Bachelor of Science (Biotechnology)
Harness nature’s potential
Biotechnology focuses on biology and technology, leading to the development of new products for feeding, fuelling and healing the world. This might include vaccine, antibiotic or hormone production and genetic modification.
It’s a fast-evolving industry with huge potential for improving global health and wellbeing. When we modify living things, all sorts of marvels become possible.
What will you do?
Our Bachelor of Science (Biotechnology) combines traditional science with aspects of engineering and computer science. You will:
- give your experimentation meaning as you learn how to take your discoveries from the lab to the market and broader community
- delve into areas like drug development, gene therapy or the identification of biomarkers for cancers
- learn how to produce food, drugs and other products
- study alongside research-active experts
- explore molecular, genetic, animal and plant biology
- discover microbial biotechnology and bioprocess engineering
- consider social and ethical issues, patents and waste management.
Where could it take you?
You could concoct world-changing pharmaceutical drugs in the lab. You might work to clone animals. Perhaps you’ll aid in the development and implementation of modern techniques for disease prediction and treatment.
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Entry Requirements
For those who are based in Adelaide, we will be offering a blended delivery mode that combines face-to-face with remote learning in as many courses as possible, taking into consideration social distancing and hygiene. All lectures will continue to be delivered online for the remainder of the year, with some exceptions.
For our students who are studying offshore for the remainder of the 2020 Academic Year, the University will continue to offer high-quality access to the learning resources remotely. This includes all lectures, tutorials and other support material. Students will be advised in advance if there are course components that cannot be provided in remote mode and, wherever possible, offered alternative courses.
Choose your applicant type to view the relevant admissions information for this program.
I am a:Domestic applicants
SATAC Code 314691 2020 CSP ATAR 78.15 2020 CSP IB 28 Guaranteed Entry Score - ATAR 75 Guaranteed Entry Score - IB 26 Deferment Yes - 2 year Intake February and July. Students commencing in July may have a slightly limited selection of courses. Enquiries Future Students team 2020 Admissions Data for school leavers
ATAR
(raw ATAR, excluding any applicable adjustment factors)Lowest ATAR to receive an offer 68.5 Median ATAR to receive an offer 86.25 Highest ATAR to receive an offer 98.85 Selection Rank
(ATAR plus any adjustment factors)Lowest Selection Rank to receive an offer 78.15 Median Selection Rank to receive an offer 91.45 Highest Selection Rank to receive an offer 99.95 Minimum eligibility score 65 Additional criteria considered Selection rank only Selection Criteria
Recent Secondary Education Applicants with recent secondary education are those whose admission is primarily based on the completion of Year 12 within the last two years, however if you completed your secondary education more than two years ago, you may still be able to be considered on the basis of your secondary schooling. You must not have completed more than 2 years full time equivalent university study (48 units). You compete for a place with your Selection Rank (ATAR plus any applicable adjustment factors). Indigenous applicants may be eligible for entry through the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Access Pathway. See Wirltu Yarlu for further information. Prerequisites SACE Stage 2: Mathematical Methods (if studied from 2017 onwards. If studied year 12 prior to 2017, the equivalent subject was called Mathematical Studies), Chemistry. IB: Mathematics (SL grade 4/HL grade 3), Chemistry (SL grade 4/HL grade 3). MathTrackX is an online bridging program available as a recognised alternative to Mathematical Methods. Assumed Knowledge SACE Stage 2 Physics Higher Education Study You must have completed at least six months full time equivalent higher education study (the number of courses and units will vary depending on your prior institution however at the University of Adelaide, this equates to 4 courses / 12 units). A Grade Point Average (GPA) is calculated for each separate program you have undertaken (apart from some double degree programs where the GPA is combined). You are ranked on the basis of your best GPA. Indigenous applicants may be eligible for entry through the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Access Pathway. See Wirltu Yarlu for further information. Work and life experience To be eligible to sit the Special Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT) as as pathway for entry, you must be 18 years or over before 1 February 2021. If you have studied at higher education level in the last two years (for 2021 entry this means you were enrolled in either 2020 or 2019), you must not have accumulated more than a TOTAL of 2 years full-time (or part-time equivalent) higher education study (ie. including any study prior to 2019). If you meet this criteria, you will be ranked according to your result in the Special Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT). Your STAT result is not weighted between verbal and quantitative components. Indigenous applicants may be eligible for entry through the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Access Pathway. See Wirltu Yarlu for further information. Other Entry Pathways How to Apply
SATAC Code: 314691
Student Profile
Applicant background Semester one/Full year intake 2020 Number of students Percentage of all students (A) Higher Education study
(includes a bridging or enabling course)<5 N/A (B) Vocational education and training (VET) study n/a N/A (C) Work and life experience
(admitted on the basis of previous achievement not in the other three categories)N/A N/A (D) Recent secondary education: - Admitted solely on the basis of ATAR
(regardless of whether this includes the consideration of adjustment factors)
10 71.4% - Admitted where both ATAR and additional criteria were considered
(e.g. portfolio, audition, extra test, early offer conditional on minimum ATAR)
N/A N/A - Admitted on the basis of other criteria only and ATAR was not a factor
(e.g. special consideration, audition alone, schools recommendation scheme with no minimum ATAR requirement)
N/A N/A International students <5 N/A All students 14 100.0% International applicants
Not an international applicant?
