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Bachelors of Engineering (Honours) / Biotechnology

Overview

Prepare for the future with a program at the forefront of innovation.

This dual degree combines the practical and theoretical requirements of a professional engineering qualification with the exciting new commercialisation aspects of the growing biotechnology industry.

You'll gain advanced skills in established and emerging engineering disciplines and combine life sciences theory, specialised practical training and entrepreneurial thinking.

UQ's respected Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) program is one of the most comprehensive in Australia for design, technology and innovation. Within this program you can specialise in chemical engineering.

In the Bachelor of Biotechnology, you’ll develop the skills and knowledge needed to translate innovative scientific ideas into commercially viable solutions.

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.

You’ll also 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.

With a dual qualification in engineering and biotechnology, you'll be equipped for a wide variety of career opportunities in Australia’s thriving life sciences sector where you can contribute to pioneering new frontiers in health, agriculture, science, engineering, and beyond.

Location
St Lucia
Duration
5 Years (or part time equivalent)
Start Semester
Semester 1 (24 Feb, 2025), Semester 2 (28 Jul, 2025)
QTAC Code
717501
Program Code
2486
AQF
Level 8
Location
St Lucia
Duration
5 Years
Start Semester
Semester 1 (24 Feb, 2025), Semester 2 (28 Jul, 2025)
Semester dates for 2026 are yet to be confirmed
QTAC Code
717501
Program Code
2486
CRICOS Code
103157M
AQF
Level 8

Program highlights

Program highlights

  • Learn from the best in courses integrating technology with active learning, so you get the knowledge and practical skills to thrive in a constantly changing world.
  • Acquire engineering qualifications that set you apart in the job market, prove your leadership material and provide a pathway to future research or learning.
  • Gain advanced knowledge of how biotechnology uses cellular and biomolecular processes to develop new technologies and products that can change people's lives.
  • Receive hands-on experience in laboratories and industry settings through practical placements and internships so you're career ready come graduation.

1 in Australia for biotechnology

Global Ranking of Academic Subjects 2023

1 in Queensland for engineering and technology

QS World University Rankings 2024

Watch Careers in engineering on YouTube.

Majors

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

  • Agricultural Biotechnology
  • Chemical and Nano Biotechnology
  • Chemical Engineering
  • Medical Biotechnology

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

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:

  • Bioprocess scientist
  • Product support specialist
  • Field application scientist
  • Biopharmaceutical scientist
  • Bioprocess development engineer
  • Chemical engineer
  • Process engineer
  • Service engineer
  • Technical manager
  • Biotechnologist

Graduate salary

Engineering (undergraduate)

$65K–$113K

compared.edu.au

Graduate salary

Science and mathematics (undergraduate)

$40K–$85K

compared.edu.au

Program accreditation

The Bachelors of Engineering (Honours) / Biotechnology is accredited by:

  • Engineers Australia

Entry requirements

Prerequisites

Queensland Year 12 (or equivalent) General English subject (Units 3 & 4, C); Mathematical Methods (Units 3 & 4, C); and one of Chemistry or Physics (Units 3 & 4, C).
Studying Specialist Mathematics (Units 3 & 4, C) and both Chemistry and Physics is recommended as students will have increased flexibility in their studies.
Students without Specialist Mathematics (or equivalent) may be required to undertake preparatory courses beyond the 80 units for the program and may not be able to complete the program in the minimum time frame without overloading or undertaking summer study.

Prerequisites

Queensland Year 12 (or equivalent) General English subject (Units 3 & 4, C); Mathematical Methods (Units 3 & 4, C); and one of Chemistry or Physics (Units 3 & 4, C).
Studying Specialist Mathematics (Units 3 & 4, C) and both Chemistry and Physics is recommended as students will have increased flexibility in their studies.
Students without Specialist Mathematics (or equivalent) may be required to undertake preparatory courses beyond the 80 units for the program and may not be able to complete the program in the minimum time frame without overloading or undertaking summer study.

Entry score threshold

ATAR / RankIB
8430.5

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.

