Bachelor of Science (Biotechnology)
Student type:
Quick facts
-
Duration
Full-time 3 years, Part-time 6 years -
Location
Melbourne City, Bundoora -
Fees
Next intake
February, July Duration
Full-time 3 years Location
Melbourne City
Overview
Understand the molecular basis of life and living systems with 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 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 degree 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 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 should you study biotechnology at RMIT?
- Pursue your 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 degree.
The biotechnology degree includes genetics, molecular biology, bioinformatics, genomics and proteomics.
As part of the course, 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
- 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.
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
|
3 year full time
|
BP226P7 | 056416B |
Choose a program structure
Program code: BP226
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 course.
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.
Depending on the major area of study chosen, graduates can apply for professional membership of:
Admissions
You must have successfully completed an Australian Year 12 (or equivalent qualification).
Prerequisites
Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE) units 3 and 4: a study score of at least 30 in English (EAL) or at least 25 in English other than EAL and units 3 and 4: a study score of at least 20 in any Mathematics, or equivalent studies.
Rankings and adjustment factors
Entry to this program is competitive. Eligible applicants are ranked and selected in order of merit based on their academic achievement plus any adjustment factors.
Adjustment factors include equity access schemes and/or subject adjustments.
We will consider your entire academic record to determine your eligibility for entry. The highest level of education you have previously completed will usually determine how you are ranked.
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.
Adjustment factors available only to applicants currently studying Year 12
School Network Access Program (SNAP)
- The SNAP access scheme is designed to increase tertiary participation by giving priority access to RMIT diploma and degree programs to eligible applicants currently studying Year 12 at a SNAP partner school.
Adjustment factors available only to applicants currently studying Year 12 or whose highest qualification is a completed Year 12.
Subject adjustments
- Satisfactory completion in one but no more than three of Biology, Chemistry, Maths: Specialist Mathematics or Physics equals 2 aggregate points per study.
- Overall maximum of 6 points.
Regional adjustments
- RMIT automatically allocates adjustment factors to applicants from a low socio-economic status area for all programs that select primarily on ATAR. Low socio-economic status areas are determined by applying the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) Socio-Economic Index for Areas (SEIFA) Index of Education and Occupation.
Equity access schemes
- Equity access schemes take into account personal information and location, difficult circumstances, disadvantaged financial background and disability or medical condition that may have impacted on an applicant’s most recent academic performance.
- This program has been recognised as being under-represented by female applicants. Additional adjustment factors may apply to those applying to category 1 of the Special Entry Access Scheme or RMIT access application.
- Find out more about the eligibility requirements for each Special Entry Access Scheme and RMIT access categories.
- If you are applying through VTAC you should apply for the Special Entry Access Scheme.
- If you are applying directly to RMIT you should apply for RMIT Access. The system will prompt you to do this during your application.
Elite Athlete Program
- The RMIT Elite Athlete Program supports eligible elite and emerging athletes to achieve sporting and academic excellence, allowing students to balance the demands of both their studies and their athletic responsibilities.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples
- The Indigenous Access Program supports your application to RMIT through an informal interview process where you will receive help from the Ngarara Willim Centre. Additional consideration will be given if you have relevant life, work, education or training experience.
Entry to this program is competitive. Applicants are ranked and selected in order of merit based on their academic achievement, e.g., level of TAFE qualification completed (including any adjustment factors).
We will consider your entire academic record to determine your eligibility for entry. The highest level of education you have previously completed will usually determine how you are ranked.
You will be assigned a selection rank (comparable to an ATAR) based on your highest completed qualification:
- Advanced Diploma: 81
- Diploma: 72
- Certificate IV: 54
Special Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT)
You may satisfy the academic requirements by completing the STAT multiple choice.
If you are applying to RMIT as an applicant with vocational education training, you may sit the STAT multiple choice if you:
- are 19 years of age or over as of 1 January in the year in which you will start your studies and
- have not been enrolled in secondary studies for at least two years and
- have no prior secondary school (Year 12), VET studies, HE studies or relevant work experience that can be considered for entry, or these do not meet the minimum academic requirements for the program.
