Place yourself at the forefront of innovation with the ANU Bachelor of Biotechnology.
Biotechnology is about applying new technologies to agriculture, food and medicine production, and environmental problems in the context of research, industry and the applied health sciences.
In this cutting-edge degree, you’ll learn the foundations of biology such as molecular and cellular biology, biotechnology and microbiology, as well as contemporary topics such as societal and ethical issues of biotechnology and intellectual property.
Find out more about biotechnology, the degree structure, the university experience, career opportunities and student stories on our website.
Get the inside story on what it’s like to be an ANU student by visiting our student blog.
This program is not available for Semester 2 commencement.
Maintaining the balance between our environment and human development is challenging. The future needs you to work on sustainable solutions to issues including increasing biodiversity loss, urbanisation and climate change.
The ANU Bachelor of Environment & Sustainability is a contemporary degree, covering environmental science, policy and social sciences, allowing you to address the complex challenges of sustainability by giving you a broad environmental education.
You’ll learn to link perspectives from the natural and social sciences with their applications in your chosen major and minor.
Find out more about the Bachelor of Environment & Sustainability, the degree structure, the university experience, career opportunities and student stories on our website.
Get the inside story on what it’s like to be an ANU student by visiting our student blog.
Career Options
Graduates from ANU have been rated as Australia's most employable graduates and among the most sought after by employers worldwide.
The latest Global Employability University Ranking, published by the Times Higher Education, rated ANU as Australia's top university for getting a job for the fourth year in a row.
Employment Opportunities
Bachelor of Biotechnology
graduates are sought after by government and industry employers in chemical,
plant and agricultural, and medical biotechnology.
You may also find positions in hospitals, food and pharmaceutical industries, or continue on to a career in research.
See where a Bachelor of Biotechnology could take you: our career wheel will help you turn your interests into a career in science.Bachelor of Biotechnology
graduates are sought after by government and industry employers in chemical,
plant and agricultural, and medical biotechnology.
You may also find positions in hospitals, food and pharmaceutical industries, or continue on to a career in research.
See where a Bachelor of Biotechnology could take you: our career wheel will help you turn your interests into a career in science.Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this program Science graduates will be able to:
- understand and evaluate the significance of biotechnological discoveries in educational and professional contexts
- apply a range of technological skills and laboratory techniques to addressing specific problems in the field of biological research;
- use a range of analytical techniques for the interpretation of biological data to address specific hypotheses;
- convey and relate professional and disciplinary information and ideas to diverse audiences in effective and appropriate ways;
- function in public and professional situations as an interpreter of biotechnological information in the public domain;
- exercise personal, professional and social responsibility as a global citizen.
-
Evaluate current understandings of environmental science, natural resource management and sustainability, and of a range of response strategies for sustainable resource management and development.
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Integrate knowledge from relevant scientific areas and from policy approaches across disciplines into approaches designed to address complex contemporary environment and sustainability issues, in global, national and local contexts.
-
Apply a range of written, oral and visual communication skills to effectively convey and discuss information about environmental science, sustainable development and resource management decisions and relevant policies across discipline
-
Engage with ongoing debates on environmental science, resource management and sustainability issues, recognising the importance of biophysical and socio-political and cultural contexts.
Further Information
LAWS3104 will not be offered in 2015 and students in the Bachelor of Biotechnology will be required to take another 3000 level BIOL - coded science course.Want to learn more about the structure of the BSc or wish to map out your degree?
Click here to see a short program presentation video and access the study plan.LAWS3104 will not be offered in 2015 and students in the Bachelor of Biotechnology will be required to take another 3000 level BIOL - coded science course.
Want to learn more about the structure of the BSc or wish to map out your degree?
Click here to see a short program presentation video and access the study plan.
Admission Requirements
Admission to all programs is on a competitive basis. Admission to undergraduate degrees is based on meeting the ATAR requirement or an equivalent rank derived from the following qualifications:
• An Australian year 12 qualification or international equivalent; OR
• A completed Associate Diploma, Associate Degree, AQF Diploma, Diploma, AQF Advanced Diploma, Graduate Certificate or international equivalent; OR
• At least one standard full-time year (1.0 FTE) in a single program of degree level study at an Australian higher education institution or international equivalent; OR
• An approved tertiary preparation course unless subsequent study is undertaken.
