Bachelor of Science (Biotechnology)

Bachelor of Science (Biotechnology)

UNDERGRADUATE

Use molecular technology to address the world's most urgent challenges. Explore vaccines, environmental science, synthetic biology, and more.

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Student type:
Learning mode:
On campus
Entry score:

ATAR 65.10*

Duration:
Full-time 3 years
Part-time 6 years
Fees:

Commonwealth supported places

Next intake:
July
Location:
Melbourne City
Bundoora
Learning mode:
On campus
Entry score:

ATAR 65.10

Duration:
Full-time 3 years
Fees:

AU$37,440 (2023 annual)

Next intake:
February, July
Location:
Melbourne City

Overview

Modern biotechnology is based on the application of cutting-edge technologies to target today's 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.

The Bachelor of Science (Biotechnology) 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 degree will stimulate your critical thinking and problem-solving skills to help you to be competitive in modern biotechnology.

Studies over three years include functional genomics and proteomics, gene technologies, 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 study biotechnology at RMIT?

Choose your major

Pursue your interests and choose to major in either molecular biology or microbiology.

Work-integrated learning

You'll undertake a project in your final year, where your knowledge and skills are applied in a real or simulated workplace context.

Specialist facilities

RMIT’s high-tech facilities for biotechnology will be at your disposal. You'll do all practical work in industry-standard laboratories.

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Guaranteed Pathway options available

Didn't get the ATAR you needed? Guaranteed Pathways lets you preference pathway packages so you can secure your place in your goal degree and graduate with two internationally-recognised RMIT qualifications.

Details

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Learning and teaching

In the Bachelor of Science (Biotechnology) is designed to provide you with 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.

Assessment methods

Assessment in this degree offers you the opportunity to demonstrate your learning. The most common forms of assessment in the Bachelor of Science (Biotechnology) are online tests and laboratory assessment and reports, but you may also undertake in-class discussions, revision problems, and more.

Learning at RMIT

The types of classes you have will depend on the course you’re studying. Classes are offered in various formats designed to provide meaningful engagement with staff, industry and peers and provide for access and use of spaces where learning can be applied and active, including an array of specialised equipment.

Most RMIT courses do not include passive large-scale classes such as lectures, instead the content traditionally provided in lectures is made available online. This may be in the form of readings, videos or other on-demand learning materials. This content will also support the basis of interactive learning that takes place in on-campus classes.

You will have the opportunity to work on research projects and practical activities, often undertaken in collaboration with industry.

The final year Science Project unit 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 degree.

Global work, exchange and study experiences

RMIT offers a range of opportunities for our students to study abroad through global work, exchange and study experiences with over 165 partner universities worldwide.

First year subjects take place at the Melbourne City campus.

Second and third-year subjects run at both the City and Bundoora campuses.

The knowledge and skills you will acquire throughout this degree and how they can be applied in your career are described in the learning outcomes.

The Bachelor of Science (Biotechnology) degree includes genetics, molecular biology, bioinformatics, genomics and proteomics.

As part of your studies, you'll learn about:

  • gene technologies – shifting genes from one thing to another
  • cell and tissue culture
  • functional genomics – relating how a plant or animal reacts to what is going on
  • molecular agriculture - developing new crops
  • bioinformatics - accessing the world’s databases of genetic codes
  • immunology - serological diagnostic tests
  • legal and ethical issues associated with biotechnology.

During your final year of study, you'll have the opportunity to major in either molecular biology or microbiology.

The final year project gives you the opportunity to work on a small research project. You may be able to collaborate with an external organisation on this project.

Course structure

Choose a plan below to find out more about the subjects you will study and the course structure.

Bachelor of Science (Biotechnology)
Program code: BP226
Title
Location
Duration
Plan code
CRICOS
Bachelor of Science (Biotechnology)
City Campus
3 year full time or 6 years part time
BP226P7
056416B
Location
City Campus
Duration
3 year full time or 6 years part time
Plan code
BP226P7
CRICOS
056416B
View plan
Bachelor of Science (Biotechnology)
City Campus
3 year full time
BP226P7
056416B
Location
City Campus
Duration
3 year full time
Plan code
BP226P7
CRICOS
056416B
View plan

Note: International student visa holders can only study full-time.