STAT results are valid for two years prior to the commencement of study and can be used to meet Year 12 English prerequisites. You are still required to meet all other program prerequisites or equivalents.
Learn more about RMIT STAT results including minimum STAT scores required to meet prerequisites.
You may be eligible for the following adjustment factors:
Equity access schemes
- Equity access schemes take into account personal information and location, difficult circumstances, disadvantaged financial background and disability or medical condition that may have impacted on an applicant’s most recent academic performance.
- This program has been recognised as being under-represented by female applicants. Additional adjustment factors may apply to those applying to category 1 of the Special Entry Access Scheme or RMIT access application.
- Find out more about the eligibility requirements for each Special Entry Access Scheme and RMIT access categories.
- If you are applying through VTAC you should apply for the Special Entry Access Scheme.
- If you are applying directly to RMIT you should apply for RMIT Access. The system will prompt you to do this during your application.
Elite Athlete Program
- The RMIT Elite Athlete Program supports eligible elite and emerging athletes to achieve sporting and academic excellence, allowing students to balance the demands of both their studies and their athletic responsibilities.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples
- The Indigenous Access Program supports your application to RMIT through an informal interview process where you will receive help from the Ngarara Willim Centre. Additional consideration will be given if you have relevant life, work, education or training experience.
Entry to this program is competitive. Applicants are ranked and selected in order of merit based on their academic achievement, e.g., GPA (including any adjustment factors).
We will consider your entire academic record to determine your eligibility for entry. Previous fail grades in similar courses may affect your eligibility.
You must have satisfactorily completed at least four courses (subjects) (0.5 EFTSL) at an Australian undergraduate level (or overseas equivalent). You will be assigned a selection rank (comparable to an ATAR) based on your GPA.
Special Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT)
You may satisfy the academic requirements by completing the STAT multiple choice. If you are applying to RMIT as an applicant with higher education study, you may sit the STAT multiple choice if you:
- are 19 years of age or over as of 1 January in the year in which you will start your studies and
- have not been enrolled in secondary studies for at least two years and
- have no prior secondary school (Year 12), VET studies, HE studies or relevant work experience that can be considered for entry, or these do not meet the minimum academic requirements for the program.
STAT results are valid for two years prior to the commencement of study and can be used to meet Year 12 English prerequisites. You are still required to meet all other program prerequisites or equivalents.
Learn more about RMIT STAT results including minimum STAT scores required to meet prerequisites.
Personal statement
If you have been excluded from a program due to academic progress you are encouraged to submit a personal statement outlining the strategies you will adopt to ensure academic success.
If you are applying to RMIT through VTAC you can complete and submit the VTAC personal statement via your online VTAC account.
If you are applying direct to RMIT you can upload your completed personal statement via your online direct application.
You may be eligible for the following adjustment factors:
Equity access schemes
- Equity access schemes take into account personal information and location, difficult circumstances, disadvantaged financial background and disability or medical condition that may have impacted on an applicant’s most recent academic performance.
- This program has been recognised as being under-represented by female applicants. Additional adjustment factors may apply to those applying to category 1 of the Special Entry Access Scheme or RMIT access application.
- Find out more about the eligibility requirements for each Special Entry Access Scheme and RMIT access categories.
- If you are applying through VTAC you should apply for the Special Entry Access Scheme.
- If you are applying directly to RMIT you should apply for RMIT Access. The system will prompt you to do this during your application.
Elite Athlete Program
- The RMIT Elite Athlete Program supports eligible elite and emerging athletes to achieve sporting and academic excellence, allowing students to balance the demands of both their studies and their athletic responsibilities.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples
- The Indigenous Access Program supports your application to RMIT through an informal interview process where you will receive help from the Ngarara Willim Centre. Additional consideration will be given if you have relevant life, work, education or training experience.
Entry to this program is competitive. Applicants are ranked and selected in order of merit based on their academic achievement, e.g., Special Tertiary Admission Test (STAT) score (including any adjustment factors).
You must have successfully completed an Australian Year 12 (or equivalent qualification) and meet the stated prerequisites. Work and life experience does not provide any additional consideration for entry to this program. You may satisfy the academic requirements by completing the STAT multiple choice.
