Welcome to the Bachelor of Biotechnology (Honours) program. This is where science and technology come together to address real-world challenges. As you begin this journey, you'll gain the skills and knowledge to make a meaningful impact in health, the environment, and beyond. We're excited to have you with us!
Please see below for the enrolment guides:
How your degree works
Your Biotechnology degree program is made up of several components, including:
Core Courses
The program core provides crucial opportunities for professional development and engagement with industry.
Approved electives
Please refer to the Handbook for the allowable Level 2 and 3 electives. You may take the following courses at Level 2 or 3:
- Biotechnology & Biomolecular Science courses
- Bioinformatics courses
- Chemistry courses
- Pharmacology Courses
- Science courses
- Medical Science courses
General Electives
At UNSW, if you're in a single program, you need to take at least 12 UoC outside your faculty to broaden your education. Some courses from other faculties don't count as GEs for science students. These are courses starting with COMP, FOOD, NEUR, PATH, PHAR, SOMS, OPTM, VISN.
Free Electives
These are courses that you can choose to take from any subject area, giving you the opportunity to explore topics outside of your Science courses.
Discipline Component
Students must complete 192 UOC of the following to satisfy the core requirements of this degree:
- 84 UOC of core courses for the program
- 36 UOC of approved electives for Level 2 or 3
- 12 UOC Free Electives
- 12 UOC General Education
- 48 UOC Honours year
Understanding Your Program
Program Overview
The Biotechnology program explores the innovative application of biological processes, living cells, and macromolecules like DNA and proteins to solve real-world challenges. Students gain a strong foundation in molecular genetics, recombinant DNA technology, microbiology and genome sequencing, covering diverse applications in medicine, food, material science and agriculture. Students will also gain skills in commercialisation and industry application, to prepare them for impactful careers in a rapidly advancing field.
Your first year
In your first year, you’ll build a strong foundation in biology, chemistry, and mathematics, gaining essential knowledge and skills to support your future studies in biotechnology. Through a mix of lectures, labs, and hands-on activities, you’ll explore the fundamental concepts of each discipline while discovering how these areas interconnect and apply to real-world problems. This introductory year provides a broad understanding of the scientific principles that underpin biotechnology, preparing you for more specialized and advanced topics in later years.
Planning your first year
Starting university is a big transition, and your course structure can help set you up for success. You may want to consider the following options when enrolling in courses during your first year based on your goals and confidence:
Option 1: Ease Into It
Begin with two courses in your first term to find your rhythm.
Why?: This lighter start gives you time to adjust to university life, explore effective study habits, and settle into your new routine.
Next Steps: Increase your workload in later terms as you gain confidence and momentum.
Option 2: Balanced
Take three courses in Terms 1 and 2, followed by two courses in Term 3 for a lighter end-of-year workload.
Why?: This approach allows you to focus on building a strong foundation early while giving yourself more breathing room later in the year for exams, projects, or other priorities.
Option 3: Ambitious
Enrol in three courses per term across all three terms for a steady and challenging pace.
Why?: For students eager to dive in and stay consistent, even though this workload is higher than expected for first-year students.
Tip: If you're feeling extra ambitious, you could also consider a Level 2 course (e.g. BABS2204 Genetics) later in the year—just make sure to check course prerequisites.
Orientation Content
O-Week
In the week leading up to the start of the term, UNSW buzzes with a range of events aimed at helping new students become familiar with the university's campus, it's unique culture, and the available services. It's an opportunity to find your comfort zone before embarking on your academic journey.
During O-Week, you can expect:
- Faculty Welcome: Start your journey with a warm welcome to your academic department, setting the stage for your studies.
- Campus Tours: Explore the campus through guided tours to get acquainted with your new surroundings.
- Club Sign- Ups: Discover a wide range of clubs and societies to join and meet like-minded peers through Arc.
- Workshops: Participate in informative workshops to gain valuable skills and knowledge.
