BACHELOR DEGREES
Bachelor of Science (Biotechnology)
Melbourne City and Bundoora
Understand the molecular basis of life and living systems with extensive practical experience in gene technologies, vaccine development, agriculture, microbiology, environmental sciences and more.
Modern biotechnology is based on the application of cutting-edge technologies to target today's most urgent challenges and scientific issues in the areas of human health, adaptation of animals and plants, a changing climate and environment, food shortage, and renewable energy production.
This biotechnology program offers a unique combination of the skills and technologies needed to understand the molecular basis of these challenges and how to address them. Technologies include functional genomics, nano- and gene technologies, synthetic biology, molecular biology, lab-on-a-chip technology, environmental biotechnology, microbiology and immunology.
This course will stimulate your critical thinking and problem-solving skills to help you to be competitive in the rapidly growing and dynamic areas of modern biotechnology.
Studies over three years include functional genomics and proteomics, gene technologies (advanced molecular biology), biochemistry, bioinformatics, environmental biotechnology, cell structure and function, chemistry, genetics and molecular biology, microbiology, immunology and more.
During your final year, you will have the choice of two majors: Molecular Biology or Microbiology.
As a graduate you could be involved in applying the latest technologies and techniques in molecular biology and genetics to solve a range of problems such as diagnosing genes that cause cancer, making crops and livestock less vulnerable to disease and making food safer.
Why should you study biotechnology at RMIT?
- Pursue your own interests and choose to major in either molecular biology or microbiology.
- RMIT’s high-tech facilities for biotechnology will be at your disposal. You will do all practical work in industry-standard laboratories.
- You will undertake a work-integrated learning project in your final year where your knowledge and skills are applied in a real or simulated workplace context.
International student visa holders can only study full-time.
You will gain a deep understanding of biotechnology through lectures presented by experienced staff and respected scientists from leading research centres in Melbourne.
Work is conducted in world-class research facilities and with strong industry connections.
Practical classes simulate the type of work performed in the workplace and ensure you’re job-ready when you graduate.
You will have the opportunity to work on research projects and practical activities, often undertaken in collaboration with industry.
The final-year Science Project course will also provide you with the opportunity to develop an independent research project, which can involve an industry partner.
Industry experts will guest lecture during the final year of the program.
Biotechnologists use gene manipulation of plants, animals and micro-organisms to create new biological products for pharmaceutical, agricultural, diagnostic and environmental use.
They also develop diagnostic tools to detect diseases rapidly and conduct human stem cell research with the aim of treating or preventing illnesses.
There is a wide range of graduate opportunities because of the broad training and flexibility of the program.
Graduates are employed in research, diagnosis and technique development in public institutions such as the CSIRO, AQIS, police forensics, research institutes, biosecurity, universities and hospitals and in private industry (areas such as fermentation, food, biotechnology, cell products and vaccines).
With experience, graduates have gone on to become state and national leaders and involved in exciting projects such as the sequencing of the human genome.
Professional recognition and accreditation
Depending on the major area of study chosen, graduates can apply for professional membership of:
You can spend one or more semesters at an overseas institution through the Education Abroad program at more than 120 partner universities.
330 Swanston Street (cnr La Trobe Street)
Melbourne VIC 3000
Tel. +61 3 9925 2260
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Program and course information
Key content
Modern molecular technologies
Apply the latest technologies and techniques in molecular biology and genetics to solve a range of problems