Bachelor of Biotechnology
Bachelor of Biotechnology Advanced

Overview

Biotechnology is the application of exciting advances in molecular and cell biology to medicine, agriculture, and the environment. Through modern technologies, such as genetic engineering, biotechnology is shaping diverse aspects of medicine (cancer, vaccines, therapy and diagnosis of genetic diseases), food production (transgenic plants) and industry (bioremediation).

Biotechnology encompasses the rapidly evolving fields of monoclonal antibody technology, proteomics and genetic engineering. A new generation of pharmaceuticals, vaccines, hormones and anti-inflammatory agents are being developed using these technologies.

The degree is an interdisciplinary program featuring:

* A major in cellular and molecular biology, including genetics, immunology, bioinformatics;

* A major strand of chemistry;

* Skills in “state-of-the-art” nucleic acid, protein and monoclonal antibody technologies;

* An optional strand in human anatomy and physiology;

* Other relevant areas such as ethics and management;

* The flexibility in first year to explore other options;

* Specialised training in “cutting-edge” technologies in the fourth year

* Your own research project (4 year Honours).

Entry Requirements / Assumed Knowledge

Bachelor of Biotechnology (744): New South Wales HSC University Admission Index (UAI) of 85 (or equivalent). The UAI is reviewed each year.

Bachelor of Biotechnology Advanced (744A): New South Wales HSC University Admission Index (UAI) of 90 (or equivalent). The UAI is reviewed each year.

Assumed Knowledge: Four units of Science (including Biology or Chemistry) or four units comprising Science and Mathematics. Students who have not completed Chemistry and/or Biology at the HSC are strongly recommended to enrol in bridging courses offered in February each year. Students without at least HSC Mathematics Band 4 (or equivalent) are required to take a special Mathematics subject (MATH151) in the first year.

Course Requirements

Bachelor of Biotechnology:

This is a prescribed program of study comprising core and optional subjects as set out below.

Bachelor of Biotechnology Advanced:

Students who are eligible for this degree fulfil all of the same requirements as Bachelor of Biotechnology candidates but are also eligible for additional benefits and challenges. For further information refer to the entry for the Bachelor of Science (Honours) Advanced (741A) and consult the Degree Coordinator.

Progression Requirements:

Students must satisfactorily complete at least 144 credit points before proceeding to enrol in fourth year subjects. In addition, satisfactory performance must be achieved (an average of 65% or greater in 300-level Biological Sciences, Chemistry and Biomedical Science subjects) for entry into the 4th year of the Bachelor of Biotechnology degree. Students with an average below 65% in 300-level Biological Sciences, Chemistry and Biomedical Science subjects may only progress into the 4th year of the Bachelor of Biotechnology with the approval of the Head of the School of Biological Sciences. Students who do not gain entry into the 4th year of the Bachelor of Biotechnology degree will normally be required to transfer into the Bachelor of Science (Biotechnology) degree.

Course Program

Honours

The Degree of Bachelor of Biotechnology (Honours) is awarded for meritorious performance in 3rd and especially 4th year subjects.

Please Note: There are special requirements for progression to the fourth year. Refer to the section “Course Requirements” above.

Professional Recognition

Graduates qualify to apply for membership of the Australian Institute of Biology, the Australian Society of Microbiology and the Australian Biotechnology Society.

Other Information

For further information contact the Faculty of Science Office, Room 41.258, or telephone (02) 4221 3481.

Web site: www.uow.edu.au/science/

Or for more detailed course information contact the Professional Officer, Julie-Ann Green - School of Biological Sciences, telephone (02) 4221 3100, email: jagreen@uow.edu.au

The Coordinator of the degree is Professor Mark Wilson - School of Biological Sciences.

Last reviewed: 25 January, 2007