology, Chemistry or Physics (Units 3 & 4, C)
Entry score threshold
| ATAR / Rank | IB |
|---|---|
| 81 | 29.25 |
These are the lowest adjusted scores we made an offer to in Semester 1, 2024. Entry scores are based on the most recent Semester 1 intake and are updated in April each year. Meeting the entry score threshold doesn't guarantee admission.
Guarantee your place at UQ: If you meet our guaranteed minimum ATAR you could secure an offer for your preferred program.
English language requirements
IELTS overall 6.5; reading 6; writing 6; speaking 6; listening 6. For other English Language Proficiency Tests and Scores approved for UQ
TOEFL iBT (including Paper Edition) - Overall 87, listening 19, reading 19, writing 21 and speaking 19.
PTE Academic - Overall Score of 64 and 60 in all sub bands.
BE - A minimum overall grade of 4 plus a minimum grade of C in all macro skills.
CES - Overall 176 and 169 in all sub bands.
OET is not accepted.
There are other ways to meet the English language requirements. For some programs, additional conditions apply.
Student visas
International students who are accepted into full-time study in the Bachelor of Biotechnology are eligible to apply for an Australian student visa (subclass 500).
There are a number of requirements you must satisfy before a visa is granted, including the Genuine Student (GS) requirement.
Entry score range
This table shows the range of entry scores for recent secondary students offered a place in the B Biotechnology for Semester 1, 2024
| Without adjustments | With adjustments | |
|---|---|---|
| Highest | 99.55 | 99.95 |
| Median | 91.95 | 93.65 |
| Lowest | 78.4 | 82 |
Who you'll study with
Here's a snapshot of our student intake for this program in Semester 1, 2024:
| Applicant background | Number of students | Percentage of all students |
|---|---|---|
(A) Higher education study | 6 | 9.8% |
(B) Vocational Education and Training (VET) study | <5 | <5 |
(C) Work and life experience | <5 | <5 |
| (D) Recent secondary education | ||
| 28 | 45.9% |
| 0 | 0% |
| 0 | 0% |
International students | 24 | 39.3% |
Total | 61 | 100% |
"<5" — The number of students is less than 5.
N/A — Students not accepted in this category.
N/P — Not published. The number is hidden to protect the privacy of students in other cells.
Need help meeting the entry requirements?
Majors and minors
Majors
Tailor your studies to suit your goals. This program offers these options:
Study agricultural biotechnology and undertake advanced-level study in areas including plant and food science, biochemistry, plant and animal molecular biology, and genetics.
Learn how to genetically engineer crops or livestock animals to enhance nutritional value, reduce susceptibility to disease, improve sustainability and enable them to thrive in hostile environments.
Access world-class research facilities to learn how gene editing, recombinant DNA technology, bioinformatics, artificial intelligence and point-of-care disease diagnostics can address issues such as food security, climate change and sustainability.
You can choose to study a minor in innovation and entrepreneurship alongside this major to develop your business knowledge and entrepreneurial skills.
Specialising in agricultural biotechnology can open up a vast array of career opportunities within:
- agriculture and food manufacturing (plant breeding, engineering, cropping and horticulture)
- animal health industries (vaccine development)
- genetic improvement and breeding (plant and livestock)
- government bodies, including those associated with quarantine and agriculture
- primary industries or government departments
- agricultural advisory boards.
You will also be well placed to continue into a research-based honours or master's degree and establish the foundations for a rewarding career in research.
You'll combine theory and practice to explore how nanotechnology underpins new innovations in modern medicine, technology and renewable energy.
Develop a comprehensive understanding of organic and inorganic chemistry alongside aspects of microbiology, biochemistry and pharmacology.
Gain hands-on experience in gene editing, recombinant DNA technology, bioinformatics and genomics in our world-class laboratories, research and computer facilities.
Choose to combine your studies with a minor in Innovation and Entrepreneurship to develop your business knowledge and entrepreneurial skills.
This major is accredited by the Royal Australian Chemical Institute, ensuring you gain a rigorous understanding of chemistry.
Growing industrial demand for nanotechnology expertise is creating exciting new jobs in a number of industries. You'll be equipped for a wide range of opportunities in biotechnology, materials science, engineering, technology, renewable energy or pharmaceutical industries.
Alternatively, choose to kickstart your career in research by progressing on to an honours or master's degree.
Combine theory and practice to examine the science that underpins how biotechnology drives advances in modern medicine. You will be taught by educators who are at the frontier of emerging research fields in biotechnology.
Study core courses across medicinal chemistry, chemical biology, pharmacology and genetics, and apply your knowledge and critical thinking skills to laboratory experiments that discover solutions to complex problems.
