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.

Statistics opens the door to understanding our world by exploring data and modelling uncertainty. As our capacity to collect data accelerates, the need for statistical expertise has never been greater. Every day, over 328.77 million terabytes of data are generated globally, and the total volume of data worldwide is expected to reach 181 zettabytes by 2026, more than doubling from 2022 levels. This explosion of information outpaces our ability to interpret it meaningfully without advanced quantitative tools.

More than a decade ago, Hal Varian, Chief Economist at Google, famously predicted that “the sexy job in the next ten years will be statisticians.” That foresight has proved correct—and remains relevant today. In a data-driven world, statistics is indispensable across every discipline that grapples with uncertainty and complexity, from climate science and public health to economics, artificial intelligence, and national security.

Statisticians are in high demand across diverse sectors, including global tech companies like Google, Meta, and Amazon, financial institutions, government agencies, pharmaceutical firms, healthcare providers, and academic institutions. Moreover, statisticians are at the forefront of addressing critical challenges such as climate change, pandemic preparedness, cybersecurity, and economic inequality.

By completing the Bachelor of Statistics at ANU, you’ll gain the analytical skills and modelling expertise to make sense of an increasingly complex world. You will be equipped to extract insights from data, make informed decisions, and help solve some of humanity’s most urgent problems—through the lens of statistical reasoning and data science.

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

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. demonstrate the application of biotechnology to real life contexts;
6. exercise personal, professional and social responsibility as a global citizen.

1. Review and synthesise a broad range of statistical knowledge from their chosen major.
2. Use the R statistical computing language to carry out a wide variety of statistical tasks.
3. Carry out model selection in a multiple linear regression modelling context in various discipline backgrounds.
4. Describe the concepts of stochastic processes in discrete and continuous time.
5. Describe and interpret probability theory, continuous random variables, and sampling distributions and the central limit theorem.
6. Using a diverse range of discipline backgrounds and varied data, analyse programming problems to suggest, design and implement appropriate modular program structures, based on a data-directed approach.

Further Information

Student Advice

What courses should you take in your first year of study?

• BIOL1020 Foundations of Life (6 units)
• BIOL1030 Diversity of Life (6 units)
• CHEM1101 Chemistry 1 (6 units)
• CHEM1201 Chemistry 2 (6 units)

Additional advice:

• BIOL2151 (Semester 1) is a compulsory pre-requisite for BIOL3161 (Semester 1)
• For students taking BIOL3023, BIOL3208 or BIOL3209 as part of this major, the research project must be in the field of biotechnology.
• Students seeking to take BIOL3194 should note this course has an enrolment limit. Please refer to the "Other Information" in the course entry in P&C.

How can I satisfy the Transdisciplinary Problem-Solving course requirements?

• Transdisciplinary Problem-Solving courses can be found using the Programs and Courses search engine.
• In this program, BIOL3188 is identified as a Transdisciplinary Problem-Solving course
• Many majors offered by the College of Science (not required for the Bachelor of Biotechnology) may identify in the "Advice for students" section which courses listed in the major will contribute towards this requirement. This might also be of assistance in identifying courses.

Internship opportunities

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

How can I get a study plan to help me map out my degree?

Want to learn more about the structure of the Bachelor of Biotechnology or wish to map out your degree? Click here to access the study plan.

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 students.cos@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.

Academic or enrolment advice:

If in doubt, please seek further advice from the academic contact for this program (details above), or the College of Science Student Services Team (students.cos@anu.edu.au).

Student Advice

What courses should you take in your first year of study?

• BIOL1020 Foundations of Life (6 units)
• BIOL1030 Diversity of Life (6 units)
• CHEM1101 Chemistry 1 (6 units)
• CHEM1201 Chemistry 2 (6 units)

Additional advice:

• BIOL2151 (Semester 1) is a compulsory pre-requisite for BIOL3161 (Semester 1)
• For students taking BIOL3023, BIOL3208 or BIOL3209 as part of this major, the research project must be in the field of biotechnology.
• Students seeking to take BIOL3194 should note this course has an enrolment limit. Please refer to the "Other Information" in the course entry in P&C.

How can I satisfy the Transdisciplinary Problem-Solving course requirements?

• Transdisciplinary Problem-Solving courses can be found using the Programs and Courses search engine.
• In this program, BIOL3188 is identified as a Transdisciplinary Problem-Solving course
• Many majors offered by the College of Science (not required for the Bachelor of Biotechnology) may identify in the "Advice for students" section which courses listed in the major will contribute towards this requirement. This might also be of assistance in identifying courses.

Internship opportunities

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

How can I get a study plan to help me map out my degree?

Want to learn more about the structure of the Bachelor of Biotechnology or wish to map out your degree? Click here to access the study plan.

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 students.cos@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.

Academic or enrolment advice:

If in doubt, please seek further advice from the academic contact for this program (details above), or the College of Science Student Services Team (students.cos@anu.edu.au).

Admission Requirements

Prerequisites

ACT: Chemistry (Major)

NSW: Chemistry or equivalent

VIC: Chemistry

QLD: Chemistry

TAS: Chemistry

SA / NT: Chemistry

WA: Chemistry

IB: Chemistry SL or HL

• 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 students.cos@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.

