Biotechnology can be defined as the use of various biological processes to make products and perform services. In biotechnology, living cells and biochemical macromolecules such as proteins, DNA and RNA are applied in a rapidly expanding range of activities of direct benefit to society. Biotechnology is used for the production of pharmaceuticals, food and industrial chemicals, in the development of improved crops and livestock for farming, for environmental clean-up, and in forensics. Modern biotechnology makes practical use of the most recent scientific advances in areas such as molecular genetics and molecular cell biology.

The development of recombinant DNA technology has resulted in the ability to create, modify and improve industrial organisms and to produce large quantities of any useful protein. Based on this technology, biopharmaceuticals including hormones, vaccines, anti-hypertensive agents, anti-inflammatory agents and new therapies for the treatment of cancer are being developed with the potential to revolutionise medicine. The sequencing of the human genome and the rapid emergence of high-throughput genomic and proteomic techniques is resulting in a surge of new drug targets. Translation of this advanced knowledge into useful therapies and improved medical practices requires the application of biotechnology.

Microorganisms and viruses are being modified for use in controlling plant and animal diseases and pests. Diagnostic kits are being developed for use in forensic science and in product identification and quality control. Genetic improvements in agriculture, plants and animals are becoming a reality, as is the control of inborn genetic disorders in humans. The ability to treat diseased and injured organs with replacement cells and tissues generated outside of the body is advancing rapidly.

Bioprocesses are also used for environmental remediation, for the extraction of minerals from low-grade ores, and for the development of novel processes to treat waste and degrade recalcitrant molecules. Environmental biotechnology is an area of vital importance for our increasingly polluted planet.

The future for expansion in all the above areas is immense. Our ability to cope with many medical, environmental, agricultural and manufacturing problems in the 21st century will depend heavily on advances in biotechnology.

This program leads to the award of a Bachelor of Science degree over four years full-time study, with Honours for students who perform with merit.

The Biotechnology program aims to provide a comprehensive education in all aspects of modern biotechnology.

Students must complete a minimum of 192 units of credit for the award of a Bachelor of Science (Biotechnology) with Honours. This 192 units of credit is comprised of the following:

Plus at least one course (minimum 6 UoC) from the following list of approved Stage 2 electives:

Note to students: your choice of elective in stage 2 may influence your potential stage 3 elective choices.

Plus at least three courses (minimum 18 UoC) from the following list of approved Stage 3 electives:

Note to students: in selecting electives, students may wish to specialise in a particular area of Biotechnology. Some recommended elective choices for these areas are listed below, by way of example.

Note: Students enrol in BABS4524 (total 48 UoC) for both semesters through the School Office.

For further details on Stage 4 Honours, please see the Biotechnology Honours page

    1. Students must complete a minimum of 192 units of credit.

    2. Students must follow the program of study as outlined in this Handbook, including the core and elective requirements as specified in the Program Structure, above.

    3. Students must complete exactly 12 units of General Education, and these courses must be taken in Stage 1 to 3 of a student’s program. Students must follow the UNSW rules for General Education. Any course defined as a “Science” course in Table 1 cannot be taken as General Education. Any exceptions to these rules must be approved by the Associate Dean (Undergraduate Programs) of the Faculty of Science, or nominee.

'Science' courses are courses offered by the following Schools. The course prefixes that are associated with each School are in bold:

    4. Students must complete 12 Units of Credit of free electives (which may be chosen from any of the approved elective lists, but could also be chosen from elsewhere within the University).

    5. An Honours Year of 48 units of credit must be completed. No student may commence Stage 4 until stages 1 to 3 have been completed successfully.

    6. A maximum of 48 units of credit of level I courses can be taken throughout this entire program, excluding any GEN*#### course or other mainstream level I course taken to fulfil the 12 unit of credit General Education requirement.

    7. Progression to Stages 2, 3 & 4 is subject to academic performance. Students will be required to maintain a Weighted Average Mark (WAM) of at least 65 for progression to Stage 3, and to Stage 4. Students who do not meet the requirement to enter Stage 4 (Honours) will be transferred to program 3970 (Bachelor of Science) and will, on successful completion of the first three stages of program 3052, graduate with the degree Bachelor of Science (program 3970) with a major in Biotechnology. Students who transfer to program 3970 before successful completion of stage 1 to 3 of program 3052 will be required to complete an approved major in program 3970 as specified in the Handbook.

The University requires all students to complete a coherent sequence of General Education courses. The General Education Program is an integral part of the BSc Biotechnology course and gives students the opportunity to address some of the key questions they will face as individuals, citizens and professionals. A total of 12 UOC in General Education course(s) is required.

For further information, please refer to General Education in the Table of Contents (see the left-hand side of this page).

Students must complete a 48 UOC Honours sequence at Stage 4. Progression to stage 4 is subject to academic performance, and requires completion of a total of 144 UOC and all the requirements of the first three years of the program, including, level I, core and elective courses, and general education requirements. Students are expected to have attained an overall WAM of 65 or higher to be eligible to continue to Honours. Admission is subject to appropriate research and supervision resources being available and quotas may be imposed for entry in any year, in which case admission will be determined on academic merit. Students who are ineligible to progress to Honours will be required to transfer to the Bachelor of Science program (3970) and graduate with the Bachelor of Science award at pass level with a major in Biotechnology.

Students completing Stage 4 Honours will be considered for the award of honours according to the following scale (based on performance in stage 4):

Students enrolled in the Bachelor of Science (Biotechnology) program who wish to take out the Bachelor of Science award at pass level without proceeding to Honours, are required to transfer to the Science program (3970). Applications to transfer should be lodged with the Science Student Centre no later than the census date for the semester in which the student expects to satisfy requirements. Students applying after that date may not be able to graduate in the next round of ceremonies.

See the Program Rules outlined above.

For information regarding fees for UNSW programs, please refer to the following website:  https://my.unsw.edu.au/student/fees/FeesMainPage.html

Graduates in Biotechnology will be able to find employment in industries and other organisations involved with drug development, biopharmaceutical production, food processing as well as agricultural and environmental biotechnology.