Career

Biotechnologists use gene manipulation of plants, animals and microorganisms to create new biological products.

They also develop diagnostic tools to detect diseases and conduct human stem cell research to treat or prevent illnesses.

There is a wide range of graduate opportunities due to the broad training and flexibility of the degree.

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. 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.

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Depending on the major area of study chosen, graduates can apply for professional membership of:

Admissions

Please note: From 2023, the Bachelor of Science (Biotechnology) (BP226P7) is only available to RMIT students articulating from an approved pathway program. All other applicants should refer to the Bachelor Science (BP350).

Selection criteria by applicant type

Please select the highest level of education you have or will be completing in order to find out the selection criteria that applies to you, in addition to meeting the above entry requirements.

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Applicants whose highest level of education is recent secondary education are not eligible to apply for this program. They should instead refer to the Bachelor of Science (BP350).

Graduates of the RMIT Diploma of Laboratory Technology (C5434) are guaranteed entry into the Bachelor of Science (Biotechnology) (BP226P7) and will receive credit for 8 courses (96 credit points).

All other applicants should instead refer to the Bachelor of Science (BP350).

Graduates of the RMIT Diploma of Laboratory Technology (C5434) are guaranteed entry into the Bachelor of Science (Biotechnology) (BP226P7) and will receive credit for 8 courses (96 credit points).

All other applicants should instead refer to the Bachelor of Science (BP350).

Applicants whose highest level of education is work and life experience are not eligible to apply for this program. They should instead refer to the Bachelor Science (BP350).

Additional information

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View the ATAR profile and selection rank from students offered a place into this program wholly or partly on the basis of ATAR in the most relevant recent intake period.

The student profile provides insight into the likely peer group for this program.

*ATAR refers to the lowest selection rank to which an offer was made (including consideration of any adjustments) for current and recent Year 12 applicants.

RMIT is committed to providing transparency to the admissions process. In line with this commitment, we provide you with information that will help in making informed choices about your undergraduate study options. Find out more about admission to RMIT.

You need to satisfy all of the following requirements to be considered for entry into this degree.

You must have successfully completed a qualification recognised by RMIT as equivalent to the Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE) with a minimum average of 65% (see calculator below).

Equivalent qualifications may also include completion of the RMIT Foundation Studies program or a recognised post secondary diploma in the relevant discipline with the required grades.

Meeting the minimum academic requirements does not guarantee entry. Your application will still need to be assessed and accepted.

Entry score calculator
Minimum Score Required

Don’t meet the requirements?

Mathematics; or Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE) Units 3 and 4 in Mathematics (any), with a study score of at least 20.

A selection task is not required for entry into this qualification.

To study this course you will need to complete one of the following English proficiency tests:

  • IELTS (Academic): minimum overall band of 6.5 (with no individual band below 6.0)
  • TOEFL (Internet Based Test - IBT): minimum overall score of 79 (with minimum of 13 in Reading, 12 in Listening, 18 in Speaking and 21 in Writing)
  • Pearson Test of English (Academic) (PTE (A)): minimum score of 58 (with no communication band less than 50)
  • Cambridge English: Advanced (CAE): minimum of 176 with no less than 169 in any component.

For detailed information on English language requirements and other proficiency tests recognised by RMIT, visit English language requirements and equivalency information.

Don't meet the English language test scores? Complete an English for Academic Purposes (EAP) Advanced Plus Certificate at RMIT English Worldwide.

Pathways

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Understanding pathways

Undertaking a certificate, diploma, advanced diploma or associate degree can help you meet the entry requirements for your preferred course. These qualifications often provide credit, reducing the duration of your bachelor degree.

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Even though there are no formal pathways into this course, there are often other ways you can gain entry.

