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Bachelor of Biotechnology (Honours)

Overview

Pioneer new frontiers in health, agriculture, science, engineering and beyond.

Open up pathways to further research, postgraduate study options and exciting career opportunities by completing an additional year of honours study.

The Bachelor of Biotechnology (Honours) program provides an opportunity to pursue an independent research project in one of the following fields of study:

  • Chemical and Nano Biotechnology
  • Medical Biotechnology
  • Molecular and Microbial Biotechnology
  • Agricultural Biotechnology
  • Synthetic Biology and Industrial Biotechnology.

You'll be guided by researchers who are at the frontier of emerging research fields in biotechnology.

The program will prepare you for a wide variety of employment opportunities in Australia’s thriving life sciences sector, including the biotechnology, pharmaceutical, food, medical and agricultural technology industries.

Alternatively, further your research ambitions and make significant contributions to knowledge by enrolling in a higher degree by research program.

Location
St Lucia
Duration
1 Year full-time (or part-time equivalent)
Start Semester
Semester 1 (24 Feb, 2025), Semester 2 (28 Jul, 2025)
Program Code
2457
AQF
Level 8
Location
St Lucia
Fees
A$53760
Duration
1 Year full-time
Start Semester
Semester 1 (24 Feb, 2025), Semester 2 (28 Jul, 2025)
Semester dates for 2026 are yet to be confirmed
Program Code
2457
CRICOS Code
102787M
AQF
Level 8

Program highlights

Program highlights

  • Tailor your studies to your interests and career goals with a flexible program that gives you the freedom to follow your scientific and entrepreneurial passion.
  • 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 in sectors including health, agriculture, chemical, pharmaceutical, diagnostics, law and commerce.

1 in Australia for biotechnology

Global Ranking of Academic Subjects 2023

10 in the world for biotechnology

Global Ranking of Academic Subjects 2023

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

Majors

Tailor your studies to suit your goals. This program offers these options:

  • Agricultural Biotechnology
  • Chemical and Nano Biotechnology
  • Medical Biotechnology
  • Molecular and Microbial Biotechnology

How you'll learn

Your learning experiences are designed to best suit the learning outcomes of the courses you choose.

  • Work placements
  • 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:

  • Honours Research Project

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:

  • Research officer
  • Bioprocess scientist
  • Quality control manager
  • Biochemist
  • Research scientist
  • Microbiologist
  • Cancer researcher
  • Trial coordinator
  • Lecturer

Graduate salary

Science and mathematics (undergraduate)

$40K–$85K

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.

Find out more about careers that started in science

Entry requirements

Prerequisites

Bachelor of Biotechnology (or equivalent), with:
  • a grade point average (GPA) of 4.0 on a 7-point scale, and
  • a GPA of at least 4.5 for 8 units of courses at level 3 or higher relevant to the honours project, and
  • have secured an honours project and supervisor, and
  • satisfied any additional requirements set by the head of school.

Prerequisites

Bachelor of Biotechnology (or equivalent), with:
  • a grade point average (GPA) of 4.0 on a 7-point scale, and
  • a GPA of at least 4.5 for 8 units of courses at level 3 or higher relevant to the honours project, and
  • have secured an honours project and supervisor, and
  • satisfied any additional requirements set by the head of school.

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.

Learn how to meet the English language requirements

Student visas

International students who are accepted into full-time study in the Bachelor of Biotechnology (Honours) 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.

Learn more about student visas

Fields of study

Fields of study

Tailor your studies to suit your goals. This program offers these options:

Take on an independent research project in the field of agricultural biotechnology under the guidance of a researcher.

You'll design, implement and present your project, with emphasis on defining the research issue, establishing methodology, undertaking appropriate collection and analysis of data, and drawing defensible conclusions.

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.

Alternatively, further your research ambitions and make significant contributions to knowledge by continuing into a higher degree by research program.

View

Explore how nanotechnology underpins new innovations in modern medicine, technology and renewable energy.

Take on an independent research project in the field of chemical and nano biotechnology under the guidance of leading researchers.

You'll design, implement and present your research project, with emphasis on defining the research issue, establishing methodology, undertaking appropriate collection and analysis of data, and drawing defensible conclusions.

Access world-class laboratory, research and computer facilities to gain hands-on experience in gene editing, recombinant DNA technology, bioinformatics and genomics.

Growing 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 the biotechnology, materials science, engineering, technology, renewable energy or pharmaceutical industries.

Alternatively, further your research ambitions and make significant contributions to knowledge by continuing into a higher degree by research program.

View

Medical biotechnology uses cutting-edge tools and techniques to prevent, diagnose and treat current and emerging diseases.

Take on an independent research project in the field of medical biotechnology under the guidance of leading researchers.

Design, implement and present your research project, with emphasis on defining the research issue, establishing a methodology, undertaking appropriate collection and analysis of data, and drawing defensible conclusions.

