Bachelor of Science - Biotechnology major

Bachelor of Science - Biotechnology major

Your guide to majoring in Biotechnology with the Bachelor of Science at RMIT.

Student type:
Learning mode:
On campus
Duration:
Full-time 3 years
Part-time 6 years
Next intake:
February, July
Location:
Melbourne City
Learning mode:
On campus
Entry score:

See admissions

Duration:
Full-time 3 years
Fees:

AU$40,320 (2025 annual)

Next intake:
February, July
Location:
Melbourne City

Introduction to the major

When you choose a Biotechnology major in the Bachelor of Science at RMIT, you enjoy flexibility with a degree that allows you to pursue a specialisation in biotechnology while gaining practical real-world experience.

Biotechnologists play a crucial role in advancing scientific knowledge, developing innovative products and addressing societal challenges through the application of biotechnology principles and techniques. Their work spans across various disciplines and industries, including food, pharmaceuticals, agriculture, healthcare, environmental sustainability and industrial bio-manufacturing.

Biotechnology uses different forms of life that include living organisms (microbes, plants, fungi and animals), their components (such as cells, proteins, lipids and nucleic acids) or biological systems to create innovative and sustainable solutions for our day-to-day lives. The Biotechnology major gives you breadth of knowledge across life sciences and related disciplines, practical skills in the lab and field, and a specialisation in your chosen area.

My program co-ordinator and several of my lecturers have been immensely helpful on more than just the knowledge and skills related to my studies – they have also provided advice on my future career and knowing what sort of skills the industry focuses on.

- Dylan Sanasy, Bachelor of Science (Biotechnology) 

Dylan Sanasy, Bachelor of Science (Biotechnology) BP350

About the Bachelor of Science

With the Bachelor of Science at RMIT you will enjoy a cross-disciplinary, flexible and personalised degree that allows you to pursue a range of diverse interest areas across science. You will gain practical real-world experience throughout your degree.

Why choose to major in Biotechnology with the Bachelor of Science?

Tailor your learning

Choose to specialise in molecular biotechnology or broaden your studies to biodiversity and ecology.

Extensive practical skills

Learn and apply the latest biotechnologies in advanced laboratories.

Industry-partnered learning

Conduct projects in collaboration with industry partners or informed by industry practices.

Career outcomes

RMIT’s Bachelor of Science will equip you with the expertise, experience and professional skills to have a successful career as a scientist.

With the practical, research and other essential skills developed and gained through your study in this degree, you can go on to work or undertake further study in a range of areas.

Potential careers for graduates of the Bachelor of Science who choose to major in Biotechnology include:

  • medical laboratory scientist
  • microbiologist
  • laboratory technician
  • research scientist
  • technical consultant
  • chemist
  • process engineer.

Understanding your course options

This combination of knowledge and skills will prepare you for the complexities of the modern science landscape and equip you to make a meaningful impact in your chosen career.

As a student in the RMIT Bachelor of Science, you will have the opportunity to focus your studies on a single major complimented with a related generalist and advanced minors, or to select a second major and graduate your degree with a double major. Whether you chose a single or double major, your degree will consist of 24 subjects total.

The below guide will help you understand your options:

Biotechnology major subjects

You will undertake eight biotechnology subjects focusing on:

  • Cell Biology and biochemistry
  • Plant and animal biology
  • Genetics and molecular biology
  • Microbiology and immunology
  • Genomics and gene technologies
  • Proteomics and designer proteins
  • Environmental and industrial biotechnology
  • Medical biotechnology
  • Applied science project

The biotechnology single major consists of eight subjects focused on your major, complemented with an advanced minor linked to your major, in addition to a generalist minor or science options subjects of your choice.

RMIT Bachelor of Science - single major course structure

Four subjects per semester

Year 1 Semester 1

Foundations of Science:

Physical sciences, Life sciences, Maths, Data and Science communication

Semester 2

BIOTECHNOLOGY MAJOR

Generalist minor
(or Science subjects of your choice)

Year 2 Semester 3
Semester 4
  • Complete your Biotechnology major

AND

  • An Advanced Minor

AND

  • Complete electives

AND

  • 3rd year CAPSTONE PROJECT
    Work integrated Learning (WIL)
Year 3 Semester 5
Semester 6
Please note: Some majors have constraints on combinations of majors/minors and electives.

Complementary advanced minors

Advanced minors are extended studies that follow on from your chosen major. There are two available options for the Biotechnology major:

  • Molecular biotechnology
  • Biodiversity and ecology

Complementary generalist minors

A Generalist minor is four subjects completed in an alternative area of science to your major. It provides some understanding and specialisation (minor) in another discipline.

Suggested generalist minors to combine with the Biotechnology major include:

  • Chemistry
  • Environmental science
  • Food Science and technology
  • Foundations of teaching
  • Geospatial science
  • Mathematics
  • Nutrition science
  • Physics
  • Statistics

*You can only complete one generalist minor

**Your advanced minor must be linked to your chosen major

By electing to choose a second major instead of a combination of minors with your major in Biotechnology, you will focus on your studies equally on your two areas of specialisation.

The double major option consists of eight subjects in each chosen major.

RMIT Bachelor of Science - double major course structure

Four subjects per semester

Year 1 Semester 1

Foundations of Science (4 subjects):
Physical sciences, Life sciences, Maths, Data and Science communication

Semester 2 Biotechnology major (2 subjects)
Second major (2 subjects) 
Year 2 Biotechnology major (4 subjects)
Second major (4 subjects)
Year 3 Biotechnology major (2 subjects)
Second major (2 subjects)
Electives (2 subjects)
Capstone project (2 subjects)
Please note: Some majors have constraints on combinations of majors/minors and electives.

Complementary majors

The following majors allow for a double major with Biotechnology:

Bachelor of Science full course information

This is just one of the 8 majors that you can choose from. Visit the Bachelor of Science course page to find full course information, explore your study options, and get details on entry requirements, pathways, fees, plan structure and more.

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Acknowledgement of Country

RMIT University acknowledges the people of the Woi wurrung and Boon wurrung language groups of the eastern Kulin Nation on whose unceded lands we conduct the business of the University. RMIT University respectfully acknowledges their Ancestors and Elders, past and present. RMIT also acknowledges the Traditional Custodians and their Ancestors of the lands and waters across Australia where we conduct our business - Artwork 'Sentient' by Hollie Johnson, Gunaikurnai and Monero Ngarigo.

aboriginal flag
torres strait flag

Acknowledgement of Country

RMIT University acknowledges the people of the Woi wurrung and Boon wurrung language groups of the eastern Kulin Nation on whose unceded lands we conduct the business of the University. RMIT University respectfully acknowledges their Ancestors and Elders, past and present. RMIT also acknowledges the Traditional Custodians and their Ancestors of the lands and waters across Australia where we conduct our business.