Learn how to meet the English language requirements

Inherent requirements

To complete this degree, you have to meet its inherent requirements by demonstrating essential skills and attributes. Read the inherent requirements before you apply.

Learn about inherent requirements

Student visas

International students who are accepted into full-time study in the Bachelors of Engineering (Honours) / 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.

Learn more about student visas

Entry score range

This table shows the range of entry scores for recent secondary students offered a place in the BEngineering(H)/BBiotechnology for Semester 1, 2024

Without adjustmentsWith adjustments
Highest99.199.95
Median94.396.15
Lowest82.7584.55

Who you'll study with

Here's a snapshot of our student intake for this program in Semester 1, 2024:

Applicant backgroundNumber of studentsPercentage of all students

(A) Higher education study

<5<5

(B) Vocational Education and Training (VET) study

00%

(C) Work and life experience

00%
(D) Recent secondary education
  • Admitted solely on the basis of ATAR
N/PN/P
  • Admitted where ATAR and additional criteria were considered
00%
  • Admitted on the basis of other criteria only and ATAR was not a factor
00%

International students

00%

Total

33100%

"<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?

We can help you meet the minimum entry score, subject prerequisites or English language requirements for your preferred program.

If you haven't studied the prerequisites or need to improve your entry score, we can help.

Learn about pathway options

Majors

Specialisations

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

Chemical engineers play a critical role in transforming raw materials into useful products such as healthy foods, clean water, metals, medicines and sustainable energy.

Drawing on detailed process development, modelling and systems thinking, chemical engineers apply new approaches and big-picture thinking to reduce waste and energy consumption.

In this hands-on specialisation you'll explore topics including energy and mass flows, safety and sustainability, and the possibilities of interconnected systems.

You will benefit from the insights and expertise of world-leading researchers and highly-qualified academic staff. With practical projects, guest lecturers from industry, internships and placements with leading engineering companies, you'll gain the knowledge, skills and industry connections you need to transition from university to the workplace.

View

Majors

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

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.

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'll 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.

View

Nanotechnology is the ability to manipulate individual atoms, molecules and groups of molecules to form new chemical or particle structures needed for the development of new medicines, materials or technologies.

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.

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.

View

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

Combine theory and practice to examine the science that underpins how biotechnology drives advances in modern medicine. You'll 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'll 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'll 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.

View

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'll 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.

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'll 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.

View

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.

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.

View

Specialisations

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

Chemical engineers play a critical role in transforming raw materials into useful products such as healthy foods, clean water, metals, medicines and sustainable energy.

Drawing on detailed process development, modelling and systems thinking, chemical engineers apply new approaches and big-picture thinking to reduce waste and energy consumption.

In this hands-on specialisation you'll explore topics including energy and mass flows, safety and sustainability, and the possibilities of interconnected systems.

You will benefit from the insights and expertise of world-leading researchers and highly-qualified academic staff. With practical projects, guest lecturers from industry, internships and placements with leading engineering companies, you'll gain the knowledge, skills and industry connections you need to transition from university to the workplace.

View

Majors

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

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.

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'll 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.

View

Nanotechnology is the ability to manipulate individual atoms, molecules and groups of molecules to form new chemical or particle structures needed for the development of new medicines, materials or technologies.

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.

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.

View

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

Combine theory and practice to examine the science that underpins how biotechnology drives advances in modern medicine. You'll 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'll 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'll 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.

View

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'll 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.

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'll 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.

View

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.

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.

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.

$7,754

2024

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

$7,754

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.

Fee information for this program is not yet available.

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

Fee information for this program is not yet available.

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 Bachelors of Engineering (Honours) / 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.

Learn more about HECS-HELP

Centrelink support

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 Bachelors of Engineering (Honours) / Biotechnology is 2486.

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 Bachelors of Engineering (Honours) / Biotechnology is 717501.

Find out more about applying for undergraduate study

Important dates

If you’re studying Year 12 in Australiago 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

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.

Learn more about admission schemes

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.

Learn more about pathway 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.

Contact the ATSIS Unit

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