CRICOS 031007C Intake February and July. Students commencing in July may have a slightly limited selection of courses. Selection Criteria
English Language Requirements
Australian Year 12 Successful completion of an Australian year 12 qualification with a minimum pass in an accepted English language subject English Tests accepted by the University of Adelaide IELTS Overall 6.5 Reading 6 Listening 6 Speaking 6 Writing 6 TOEFL Overall 79 Reading 13 Listening 13 Speaking 18 Writing 21 Pearson Overall 58 Reading 50 Listening 50 Speaking 50 Writing 50 C1 Advanced Overall 176 Reading 169 Listening 169 Speaking 169 Writing 169 Qualifications that meet minimum English requirements A range of alternative qualifications may meet the University’s minimum English requirements Academic Entry Requirements
More InformationSecondary School Qualifications Selection Rank (International) 75 International Baccalaureate (IB) 26 Hong Kong Diploma of Secondary Education (HKDSE) 18 United Entrance Certificate (UEC) [Malaysia] 20 General Certificate of Education (GCE) Advanced Level 7 Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) 70% British Columbia Certificate of Graduation (Canada) 4.8 Alberta High School Diploma (Canada) 78 ISC & CBSE [India] 70% ISBE [India] 80% SAT (in conjunction with American High School Diploma) 1200 AP (in conjunction with American High School Diploma) 7 Abitur 3.4 Thailand Certificate of Secondary Education 2.5 Bang Tot Nghiep Trung Hoc Pho Thong 7.5 STPM or Matrikulasi 2.78 Kuwait General School Secondary Certificate 74 The University of Adelaide College Foundation Program 74 Eynesbury Foundation Program 360 ANU Foundation Studies 66% Monash Foundation Year 70% Trinity College Foundation Studies Program 72 UNSW Foundation Year 7.0 University of Sydney Foundation Studies Program 6.7 Western Australian Universities' Foundation Program (WAUFP) 57 University of Queensland Foundation Studies Program 4.2 Non-Go8 Foundation Score 74 SMA3 (in conjunction with National Final Examination Certificate) 80 Other Qualifications Students who don't meet the academic requirements or who have other qualifications from the South Pacific Islands, Japan, Korea, Philippines or Taiwan may be eligible to apply for a Pre-University Pathway to prepare for or gain entry into the University's undergraduate academic programs. For additional information see Pathway Programs Tertiary Qualifications You must have completed at least six months full time equivalent higher education study (the number of courses and units will vary depending on your prior institution however at the University of Adelaide, this equates to 4 courses / 12 units). A Grade Point Average (GPA) is calculated for each separate program you have undertaken (apart from some double degree programs where the GPA is combined). You are ranked on the basis of your best GPA. Prerequisites
Australian Year 12 SACE Stage 2: Mathematical Methods (if studied from 2017 onwards. If studied year 12 prior to 2017, the equivalent subject was called Mathematical Studies), Chemistry. IB: Mathematics (SL grade 4/HL grade 3), Chemistry (SL grade 4/HL grade 3). MathTrackX is an online bridging program available as a recognised alternative to Mathematical Methods. International Qualifications Mathematics and Chemistry Assumed Knowledge Physics an advantage How to Apply
- Admitted solely on the basis of ATAR
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Fees and Scholarships
Choose your applicant type to view the relevant fees and scholarships information for this program.
I am a:Domestic applicants
Indicative annual tuition fees Commonwealth-supported place: $7,333More information on Student Contribution Amounts.
International applicants
Not an international applicant?
Indicative annual tuition fees (24 units) International student place: $41,500 Scholarships
These scholarships, as well as many others funded by industry and non-profit organisations, are available to potential and currently enrolled students.
