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Environmental Biotechnology - BIOT3081
 Students on quad lawn

   
   
   
 
Campus: Kensington Campus
 
 
Career: Undergraduate
 
 
Units of Credit: 6
 
 
EFTSL: 0.12500 (more info)
 
 
Indicative Contact Hours per Week: 5
 
 
Enrolment Requirements:
 
 
Prerequisite: 48 units of credit
 
 
Fee Band: 2 (more info)
 
 
Further Information: See Class Timetable
 
  

Description

This course discusses the principles and commercial applications of biotechnology to environmental problems. The course is structured to promote self-learning and students' development of Biotech solutions to real-life problems. Biotechnology is not just genes! Individual subject areas include the use of biotechnology to clean up or 'bioremediate' polluted environments as well as the economic recovery of important minerals and precious metals through 'phytomining'. Furthermore, the application of biological systems in preventing pollution by supporting our planet's sustainable development is also explored in subject areas such as 'biofuels' and 'bioplastics'. The controversial issues of agricultural biotechnology are also examined in this course. The course is conducted by UNSW lectures and various speakers from industry, government bodies, etc., including Environment Australia, Australian Nuclear Science & Technology Organisation (ANSTO) amongst others. Assessment is in the form of a final examination with advance choice of subject areas and a company developed Environmental Impact Statement for bioremediation of a real-life environmental scenario.

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© The University of New South Wales (CRICOS Provider No.: 00098G), 2004-2011. The information contained in this Handbook is indicative only. While every effort is made to keep this information up-to-date, the University reserves the right to discontinue or vary arrangements, programs and courses at any time without notice and at its discretion. While the University will try to avoid or minimise any inconvenience, changes may also be made to programs, courses and staff after enrolment. The University may also set limits on the number of students in a course.