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.

The Bachelor of Commerce offers significant flexibility and diversity for students. The degree allows you to study one or more business areas of your interests, including financial and management accounting, commercial law, economics, finance, business information systems, management, marketing, international business and corporate sustainability.

You will acquire the skills and knowledge to meet the challenges of a changing business environment, develop the ability to critically analyse emerging business issues, and be exposed to scholarly research in the national and global business arena. Achieving these academic and professional qualities will lead you to a wide range of business related professions and careers, or progress to more advanced studies.

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.

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.

Learning Outcomes

1. understand and evaluate the significance of biotechnological discoveries in educational and professional contexts;
2. apply a range of technological skills and laboratory techniques to addressing specific problems in the field of biological research;
3. use a range of analytical techniques for the interpretation of biological data to address specific hypotheses;
4. convey and relate professional and disciplinary information and ideas to diverse audiences in effective and appropriate ways;
5. function in public and professional situations as an interpreter of biotechnological information in the public domain;
6. exercise personal, professional and social responsibility as a global citizen.

Upon successful completion of a Bachelor of Commerce, graduates will be able to:

1.       Demonstrate clear knowledge of material relevant to the major(s) studied.

2.       Apply theoretical and technical business knowledge, skills and research techniques relevant to the major(s) studied.

3.       Exercise critical thinking and reasoning in the analysis of business problems within the purview of the major(s) studied.

4.       Communicate business analyses to stakeholders in a clear, effective, appropriate and ethical manner.

5.       Integrate best judgement within the purview of the major(s) studied, to implement and evaluate business solutions.

Professional Accreditation

Accounting: students wishing to qualify for membership of CPA Australia or the Institute of Chartered Accountants in Australia should complete specified professional sequences of courses. Further information is available from the College office.

 Business Information Systems: student wishing to qualify for membership of the Australian Computer Society should complete specified professional sequences of courses. Further information is available from the College office.

Further Information

Want to learn more about the structure of the Bachelor of Biotechnology or wish to map out your degree? Click here to see a short program presentation video and access the study plan.

Program advice:

Students should enrol in BIOL1003, BIOL1004, CHEM1101 and CHEM1201 in their first year of study.

Additional advice:

Students interested in incorporating an internship into their degree can find out more from the College of Science website.

Vertical Double Degree pathway UGRD-PGRD (not available in FDD)

• This program is part of the Vertical Double Degree pathway structure offered by the College of Science and the College of Health and Medicine. The Vertical Double Degree pathway presents students with the opportunity to complete a 3-year undergraduate single degree offered by the ANU College of Science or the College of Health and Medicine with a cognate 2-year Masters degree in 4 years (full-time) instead of 5 years (full-time). For more information on applicable combinations, benefits and how to apply, eligibility and conditions, please visit https://science.anu.edu.au/vertical-double-degrees or https://health.anu.edu.au/vertical-double-degrees
• Students who are interested in pursuing a Vertical Double Degree pathway with this program, are advised to contact the College of Science Student Services Office at science.enquiries@anu.edu.au and seek academic advice. Students who are already in an undergraduate degree offered by the College of Science or College of Health & Medicine should seek academic advice before completion of the first 72 units of their undergraduate studies.
• This pathway is not available to students in an undergraduate Flexible Double Degree.

Progression hurdle:

• Students in the Bachelor of Biotechnology who have opted for the Vertical Double Degree pathway must achieve a minimum GPA of 5.0 in the first 96 units attempted to commence the 24 units of Masters courses in their Bachelor degree. Students who do not achieve this GPA will be able to complete and graduate from their Bachelor degree but will not be able to undertake Masters courses.
• If the total number of units attempted exceeds 96 in the same teaching period in which the 96th unit is attempted, all courses attempted will be used in the calculation of the GPA.

Want to learn more about the structure of the Bachelor of Biotechnology or wish to map out your degree? Click here to see a short program presentation video and access the study plan.

Program advice:

Students should enrol in BIOL1003, BIOL1004, CHEM1101 and CHEM1201 in their first year of study.

Additional advice:

Students interested in incorporating an internship into their degree can find out more from the College of Science website.