- Social Events: AS the day turns into evening, enjoy social gatherings where you can make friends and experience the vubrant social scene of UNSW.
UNSW's O-Week is the perfect opportunity to ease into university life and make connections that will enrich your academic experience.
Clubs & Societies
At UNSW, there is an abundence of student-led clubs and societies, all of which are open for memebership. This presents a fantastic opportunity to explore new interests, become a valued member of a thriving community, and forge connections with individuals who share your passions.
Other benefits of joining Arc:
- Volunteering & paid opportunities
- Legal advice for students
- Food hub - free food packs for students
- International student support
- Student noticeboards
- Gigs & events for students
Science Orientation
UNSW Expectations of You
At UNSW, we're dedicated to enhancing your student experience. As a student, we encourage you to find the right balance in your workload, enabling both academic achievement and personal growth. Additionally, we invite you to fully engage with our dynamic campus community, demonstrating respect and inclusivity to create a welcoming environment for all.
UNSW Code of Conduct
- Comply with the University's conditions of enrolment
- Act responsibly, ethically, safely and with integrity
- Observe standards of equity and respect in dealing with every member of the UNSW community
- Engage in lawful behaviours
- Use and care of University resources in a responsible and appropriate manner
- Maintain the University's reputation and good standing. More info
To help you navigate your journey, we've provided some tips on being a successful students on campus, along with essential university policies you should be aware of to ensure a safe and enriching experience:
Workload
Each course has its own combination of lectures, labs and tutorials but you are expected to work on course work independently of these such as working on assignments & revision.
To be considered a full-time student, you need to be enrolled in a minimum of 12 UOC each term. Each credit equates to 25 hours of study per term, which totals approximately 40 hours per week. In order to qualify for financial assistance, you must be a full-time enrolled student. More Info
Equity, Diversity & Inclusion
We work in partnership with students and staff across the university to evolve a culture that embraces equity and supports a diverse and inclusive community through strategic policies, initiatives, training programs and events. UNSW's Equity, Diversity and Inclusion policy are vital for both students and staff to follow. It fosters an inclusive, innovative and equitable environment where everyone's unique contributions are valued and celebrated. More Info
Anti-Racism Policy
UNSW's anti-racism policy is crucial for both students and staff to follow. It fosters a safe, inclusive environment where diversity is celebrated. By adhering to this policy, we ensure that everyone feels respected and can fully engage in educational and professional opportunities. More Info
Special Consideration
Special Consideration is a university resource designed to assust students facing unexpected challenges that may impact their academic performance. It allows for adjustments to assessments, exams, or deadlines in recognition of unforeseen circumstances, ensuring equitable opportunities for all students to succeed in their academic pursuits. More Info
Leave Policy
Needing some time off? We understand circumstances may change, that is why we have developed a leave policy. You may take a leave of absence from your program of up to 1 year and come back to your studies.
- Domestic undergraduate students enrolled in their second or later term of a program may apply for program leave.
- A student in their first term would apply for a deferment, no later than the relevant census date.
- International students can apply; however certain conditions may apply. More Info
Cheating & Plagiarism
We all know that cheating isn't allowed, however sometimes you may not be aware you are even doing it. Cheating is a very seriou breach of academic standards so it's important to be aware what UNSW classifies as cheating:
- Asking someone to help you complete an assignment and edit your work
- Checking your work through Turnitin
- Checking your quiz answers before answering the question
- Providing your zID to other students
- Unauthorised use of AI toos (e.g. ChatGPT)
Plagiarism is a type of intellectual theft which uses the words or ideas of others and passing them off as your own. It can be intentional or accidental. More Info
Further Reading: Rules, Policies and Guidelines
Full Policity Website: Policy / Governance
Getting Started With Your Program
- Join the BABSCOC society
- Attend BABS Biotechnology Program welcome event (Information about this event will be emailed to you at the start of the year)
- Familiarise yourself with the student services
- Select units for your first term
- Buy a lab coat
- Find out where your classes are located