Cultivate innovative solutions to enhance the sustainability, productivity and profitability of the global agricultural industry.
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.
Career possibilities
Our programs prepare you for your first job and beyond. Here are some of the careers you could be on your way to:
- Agricultural scientist
- Agricultural technician
- Research scientist
- Biotechnologist
- Plant breeding and engineering specialist
- Animal biotechnology consultant
Average annual salary range
Agricultural Technician
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Average annual salary range
Research Associate
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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.
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 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.
Events
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7 April
International Baccalaureate Research Skills Program
1 May - 22 May
UQ's sustainable energy programs – live Q&A webinars
Stories
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UQ people
Science skills + business savvy = biotech success
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Careers
Study biotechnology at UQ to cultivate a cutting-edge career
5-minute read
Careers
Highest paying careers in business, finance and economics
6-minute read
Stories
See all storiesCareers
Study biotechnology at UQ to cultivate a cutting-edge career
5-minute read
Careers
Highest paying careers in business, finance and economics
6-minute read
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, subjects are called 'courses'. Here's a sample of the courses you could study:
- Introduction to Biotechnology
- Commercialisation of Biotechnology Products
- Quality Management Systems in Biotechnology: GMP, GLP, GCP
- Plant Molecular Biology and Biotechnology
- Genetics
- Plant Biology
- Genomics & Bioinformatics
- Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
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