Credit, recognition of prior learning, professional experience and accreditation from a professional body can reduce the duration of your study by acknowledging your earlier, relevant experience.

Credit and exemptions will be assessed consistent with the principles of the RMIT Credit Policy.

Guaranteed Pathways available

Didn't get the ATAR you needed for entry into this degree?

At RMIT we've got your back, with a range study options to help you achieve your goals, no matter your ATAR.

Guaranteed Pathways gives you the option to preference pathway packages when you apply to RMIT.

If you apply and are successful in gaining a place in a Guaranteed Pathway package, you will progress straight into the Bachelor Degree upon successful completion of the relevant vocational degree (otherwise known as TAFE) first.

With a Guaranteed Pathway package, you can graduate with two internationally-recognised RMIT qualifications.

When you successfully complete this degree, you may be eligible for entry into an RMIT Honours or Postgraduate degree.

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You are guaranteed entry to the Bachelor of Science (Biotechnology) with credit when you successfully complete the following programs:

Alternatively, you can gain entry from RMIT Foundation Studies or a range of vocational study programs.

Coming from a partner institution?

RMIT has pathway arrangements with many partner institutions around the world.

If your institution has a pathway arrangement with RMIT you may be able to receive credit and reduce the time it will take to complete your preferred RMIT program.

Find out if your institution has a pathway arrangement with RMIT

If you have qualifications from an institution that is not an RMIT partner, credit into your RMIT program will be assessed on a case-by-case basis.

Credit may reduce the duration of your study by acknowledging your earlier, relevant study experience.

When you are submitting an application, please indicate that you want to be considered for credit and provide detailed course syllabus (also known as course outline), outlining volume of learning, course content and weekly topics, learning objectives/outcomes, assessment types and their weightings, and reference to the learning resources such as prescribed textbooks and recommended readings.

When you successfully complete this program, you may be eligible for entry into an RMIT Honours or Postgraduate degree.

Fees

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2024 indicative fees

In 2024, the annual student contribution amount (tuition fee) you will pay for a standard year of full-time study is between AU$4,445 to AU$16,323*.

Additional expenses

  • Student services and amenities fee (SSAF): AU$351 maximum fee for 2024.
  • Other items related to your program, including field trips, textbooks and equipment.

Annual fee adjustment

Amounts quoted are indicative fees per annum, and are based on a standard year of full-time study (96 credit points). A proportionate fee applies for more or less than the full-time study load.

Fees are adjusted on an annual basis and these fees should only be used as a guide.

Defer your payment

You may be eligible to apply for a HECS-HELP loan, which can be used to defer payment of up to the full amount of your student contribution fees. You may also be eligible to apply to defer payment of your SSAF through the SA-HELP loan scheme.

Learn more about fees for undergraduate study.

Paying your fees and applying for refunds

For information on how to pay your fees or how to apply for a refund, please see Paying your fees and applying for refunds.

Low completion rates

From 2022, there are new government rules about eligibility for higher education student funding as part of the Australian Government’s Job-ready Graduates legislation. If you're starting a program in or after 2022 and are enrolled in a Commonwealth supported place (CSP) or have a HECS-HELP or FEE-HELP loan, these changes affect you. For details, please see Low completion rate and government funding.

If you are offered a Commonwealth supported place, your tuition fees are subsidised by the Australian Government.

Your share of the fee (student contribution) is set on an annual basis by the government and is determined by the discipline areas (bands) of your individual enrolled courses, not the overall program.

How much can I expect to pay for my Commonwealth supported place?

The Australian Government has introduced changes to university funding and student contribution fees under its Job-ready Graduates Package. 

The fees in the table below apply to students who commence their program in 2024. Fees for continuing students are available at fees for Commonwealth supported students.

Each course (subject) falls into a band. The band determines the student contribution amount for the course.

Amounts listed in the table below are based on a standard, full-time study load (96 credit points per year) with all courses in the same band. A proportionate fee applies for more or less than the full-time study load or for enrolment in courses (subjects) from a combination of bands.