• ACT:

Required: Mathematical Methods (Major) / Further Mathematics (Major) / Specialist Mathematics (Major) / Specialist Methods (Major)

Recommended: Specialist Mathematics/Specialist Methods (Major/Minor)

• NSW:

Required: Mathematics Advanced or equivalent

Recommended: Mathematics Extension 1 or equivalent

• VIC: Mathematics Methods or equivalent
• QLD: Mathematics Methods or equivalent
• TAS: Mathematical methods/Mathematics Specialised/Mathematics 1 and II through U Tas/Both Mathematics 1 and II through UTAS/Both Advanced Calculus and Applications 1A and 1B through UTAS
• SA / NT: Mathematical Methods or equivalent
• WA: Mathematical Methods or equivalent
• IB: Mathematics: Applications and Interpretations HL/Mathematics: Analysis and Approaches SL or HL

Adjustment Factors

Adjustment factors are combined with an applicant's secondary education results to determine their Selection Rank. ANU offers adjustment factors based on equity, diversity, and/or performance principles, such as for recognition of difficult circumstances that students face in their studies.

To be eligible for adjustment factors, you must have:

• achieved a Selection Rank of 70 or more before adjustment factors are applied
• if you have undertaken higher education, completed less than one year full-time equivalent (1.0 FTE) of a higher education program
• applied for an eligible ANU bachelor degree program

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 flexible double degree component requires 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 subject area BIOL- Biology

A minimum of 12 units of courses tagged as Transdisciplinary Problem-Solving

The 96 units must consist of:

54 units from the completion of the following compulsory courses:

BIOL1020 Foundations of Life (6 units)

BIOL1030 Diversity of Life (6 units)

BIOL2161 Genes: Replication and Expression (6 units)

BIOL2162 Molecular Genetic Techniques (6 units)

BIOL3161 Genomics and its Applications (6 units)

CHEM1101 Chemistry 1 (6 units)

CHEM1201 Chemistry 2 (6 units)

CHEM2211 Chemical Biology I (6 units)

CHEM2208 Chemical Biology II (6 units)

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

BIOL2001 Introduction to Quantitative Biology (6 units)

BIOL2202 Experimental Design and Analysis in Biology (6 units)

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

BIOL3191 Bioethics and Society (6 units)

BIOL3194 Biological Science in the Work Place (6 units)

A minimum of 24 units from the completion of 3000- level courses from the following lists:

BIOL3106 Biosecurity (6 units)

BIOL3125 Plants and Global Climate Change (6 units)

BIOL3177 Advances in Molecular Plant Science (6 units)

BIOL3188 ANUSynBio Challenge Team Project (6 units)

BIOL3203 Advanced Microscopy in Biosciences (6 units)

A maximum of 12 units can come from special topics/research project courses (BIOL3023, BIOL3208 or BIOL3209) in which the project/topic must be in the field of Biotechnology:

BIOL3023 Special Topics in Biology (6 units)

BIOL3208 Biology Research Project (6 units)

BIOL3209 Biology Research Project (12 units)

A maximum of 12 units from completion of courses not previously taken from the following subject areas:

BIOL – Biology

CHEM – Chemistry

MEDN – Medical Science

NEUR – Neuroscience

The Bachelor of Statistics 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 consist of:

48 units from the completion of one of the following statistics majors:

Applied Statistics

Probability and Stochastic Processes

Statistical Data Analytics

Theoretical Statistics

12 units from completion of the following compulsory courses:

STAT1008 Quantitative Research Methods

STAT2005 Introduction to Stochastic Processes

6 units from completion of an introductory mathematical statistics course from the following list:

STAT2001 Introductory Mathematical Statistics

STAT2013 Introductory Mathematical Statistics for Actuarial Studies

6 units from completion of a regression course from the following list:

STAT2008 Regression Modelling

STAT2014 Regression Modelling for Actuarial Studies

12 units from completion of an introductory mathematics courses from the following list:

MATH1013 Mathematics and Applications 1

MATH1014 Mathematics and Applications 2

MATH1115 Advanced Mathematics and Applications 1

MATH1116 Advanced Mathematics and Applications 2

12 units from completion of courses from the following list:

COMP1100 Programming as Problem Solving

COMP1730 Programming for Scientists

CBEA2001 Australian Indigenous Perspectives in Business and Economics

CBEA3001 College of Business and Economics Special Industry Project (UG)

CBEA3066 Global Business Immersion

CBEA3070 ANU College of Business and Economics Internship Program

MATH2301 Games, Graphs and Machines

MATH3511 Scientific Computing

Any other ANU courses

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.

Students enrolled in Bachelor of Statistics/Bachelor of Actuarial Studies degree will need to enrol in STAT2013 and STAT2014, instead of STAT2001 and STAT2008.

Students enrolled in Bachelor of Statistics/Bachelor of Advanced Computing (Hons) degree will need to enrol in MATH1115 and MATH1116, instead of MATH1013 and MATH1014.

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. 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.

Minors

Bachelor of Statistics Minors

Study Options