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Extended Major

Synthetic Biology and Industrial Biotechnology

Bachelor of Biotechnology

Get ready to pioneer new frontiers in health, food science, conservation and beyond.

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.

Highlights

2 in Australia for biotechnology

Global Ranking of Academic Subjects 2026

48 in the world for biotechnology

Global Ranking of Academic Subjects 2026

Watch What is biotechnology? It's where science meets entrepreneurship on YouTube.

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:

  • Bioprocess scientist
  • Biochemist
  • Research scientist
  • Research and development manager

Average annual salary range

Food Technologist

$75K–$90K

seek.com.au

Average annual salary range

Research Associate

$100–$120K

seek.com.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.

Find out more about careers that started in science

Study biotechnology at UQ to cultivate a cutting-edge career
Study biotechnology

Careers

Study biotechnology at UQ to cultivate a cutting-edge career

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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
  • Genetics
  • Cell Structure & Function
  • Advanced Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
  • Genomics & Bioinformatics

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