You will be equipped to work at the forefront of biomedical science and the biotechnology industry.

Alternatively, continue into a Doctor of Medicine (MD) program or further your research ambitions by continuing into a higher degree by research program.

View

Advances in molecular and microbial biotechnology are revolutionising the way we live, providing healthier lifestyles and creating a more sustainable world.

Take on an independent research project in the field of molecular and microbial biotechnology under the guidance of leading researchers.

You'll design, implement and present your research project, with emphasis on defining the research issue, establishing a methodology, undertaking appropriate collection and analysis of data, and drawing defensible conclusions.

Access world-class laboratory, research and computer facilities to gain hands-on experience in gene editing, recombinant DNA technology, bioinformatics and genomics.

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.

Alternatively, further your research ambitions and make significant contributions to knowledge by continuing into a higher degree by research program.

View

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

Take on an independent research project in the field of synthetic and industrial biotechnology under the guidance of leading researchers.

You'll design, implement and present your research project, with emphasis on defining the research issue, establishing a methodology, undertaking appropriate collection and analysis of data, and drawing defensible conclusions.

You will be equipped to translate discoveries from the laboratory into the development of new products, technologies or research implemented across the globe.

Specialising in synthetic biology and industrial 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.

Alternatively, further your research ambitions and make significant contributions to knowledge by continuing into a higher degree by research program.

View

Fields of study

Tailor your studies to suit your goals. This program offers these options:

Take on an independent research project in the field of agricultural biotechnology under the guidance of a researcher.

You'll design, implement and present your project, with emphasis on defining the research issue, establishing methodology, undertaking appropriate collection and analysis of data, and drawing defensible conclusions.

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.

Alternatively, further your research ambitions and make significant contributions to knowledge by continuing into a higher degree by research program.

View

Explore how nanotechnology underpins new innovations in modern medicine, technology and renewable energy.

Take on an independent research project in the field of chemical and nano biotechnology under the guidance of leading researchers.

You'll design, implement and present your research project, with emphasis on defining the research issue, establishing methodology, undertaking appropriate collection and analysis of data, and drawing defensible conclusions.

Access world-class laboratory, research and computer facilities to gain hands-on experience in gene editing, recombinant DNA technology, bioinformatics and genomics.

Growing 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 the biotechnology, materials science, engineering, technology, renewable energy or pharmaceutical industries.

Alternatively, further your research ambitions and make significant contributions to knowledge by continuing into a higher degree by research program.

View

Medical biotechnology uses cutting-edge tools and techniques to prevent, diagnose and treat current and emerging diseases.

Take on an independent research project in the field of medical biotechnology under the guidance of leading researchers.

Design, implement and present your research project, with emphasis on defining the research issue, establishing a methodology, undertaking appropriate collection and analysis of data, and drawing defensible conclusions.

You will be equipped to work at the forefront of biomedical science and the biotechnology industry.

Alternatively, continue into a Doctor of Medicine (MD) program or further your research ambitions by continuing into a higher degree by research program.

View

Advances in molecular and microbial biotechnology are revolutionising the way we live, providing healthier lifestyles and creating a more sustainable world.

Take on an independent research project in the field of molecular and microbial biotechnology under the guidance of leading researchers.

You'll design, implement and present your research project, with emphasis on defining the research issue, establishing a methodology, undertaking appropriate collection and analysis of data, and drawing defensible conclusions.

Access world-class laboratory, research and computer facilities to gain hands-on experience in gene editing, recombinant DNA technology, bioinformatics and genomics.

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.

Alternatively, further your research ambitions and make significant contributions to knowledge by continuing into a higher degree by research program.

View

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

Take on an independent research project in the field of synthetic and industrial biotechnology under the guidance of leading researchers.

You'll design, implement and present your research project, with emphasis on defining the research issue, establishing a methodology, undertaking appropriate collection and analysis of data, and drawing defensible conclusions.

You will be equipped to translate discoveries from the laboratory into the development of new products, technologies or research implemented across the globe.

Specialising in synthetic biology and industrial 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.

Alternatively, further your research ambitions and make significant contributions to knowledge by continuing into a higher degree by research program.

View

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.

$9,870

2024

Fee information for 2025 is not yet available. Fee information displayed is for 2024.

$9,870

2025

Learn more about undergraduate fees

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

Learn more about undergraduate fees

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.

Learn more about financial aid

HECS-HELP

Domestic places in the Bachelor of Biotechnology (Honours) 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.

Learn more about HECS-HELP

Centrelink support

Scholarships

You may be eligible for more than 100 scholarships, including:

How to apply

Important dates

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

The closing date for this program is:

  • To commence study in Semester 1 - January 31 of the year of commencement.
  • To commence study in Semester 2 - June 30 of the year of commencement.

To learn more about UQ dates, including semester start dates, view the Academic Calendar.

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.

Contact the ATSIS Unit

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