Bachelor of Biotechnology (Honours)

Finding solutions to global challenges.

Students working on experiments in the Chemical Science building UNSW.

This degree provides comprehensive training in all aspects of the growing and multi-disciplinary field of biotechnology. Work at the forefront of biopharmaceuticals, vaccines, new methods for chemical synthesis, applied genomics and finding new solutions to remediating our environment.

Faculty

Faculty of Science

Delivery Mode

Face-to-face (includes blended)

Award

Bachelor of Biotechnology (Honours)

Commencing Terms

Term 1, Term 2, Term 3

Duration (Full Time)

4 Year(s)

Overview

Biotechnology takes our understanding of cell biology and chemistry to create a range of products and solutions to problems in medicine, food and energy. The Bachelor of Biotechnology (Honours) includes fundamental teaching in the life sciences, explores current trends and issues in the industry and tackles key focus areas including synthetic biology, bioprocessing, medical applications and commercialisation. It also incorporates a research-based honours year, providing you with greater experience and confidence in the practice of scientific methods.

Key features

Work Integrated Learning (WIL) opportunities
At UNSW Science, we focus on delivering the optimal balance of theory and practical work to equip you with the skills and experience to fast-track your career. The SCIF3199 Science Work Placement course gives you the opportunity to gain practical work experience through an internship. Previous work placement students have interned with IT companies, start-ups, government departments and large biomedical and biotechnology companies. Along with new professional skills and connections, you’ll also gain course credit for your work placement.

Research internship course
The SCIF2041 Research Internship course gives you the opportunity to complete a short theoretical or experimental research project in a world-leading research team supervised by a member of academic staff. Internships may also involve a placement outside of UNSW, in the form of externally funded research programs.

Law and industry knowledge
Along with a thorough understanding of the life sciences, this degree will give you the tools to understand intellectual property law, commercial principles and deep contextual knowledge of the Australian and international biotechnology industries. You'll have all the tools to negotiate the path to a successful career in this expanding industry.

Why study this degree at UNSW?

Learn with the best
The UNSW School of Biotechnology and Biomolecular Sciences (BABS) is proud to be one of the largest and most prestigious schools of scientific research of its type in Australia. The school aims to achieve a balance of pure, basic, strategic, applied and experimental research. We also have a solid track record in linking fundamental research to tangible, commercially orientated outcomes.

Learn in advanced facilities
The School of Biotechnology and Biomolecular Sciences (BABS) is based in one of the most advanced facilities of its type in Australia and one of the country’s best research hubs for biotech innovation.

Leverage our industry connections
Reach your career goals with industry relevant skills and training. Tap into our network of industry and research partners to start building your own professional connections. UNSW Science has great success at matching candidates and jobs through our professional connections with the biotechnology industry.

Program Code

3053

CRICOS Code

088871C

Campus

Kensington

UAC Code

429400

Total Units of Credit (UOC)

192

Indicative Enrolments

101

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Entry requirements

2023 Lowest Selection Rank

2023 A levels

2023 IB Diploma

2023 Lowest ATAR

71.2

The 2022 Lowest Selection Rank (LSR) is the adjusted rank (ATAR plus adjustment factors) you would have needed to gain entry to this degree in 2022.

The 2022 A levels score is based on four Advanced Level (A2) subject. Entry scores are calculated from the best three or four A2 subjects (excluding repeated subjects) using the following values: A*=6, A=5, B=4, C=3, D=2, E=1. At most one Applied A Level subject may be included in the best four subjects used to calculate the aggregate.

The 2022 IB Diploma is an indication of the IB you would have needed to gain entry to this degree in 2022. It is to be used as a guide only.

The 2022 Lowest ATAR is the lowest ATAR (before adjustment factors were applied) to which an offer was made. Where <5 is listed, this indicates that less than 5 ATAR-based offers were made and so the score has not been published. N/A indicates no offers were made on the basis of ATAR.
At UNSW, we are committed to ensuring prospective students have all the information they need in order to make informed decisions about their study options.