You can learn how to calculate your exact tuition fees for units from different bands at Fees for Commonwealth supported students.

Maximum student contribution amount for Commonwealth supported places in 2024 for commencing students

Student contribution band by course (subject)

Maximum annual student contribution amount (per EFTSL) in 2024
Education, Postgraduate Clinical Psychology, English, Mathematics, Statistics, Nursing, Indigenous and Foreign Languages, Agriculture $4,445 per standard year
$555 per standard (12 credit point) course
Allied Health, Other Health, Built Environment, Computing, Visual and Performing Arts, Professional Pathway Psychology, Professional Pathway Social Work, Engineering, Surveying, Environmental Studies, Science, Pathology $8,948 per standard year
$1,118 per standard (12 credit point) course
Dentistry, Medicine, Veterinary Science $12,720 per standard year
$1,590 per standard (12 credit point) course
Law, Accounting, Administration, Economics, Commerce, Communications, Society and Culture $16,323 per standard year
$2,040 per standard (12 credit point) course

Student Learning Entitlement

On 1 January 2022, the Government implemented the Student Learning Entitlement (SLE).

  • The SLE allows students 7 years of full-time subsidised study in Commonwealth Supported Places (CSP).
  • Your total SLE amount will be reduced in accordance with your overall study load in a CSP. 
  • Once you have utilised all your SLE, you can not longer study in a CSP.

For more information about SLE, visit Study Assist.

HECS-HELP Loans

The Australian Government provides financial assistance via the HECS-HELP loan scheme, which allows eligible students (such as Australian citizens or holders of an Australian permanent humanitarian visa) to defer payment of up to the full amount of their student contribution.

SA-HELP Loans

You may be eligible to apply to defer payment of the Student services and amenities fee (SSAF) through the SA-HELP loan scheme. If you use SA-HELP, the amount will be added to your accumulated HELP debt.

How does a HELP loan work?

If your FEE-HELP and/or SA-HELP loan application is successful, the Australian Government will pay RMIT, on your behalf, up to 100% of your fees. This amount will become part of your accumulated HELP debt.

You only start repaying your accumulated HELP debt to the Australian Government once you earn above the minimum income threshold for repayment, which is set each year by the Australian Government (this also applies if you are still studying). The Australian Taxation Office (ATO) will calculate your compulsory repayment for the year and include this on your income tax notice.

For more information about loan repayment options see Commonwealth assistance (HELP loans) or Study Assist.

In addition to tuition fees, you will be charged an annual student services and amenities fee (SSAF), which is used to maintain and enhance services and amenities that improve your experience as an RMIT student.

The SSAF is calculated based on your enrolment load and the maximum fee for 2024 is $351.  

For more information about calculating your actual SSAF see Paying SSAF.

You may also be required to purchase other items related to your program, including field trips, textbooks and equipment. These additional fees and expenses vary from program to program.

RMIT awards more than 2000 scholarships every year to recognise academic achievement and assist students from a variety of backgrounds.

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The annual tuition fee for 2023 is AU$37,440.

The total indicative tuition fee for 2023 commencement is AU$112,320.

In addition to tuition fees you also need to pay for:

You also need to account for your living expenses. Estimate the cost of living in Melbourne.

Find out more details about how fees are calculated and the expected annual increase.

Applying for refunds

Find information on how to apply for a refund as a continuing international student.

RMIT awards more than 2000 scholarships every year to recognise academic achievement and assist students from a variety of backgrounds.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Looking for answers or more general information?

Use our Frequently Asked Questions to learn about the application process and its equity access schemes, find out how to accept or defer your offer or request a leave of absence, discover information about your fees, refunds and scholarships, and explore the various student support and advocacy services, as well as how to find out more about your preferred program, and more.

This qualification has been superseded.

Information for international students

International applicants please visit BP350 Bachelor of Science for full details and to apply.

Information for local students

If you are a local student please select 'switch to local' below to view the full course information.

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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 'Luwaytini' by Mark Cleaver, Palawa.

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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.

More information