2009 Undergraduate Courses

2009 Postgraduate Courses

Bachelor of Biotechnology
Bachelor of Biotechnology Advanced

Testamur Title of Degree:

Bachelor of Biotechnology,
Bachelor of Biotechnology Advanced

Abbreviation:

BBiotech,
BBiotech Adv

Home Faculty:

Science

Duration:

Four years

Total Credit Points:

192

Delivery Mode:

Face-to-face

Starting Session(s):

Autumn

Location:

Wollongong

UOW Course Code:

744, 744A

UAC Code:

757611, 757617

CRICOS Code:

006975G

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 is 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 (fourth year Honours).

This degree represents an excellent foundation for students considering post graduate studies in medicine or other health areas. Many of our past graduates have been successful in obtaining entry into these post graduate degrees.

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 Biology and/or Chemistry 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 Mathematics subject (usually 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:

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 fourth 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 fourth 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 fourth year of the Bachelor of Biotechnology degree will normally be required to transfer into the Bachelor of Science (Biotechnology) degree.

Course Program

Subjects

Session

Credit Points

First Year

BIOL103

Molecules, Cells and Organisms

Spring

6

BIOL104

Evolution, Biodiversity and Environment

Autumn

6

CHEM101

Chemistry 1A:Introductory Physical and General Chemistry

Autumn

6

CHEM102

Chemistry 1B: Structure and Reactivity of Molecules for Life

Spring

6

MATH151

General Mathematics 1A (if required)

Autumn or Summer

6

Plus other elective subjects to give a total credit point value of 48, at least 6 credit points of which should be one of the following:

PHYS155

Introduction to Biomedical Physics *

Autumn

6

STS 100

Social Aspects of Science and Technology #

Autumn

6

BMS 101

Systemic Anatomy

Autumn

6

BMS 112

Human Physiology I: Principles and Systems

Spring

6

* Strongly recommended
# STS100 is compulsory for those students taking an approved course of study which does not include STS251.

Second Year

BIOL213

Principles of Biochemistry

Autumn

6

BIOL214

The Biochemistry of Energy and Metabolism

Spring

6

BIOL215

Introductory Genetics

Spring

6

BIOL240

Functional Biology of Plants and Animals

Autumn

6

STAT252

Statistics for the Natural Sciences

Spring

6

CHEM212

Organic Chemistry

Autumn

6

CHEM214

Analytical and Environmental Chemistry

Spring

6

Plus one of the following subjects:

STS 251

From Molecular Genetics to Biotechnology

Autumn

6

BMS 202

Human Physiology II: Control Mechanisms

Autumn

6

MGMT208

Introduction to Management for Professionals

Autumn

6

Third Year

Core

BIOL303

Biotechnology: Applied Cell and Molecular Biology

Autumn

8

CHEM320

Bioinformatics: From Genome to Structure

Spring

8

BIOL320

Molecular Cell Biology

Autumn

8

BIOL321

Infection and Immunity

Spring

8

Options

Plus one Session 1 subject chosen from the following:

CHEM350

Principles of Pharmacology

Autumn

8

BIOL332

Ecological and Evolutionary Physiology

Autumn

8

BIOL392

Advanced Biology

Autumn, Spring or Summer

8

BMS 344

Cardiorespiratory Physiology

Autumn

8

Plus one Session 2 subject chosen from the following:

    

CHEM321

Organic Synthesis and Reactivity

Spring

8

BIOL392

Advanced Biology

Autumn, Spring or Summer

8

PHIL380

Bioethics

Spring

8

Or other subjects approved by the Coordinator

Fourth Year

BIOL421

Professional Skills in Biotechnology

Autumn

12

BIOL423

Biotechnology Project

Annual

36

Honours

The degree of Bachelor of Biotechnology Honours is awarded for meritorious performance in third and especially fourth year subjects.

Please Note: There are special requirements for progression to the fourth year. Refer to the section “Progression 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 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 Degree Coordinator is Professor Mark Wilson - School of Biological Sciences.

Last reviewed: 11 December, 2008