Biotechnology is predicted to be the key for the future, acting as the basis for solving global issues. Your study will see you learn about human and animal diseases, climate change, fuel alternatives and food security. Biotechnology uses living organisms to modify products for a specific human purpose, such as genetically modified crops or creation of a vaccine.

The products of biotechnology are all around us and impact on our daily lives more and more as we learn to make living cells perform useful and specific tasks in a predictable and controlled way. Biotechnology is used to modify human health and the human environment and is currently used in genetic engineering; health and pharmaceuticals; plant and animal agriculture; food production; fuels; and waste management.

What you will study

Our Bachelor of Biotechnology has a particular focus on the application of DNA and cell technologies on human health, plant and animal agriculture and the environment. When you study biotechnology courses at the University of Newcastle, you will learn from academics who have been internationally recognised as leaders in their respective fields and who are working to solve real-world problems.

Under their guidance, your study will have a strong focus on biology − both basic and applied with some chemistry and mathematics − and you will have a chance to enrol in elective courses from a range of areas depending on your interests and career ambitions.

You will study:

• statistics for the sciences
• laboratory skills in biological systems
• biochemistry
• molecular genetics
• biomolecules
• plant cell and molecular biology

Practical experience

A stand out feature of the Bachelor of Biotechnology is the 10-week full-time industrial placement completed in your final year. It allows you to apply what you have learned to a biotechnology environment and broadens your experience in preparation for your future.

In the third year of the degree you will also have the opportunity to spend a whole week at a time in laboratory training. These intense laboratory courses feature hands-on learning and teamwork activities that will help prepare you for the workplace.

Bachelor of Biotechnology students are eligible to enrol in International Study where you can complete an international placement. International study opportunities help you expand the theoretical knowledge and skills developed throughout your degree and apply them in an external and international context.

• Biochemist
• Biological Sciences Technician
• Biologist
• Biotechnologist
• Clinical Research Coordinator
• Embryologist
• Flavourist
• Food Scientist
• Food Technologist
• Forensic Biologist
• Geneticist
• Laboratory Analyst
• Laboratory Manager
• Microbiologist
• National Park Ranger
• Neurophysiological Technician
• Park Ranger
• Pathology Assistant
• Pharmaceutical Scientist
• Pharmaceutical/Clinical Specialist Sales Representative
• Pharmaceutical/Medicinal Chemist
• Quality Assurance Technician
• Reproductive Medicine/IVF Specialist
• Research Manager
• Research Officer
• Research Scientist
• Science Editor
• Science Information/Education Officer
• Scientific Patent Examiner/Technical Advisor
• Scientific Policy Officer
• Scientific Writer
• Technical Sales Representative
• Tissue Culture Technician
• University Lecturer/Academic