Bachelor of Biotechnology
Degree overview
Algal biofuels, drought resistant crops and bionic eyes may sound like things of the distant future, but these are just some of the projects our biotechnologists are working on today.
Biotechnology is a fast moving field where scientists use living organisms and their products, to solve real world problems facing modern society. This exciting field has broad applications in medicine, biology, agriculture, manufacturing, renewable energy and engineering.
You will learn the foundations of biology, from genes through to ecology, while examining important questions about ethics and intellectual property.
An ANU Bachelor of Biotechnology gives you the knowledge to develop the fuel sources, foods and medical treatments of the future, while teaching you to think ethically about how they will change our society.
Key facts
What you'll learn
The Bachelor of Biotechnology is a three year degree which means you do not need to nominate any majors or minors as the focus of your studies is inherent in the name. The program also has flexibility to allow you to explore other areas of science in the fields biology, chemistry and neuroscience.
You will have the option of applying for an honours year towards the end of your third year of study.
Student experience
Take a trip to Japan
A group of ANU students travelled to the University of Tsukuba in Japan to complete a course on biodiversity and biotechnology.
Meet two ANU students who have a lot in common
Jiansi and Jianzhen, who share a love of sci-fi films, made a joint decision to leave China and move to Australia.
Virtual tour
Explore ANU science places, classrooms, laboratories and more through our interactive virtual tour.
Meet some of your teachers
Professor Susan Howitt, Program convener
Susan completed her PhD at ANU, working on the genetics of symbiotic nitrogen-fixing bacteria. She then moved to the John Curtin School of Medical Research to work first on the E. coli ATP synthase and later becoming involved in a project on the GABAA receptor. Her current research interests are in the area of student learning, in particular relating to conceptual learning and learning about research.
She is also the Senior Tuckwell Fellow, with responsibility for developing and coordinating a program for the Tuckwell Scholars.
Dr Andras Keszei, First year course convener
Andras's areas of expertise are Population, Ecological And Evolutionary Genetics, Terrestrial Ecology, Genome Structure And Regulation, Plant Cell And Molecular Biology, Structural Biology (including Macromolecular Modelling), Natural Products Chemistry, Analytical Spectrometry, and Separation Science. He lectures Molecular and Cell Biology.
Andras was awarded the Commendation for Outstanding Contribution to Student Learning in 2011.
Dr Mark Ellison, First year course convener
Mark is a senior lecturer and first year Chemistry coordinator in the Research School of Chemistry.
Mark was awarded the Pearson/RACI Centenary of Federation Educator of the year in 2011. He was also awarded a 2012 citation for outstanding contributions to student learning in the Australian Government awards for University Teaching.
Careers
Our Bachelor of Biotechnology graduates are highly 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.
The Australian National University has been ranked as the top university for graduate employability in Australia in the Global University Employability Ranking 2020. As a student at ANU, you gain access to the ANU CareerHub – an online career development and employability tool that includes a jobs board and careers resources. You also have access to drop-in chats with a career consultant and to attend our career fairs to meet potential employers.
Meet the ACT Young Scientist of the Year
Find out how Kai Chan went from a Bachelor of Biotechnology to developing drought-resistant crops.
Fees & Scholarships
Tuition fees: Tuition fees
Featured scholarships: Featured scholarships
ANU offers many scholarships both to overcome disadvantage and to recognise academic merit.
Watch the webinar
How to apply
Determine the best way to apply
There are different ways to apply to ANU, the best way for you to apply depends on your circumstances.
Understand the entry requirements
- Visit the Domestic applications - ANU Undergraduate page to check the admission dates.
- Make sure you understand the admission requirements for your chosen degree by reading them carefully on Programs and Courses website.
- All applicants must meet the University’s English Language Admission Requirements for Students.
Meet the co-curricular or service requirement
In addition to meeting academic requirements, we have introduced a compulsory co-curricular or service requirement.
Make sure you have met the co-curricular or service requirement and provide the appropriate documentation.
Gather supporting documents
When you apply to ANU, it's important to attach any requested supporting documentation, otherwise your application could be delayed.
Submit your application
Tick your application off your list so it's one less thing you need to think about. There are different ways to apply to ANU, the best way for you to apply depends on your circumstances.
Receiving a conditional offer
If your application is successful you will receive an early conditional offer. A conditional offer will be converted to a full offer when you meet the academic requirements for your program and any other conditions included in your conditional offer.
Accept your confirmed final offer
Upon meeting the conditions of your conditional offer, you will receive a final offer. Accept the offer and enrol at ANU!
Understand the entry requirements
- Visit the International applications - ANU Undergraduate page to check the admission dates.
- Make sure you understand the admission requirements for your chosen degree by reading them carefully on Programs and Courses website.
- All applicants must meet the University’s English Language Admission Requirements for Students.
Prepare entry requirements & support documents
When you apply to ANU, you must be prepared to provide specific documents that we need to assess your application.
Submit your application
Visit the International applications - ANU Undergraduate to start your application.
Receive an offer
You can apply at any time throughout the year. Most applications submitted before the 15th day of each month will be considered for an offer on the 1st day of the following month.
You can change your degree preference between the 9th and 15th day of each month. You will have two months to accept your offer from ANU.
View the application dates on the ANU Admissions website.
Accept your offer
Accept the offer and enrol at ANU!
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