Click HERE for further information about domestic admission.
More information about ATAR requirements for individual programs can be found HERE.
The National Register of higher education providers is an authoritative source of information that will help you confirm your institution of choice is registered to deliver higher education in Australia.
The Quality Indicators for Learning and Teaching (QILT) website is HERE. Based on surveys done by thousands of students across Australia you can find out about universities that interest you, doing side-by-side comparisons.
The table below is a guide to the entry level required for domestic applicants. Exact entry level will be set at time of offer.
- ATAR:
- 80
- QLD Band:
- 10
- International Baccalaureate:
- 29
Domestic applicant entry requirements
Queensland Band equivalents are a guide only - selection is made on an ATAR equivalent that is not available to students.
International applicant entry requirements
International applicants may view further information on admissions requirements at Entry Requirements for International Undergraduate Applicants
The University reserves the right to alter or discontinue its programs as required.
Prerequisites
ACT: Chemistry (Major); NSW: Chemistry or equivalent. More information about interstate subject equivalencies can be found here.
Students who do not meet the chemistry requirement may be admitted into the program via a different pathway. Students who:
- Commence the Bachelor of Science program after completion of the chemistry bridging course available in February through the ANU Research School of Chemistry (or equivalent) and complete CHEM1101 and BIOL1003, may then apply to transfer to the Bachelor of Biotechnology.
Adjustment Factors
ANU offers rank adjustments for a number of adjustment factors, including for high achievement in nationally strategic senior secondary subjects and for recognition of difficult circumstances that students face in their studies. Rank adjustments are applied to Bachelor degree applicants with an ATAR at or above 70. Points are awarded in accordance with the approved schedules, and no more than 15 points (maximum 5 subject/performance-based adjustments, maximum 10 equity-based adjustments and maximum 5 Elite Athlete adjustments) will be awarded. Subject and performance-based adjustments do not apply to programs with a minimum selection rank of 98 or higher. Visit the ANU Adjustment Factors website for further information.
Indicative fees
Bachelor of Biotechnology - Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP)
Bachelor of Environment and Sustainability - Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP)
For more information see: http://www.anu.edu.au/students/program-administration/costs-fees
- Annual indicative fee for international students
- $43,680.00
Scholarships
ANU offers a wide range of scholarships to students to assist with the cost of their studies.
Eligibility to apply for ANU scholarships varies depending on the specifics of the scholarship and can be categorised by the type of student you are. Specific scholarship application process information is included in the relevant scholarship listing.
For further information see the Scholarships website.
Program Requirements
The Bachelor of Biotechnology double degree component requires completion of 96 units, of which:
A maximum of 36 units may come from completion of 1000-level courses
The 96 units must consist of:
54 units from the completion of the following compulsory courses:
BIOL1003 Evolution, Ecology and Genetics
BIOL1004 Molecular and Cell Biology
BIOL2161 Genes: Replication and Expression
BIOL2162 Molecular Genetic Techniques
BIOL3161 Genomics and its Applications
BIOL3191 Biology, Society and Ethics
CHEM1101 Chemistry 1
CHEM1201 Chemistry 2
CHEM2211 Chemical Biology I
6 units from completion of courses from the following list:
BIAN3014 Research Design and Analysis in Biological Anthropology
BIOL2202 Experimental Design and Analysis in Biology
ENVS1003 Introduction to Environmental and Social Research
PSYC2009 Quantitative Methods in Psychology
STAT1003 Statistical Techniques
STAT1008 Quantitative Research Methods
12 units from completion of courses from the following list:
BIOL2171 Biochemistry and Nutrition
BIOL2142 General Microbiology
CHEM2208 Chemical Biology II
6 units from completion of 3000-level courses from the subject area BIOL Biology
18 units from completion of 3000-level courses from the following subject areas:
BIOL Biology
CHEM Chemistry
NEUR Neuroscience
A maximum of 12 units from completion of 1000-level courses may contribute towards meeting the requirements of two Science majors with common 1000-level course requirements. In such cases, an equal number of units must come from the completion of additional courses from the Science course list.
