Advances in molecular and microbial biotechnology are revolutionising the way we live, providing healthier lifestyles and creating a more sustainable world.
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.
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:
- Gene technologies scientist
- Clinical genetics scientist
- Cancer researcher
- Research scientist
- Microbiologist
- Pathology laboratory scientist
Average annual salary range
Microbiologist
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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.
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7 April
International Baccalaureate Research Skills Program
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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
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Stories
See all storiesCareers
Study biotechnology at UQ to cultivate a cutting-edge career
5-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
- Genomics & Bioinformatics
- Genetics
- Molecular Microbiology
- Microbiology & Immunology
- Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
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