Overview

Biotechnology can be defined as the use of various biological processes to make products and perform services. In biotechnology, living cells and biochemical macromolecules such as proteins, DNA and RNA are applied in a rapidly expanding range of activities of direct benefit to society. Biotechnology is used for the production … For more content click the Read More button below. The development of recombinant DNA technology has resulted in the ability to create, modify and improve industrial organisms and to produce large quantities of any useful protein. Based on this technology, biopharmaceuticals including hormones, vaccines, anti-hypertensive agents, anti-inflammatory agents and new therapies for the treatment of cancer are being developed with the potential to revolutionise medicine. The sequencing of the human genome and the rapid emergence of high-throughput genomic and proteomic techniques is resulting in a surge of new drug targets. Translation of this advanced knowledge into useful therapies and improved medical practices requires the application of biotechnology. Microorganisms and viruses are being modified for use in controlling plant and animal diseases and pests. Diagnostic kits are being developed for use in forensic science and in product identification and quality control. Genetic improvements in agriculture, plants and animals are becoming a reality, as is the control of inborn genetic disorders in humans. The ability to treat diseased and injured organs with replacement cells and tissues generated outside of the body is advancing rapidly. The future for expansion in all the above areas is immense. Our ability to cope with many medical, environmental, agricultural and manufacturing problems in the 21st century will depend heavily on advances in biotechnology.

Learning Outcomes

1.
Investigate and explain ethical and social issues of technology and innovation on society, individual health and the environment.
  • Global citizens
  • Leaders
  • Professionals
2.
Understand the fundamental science and emerging scientific research that underpins the biotechnology sector.
  • Scholars
3.
Develop numerical, laboratory, bioprocessing and interpretative skills required for the specialised areas of biotechnology.
  • Professionals
  • Scholars
4.
Demonstrate the ability to apply the principles of teamwork, collaboration and communication through the development of laboratory/research reports and business cases in the cross-disciplinary context of biotechnology.
  • Global citizens
  • Leaders
  • Scholars
5.
Critically review and analyse scientific literature, derive hypotheses, design and perform experimental approaches, and analyse and communicate the findings, within the context of an Honours research project.
  • Professionals
  • Scholars

Program Structure

Students must complete 192 UOC when taken as a standalone program.

Students in the Biotechnology (Honours) program are expected to complete the following requirements

168 UOC of Science courses:
- 84 UOC of core courses in Stages 1 to 3 as specified below
- 36 UOC of approved electives in Stages 2 and 3
- 48 UOC Honours year
12 UOC Free Electives. These courses can be taken from any Faculty of the University at any stage of your program.
12 UOC General Education courses. Please see the rules regarding General Education below. These courses can be taken at any stage in your program.

Please click the Sample Programs link below to view a typical enrolment pattern for this program.

Disciplinary Component168 Units of Credit:
General Education12 Units of Credit:
Course Information Rule
Excluded General Education Courses
Free Electives12 Units of Credit:
Suggested Free Electives

Program Constraints

Maturity Rule

Enrolment Disclaimer

Please note that this Handbook is a comprehensive catalogue of our offerings and includes courses that can be taken to satisfy program requirements irrespective as to their availability for a particular year. Availability of courses is best checked using filters on this site or on the class timetable site.

You are responsible for ensuring that you enrol in courses according to your program requirements and by following the advice of your Program Authority. myUNSW enrolment checks that you have met enrolment requirements such as pre-requisites for individual courses but not that you are enrolling in courses that will count towards your program requirements.

Sample Programs

To access sample program(s), please visit:

Admission Requirements

Entry Requirements

Limitations on Recognition of Prior Learning

Program Requirements

Progression Requirements

Progression to Stage 4 (the honours year) of this program is subject to academic performance. 

Where students successfully complete a total of 144 UoC and all the requirements of the first three stages of the program, including Level I/II/III, major, and general education requirements, with a weighted average mark of 65%, they can apply for entry into the Stage 4 honours component. Further details about the honours year can be found here https://www.science.unsw.edu.au/study-us/undergraduate/honours-degrees/honours-how-apply 

If a student is not permitted to progress in Biotechnology (Honours) they will be required to transfer to, and graduate from, program 3970 Bachelor of Science with a Biotechnology major.

Students enrolled in the Biotechnology (Honours) program who wish to take out the Bachelor of Science award at pass level without proceeding to Honours must apply to early exit / graduate during the final term prior to honours.

For more information on university policy on progression requirements please visit Academic Progression

Associated Programs

Similar Program

Bachelor of Advanced Science (Honours) - BAdvSci(Hons)3962 - Advanced Science (Honours)
Bachelor of Science - BSc3970 - Science

Professional Outcomes

Career Opportunities

Start-up biotech and pharmaceutical companies; agricultural, food, chemical and veterinary industries; waste treatment and environmental protection; education; research and government departments; intellectual property; technology assessment for the finance industry.

Recognition of Achievement

University Medal
Honours Classes

Additional Information

Definition of 'Science' courses

Table 1

Science Handbook Rules and Editions

Students must follow the program rules and requirements in the UNSW Handbook published in the year they commence their studies with the Faculty of Science.

Students who transfer from another UNSW Faculty into Science (for example, from a Bachelor of Arts into a Bachelor of Science) must follow the program rules and requirements in the UNSW Handbook published in the year of their transfer.

Students, who are readmitted to UNSW after a period of unapproved absence or deferment, or after exclusion, must satisfy the program rules in the Handbook published in the year of their readmission. In addition, these students may be subject to restrictions on which courses taken at UNSW may be counted on their return. In some cases, students returning from an unapproved absence may be required to repeat courses. See the Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) and Advanced Standing section below for more details. Students who take approved leave or deferment will follow the Handbook for the year of their original commencement unless otherwise approved by the Associate Dean (Academic Programs).

Faculty of Science Rules

The Faculty of Science has some rules that relate to all students enrolled in programs offered by the Faculty in relation to recognition for prior learning, general education, course exclusions, study load, and cross-institutional study. All students should read the information contained on the Faculty General Rules and Requirements page.

Program Fees

At UNSW fees are generally charged at course level and therefore dependent upon individual enrolment and other factors such as student's residency status. For generic information on fees and additional expenses of UNSW programs, click on one of the following:

Pre-2019 Handbook Editions

Access past handbook editions (2018 and prior)