The Bachelor of Environment and Sustainability flexible double degree component requires the completion of 96 units, of which:
A maximum of 36 units may come from completion of 1000-level courses
A minimum of 30 units must come from completion of 3000-level courses from the Science course list
A minimum of 96 units must come from completion of courses from the Science course list
The 96 units must consist of:
48 units from completion of one of the following majors:
Environmental Science
Quantitative Environmental Modelling
Resource and Environmental Management
Sustainability Studies
Either:
24 units from completion of one of the following minors:
Australian Indigenous Studies
Biodiversity Conservation and Management
Climate Science and Policy
Environmental Policy
Forest Science and Policy
Geography
Human Ecology
Soil and Land Management
Sustainable Development
Water Science and Policy
24 units from completion of courses from the Science course list
Or:
48 units from completion of a second major from the following list:
Evolution, Ecology and Organismal Biology
Earth Science
Environmental Science
Quantitative Environmental Modelling
Resource and Environmental Management
Geography
Marine Science
Sustainability Studies
A maximum of 12 units from completion of 1000-level courses may contribute towards meeting the requirements of two Science majors with common 1000-level course requirements.
In such cases, an equal number of units must come from the completion of additional courses from the Science course list.
Majors
Bachelor of Environment and Sustainability Majors
Minors
Bachelor of Environment and Sustainability Minors
Study Options
Year 1 | BIOL1003 Biology 1: Evolution, Ecology and Genetics 6 units | CHEM1101 Chemistry 1 6 units | ||
BIOL1004 Biology 2: Molecular and Cell Biology 6 units | CHEM1201 Chemistry 2 6 units | |||
Year 2 | BIOL2161 Genes: Replication and Expression 6 units | CHEM2211 Chemical Biology 1 6 units | ||
BIOL2162 Molecular Gene Technology 6 units | B.Biotech elective from list 6 units | |||
Year 3 | BIOL3161 Genomics and its Applications 6 units | B.Biotech elective from list 6 units | ||
BIOL3191 Biology, Society and Ethics 6 units | B.Biotech elective from list 6 units | |||
Year 4 | 3000 level BIOL course 6 units | 3000 level BIOL/ CHEM/ NEUR course 6 units | ||
3000 level BIOL/ CHEM/ NEUR course 6 units | 3000 level BIOL/ CHEM/ NEUR course 6 units |
Honours
Students who attain a sufficient standard in the pass degree may be admitted to the Honours year to become candidates for the degree with honours. See the Honours Degree listed in the [Bachelor of Science].
Back to the Bachelor of Biotechnology page
Algal biofuels,
drought resistant crops and bionic eyes may sound like things of the distant
future, but these are just some of the projects our biotechnologists are
working on today.
Biotechnology is a fast moving field where scientists use living organisms and
their products, to solve real world problems facing modern society. This
exciting field has broad applications in medicine, biology, agriculture, manufacturing,
renewable energy and engineering.
You will learn the foundations of biology, from genes through to ecology, while
examining important questions about ethics and intellectual property.
An ANU Bachelor of Biotechnology gives you the knowledge to develop the fuel
sources, foods and medical treatments of the future, while teaching you to
think ethically about how they will change our society.
This program is not available for Semester 2 commencement.
The Bachelor of
Biotechnology can also be taken as a part of many double degrees.
Single degree
- This degree requires 144 units
- A maximum of 60 units of 1000 level courses
- A minimum of 30 units 3000 level Science courses
- Other courses from the Science course list or another ANU College (48 units maximum non-science courses allowed)
Double degree
- This degree requires 96 units Science courses
- A maximum of 36 units of 1000 level Science courses
- A minimum of 30 units 3000 level Science courses
- Other courses from the Science course list
About this degree
Single degree
In a Bachelor of Biotechnology single degree program you will study a total of 144 units. Typically you will take 4 courses per semester (total of 24 units) as a full time student giving you a total of 24 courses across your whole degree.
You will need to complete a minimum of 16 science courses (96 units) but will also get to choose eight courses (48 units) from other ANU Colleges. You can try a range of courses or take a major or minor in a non-Science subject, such as history or marketing. The choice is yours.
