Future Students

Biotechnology

The Area of Study

Biotechnology is a rapidly expanding field that applies knowledge of biochemistry, molecular biology, microbiology and chemistry to new technical and industrial processes. Biotechnology helps produce new foods and medicines using exciting approaches such as genetic engineering and advanced cell culture techniques. The needs of biotechnology have often led to the production of new, high-tech equipment (eg chromatography, mass spectrometry, and protein and DNA structural analysis).

The Bachelor of Science offers maximum program flexibility allowing you to combine biotechnology with specialised subjects on topics such biochemistry, molecular biology, chemistry and natural sciences, and the marine environment.

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Degree Program Information

Degree UAI 2008 CSP Course duration
Bachelor of Biotechnology 77.85 3 years full-time /equivalent part-time

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What You Will Study

You must complete a program of study (major) in Biotechnology. Your program of study may include units from the subject areas listed below:

  • mathematics
  • chemical analysis
  • microbiology
  • biochemistry
  • molecular biology
  • molecular biotechnology
  • protein discovery and analysis

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Recommended Prior Knowledge

HSC Mathematics (Band 2) plus Chemistry (Band 3) or their equivalents are recommended studies for biology and chemistry units while Mathematics (Band 4) is a subject prerequisite for physics units. Other units taken as part of a degree may require assumed knowledge, prerequisites or recommended studies and you should refer to the Macquarie University Handbook of Undergraduate Studies for full degree requirements.

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Career Options

  • medical and other scientific research
  • pharmaceutical research
  • biotechnologist and gene technology
  • food technologist
  • policy-making

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Some Major Employers

  • Biotech Australia
  • Heart Research
  • AMRAD
  • Norvet Laboratories
  • Astra Zeneca Pharmaceuticals
  • Australian Water Technologies
  • Children’s Medical Research Institute
  • Gradipore
  • Roche Diagnostics
  • universities

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Further Information (also see Chemistry)

Department of Chemistry and Biomolecular Sciences
Macquarie University, NSW, 2109
Telephone: (02) 9850 8275
Fax: (02) 9850 8313
Email:  chemandbiosciences@mq.edu.au
Web:  www.cbms.mq.edu.au

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