This program gives you expertise in a broad range of the modern molecular technologies used in research and industry. You’ll study the applied aspects of the major biological sciences, e.g. genetics, biochemistry, microbiology, animal and plant science, as well as specialising in bioinformatics, gene technologies and proteomics. You’ll be learning from leading researchers in this field and have the chance to do work experience in research laboratories along with plenty of hands-on experience. As a graduate you could be involved in applying the latest technologies and techniques in molecular biology and genetics to solve a range of problems like diagnosing genes that cause cancer, making crops and livestock less vulnerable to disease and making food safer. In later years you will undertake practical classes that simulate the type of work performed in the workplace and ensure you will be job-ready upon graduation.

Biotechnologists use gene manipulation of plants, animals and micro-organisms to create new biological products for pharmaceutical, agricultural, diagnostic and environmental use. They also develop diagnostic tools to detect diseases rapidly and conduct human stem cell research with the aim of treating or preventing illnesses. Graduates are currently employed in research, diagnosis and technique development in public institutions (CSIRO, AQIS, Police Forensics, research institutes for human, animal and crop health, biosecurity, universities and hospitals) and in private industry (fermentation, food, biotechnology, cell products and vaccines). With industry experience under their belts, graduates have become state and national leaders and have been involved in exciting projects such as the sequencing of the human genome. The range of graduate occupations is wide, precisely because of the broad training that allows great flexibility.