You will learn how new diagnostic devices and equipment are developed and used to accurately identify diseases, and examine how genetics underpins personalised medicine leading to treatment tailored for the individual.
Advance your knowledge of how therapies based on small molecules, biologics, stem cells and other technologies are identified, selected and developed through preclinical and clinical testing into market-ready therapeutics.
You can choose to study a minor in innovation and entrepreneurship alongside this major to develop your business knowledge and entrepreneurial skills.
You will be equipped to work in the forefront of biomedical science and the biotechnology industry. Alternatively, continue into a Doctor of Medicine (MD) program or kickstart your career in research through an honours or master's degree.
Molecular and microbial biotechnology involves transferring genetic information between human, plant or animal cells, or microscopic organisms to capitalise on existing biological processes to create new products or innovations.
It's an exciting field of science that combines applications from molecular biology, biochemistry, immunology, genetics and microbiology to create products and innovations in areas as diverse as human and animal health, agriculture, food and sustainable energy production, and textiles.
You will access world-class laboratory, research and computer facilities to gain hands-on experience in gene editing, recombinant DNA technology, bioinformatics and genomics.
Learn real-world insights from educators who are at the frontier of emerging research fields in biotechnology. You'll also get a chance to network and gain practical experience with our extensive network of industry partners.
You can choose to study a minor in innovation and entrepreneurship alongside this major to develop your business knowledge and entrepreneurial skills.
Specialising in molecular and microbial biotechnology will prepare you for employment opportunities in Australia’s thriving life sciences sector, which includes the biotechnology, pharmaceutical, food, medical and agricultural technology industries.
You will also be well placed to continue into a research-based honours or master's degree and establish the foundations for a rewarding career in research.
Synthetic biology is transforming how we develop new medicines, enhance human nutrition and create a more sustainable world.
It is a growing field of science that applies engineering design principles to chemistry, bioinformatics and genetics.
These principles allow scientists to create or modify biological processes in living organisms and then develop new innovations across agriculture, health, energy production and environmental management.
Alongside leading biotechnology educators, you will study all aspects of the product development process. You'll be equipped to translate discoveries from the laboratory into new products, technologies or research methodologies implemented across the globe.
Take advantage of opportunities to network and gain practical experience with our extensive network of industry partners.
You can choose to study a minor in innovation and entrepreneurship alongside this major to develop your business knowledge and entrepreneurial skills.
Specialising in synthetic biology will prepare you for employment opportunities in Australia’s thriving life sciences sector, which includes the biotechnology, pharmaceutical, food, medical and agricultural technology industries.
You will be well placed to continue into an honours or master's degree and establish the foundations for a rewarding career in research.
Minors
Tailor your studies to suit your goals. This program offers these options:
Gain specialised knowledge in statistics, data management, computer programming, genomics and molecular biology.
You’ll apply your scientific expertise and technical skills to translate complex biological data into meaningful information. Your insights may lead to new innovations or discoveries.
Studying bioinformatics will prepare you for a wide range of opportunities in scientific research organisations, universities, government departments, and the biotechnology or pharmaceutical industries.
Study innovation and entrepreneurship to learn how to take your scientific ideas and create positive change in the world.
Learn the entrepreneurial mindset and how to apply your critical thinking and creativity to develop, apply and test your solutions in a commercial context.
You will develop your business knowledge through the study of finance, people management, networking, international competition, project management, marketing and services, and planning in a competitive environment.
Gain real-world insights from teachers and entrepreneurs who are at the frontier of emerging fields in biotechnology.
Biotechnology is pioneering new frontiers in health, agriculture, science, engineering and beyond. You will be equipped for a wide range of career opportunities in the lab, within industry, or even launching your own startup.
Alternatively, kickstart your career in research by progressing into an honours or master's degree.
Discover how to communicate complex issues such as energy conservation, waste disposal, pesticide risk, or novel, emerging technologies.
Practise strategies that educate and influence effective decision making by the public.
Build a communication toolkit using critical thinking, reading, verbal and writing skills.
Develop, deliver, and evaluate your own science communication strategy with a local community audience.
Use your elective courses to focus on strategic communication or journalism.
Be challenged by award-winning communication and journalism researchers during interactive lectures, tutorials and workshops.
Practice your collaboration and interpersonal communication with science and non-science students.
Science communicators work in research institutions, universities, government, the private sector, the media, education, cultural institutions, medical charities and the arts.
Employment for science communicators is continuing to grow as organisations prioritise communicating their research to raise awareness, public support and funding.
Majors
Tailor your studies to suit your goals. This program offers these options:
Study agricultural biotechnology and undertake advanced-level study in areas including plant and food science, biochemistry, plant and animal molecular biology, and genetics.