Special Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT)
You may satisfy the academic requirements by completing the STAT multiple choice.
If you are applying to RMIT as an applicant with work or life experience, you may sit the STAT multiple choice if you:
- are 19 years of age or over as of 1 January in the year in which you will start your studies and
- have not been enrolled in secondary studies for at least two years and
- have no prior secondary school (Year 12), VET studies, HE studies or relevant work experience that can be considered for entry, or these do not meet the minimum academic requirements for the program.
STAT results are valid for two years prior to the commencement of study and can be used to meet Year 12 English prerequisites. You are still required to meet all other program prerequisites or equivalents.
Learn more about RMIT STAT results including minimum STAT scores required to meet prerequisites.
You may be eligible for the following adjustment factors:
Subject adjustments
- Satisfactory completion in one but no more than three of Biology, Chemistry, Maths: Specialist Mathematics or Physics equals 2 aggregate points per study.
- Overall maximum of 6 points.
Equity access schemes
- Equity access schemes take into account personal information and location, difficult circumstances, disadvantaged financial background and disability or medical condition that may have impacted on an applicant’s most recent academic performance.
- This program has been recognised as being under-represented by female applicants. Additional adjustment factors may apply to those applying to category 1 of the Special Entry Access Scheme or RMIT access application.
- Find out more about the eligibility requirements for each Special Entry Access Scheme and RMIT access categories.
- If you are applying through VTAC you should apply for the Special Entry Access Scheme.
- If you are applying directly to RMIT you should apply for RMIT Access. The system will prompt you to do this during your application.
Elite Athlete Program
- The RMIT Elite Athlete Program supports eligible elite and emerging athletes to achieve sporting and academic excellence, allowing students to balance the demands of both their studies and their athletic responsibilities.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples
- The Indigenous Access Program supports your application to RMIT through an informal interview process where you will receive help from the Ngarara Willim Centre. Additional consideration will be given if you have relevant life, work, education or training experience.
Additional information
*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 RMIT’s commitment to admissions transparency.
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.
Higher Mathematics; or
VCE Units 3 and 4 in Mathematics (any), with a study score of at least 20.
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 (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
This course offers pathway options. If you don’t meet the entry requirements, a formal pathway might be your way in.
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 and helping you get the degree you want.
Use our Pathways finder or contact Study@RMIT for more information.
Credit and recognition of prior learning
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. Find out if you might be eligible.
Fees
2021 indicative fees
In 2021, the annual student contribution amount (tuition fee) you will pay for a standard year of full-time study is between AU$3,700 to AU$14,500*.
Additional expenses
- Student services and amenities fee (SSAF): AU$313 maximum fee for 2021.
- 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.
All undergraduate and honours degrees have Commonwealth supported places (CSP) available.
In a CSP, your tuition fees are subsidised by the Australian Government. Your share of the fee (student contribution) is set each year by the Australian Government and is determined by the discipline areas (bands) of the courses in which you enrol, not the overall program.
How much can I expect to pay for my Commonwealth supported place?
The Australian Government has announced amendments to university funding and student contribution fees under its Job-ready Graduates Package.
The fees in the table below apply to students commencing their program in 2021 and are subject to the passage of legislation. 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 2021
Student contribution band by course (subject) |
Maximum annual student contribution amount in 2021 |
Agriculture, english, languages, mathematics, nursing, postgraduate clinical psychology, teaching |
$3,700 per standard year $462 per standard (12 credit point) course |
Architecture, creative arts, engineering, environmental studies, health, information technology, science |
$7,700 per standard year |
Dental, medical and veterinary science |
$11,300 per standard year |
Arts, commerce, communications, economics, humanities (excluding languages), law, management |
$14,500 per standard year |
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 2021 is $313.
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 2021 is AU$36,480.
The total indicative tuition fee for 2021 commencement is AU$111,360.
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.
Applying for refunds
Find information on how to apply for a refund as a continuing international student.
Looking for answers or more general infomation?
For frequently asked questions or how to find more information regarding applications and enrolments, fees, student support services, university policies and more, please visit our Frequently Asked Questions.