Bachelor of Science (Biotechnology)
This course has been discontinued - the information is provided for continuing students.
Overview
Students who are planning to commence in 2010, please refer to Bachelor of Science (Biotechnology) course information.
The study of biotechnology provides the understanding and practical skills behind the use of biologically derived material for a multitude of applications. Such material includes microorganisms (bacteria, yeast, etc) and materials derived from them and other biological sources (enzymes, protein, DNA, etc). Applications include medicine, health, agriculture, consumer products, wine, food, pharmaceutics, the environment and biologically derived new materials.
This course equips graduates for careers in biotechnology. It emphasises the fundamental sciences which underpin biotechnology; chemistry, biochemistry, microbiology, statistics whilst developing applications of biotechnology to areas such as business, ethics, and environmental science. The course provides flexible options that allow students within the course to major in biotechnology (biochemistry) with a major sequence in one of chemistry, environmental science, computer science, business, or media and communications.
Projects which link students directly to industry and/or leading-edge research are a feature of this course, giving it a practical hands-on approach.
Information sessions
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| Duration | 3 Year/s | ||
Campus and intakes  |
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| Course code | ESB057 | ||
| CRICOS code | 054814D | ||
| Fees* | A$19,750 (annual fee for 2009)* |
*The indicative course fees shown in Course Search apply to international students studying on-campus in Australia for the relevant year only. They are based on a standard study load per year. However, please note that fees are assessed according to a student's study load in each semester, and variation to study load will result in an adjustment to tuition fees. All fees are subject to annual review and may be adjusted.
Course in detail
Course description
Students who are planning to commence in 2010, please refer to Bachelor of Science (Biotechnology) course information.
The study of biotechnology provides the understanding and practical skills behind the use of biologically derived material for a multitude of applications. Such material includes microorganisms (bacteria, yeast, etc) and materials derived from them and other biological sources (enzymes, protein, DNA, etc). Applications include medicine, health, agriculture, consumer products, wine, food, pharmaceutics, the environment and biologically derived new materials.
This course equips graduates for careers in biotechnology. It emphasises the fundamental sciences which underpin biotechnology; chemistry, biochemistry, microbiology, statistics whilst developing applications of biotechnology to areas such as business, ethics, and environmental science. The course provides flexible options that allow students within the course to major in biotechnology (biochemistry) with a major sequence in one of chemistry, environmental science, computer science, business, or media and communications.
Projects which link students directly to industry and/or leading-edge research are a feature of this course, giving it a practical hands-on approach.
Course structure
The program involves four equally-weighted units of study per semester over three years, plus one optional year of full-time, paid, Industry-Based Learning (normally undertaken after the fourth semester). This optional Industry-Based Learning program is not available to international students. Practical laboratory work is undertaken throughout the course. A research project is undertaken in final year.
The normal study mode is full-time with the courses being completed in the periods indicated. However, subject to student demand and the availability of staff, the academic component of the course may be accelerated in calendar time by undertaking Summer Semester studies.
Students may apply to transfer from the single degree to one of the double degrees at any time during their course subject to satisfactory performance. Transfer after the first year may involve additional studies, and therefore a longer time period, to complete the requirements of the double degree.
Core units of study in the BSc (Biotechnology) degree are:
HES1626 Professional Skills for Biotechnologists
HES1510 Chemistry 1 and/or HES1490 Introduction to Chemistry
HMS101 Foundation Mathematics
HES1616 Concepts of Biotechnology
HES1525 Chemistry 2
HES2621 Introduction to Biochemistry
HES2631 The Microbial World
HES2626 Biochemistry of Genes and Proteins
HES2636 Microbes in the Environment
HES4621 Advanced Biochemistry
HES4641 Practical Biochemistry
HES4626 Biotechnology
HES4646 Biotechnology Research Project
HES1626 Professional Skills for Biotechnologists
HES1510 Chemistry 1 and/or HES1490 Introduction to Chemistry
HMS101 Foundation Mathematics
HES1616 Concepts of Biotechnology
HES1525 Chemistry 2
HES2621 Introduction to Biochemistry
HES2631 The Microbial World
HES2626 Biochemistry of Genes and Proteins
HES2636 Microbes in the Environment
HES4621 Advanced Biochemistry
HES4641 Practical Biochemistry
HES4626 Biotechnology
HES4646 Biotechnology Research Project
Students may choose a specialisation to complement the above biotechnology units of study, and this specialisation should involve a set of units of study agreed upon by the course convenor (currently Assoc Prof Ian Harding). Students should choose this specialisation at the beginning of their second year. Two pre-approved specialisations currently exist – a chemical sciences based stream and an environmental based stream. Students choosing either of these streams do not require approval for their course of study. The default stream is the chemical sciences stream.
