Bachelor of Science (Biotechnology)/Bachelor of Biomedical Science
Student type:
Quick facts
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Entry score
ATAR 78.70
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Duration
Full-time 4 years, Part-time 8 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 4 years
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Location
Melbourne city campus, Bundoora
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Fees
AU$32,640 (2018 annual)
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Next intake
February
Program brochure
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Overview
This double degree will give you an insight into human and animal biology as you explore ways to improve health and treat disease.
You will graduate with majors in microbiology, cell and molecular biology and an optional major of biochemistry.
Biomedical science courses allow you to understand how the human body functions, and the responses of the body to various diseases, exercise, diet, internal disturbances and environmental influences.
You will learn how techniques in molecular biology and genetics are applied to problems including diagnosing genes that cause cancer, making crops and livestock less vulnerable to disease, and making food safer.
You will gain skills to work in biotechnology and biomedical research.
You will complete studies in cell biology, physiology, microbiology and molecular biology including proteomics. You can also choose to study anatomy, neuroscience, cardiovascular biology, industrial microbiology and applied biochemistry.
Details
You will experience a wide range of learning environments - lectures, tutorials, online delivery, individual and group work.
You will spend a significant amount of time in the laboratory and undertaking project and field work. This will develop your practical skills and capabilities, teamwork and time-management skills.
Assessments are designed to give you the opportunity to demonstrate your capabilities. These may include examinations, assignments, oral and written presentations, laboratory reports and project reports.
You will be assessed by a variety of methods, as appropriate to the material being taught, the skills being acquired and the capabilities developed, such as: in-class discussions, online tests, exams, laboratory assessments and reports for applying and developing skills using knowledge acquired in lectures.
Throughout the program 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 involves either an industry placement or the opportunity to work on an industry-suggested project.
In the Practical Biomedical Sciences course you will have further opportunities to undertake either a work-placement or be assessed on professional or vocational work in a workplace setting (real or simulated) and receive feedback from those involved in your industry.
Year 1
You'll study foundation courses in human biology, cell biology, genetics, animals, chemistry and statistics, along with microbiology and immunology.
Year 2
Second year will broaden your knowledge of microbiology, biochemistry and genetics. You’ll also start your biomedical training by studying molecular biology, biochemistry, physiology and developmental cell biology.
Year 3
You'll study medical microbiology, cellular communication, statistics and epidemiology, bioinformatics and immunology.
Year 4
During your final year, you will master techniques such as gene transfer, microarrays and real-time DNA analysis. You’ll learn how to apply these techniques to problems in human and animal health.
This may include detection of pathogens, development of vaccines, breeding, crops (drought and disease resistance) and microbes (fermentation). You will also study the regulatory requirements of biotechnology.
You'll have two opportunities to do short research projects or work experience placements.
Electives are available in anatomy, neuroscience, cardiovascular biology or industrial microbiology, toxicology and chemical safety and applied biochemistry.
Choose a program structure
| Title | Location | Duration | Plan code | CRICOS | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bachelor of Science (Biotechnology)/Bachelor of Biomedical Science | City Campus |
4 years full-time/ 8 years part-time
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4 years full-time
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BP293SBDD | 076962K |
Choose a program structure
Program code: BP293
Career
Graduates work in research, production and testing positions in government and private laboratories.
Potential employers include:
- government (state and Commonwealth)
- medical research institutes (e.g. Walter and Eliza Hall Institute)
- hospitals
- universities
- private industry
Graduates qualify 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 equivalent senior secondary school qualification) with a minimum average of 70% (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
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 individualband below 6.0)
- TOEFL (Paper based): 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): 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
When you successfully complete the Bachelor of Science (Biotechnology)/Bachelor of Biomedical Science you may be eligible for entry to the Bachelor of Science (Applied Sciences) (Honours).
Alternatively, you may be eligible for entry to other RMIT honours or postgraduate programs.
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$142,080.
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.