Double degree
In a Bachelor of Biotechnology double degree program you will study a total of 96 units. Typically you will take 4 courses per semester (total of 24 units) as a full time student giving you a total of 16 courses across your whole degree. However, for each semester you are likely to take 2 courses from your Biotechnology degree and then 2 courses from the other half of your double degree – still a total of 4 courses a semester.
Enrolment Status
It is possible to enrol in fewer courses per semester but it will take you longer to finish your program and get your degree. If you are an international student you must always be enrolled full-time in 24 units each semester.
- You need to enrol in courses for both First Semester and Second Semester.
- You can’t study more than four courses (24 units) per semester, eight for the year.
- You may take
1000-level courses later in your program.
But remember you can’t count more than ten 1000-level courses (60 units)
towards your single degree or six 1000-level courses (36 units) towards your
Biotechnology half of the double degree.
Electives
Remember you can choose up to 8
courses from another ANU College if you are undertaking the single Bachelor of
Biotechnology program.
Study Options
Bachelor of Biotechnology - single degree
This is a typical study pattern for the first year of a student undertaking a Bachelor of Biotechnology.Study Options
Year 1 48 units | CHEM1101 Chemistry 1 6 units | BIOL1003 Biology 1: Evolution, Ecology and Genetics 6 units | Science or non-science course 6 units | Science or non-science course 6 units |
CHEM1201 Chemistry 2 6 units | BIOL1004 Biology 2: Molecular and Cell Biology 6 units | Science or non-science course 6 units | Science or non-science course 6 units |
Bachelor of Biotechnology - double degree
This is a typical study pattern for the first year of a student undertaking a Bachelor of Biotechnology with another three year degree, such as the Bachelor of Arts. Please note that for some double degrees (e.g. with Bachelor of Engineering) you may only be able to take one course in semester 1 for your science degree. In these circumstances it is recommended that in your first year you take CHEM1101, CHEM1201 and BIOL1004. You can then take BIOL1003 in your second year of study.Study Options
Year 1 48 units | CHEM1101 Chemistry 1 6 units | BIOL1003 Biology 1: Evolution, Ecology and Genetics 6 units | Degree B Course 6 units | Degree B Course 6 units |
CHEM1201 Chemistry 2 6 units | BIOL1004 Biology 2: Molecular and Cell Biology 6 units | Degree B Course 6 units | Degree B Course 6 units |
Academic Advice
For further information, you can:
- Visit the Research School of Biology webpage here, or
- Download the Science first year course guide available here, or
- View our program presentation videos located on our New commencers & first year students page, or
- Email us at science.enquiries@anu.edu.au, or
- Come and talk to someone face-to-face. You can make an appointment with an academic advisor here or by calling Science Central on 6125 2809
Back to the Bachelor of Environment and Sustainability page
Are you concerned about the state of the environment and want to be part of the solution?
With a strong emphasis on getting outside and learning in the field, the ANU Bachelor of Environment and Sustainability will give you a broad environmental education, teaching you to link the natural and social sciences with their applications in environmental conservation and sustainable resource management.
If you enjoy the great outdoors and are passionate about keeping them pristine for future generations, this degree will teach you to be an effective environmental scientist and natural resource manager, helping you to meet the sustainability challenges and opportunities facing us this century.
Single degree
- This degree requires 144 units
- A maximum of 60 units of 1000 level courses
- A minimum of 30 units 3000 level Science courses
- One Science major (48 units) from a pre-selected list
- One Science minor, or a second Science major (24 units/ 48 units) from a pre-selected list
- Other courses from the Science course list or another ANU College (maximum non-science allowed 48 units)
Double degree
- This degree requires 96 units Science courses
- A maximum of 36 units of 1000 level Science courses
- A minimum of 30 units 3000 level Science courses
- One Science major (48 units) from a pre-selected list
- One Science minor, or a second Science major (24 units/ 48 units) from a pre-selected list
- Other courses from the Science course list
About this degree
Single degree
In a Bachelor of Environment and Sustainability single degree program you will study a total of 144 units. Typically you will take 4 courses per semester (total of 24 units) as a full time student giving you a total of 24 courses across your whole degree.
