Why Study / Key Benefits

The Bachelor of Science, majoring in Biotechnology, combines biological science with technology-focused applications. Swinburne describes the major as sitting at the intersection of biology and technology, with applications across healthcare, products, business practices and environmental science. Chemistry, biochemistry, microbiology and statistics are incorporated into the major.

Key benefits include:

• Laboratory-based learning and guaranteed laboratory access from first year.
• Small, hands-on classes and practical scientific training.
• Study of biotechnology alongside chemistry, biochemistry, microbiology and statistics.
• Development of laboratory experimentation, biomolecular analysis and critical data-analysis skills.
• Exposure to biotechnology applications in medicine, forensics, agriculture and environmental areas.
• Three professionally focused, industry-linked projects through Swinburne's Work Integrated Learning approach.
• Flexibility to add a second major, co-major, minor, advanced minor or electives.

Programme Structure and Subjects / Topics

The standard degree consists of 300 credit points, including 100 credit points of Science core, 100 credit points of Biotechnology major studies and 100 credit points of other study.

Indicative Biotechnology sequence published by Swinburne:

Year 1:

• Data Science Principles – COS10022
• Concepts of Biology – BIO10001
• Chemistry 1 – CHE10001
• Energy and Motion – PHY10001
• Calculus and Applications or Preliminary Mathematics
• Sustainability Challenges in Science – NPS10003
• Concepts of Biotechnology – BIO10003
• Linear Algebra and Applications or Essential Mathematics
• Elective/s as applicable.

Year 2:

• Introduction to Biochemistry – BCH20002
• The Microbial World – BIO20002
• Societal Challenges in Science – NPS20011
• Biochemistry of Genes and Proteins – BCH20001
• Microbes in the Environment – BIO30005
• Elective/s.

Year 3:

• Advanced Biochemistry – BCH30003
• Applications of Bioinformatics – BIO30009
• Grand Challenges in Science – NPS30004
• Molecular Biotechnology – BIO30004
• Elective/s.

Biotechnology major units:

• Concepts of Biotechnology – BIO10003
• Introduction to Biochemistry – BCH20002
• The Microbial World – BIO20002
• Biochemistry of Genes and Proteins – BCH20001
• Microbes in the Environment – BIO30005
• Advanced Biochemistry – BCH30003
• Applications of Bioinformatics – BIO30009
• Molecular Biotechnology – BIO30004.

Disciplines / Specialisations

Biotechnology is one of the eight current Bachelor of Science majors:

• Applied Mathematics
• Astronomy and Astrophysics
• Biochemistry
• Biotechnology
• Chemistry
• Environmental Science
• Physics
• Space Technology.

Programme Highlights

• 3-year Bachelor of Science qualification.
• Biotechnology major with 100 credit points of dedicated major study.
• Laboratory access from the first year.
• Small, hands-on classes.
• Practical biotechnology training.
• Three professionally focused, industry-linked projects through Work Integrated Learning.
• Major combines biology and technology with applications across healthcare, agriculture, environmental science, business and other areas.
• Development of technical-report writing, research, data-analysis, laboratory and problem-solving skills.
• Optional professional placement of six or 12 months is incorporated into an extended course structure.
• Biotechnology students have access to related science electives and interdisciplinary study options.

Career Outcomes

Swinburne identifies the following career opportunities for the Biotechnology major:

• Biotechnology researcher
• Clinical biochemist
• Agricultural or environmental scientist
• Diagnostic laboratory scientist
• Pharmaceutical scientist.

Latest Updates / Special Requirements

• Current course code: BA-SC2.
• CRICOS code: 088402K.
• Current standard duration: 3 years full-time.
• Current published 2027 starts: 1 March 2027 and 2 August 2027.
• Standard degree requirement: 300 credit points.
• Maximum academic credit: 200 credit points, subject to assessment.
• Mathematics prerequisite applies.
• MathsLink Methods is required if the mathematics prerequisite is not met.
• Biotechnology cannot be combined with Biochemistry as a second major.
• The course includes laboratory activities involving scientific equipment, chemicals and potentially hazardous substances. Swinburne's Informed Choices information identifies laboratory navigation, operation of scientific instruments and safe handling of chemicals, acids, solvents and other hazardous substances as relevant course requirements.
• The optional professional placement requires planning and registration in advance; Swinburne's handbook indicates students should register at least six months before their preferred placement start date.

International Student Visa Requirements

International students intending to study the Bachelor of Science in Australia generally require an Australian Student visa, Subclass 500.

Key requirements include:

• Enrolment in an eligible CRICOS-registered course.
• A valid Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE).
• Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), unless an exemption applies.
• Meeting the Genuine Student requirement.
• Meeting applicable health and character requirements.
• Providing financial evidence where required.
• Complying with the conditions attached to the individual Student visa.

Study conditions:

• Swinburne states that international students in Australia holding Student visas are required to study full-time and on campus.
• Online-only study is not available to international students in Australia who hold a Student visa.

Work conditions:

• Student visa holders can generally work up to 48 hours per fortnight while their course is in session.
• Student visa holders can generally work unlimited hours when the course is not in session, subject to their individual visa conditions.
• Students cannot begin work before their course starts.
• The student's visa grant letter and VEVO record should be checked for the exact conditions applying to them.

OSHC:

• Student visa applicants generally need adequate OSHC for the required period.
• The Department of Home Affairs states that evidence of adequate OSHC must be provided, unless the applicant falls within an exemption category.