To assist you in gaining a better understanding of how Admissions works at UNSW, we have provided you with a summary of ATAR offers and the student profile.

We hope this information will help you identify the degree that is right for you.

See more

Assumed knowledge

Chemistry, Mathematics Advanced

Adjustment Factors

We offer a range of adjustment factor schemes that reward students for academic performance and extra-curricular achievements. These schemes also take into account a range of personal and educational disadvantages that may have affected your studies.

HSC Plus
This scheme rewards students who perform well in Year 12 subjects that are relevant to their preferred UNSW degree. You may be awarded up to five points.

Elite Athletes, Performers and Leaders (EAPL)
This program recognises achievements in the areas of sport, academia, leadership and music at an elite level. You may be eligible for up to five points.

Educational Access Scheme (EAS)
Factors such as illness, financial hardship, language difficulties or attending a particular school can mean you don't always get the best possible marks in Years 11 and 12. If one of these situations applies to you, submit an application for the Educational Access Scheme (EAS) via UAC. Eligible students can receive between 1 and 10 points towards their chosen UNSW degree.

Admission pathways

Your ATAR is not the only measure of your potential to succeed, which is why we offer a range of pathways into university. Explore your options below and get in touch with our future student advisors to discuss your path to UNSW.

Gateway Admission Pathway
This scheme is open to students in Years 11 and 12 who attend Gateway schools. It significantly adjusts the ATAR requirements for your preferred UNSW degree and provides you with an early conditional offer to UNSW.

Entry programs for Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people
We offer entry programs for Indigenous Australians, including the Indigenous Preparatory Programs and the Indigenous Admission Scheme (IAS). The entry pathway program you apply for will depend on the degree you want to study.

English language requirements

You may be asked to provide evidence of your English proficiency to study at UNSW depending on your educational background and citizenship. English language skills are vitally important for coping with lectures, tutorials, assignments and examinations - this is why UNSW requires a minimum English language competency for enrolment.

If you’re completing an Australian Year 12 qualification (e.g. NSW HSC or equivalent), you do not need to provide anything extra to prove your proficiency. Your qualification will be used as evidence of your English proficiency.

If you do need to provide evidence of your English proficiency, this will be indicated in your application. You can prove this by providing evidence that you meet one or more of the following criteria:

If you need to improve your English skills before you start your degree, UNSW College’s Academic English Programs are for you. The programs are suitable for various English levels and help you prepare for university studies and life in Australia.

International direct entry

I studied in:

We do not accept secondary qualifications from this country. We may accept tertiary study results, please contact us for more information.

Please contact us for direct entry requirements.

Admission pathways

If you do not meet the requirements for direct entry into your chosen degree, you may be eligible for a pathway program with UNSW College. UNSW College provides alternative entry options using university-approved content so that you can start your UNSW journey with confidence. 

English language requirements

You may be asked to provide evidence of your English proficiency to study at UNSW depending on whether you are from an English-speaking background or non-English speaking background. English language skills are vitally important for coping with lectures, tutorials, assignments and examinations - this is why UNSW requires a minimum English language competency for enrolment.

If English is not your first language, you’ll need to provide proof of your English proficiency before you can be given an offer to study at UNSW. You can do this by providing evidence that you meet one or more of the following criteria:

Check the specific English language requirements for this program

Select from the options below

Which applies to you?

Program structure

Your degree starts with the fundamentals of science with courses in biology, chemistry and maths. You’ll then delve deeper into the multi-disciplinary world of biotechnology, with courses in molecular biology, microbiology, chemistry, genetics, commercialisation and biotechnology. In your honours year, you’ll experience scientific research first-hand and complete a supervised research project.

Full program structure

The Bachelor of Biotechnology (Honours) is made up of 24 courses plus an honours year taken over four years of full-time study. This includes 14 core courses, six electives, two general education courses and two free electives. You’ll also complete an honours year.