Learn how to genetically engineer crops or livestock animals to enhance nutritional value, reduce susceptibility to disease, improve sustainability and enable them to thrive in hostile environments.
Access world-class research facilities to learn how gene editing, recombinant DNA technology, bioinformatics, artificial intelligence and point-of-care disease diagnostics can address issues such as food security, climate change and sustainability.
You can choose to study a minor in innovation and entrepreneurship alongside this major to develop your business knowledge and entrepreneurial skills.
Specialising in agricultural biotechnology can open up a vast array of career opportunities within:
- agriculture and food manufacturing (plant breeding, engineering, cropping and horticulture)
- animal health industries (vaccine development)
- genetic improvement and breeding (plant and livestock)
- government bodies, including those associated with quarantine and agriculture
- primary industries or government departments
- agricultural advisory boards.
You will also be well placed to continue into a research-based honours or master's degree and establish the foundations for a rewarding career in research.
You'll combine theory and practice to explore how nanotechnology underpins new innovations in modern medicine, technology and renewable energy.
Develop a comprehensive understanding of organic and inorganic chemistry alongside aspects of microbiology, biochemistry and pharmacology.
Gain hands-on experience in gene editing, recombinant DNA technology, bioinformatics and genomics in our world-class laboratories, research and computer facilities.
Choose to combine your studies with a minor in Innovation and Entrepreneurship to develop your business knowledge and entrepreneurial skills.
This major is accredited by the Royal Australian Chemical Institute, ensuring you gain a rigorous understanding of chemistry.
Growing industrial demand for nanotechnology expertise is creating exciting new jobs in a number of industries. You'll be equipped for a wide range of opportunities in biotechnology, materials science, engineering, technology, renewable energy or pharmaceutical industries.
Alternatively, choose to kickstart your career in research by progressing on to an honours or master's degree.
Combine theory and practice to examine the science that underpins how biotechnology drives advances in modern medicine. You will be taught by educators who are at the frontier of emerging research fields in biotechnology.
Study core courses across medicinal chemistry, chemical biology, pharmacology and genetics, and apply your knowledge and critical thinking skills to laboratory experiments that discover solutions to complex problems.
You will learn how new diagnostic devices and equipment are developed and used to accurately identify diseases, and examine how genetics underpins personalised medicine leading to treatment tailored for the individual.
Advance your knowledge of how therapies based on small molecules, biologics, stem cells and other technologies are identified, selected and developed through preclinical and clinical testing into market-ready therapeutics.
You can choose to study a minor in innovation and entrepreneurship alongside this major to develop your business knowledge and entrepreneurial skills.
You will be equipped to work in the forefront of biomedical science and the biotechnology industry. Alternatively, continue into a Doctor of Medicine (MD) program or kickstart your career in research through an honours or master's degree.
Molecular and microbial biotechnology involves transferring genetic information between human, plant or animal cells, or microscopic organisms to capitalise on existing biological processes to create new products or innovations.
It's an exciting field of science that combines applications from molecular biology, biochemistry, immunology, genetics and microbiology to create products and innovations in areas as diverse as human and animal health, agriculture, food and sustainable energy production, and textiles.
You will access world-class laboratory, research and computer facilities to gain hands-on experience in gene editing, recombinant DNA technology, bioinformatics and genomics.
Learn real-world insights from educators who are at the frontier of emerging research fields in biotechnology. You'll also get a chance to network and gain practical experience with our extensive network of industry partners.
You can choose to study a minor in innovation and entrepreneurship alongside this major to develop your business knowledge and entrepreneurial skills.
Specialising in molecular and microbial biotechnology will prepare you for employment opportunities in Australia’s thriving life sciences sector, which includes the biotechnology, pharmaceutical, food, medical and agricultural technology industries.
You will also be well placed to continue into a research-based honours or master's degree and establish the foundations for a rewarding career in research.
Synthetic biology is transforming how we develop new medicines, enhance human nutrition and create a more sustainable world.
It is a growing field of science that applies engineering design principles to chemistry, bioinformatics and genetics.
These principles allow scientists to create or modify biological processes in living organisms and then develop new innovations across agriculture, health, energy production and environmental management.
Alongside leading biotechnology educators, you will study all aspects of the product development process. You'll be equipped to translate discoveries from the laboratory into new products, technologies or research methodologies implemented across the globe.
Take advantage of opportunities to network and gain practical experience with our extensive network of industry partners.
You can choose to study a minor in innovation and entrepreneurship alongside this major to develop your business knowledge and entrepreneurial skills.
Specialising in synthetic biology will prepare you for employment opportunities in Australia’s thriving life sciences sector, which includes the biotechnology, pharmaceutical, food, medical and agricultural technology industries.