Careers in the Curriculum (CIC)
In addition to the above, students must complete a compulsory unit HAC0001 Careers in the Curriculum to be awarded the degree. Careers in the Curriculum (CIC) is an innovative unit designed to assist Swinburne students to enhance their employability and career prospects. It is usually undertaken in the second year of your course and is compulsory for all undergraduate students who commence their course from 2007 onwards. Students studying CIC will not incur a HECS or fee debt as the cost will be met by the university as part of an initiative to enhance students' career skills.
In addition to the above, students must complete a compulsory unit HAC0001 Careers in the Curriculum to be awarded the degree. Careers in the Curriculum (CIC) is an innovative unit designed to assist Swinburne students to enhance their employability and career prospects. It is usually undertaken in the second year of your course and is compulsory for all undergraduate students who commence their course from 2007 onwards. Students studying CIC will not incur a HECS or fee debt as the cost will be met by the university as part of an initiative to enhance students' career skills.
Final Year Experience - Major Projects
As part of the Swinburne Model for Professional Learning, all incoming undergraduates from 2007 will undertake 25 credit points of
professionally-focused final year major projects within their programs of study. Entry with advanced standing may require alternate study sequences to be undertaken.
As part of the Swinburne Model for Professional Learning, all incoming undergraduates from 2007 will undertake 25 credit points of
professionally-focused final year major projects within their programs of study. Entry with advanced standing may require alternate study sequences to be undertaken.
Electives Plus Sequences
Electives plus sequences provide Swinburne degree students with options to broaden their career skills and strengthen their employability by selecting from units of study outside their degree discipline.
Electives plus sequences provide Swinburne degree students with options to broaden their career skills and strengthen their employability by selecting from units of study outside their degree discipline.
Students undertaking this course can choose to study Electives Plus sequences of up to three units from one of the following themes:
- Effective Communication
- Establishing and Running a Business - pre 2009
- Italian Language Practice and Culture - pre 2009
- Enterprising Marketing - pre 2009
- Multimedia: Web Development
- Information Orientation and Knowledge Management
- Undergraduate Research Skills
- Design: Process and Strategy Electives Plus sequence
- The Networked Economy
Electives Plus sequences are available in all Swinburne degree programs subject to timetabling constraints, with the exception of double degree programs, specialist double major degrees, and where entry has been approved with advanced standing.
Units of study
Chemical Sciences Stream
Stage 1
Semester 1
HES1510 Chemistry 1*
HES1610 Concepts of Biology
HMS101 Foundation Mathematics **
HES1626 Professional Skills for Biotechnologists
Semester 2
HES1616 Concepts of Biotechnology
HES1555 Consumer Science
HES1525 Chemistry 2
HMS102 Introduction to Statistics
Stage 1
Semester 1
HES1510 Chemistry 1*
HES1610 Concepts of Biology
HMS101 Foundation Mathematics **
HES1626 Professional Skills for Biotechnologists
Semester 2
HES1616 Concepts of Biotechnology
HES1555 Consumer Science
HES1525 Chemistry 2
HMS102 Introduction to Statistics
Stage 2
Semester 1
HES2621 Introduction to Biochemistry
HES2631 The Microbial World
Elective 1
Elective 2
Semester 2
HES2626 Biochemistry of Genes and Proteins
HES2636 Microbes in the Environment
Elective 3
Elective 4
Stage 3
Semester 1
HES4520 Advanced Chemistry 1
HES4621 Advanced Biochemistry
HES4641 Practical Biochemistry
Elective 5
Semester 2
HES4626 Biotechnology
HES4646 Biotechnology Research Project
Elective 6
Elective 7
Semester 1
HES2621 Introduction to Biochemistry
HES2631 The Microbial World
Elective 1
Elective 2
Semester 2
HES2626 Biochemistry of Genes and Proteins
HES2636 Microbes in the Environment
Elective 3
Elective 4
Stage 3
Semester 1
HES4520 Advanced Chemistry 1
HES4621 Advanced Biochemistry
HES4641 Practical Biochemistry
Elective 5
Semester 2
HES4626 Biotechnology
HES4646 Biotechnology Research Project
Elective 6
Elective 7
* May be replaced by HES1490 Introduction to Chemistry for students without Year 12 chemistry.
** May be replaced by HMS111 Engineering Mathematics 1 if student intends to continue studying mathematics at a higher level.
** May be replaced by HMS111 Engineering Mathematics 1 if student intends to continue studying mathematics at a higher level.
IBL, if undertaken, is usually taken between Stages 2 and 3 and consists of:
HSW050 Industry-Based Learning and/or
HSW055 Industry-Based Learning
This optional Industry-Based Learning program is not available to international students.