Type	Units of Credit (UOC)	Number of courses
Core courses	84	14
Level two or three biotechnology electives	36	6
Honours year	Your honours year (48 UOC) is taken in your fourth year.
Free electives	12	2
General education	12	2

Core courses

Download Sample Program

Go to the handbook

Future careers

A degree in biotechnology opens up opportunities to work across a broad range of fascinating fields. Become a scientist or researcher with medical, biological or pharmaceutical research organisations. You can also pursue career opportunities in marketing, biotech investment and finance, sales and business development.

Our graduates are working as research and development managers, clinical trial associates, in government regulation and policy, industry regulatory affairs and intellectual property management. They’re employed by medical research organisations, pharmaceutical multinationals, large life-sciences companies, legal firms, government research institutes and universities.

Our students

“The biotechnology degree is a happy fusion between science, innovation and design. In the rising age of biotechnology, it’s important to foster opportunities to collaborate on innovative ideas and passion projects. The biotechnology program is an incubator of up-and-coming teams.

The program has helped me build my skills in problem-solving and leadership in a team-based learning environment. Throughout the program, I have become more resolute in my passion for contributing to the scientific community and in innovation and design. The program encourages an understanding of fundamental scientific skills and motivates me to apply my ideas to real-world needs.”

Minh Chau Ha

Current Student

How to apply

Applications for undergraduate study from domestic students (Australian citizens, Australian permanent residents, Australian permanent humanitarian visa holders and New Zealand citizens) are processed by the Universities Admissions Centre (UAC).

Visit the Apply section of the UAC website and you can nominate up to five degrees in order of preference, with the first being your most desired degree and university.

On-time applications for admission usually close at the end of September each year for Term 1 admission. Late applications can be submitted, but a late fee will apply. For study starting in Term 1, the majority of offers are made in December and January. Visit the UAC website for key dates for admission outside of Term 1.

Ready to start your application?

Apply now

For most international students, applications are submitted via our Apply Online service. We encourage you to submit your completed application as early as possible to ensure it will be processed in time for your preferred term.

Some high-demand programs with limited places, may have an earlier application deadline or may have an earlier commencement date. For more information visit our international applicant information page.

*If you are an international student studying an Australian qualification, go to the Universities Admission Centre (UAC) for application and UAC key dates. Note: If you are under 18 years of age, you need to make special arrangements. Read more.

Ready to start your application?

Apply now

Fees & Scholarships

2023 Indicative First Year Full Fee

$8,300*

Commonwealth Supported Place: Student Contribution Band 2

*The student contribution for a Commonwealth Supported Place is an indication only of the amount payable in Year 1 based on a standard full-time load of 48 credit points (1.0 EFTSL). The actual student contribution you will be liable for depends on your individual program of study and the calendar year in which you enrol. Actual fees are calculated upon enrolment. Student contribution amounts are subject to annual review by the university and may increase each year during your studies (subject to caps determined by the Australian Government), effective at the start of each calendar year.

The indicative fees listed here are based on an estimated average and are for tuition only - other fees and charges are not included.

2023 Indicative First Year Fee

$47,315*

2023 Indicative Fee to Complete Degree

$200,445*

*Fees are subject to annual review by the University and may increase annually, with the new fees effective from the start of each calendar year. The indicative fees listed here are based on an estimated average and are for tuition only other fees and charges are not included. The amount you pay will vary depending on the calendar year to enrol, the courses you select and whether your study load is more or less than 1 Equivalent Full Time Student Load (8 courses per year).

Indicative fees are a guide for comparison only based on current conditions and available data. You should not rely on indicative fees. More information on fees can be found at the UNSW fees website.

Indicative fees to complete the program have been calculated based on a percentage increase for every year of the program. Fee increases are assessed annually and may exceed the indicative figures listed here.

Indicative fees to complete the program include tuition plus an estimate of study-related costs of approximately $1,000 per year. To find out more about other costs, visit UNSW International.

Scholarships

At UNSW, we award over $83 million in scholarships each year. We pride ourselves on rewarding excellence and making university accessible to students from all walks of life. Whether you’re a domestic or international student, our range of scholarships, prizes and awards can support your journey.