You will be well placed to continue into an honours or master's degree and establish the foundations for a rewarding career in research.
Minors
Tailor your studies to suit your goals. This program offers these options:
Gain specialised knowledge in statistics, data management, computer programming, genomics and molecular biology.
You’ll apply your scientific expertise and technical skills to translate complex biological data into meaningful information. Your insights may lead to new innovations or discoveries.
Studying bioinformatics will prepare you for a wide range of opportunities in scientific research organisations, universities, government departments, and the biotechnology or pharmaceutical industries.
Study innovation and entrepreneurship to learn how to take your scientific ideas and create positive change in the world.
Learn the entrepreneurial mindset and how to apply your critical thinking and creativity to develop, apply and test your solutions in a commercial context.
You will develop your business knowledge through the study of finance, people management, networking, international competition, project management, marketing and services, and planning in a competitive environment.
Gain real-world insights from teachers and entrepreneurs who are at the frontier of emerging fields in biotechnology.
Biotechnology is pioneering new frontiers in health, agriculture, science, engineering and beyond. You will be equipped for a wide range of career opportunities in the lab, within industry, or even launching your own startup.
Alternatively, kickstart your career in research by progressing into an honours or master's degree.
Discover how to communicate complex issues such as energy conservation, waste disposal, pesticide risk, or novel, emerging technologies.
Practise strategies that educate and influence effective decision making by the public.
Build a communication toolkit using critical thinking, reading, verbal and writing skills.
Develop, deliver, and evaluate your own science communication strategy with a local community audience.
Use your elective courses to focus on strategic communication or journalism.
Be challenged by award-winning communication and journalism researchers during interactive lectures, tutorials and workshops.
Practice your collaboration and interpersonal communication with science and non-science students.
Science communicators work in research institutions, universities, government, the private sector, the media, education, cultural institutions, medical charities and the arts.
Employment for science communicators is continuing to grow as organisations prioritise communicating their research to raise awareness, public support and funding.
Fees and Scholarships
Indicative annual fee
Approximate yearly cost of tuition (16 units). Your fees will vary according to your selected courses and study load. Fees are reviewed each year and may increase.
$8,635
2024
Fee information for 2025 is not yet available. Fee information displayed is for 2024.
$8,635
2025
Approximate yearly cost of tuition (16 units). Your fees will vary according to your study load. Fees are reviewed each year and may increase.
AUD $53,760
2024
Fee information for 2025 is not yet available. Fee information displayed is for 2024.
AUD $53,760
2025
Government assistance
Financial aid
As an international student, you might be eligible for financial aid – either from your home country, or from the Australian Government.
HECS-HELP
Domestic places in the Bachelor of Biotechnology are Commonwealth Supported. This means the cost of your education is shared between you and the Australian Government.
Instead of tuition fees, Commonwealth Supported students pay what are called student contribution amounts.
HECS-HELP is an Australian Government loan scheme to assist eligible students with the cost of their student contribution amounts.
Centrelink support
The Australian Government offers a number of income-support payments to eligible Australian university students.
Scholarships
You may be eligible for more than 100 scholarships, including:
How to apply
Applying online
If your senior schooling is from outside Australia, you can submit your application to UQ. Or, if you prefer, you can use an approved UQ agent in your country.
The program code for the Bachelor of Biotechnology is 2456.
Find out more about applying for undergraduate study
If your senior schooling is from Australia
Submit your application to the Queensland Tertiary Admissions Centre if you're an international student who is currently studying:
- Australian Year 12 (in Australia or another country), or
- the International Baccalaureate in Australia.
The QTAC code for the Bachelor of Biotechnology is 731101.
Applying through QTAC
All domestic applications should be submitted to the Queensland Tertiary Admissions Centre (QTAC).
The QTAC code for the Bachelor of Biotechnology is 731101.
Important dates
If you’re studying Year 12 in Australia, go to the QTAC website to check the closing date for this program.
If you’re applying to UQ, the closing date for this program is:
- To commence study in semester 2 - May 31 of the year of commencement.
- To commence study in semester 1 - November 30 of the previous year.
To learn more about UQ dates, including semester start dates, view the Academic Calendar.
Important dates
To check the closing date for this program, go to the QTAC website.
To learn more about UQ dates, including semester start dates, view the Academic Calendar.
Admissions schemes
Applying to university can be both exciting and daunting, which is why we’ve tried to make the process as simple as we can.
We have several schemes in place to improve your chances of getting a place at UQ.
Pathway options
A rank or score doesn’t determine your potential.
If you're not offered a place in your first-choice program – or if you don't meet the entry requirements – you still have a number of options.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander applicants
For support with applying – or if you have any questions about university life – get in touch with our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Studies Unit.
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