HSW050 Industry-Based Learning and/or
HSW055 Industry-Based Learning
This optional Industry-Based Learning program is not available to international students.
Electives 1 to 4
Choose one of the following:
HES2540 Forensic and Analytical Science, or
HES2541 Analytical Chemistry
and one of the following:
HES2520 Chemistry 3, or
HES2526 Organic Chemistry
and two of the following:
HES2510 Investigative Chemistry Prac 1
HES2515 Investigative Chemistry Prac 2
HBSG200 New Venture Development and Management
HES4701 Research Skills Project
Electives Plus Sequence 1 (see above)
Electives Plus Sequence 2 (see above)
Note: credit cannot be obtained for both HES2541 and HES2510. Nor can credit be gained for both HES2526 and HES2515.
Choose one of the following:
HES2540 Forensic and Analytical Science, or
HES2541 Analytical Chemistry
and one of the following:
HES2520 Chemistry 3, or
HES2526 Organic Chemistry
and two of the following:
HES2510 Investigative Chemistry Prac 1
HES2515 Investigative Chemistry Prac 2
HBSG200 New Venture Development and Management
HES4701 Research Skills Project
Electives Plus Sequence 1 (see above)
Electives Plus Sequence 2 (see above)
Note: credit cannot be obtained for both HES2541 and HES2510. Nor can credit be gained for both HES2526 and HES2515.
Electives 5 to 7
Choose two units of study from:
HES4510 Investigative Chemistry Prac 3
HES4516 Research Project
HES4525 Advanced Chemistry 2
The third elective is a free elective. Recommended electives include any previously non-selected elective and:
HES4628 Environmental Biotechnology
HBSG200 New Venture Development and Management
Electives Plus Sequence 3 (see above)
Choose two units of study from:
HES4510 Investigative Chemistry Prac 3
HES4516 Research Project
HES4525 Advanced Chemistry 2
The third elective is a free elective. Recommended electives include any previously non-selected elective and:
HES4628 Environmental Biotechnology
HBSG200 New Venture Development and Management
Electives Plus Sequence 3 (see above)
Note: In addition to the above, students must complete a compulsory unit HAC0001 Careers in the Curriculum to be awarded the degree.
Environmental Sciences Stream
Stage 1
Semester 1
HES1510 Chemistry 1*
HES1610 Concepts of Biology**
HMS101 Foundation Mathematics ***
HES1626 Professional Skills for Biotechnologists
Semester 2
HES1616 Concepts of Biotechnology
HES1555 Consumer Science
HES1525 Chemistry 2****
HMS102 Introduction to Statistics
Semester 1
HES1510 Chemistry 1*
HES1610 Concepts of Biology**
HMS101 Foundation Mathematics ***
HES1626 Professional Skills for Biotechnologists
Semester 2
HES1616 Concepts of Biotechnology
HES1555 Consumer Science
HES1525 Chemistry 2****
HMS102 Introduction to Statistics
Stage 2
Semester 1
HES2621 Introduction to Biochemistry
HES2631 The Microbial World
Elective 1
Elective 2
Semester 2
HES2626 Biochemistry of Genes and Proteins
HES2636 Microbes in the Environment
Elective 3
Elective 4
Semester 1
HES2621 Introduction to Biochemistry
HES2631 The Microbial World
Elective 1
Elective 2
Semester 2
HES2626 Biochemistry of Genes and Proteins
HES2636 Microbes in the Environment
Elective 3
Elective 4
Stage 3
Semester 1
HES4621 Advanced Biochemistry
HES4641 Practical Biochemistry
Elective 5
Elective 6
Semester 2
HES4626 Biotechnology
HES4646 Biotechnology Research Project
Elective 7
Elective 8
Semester 1
HES4621 Advanced Biochemistry
HES4641 Practical Biochemistry
Elective 5
Elective 6
Semester 2
HES4626 Biotechnology
HES4646 Biotechnology Research Project
Elective 7
Elective 8
* May be replaced by HES1490 Introduction to Chemistry for students without Year 12 chemistry.
** May be replaced by an elective for students with Year 12 biology.
*** May be replaced by HMS111 Engineering Mathematics 1 if student intends to continue studying mathematics at a higher level.
**** May be replaced by HES1510 for students who attempt HES1490. In this case, HES1525 must be completed at a later stage as a replacement for one of the electives.
IBL, if undertaken, is usually taken between Stages 2 and 3 and consists of:
HSW050 Industry-Based Learning and/or
HSW055 Industry-Based Learning
This optional Industry-Based Learning program is not available to international students.
