Biotechnology is the use of biological knowledge to develop new processes and products for use in industry, health, agribusiness and other areas of human technology. Biotechnology advances can be based on knowledge from biological sciences, chemical sciences, physical sciences or engineering. Because of this, the major is not tied to a particular discipline area. The binding concept is that of developing technology from basic discipline knowledge in at least one area. For example, agricultural biotechnology will normally involve some core crop and food technology, molecular biotechnology will normally involve some core molecular biology and chemical biotechnology will normally involve some core chemistry together with some biological science. The Biotechnology major has a number of streams and integrates knowledge from a variety of scientific disciplines. Students will complete a sequence of specialist subjects in a discipline area and by the end of the major should have developed a detailed knowledge of that area and an appreciation of its biotechnological applications. The major provides students with opportunities to gain practical experience in the laboratory and to develop skills in problem-solving and the analysis, interpretation and communication of scientific data that will prepare them for the workplace. Gain an understanding of the steps involved in taking science from the research laboratory to local and global marketplaces. Learn the regulatory framework and financial context in which innovation-driven science companies operate to address a range of issues facing humankind. Because it’s so broad, we let you tailor this major to suit your interests or background in areas like biology, chemistry, physics and engineering. Your major structure This major can be completed through the Bachelor of Biomedicine or the Bachelor of Science. BACHELOR OF BIOMEDICINE In your first year you will study 75 points of core subjects (usually six subjects) that most Biomedicine students will take to build an understanding of the structure and function of the body and consideration of the determinants of health and disease, including genetic and environmental influences. You will also undertake breadth studies. In second year you will study 50 points of core subjects made up of two semester long subjects as well as elective subjects in biomedicine or science disciplines and breadth studies. In your third year you will study 25 points (usually two subjects) of Biomedicine core subjects and 50 points (usually four subjects) that is deep and specialised study in biotechnology as well as other elective or breadth studies. Career outcomes After completing this major you might pursue career paths in a diverse range of fields, including medical and veterinary sciences, food technology, forensic science, agriculture and waste management. Employment opportunities can also be found in a wide range of industries within both the private and public sector. Earnings for life scientists, which includes Biotechnology, are above average and employment for this occupation is expected to grow moderately to 2019. Graduate degree pathways from this major GRADUATE RESEARCH Completing the Biotechnology major means you are very well placed for further study in honours and graduate research in a range of science and technology areas. If you wish to explore biomedicine research questions in greater depth, there will be opportunities to proceed to graduate research at honours, masters and doctoral level. Research training preparation within the honours year, a postgraduate diploma or a masters degree will be required as preparation for graduate research.