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Careers
Career Readiness
The Bachelor of Science (Biotechnology) helps you find a career in:
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biomedical biotechnology, medical diagnostics and vaccine discovery
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development of genetically modified organisms
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ethics and regulatory organisations
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innovative and laboratory research science
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management of biotechnology industries and enterprises
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patent law (with appropriate qualifications)
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pharmaceutical industries
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plant and animal breeding and improvement
The University of Adelaide Careers Service prepares, inspires and empowers students to achieve successful career transitions and connect with industry.
Graduate Attributes
The objective of this program is to produce graduates with specific attributes as outlined in University of Adelaide Graduate Attributes.- Deep discipline knowledge
- Critical thinking and problem solving
- Teamwork and communication skills
- Career and leadership readiness
- Intercultural and ethical competency
- Self-awareness and emotional intelligence
Industry Placement
Students may have the opportunity to undertake international study opportunities, such as investigating biotechnology in Seoul, Korea.Potential careers
Biotechnology, Diagnostic Technician, Public Health Scientist, Flavour Chemist, Toxicologist, Biochemist, Bioinformatics, Biotechnology Engineer, Environmental Biologist, Environmental Chemist, Environmental Scientist, Laboratory Manager, Life Scientist, Medical Scientist, Molecular Biology, Neuroscientist, Pharmaceutical Scientist, Plant Biotechnologist, Research Scientist, Science Communicators, Scientific Data Analyst, Scientific Officer, ...
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Study Overseas
A Study Overseas experience is an integral component to your academic journey at The University of Adelaide. The university is committed to offering its students the opportunity to study overseas through a range of degrees offered via Study Overseas, including student exchange, study tours, short study degrees, internships and placements. There are many exciting opportunities in Europe, Asia, the Americas, Africa, and Oceania ranging from a few weeks to a full academic year.
To find available opportunities visit Study Overseas.
Study Abroad and Exchange
The Faculty of Sciences recommends students who want to undertake an exchange in an overseas university plan to go in Semester 2 of Level 2 and/or Semester 1 of Level 3.
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Degree Structure
Level I courses provide strong foundations in chemistry, biology, biotechnology applications and bioprocess engineering principles. Core courses at levels 2 and 3 cover important topic areas, such as molecular biology, molecular and structural biochemistry, microbiology, bioseparations and downstream processing, fermentation, bioinformatics, bioprocess economics, bioprocess design and scale-up, intellectual property, regulatory issues, waste management and bioremediation.Academic Program Rules
The Calendar is a comprehensive handbook of the University's academic program rules.
Areas of Specialisation
- Molecular Biotechnology
Example Study Plan
Indicative study plan Year1 S1 BIOLOGY 1101 Biology I:
Molecules, Genes and Cells or BIOLOGY 1401 Concepts in BiologyCHEM 1100 Chemistry IA
Or
CHEM 1101 Foundations of
Chemistry IASCIENCE 1400 Science or Fiction Approved Level I Elective 1 x 3 units S2 BIOLOGY 1201 Biology I:
Human Perspectives
Or
BIOLOGY 1202 Biology I: OrganismsCHEM 1200 Chemistry IB
Or
CHEM 1201 Foundations of
Chemistry IBApproved Level I Elective 1 x 3 units Approved Level I Elective 1 x 3 units Year2 S1 BIOCHEM 2502 Biochemistry II:
Molecular & Cell Biology
(Biotechnology)MICRO 2504 Microbiology II (Biotechnology) Approved Level II Elective 1 x 3 units Approved Level II Elective 1 x 3 units S2 BIOCHEM 2503 Biochemistry II (Biotechnology): Metabolism CHEM ENG 2015 Principles of Biotechnology II Approved Level II Elective 1 x 3 units Approved Level II Elective 1 x 3 units Year 3 S1 For a major in Molecular Biotechnology
BIOCHEM 3000 Molecular and Structural Biology III
(6 units)Approved Level III Elective(s)1 x 6 unit Or 2 x 3 units S2 For a major in Molecular Biotechnology
BIOTECH 3000 Biotechnology Practice III
(6 units)Approved Level III Elective(s)1 x 6 unit Or 2 x 3 units Assessment
Exams, written and oral assignments and investigative projects; includes both individual and group participation.
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Related Degrees
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Further Information
Please direct enquiries to the Ask Adelaide
Phone: +61 8 8313 7335 (toll free 1800 061 459)The annual Open Day and Information Night events provide an excellent opportunity to see our campus, meet with academics, and discuss your study options.
The University of Adelaide is committed to regular reviews of the courses and programs it offers to students. The University of Adelaide therefore reserves the right to discontinue or vary programs and courses without notice. Please read the important information contained in the disclaimer.
Last updated: Saturday, 21 Nov 2020