Vertical Double Degree pathway UGRD-PGRD (not available in FDD)

• This program is part of the Vertical Double Degree pathway structure offered by the College of Science and the College of Health and Medicine. The Vertical Double Degree pathway presents students with the opportunity to complete a 3-year undergraduate single degree offered by the ANU College of Science or the College of Health and Medicine with a cognate 2-year Masters degree in 4 years (full-time) instead of 5 years (full-time). For more information on applicable combinations, benefits and how to apply, eligibility and conditions, please visit https://science.anu.edu.au/vertical-double-degrees or https://health.anu.edu.au/vertical-double-degrees
• Students who are interested in pursuing a Vertical Double Degree pathway with this program, are advised to contact the College of Science Student Services Office at science.enquiries@anu.edu.au and seek academic advice. Students who are already in an undergraduate degree offered by the College of Science or College of Health & Medicine should seek academic advice before completion of the first 72 units of their undergraduate studies.
• This pathway is not available to students in an undergraduate Flexible Double Degree.

Progression hurdle:

• Students in the Bachelor of Biotechnology who have opted for the Vertical Double Degree pathway must achieve a minimum GPA of 5.0 in the first 96 units attempted to commence the 24 units of Masters courses in their Bachelor degree. Students who do not achieve this GPA will be able to complete and graduate from their Bachelor degree but will not be able to undertake Masters courses.
• If the total number of units attempted exceeds 96 in the same teaching period in which the 96th unit is attempted, all courses attempted will be used in the calculation of the GPA.

Admission Requirements

At a minimum, all applicants must meet program-specific academic/non-academic requirements, and English language requirements. Admission to most ANU programs is on a competitive basis. Therefore, meeting all admission requirements does not guarantee entry into the program.

In line with the university's admissions policy and strategic plan, an assessment for admission may include competitively ranking applicants on the basis of specific academic achievement, English language proficiency and diversity factors.

The University reserves the right to alter or discontinue its programs and change admission requirements as needed.

Domestic applicants

Before applying for a program, you should review the general information about domestic undergraduate admission to ANU programs and how to apply, and the program-specific information below.

• Applicants with recent secondary education are assessed on:
  • completion of Australian Year 12 or equivalent, and the minimum Selection Rank (from their academic qualifications, plus any adjustment factors) requirement for this program; and
  • co-curricular or service requirement (applies to applicants who complete secondary education in the year prior to commencing at ANU); and
  • English language proficiency; and
  • any program-specific requirements listed below.
• Applicants with higher education study are assessed on:
  • previous higher education studies; or secondary education results if completed less than one full-time equivalent year (1.0 FTE) of a degree; or the result from a bridging or preparatory course; and
  • English language proficiency; and
  • any program-specific requirements listed below.
• Applicants with vocational education and training (VET) study are assessed on:
  • previously completed VET qualifications at AQF level 5 or higher (i.e. a Diploma or above); or secondary education results if the VET qualification is not completed; and
  • English language proficiency; and
  • any program-specific requirements listed below.
• Applicants with work and life experience are assessed on:
  • ATAR or equivalent if secondary education was completed; or the Special Adult Entry Scheme (SAES); or work experience; and
  • English language proficiency; and
  • any program-specific requirements listed below.

International applicants

Applicants who complete a recognised secondary/senior secondary/post-secondary/tertiary sequence of study will be assessed on the basis of an equivalent selection rank that is calculated upon application. A list of commonly observed international qualifications and corresponding admission requirements can be found here. Applicants must also meet any program specific requirements that are listed below.

Diversity factors & English language proficiency  
As Australia’s national university, ANU is global representative of Australian research and education. ANU endeavours to recruit and maintain a diverse and deliberate student cohort representative not only of Australia, but the world. In order to achieve these outcomes, competitive ranking of applicants may be adjusted to ensure access to ANU is a reality for brilliant students from countries across the globe. If required, competitive ranking may further be confirmed on the basis of demonstrating higher-level English language proficiency.

Further information is available for English Language Requirements for Admission

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 are advised to seek academic advice by contacting science.enquiries@anu.edu.au. A Chemistry bridging course is available in February through the ANU Research School of Chemistry - contact rsc.teaching@anu.edu.au for more information.

There are no formal program prerequisites. But assumed knowledge is:-ACT: Mathematical Methods (Major)/Further Mathematics/Specialist Mathematics (major)/ Specialist Methods or NSW: HSC Mathematics Advanced or equivalent. More information about interstate subject equivalencies can be found here.

Adjustment Factors

Adjustment factors are additional points added to an applicant's Selection Rank (for example an applicant's ATAR). ANU offers adjustment factors based on performance and equity principles, such as for high achievement in nationally strategic senior secondary subjects and for recognition of difficult circumstances that students face in their studies. 

