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Extended Major

Synthetic Biology and Industrial Biotechnology

Bachelors of Engineering (Honours) / Biotechnology

Get ready to pioneer new frontiers in health, food science, conservation and beyond.

Synthetic biology is transforming how we develop new medicines, enhance human nutrition and create a more sustainable world.

It is a growing field of science that applies engineering design principles to chemistry, bioinformatics and genetics.

These principles allow scientists to create or modify biological processes in living organisms and then develop new innovations across agriculture, health, energy production and environmental management.

Alongside leading biotechnology educators, you will study all aspects of the product development process. You'll be equipped to translate discoveries from the laboratory into new products, technologies or research methodologies implemented across the globe.

Take advantage of opportunities to network and gain practical experience with our extensive network of industry partners.

Specialising in synthetic biology will prepare you for employment opportunities in Australia’s thriving life sciences sector, which includes the biotechnology, pharmaceutical, food, medical and agricultural technology industries.

You will be well placed to continue into an honours or master's degree and establish the foundations for a rewarding career in research.

Highlights

1 in Australia for biotechnology

Global Ranking of Academic Subjects 2023

10 in the world for biotechnology

Global Ranking of Academic Subjects 2023

Watch What is biotechnology? It's where science meets entrepreneurship on YouTube.

Career possibilities

Our programs prepare you for your first job and beyond. Here are some of the careers you could be on your way to:

  • Bioprocess scientist
  • Biochemist
  • Research scientist
  • Research and development manager

Graduate salary

Science and mathematics (undergraduate)

$40K–$85K

compared.edu.au

Graduate salary

Agriculture & environmental studies (undergraduate)

$50K–$59K

compared.edu.au

How you'll learn

Your learning experiences are designed to best suit the learning outcomes of the courses you choose.

  • Lectures
  • Tutorials
  • Research experience
  • Laboratory work
  • Seminars
  • Workshops

What you'll study

At UQ, subjects are called 'courses'. Here's a sample of the courses you could study:

  • Issues in Biotechnology
  • Commercialisation of Biotechnology Products
  • Quality Management Systems in Biotechnology: GMP, GLP, GCP
  • Structural & Synthetic Biology
  • Bioprocess Engineering
  • Process Principles
  • Molecular Systems Biology
  • Genetics

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