Bachelor of Science (Biotechnology)
Student type:
Quick facts
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Entry score
ATAR 75.50
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Duration
Full-time 3 years, Part-time 6 years
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Location
Melbourne city campus, Bundoora
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Fees
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Next intake
February, July
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Entry score
IELTS 6.5
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Duration
Full-time 3 years
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Location
Melbourne city campus
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Fees
AU$32,640 (2018 annual)
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Next intake
February, July
Program brochure
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Overview
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.
Details
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.
The biotechnology program includes genetics, molecular biology, bioinformatics, genomics and proteomics.
As part of the program you will 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
You’ll also learn about the legal and ethical issues involved in biotechnology.
During your final year of study, you’ll have the opportunity to major in either molecular biology or microbiology.
The final-year Science Project also gives you the opportunity to work on a small research project under the supervision of an academic staff member. You may have the opportunity to collaborate with an external organisation on this project.
Choose a program structure
| Title | Location | Duration | Plan code | CRICOS | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bachelor of Science (Biotechnology) | City Campus |
3 year full time or 6 years part time
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3 year full time
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BP226P7 | 056416B |
Choose a program structure
Program code: BP226
Career
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.
Depending on the major area of study chosen, graduates can apply for professional membership of:
Admissions
Successful completion of an Australian Year 12 senior secondary certificate of education or equivalent.
RMIT is committed to admissions transparency. View the 2018 ATAR distribution information for our degrees and information about how admissions work at RMIT.
You must have successfully completed an Australian Year 12 (or an equivalent senior secondary school qualification) with a minimum average of 65% (check 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.
If you don't meet the entry requirements, there may be other RMIT programs you are eligible for that can lead you to your preferred program. Explore pathway options.
Entry requirements
Higher Mathematics; or
VCE Units 3 and 4 in Mathematics (any), with a study score of at least 20.
Form: Non-Year 12 applicants may submit additional information if they would like it to be considered.
- For semester 1 intake, this can be completed through the VTAC Personal Statement online.
- For semester 2 intake, this can be completed through the personal statement in the Apply Direct application.
To study this program 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 (Paper Based Test): minimum score of 580 (TWE 4.5)
- TOEFL (Internet Based Test - IBT): minimum overall score of 92 (with minimum of 20 in all sections)
- 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 Advanced Plus Certificate at RMIT English Worldwide.
Pathways
Fees
All undergraduate and honours degrees have Commonwealth supported places (CSP) available.
In a Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP), your tuition fees are subsidised by the Australian Government. Your share of the fee (student contribution) is set each year by the government and is determined by the discipline areas (bands) of your individual enrolled courses, not the overall program.
As a CSP student, you may be eligible to apply for a HECS-HELP loan, which allows you to defer payment of up to 100% of your student contribution.
Learn more about fees for undergraduate study.
How much can I expect to pay for my Commonwealth supported place?
Courses (subjects) fall into one of three bands. 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 2018
| Student contribution band by course (subject) | Maximum annual student contribution amount in 2018 |
|---|---|
| Band 1: humanities, behavioural science, social studies, clinical psychology, foreign languages, visual and performing arts, education, nursing | $6,444 per standard year $805 per standard (12 credit point) course |
| Band 2: mathematics, statistics, computing, built environment, other health, allied health, science, engineering, surveying, agriculture | $9,185 per standard year $1,148 per standard (12 credit point) course |
Band 3: law, accounting, administration, economics, commerce, dentistry, medicine, veterinary science |
$10,754 per standard year $1,344 per standard (12 credit point) course |
HECS-HELP
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 100% of their student contribution.
How does a HELP loan work?
If your HECS-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 will 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 2018 is $298.
You may be eligible to apply to defer payment of the SSAF through the SA-HELP loan scheme. If you use SA‑HELP, the amount will be added to your accumulated HELP debt.
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.
The annual tuition fee for 2018 is AU$32,640.
The total indicative tuition fee for 2018 commencement is AU$103,680.
In addition to tuition fees you also need to pay for:
- Student services and amenities fee (SSAF) in each calendar year.
- Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) - Student visa holders must have cover for the total duration of their visa.
- Some programs incur additional expenses.
You also need to account for your living expenses. Estimate the cost of living in Melbourne.