Selection Rank adjustments are granted in accordance with the approved schedules, and no more than 15 (maximum 5 subject/performance-based adjustment factors and maximum 10 equity-based adjustment factors) can be awarded. 

You may be considered for adjustment factors if you have:

• applied for an eligible ANU Bachelor degree program
• undertaken Australian Year 12 or the International Baccalaureate
• achieved an ATAR or equivalent at or above 70
• not previously attempted tertiary study.

Please visit the ANU Adjustment Factors website for further information.

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 (6 units)

BIOL1004 Molecular and Cell Biology (6 units)

BIOL2161 Genes: Replication and Expression (6 units)

BIOL2162 Molecular Genetic Techniques (6 units)

BIOL3161 Genomics and its Applications (6 units)

BIOL3191 Bioethics and Society (6 units)

CHEM1101 Chemistry 1 (6 units)

CHEM1201 Chemistry 2 (6 units)

CHEM2211 Chemical Biology I (6 units)

6 units from completion of a Quantitative Skills course from the following list:

BIAN3014 Research Design and Analysis in Biological Anthropology (6 units)

BIOL2001 Introduction to Quantitative Biology (6 units)

BIOL2202 Experimental Design and Analysis in Biology (6 units)

ENVS1003 Introduction to Environmental and Social Research (6 units)

PSYC2009 Quantitative Methods in Psychology (6 units)

12 units from completion of courses from the following list:

BIOL2142 General Microbiology (6 units)

BIOL2171 Biochemistry and Nutrition (6 units)

BIOL2174 Cell Physiology in Health and Disease (6 units)

CHEM2208 Chemical Biology II (6 units)

6 units from completion of a 2000- or 3000-level courses from the subject areas:

BIOL Biology

CHEM Chemistry

MEDN Medicine

18 units from completion of 3000-level courses from the following subject areas:

BIOL Biology

CHEM Chemistry

MEDN Medicine

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 Commerce flexible double degree component requires completion of 96 units, of which:

A maximum of 48 units may come from completion of 1000-level courses

The 96 units must include:

48 units from completion of one of the following majors:

Accounting

Business Information Systems

Corporate Sustainability

Economic Studies

Finance

International Business

Management

Marketing

24 units from completion of the Business and Economics Essentials minor

6 units from completion of MGMT2100 Communication for Business

18 units from completion of courses from List 1 of the ANU College of Business and Economics

If your flexible double degree is within the College of Business and Economics (for example Commerce and Economics), the below study plan may show the same course twice. If this is the case, you must only do the course once and replace the other course with a University Wide Elective or CBE List 1 elective. Please note that you cannot exceed 8 out of college electives.

The major in Business Information Systems is not available to Bachelor of Commerce students in double degrees with the Bachelor of Information Technology, Bachelor of Software Engineering, Bachelor of Engineering(Honours), Bachelor of Engineering (Research and Development), Bachelor of Advanced Computing (Research and Development) and Bachelor of Advanced Computing (Honours).

The minor in Business and Economics Essentials will not be listed on transcripts for students completing the Bachelor of Commerce. The minor in Advanced Accounting will not be listed on transcripts for students completing the Bachelor of Commerce with an Accounting major.

For majors and minors offered by the ANU College of Business and Economics, students may count a course towards multiple majors and minors. If a minor is a subset of all stated courses and/or prerequisites for a major, then completion of the major overrides completion of the minor, and only the major is regarded as having been completed.

Students who complete a course from the subject area VCUG are exempted from the requirement to complete MGMT2100 towards the requirements of the Bachelor of Commerce.

If all courses in a major and/or minor are compulsory courses in the degree, the major and/or minor will not be listed on the transcript.

Majors

Bachelor of Commerce Majors

Minors

Bachelor of Commerce Minors

Study Options

Honours

Students who achieve excellent academic performance in their Bachelor of Commerce studies may be invited to join the Honours Program.

The Honours Program is an intensive two-semester program after completion of the degree requirements. The program extends undergraduate studies with advanced coursework and a research thesis. Classes are small and students study with leading academics in thier School. Students have the opportunity to compete for a range of scholarships, prizes and internships.

Students from other universities who meet the entry requirements can apply for entry into the Honours Program after completing the pass degree requirements in their own institutions.

Students aspiring to the Bachelor of Commerce (Honours) should consult the Honours Convenor in the relevant School for advice.