Electives 1 to 8 Choose one elective from Group A, one elective from Group B, one elective from Group C, one elective from Group A, B or C, and four free electives.
HSW050 Industry-Based Learning and/or
HSW055 Industry-Based Learning
This optional Industry-Based Learning program is not available to international students.
Electives 1 to 8 Choose one elective from Group A, one elective from Group B, one elective from Group C, one elective from Group A, B or C, and four free electives.
Group B Electives
HES2540 Forensic and Analytical Science
HES2510 Investigative Chemistry Prac 1
HES2541 Analytical Chemistry
HES2520 Chemistry 3
HES2526 Organic Chemistry
HES2515 Investigative Chemistry Prac 2
HES2700 Food Science
HES2705 Water Science
HES4701 Research Skills Project
HES2540 Forensic and Analytical Science
HES2510 Investigative Chemistry Prac 1
HES2541 Analytical Chemistry
HES2520 Chemistry 3
HES2526 Organic Chemistry
HES2515 Investigative Chemistry Prac 2
HES2700 Food Science
HES2705 Water Science
HES4701 Research Skills Project
Group C Electives HES2735 Communicable Disease Control
HES4720 Environmental Management
HAS303 Genetics and Society
HES4628 Environmental Biotechnology
HES2715 Built and Sustainable Communities
HES4720 Environmental Management
HAS303 Genetics and Society
HES4628 Environmental Biotechnology
HES2715 Built and Sustainable Communities
Free Electives
Recommended free electives include any of the units of study from Group A , B, or C as well as:
HBSG200 New Venture Development and Management
HES4701 Research Skills Project
Electives Plus Sequence (see above)
Note: In addition to the above, students must complete a compulsory unit HAC0001 Careers in the Curriculum to be awarded the degree.
Graduate outcomes
Aims and objectives
The aim of the course is to prepare students for scientific careers in biotechnology. The course is designed to develop:
- Mastery of the basic scientific principles that underpin biotechnology.
- A sound and practical knowledge of laboratory techniques and practices through which biotechnological discoveries are made.
- An appreciation of the social context in which scientific work is undertaken and in which scientific knowledge is applied.
- An appreciation of the legislation that regulates scientific activities, and particularly those that relate to biotechnology.
- Advanced communication and interpersonal skills, both verbal and written.
- An appreciation of the moral, ethical and social elements essential to a satisfying personal philosophy and a sound professional attitude.
- Skills in self education, evaluation of new information and encouragement in flexibility of thought, to prepare students for a world of accelerating technological change.
Career opportunities
This course equips graduates for careers in biotechnology related to the medical, health, food and beverage, wine, agricultural, chemical and environmental industries. It also provides Pathways into honours, masters and PhD degrees.
Professional recognition
Graduates may apply for membership of the following professional societies:
- Australian Biotechnology Association
- The Australian Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
- Australian Society for Microbiology
This course is also expected to meet the accreditation requirements of the Royal Australian Chemical Institute, especially if chemistry subjects are selected in the elective streams.
Course experience
Swinburne Abroad
Swinburne offers International Exchange Programs as well as other Education Abroad Programs to help internationalise your degree. International Exchange is an academic program allowing you to study at a Swinburne Partner Institution for one or two semesters during your degree. Swinburne's Partner Institutions offer many relevant subjects as well as a secure base to explore a different culture. Your studies whilst on exchange can be credited towards your Swinburne degree, provided they are relevant and approved by Swinburne. For further information visit the Swinburne Abroad website.Entry requirements
English language requirements
Satisfactory completion of the Swinburne English for Academic Purposes (EAP) Level 2 program with a teacher's recommendation for the required level of study; or obtaining a minimum IELTS overall band of 6.0 (Academic Module) with no individual band below 6.0; or a TOEFL (Paper-based) minimum score of 550 (with Test of Written English (TWE) score of 5); or a TOEFL (Computer-based) minimum score of 213 (with Written Writing score of 5); or a TOEFL (Internet-based) minimum score of 80 with no band less than 20.Refer to the English Language Requirements website for further information.
Apply
Course fees*
A$19,750 (annual fee for 2009)*The indicative course fees shown in Course Search apply to international students studying on-campus in Australia for the relevant year only. They are based on a standard study load per year. However, please note that fees are assessed according to a student's study load in each semester, and variation to study load will result in an adjustment to tuition fees. All fees are subject to annual review and may be adjusted.
Scholarships
A range of scholarships are available to international students, visit our Scholarship Page for details.
Find out more
Enquire online: http://www.swinburne.edu.au/international/enquiry
Email: international@swinburne.edu.au
Phone:
+613 8676 7002 (outside Australia)
Freecall 1800 897 973 (within Australia)