You'll need to take one Science major (8 courses) and one Science minor (or specialisation) (4 courses) from a pre-selected list for this degree, and four Science electives (4 courses). You can also choose to complete 2 Science majors (16 courses) from the list instead. You'll also get to choose eight electives from courses right across ANU (science or non-science courses). You can use these electives to try a range of courses or to take a major or minor in a non-Science subject, such as history or marketing.
Double degree
In a Bachelor of Environment and Sustainability double degree program you will study a total of 96 units of Science course. Typically you will take 4 courses per semester (total of 24 units) as a full time student giving you a total of 16 courses across your whole degree. However, for each semester you are likely to take 2 courses from your Science degree and then 2 courses from the other half of your double degree – still a total of 4 courses a semester.
You'll need to take one Science major (8 courses) and one Science minor (or specialisation) (4 courses) from a pre-selected list for this degree, and four Science electives (4 courses). You can also choose to complete 2 Science majors (16 courses) from the list instead.
Study Options
The maximum period for completion of the degree program is 10 years from the date of first enrolment in the program. The 10 years includes periods of leave.
Enrolment Status
It is possible to enrol in fewer courses per semester but it will take you longer to finish your program and get your degree. If you are an international student you must always be enrolled full-time in 24 units each semester.
When you enrol for the first time you will study ‘1000-level’ courses. These courses have ‘1’ as the first number in their course code, such as SCNC1234.
- A course (usually 6 units) can only be counted towards one major or minor.
- You need to enrol in courses for both First Semester and Second Semester.
- You can’t study more than four courses (24 units) per semester, eight for the year.
- You need to enrol in courses for at least one potential Science major from the list.
- You need to enrol in courses for at least one potential Science minor or a second potential Science major from the list.
You may take 1000-level courses later in your program.
But remember you can’t count more than ten 1000-level courses (60 units)
towards your single degree or six 1000-level courses (36 units) towards your Environment and Sustainability half of the double degree.
Majors and Minors
See available majors and minors for this program
A course can only ever be counted toward one major or minor.
Exception: A maximum of 12 units of 1000 level courses can count toward two majors that share common first year requirements.
You can find a list of Majors and Minors for this program on Program and Courses, under the ‘Study’ tab on the Bachelor of Environment and Sustainability webpage.
If you aren’t sure what you want to study for your whole degree, that’s fine. You don’t need to commit to majors or minors until after your first year. Using electives can help to keep your options open.
To choose courses for majors and minors, view the Science majors and minors available on the Bachelor of Environment and Sustainability webpage that interest you and enrol in the first year courses (1000 level).
Electives
Remember you can choose up to 8 courses from another ANU College if you are undertaking the single Bachelor of Environment and Sustainability program.
Study Options
Bachelor of Environment and Sustainability – single degree
This is a typical study pattern for the first year of a student undertaking a Bachelor of Environment and Sustainability.Study Options
Year 1 48 units | 1000 level course Science Major from list 6 units | 1000 level course Science elective 6 units | Science or non-Science elective 6 units | Science or non-Science elective 6 units |
1000 level course Science Major from list 6 units | Science elective 6 units | Science or non-Science elective 6 units | Science or non-Science elective 6 units |
Bachelor of Environment and Sustainability - double degree
This is a typical study pattern for the first year of a student undertaking a Bachelor of Environment and Sustainability with another three year degree, such as the Bachelor of Arts.Study Options
Year 1 48 units | 1000 level course Science Major from list 6 units | 1000 level course Science minor from list 6 units | Degree B course 6 units | Degree B course 6 units |
1000 level course Science Major from list 6 units | 1000 level course Science minor from list 6 units | Degree B course 6 units | Degree B course 6 units |
Academic Advice
For further information, you can:
Visit the Fenner School of Environment & Society webpage here, or
Download the Science first year course guide available here, or
View our program presentation videos located on our New commencers & first year students page, or
Email us at science.enquiries@anu.edu.au, or
Come and talk to someone face-to-face. You can make an appointment with an academic advisor here or by calling Science Central on 6125 2809