Bachelor of Molecular Biotechnology

By 2031, the global biotechnology market is expected to be valued at US$53.7 billion – which means over the coming decade, skilled biotech professionals will be more in demand than ever. With the UTS Bachelor of Molecular Biotechnology, students who are passionate about using science to transform human and environmental outcomes can take their place in this rapidly expanding field.

At its core, biotechnology is about manipulating the cellular and molecular processes of living organisms. This uniquely hands-on degree prepares students to work at the intersection of emerging technology and medical or environmental science to drive new innovations in human and planetary health.

Why UTS Science?

As one of Australia’s leading university science faculties, UTS Science is committed to teaching and research that creates a more sustainable world. When students enrol at UTS, they join a university that delivers global impact in STEM education and research and a faculty that produces scientists with the power to transform the profession, the globe and society.

Course features

• Students complete a series of common core subjects that underpin all undergraduate UTS Science degrees. Design, Data and Decisions and Scientific Perspectives for Global Issues are designed to equip students with a toolkit of technical and workplace skills, preparing them to thrive both at and after uni.
  
• Choice of major:
  
• Medical Biotechnology: Course content combines the key scientific disciplines that underpin the medical biotech field – molecular biology, microbiology, pharmacology, human genetics and immunology – with a major that’s all about the application of biotechnology to human health. Students explore specialist subjects in areas like medical devices and bioprocessing and get hands-on with the cutting-edge molecular tools and techniques that define the modern biotech industry. By the time they graduate, students have the practical skills and theoretical knowledge to shape the future of medical diagnosis and treatment.
  
• Environmental Biotechnology: This major prepares students to harness biological technologies and methods to address pressing environmental issues, including pollution mitigation, environmental remediation, renewable energy generation, biosecurity and biomass production. Through a combination of biotech and specialist environmental subjects, graduates emerge ready to contribute to products and processes that preserve and care for our planet. 
  
• Free electives: Students can customise the degree to suit their personal or career aspirations. They can enrol in an international exchange, pursue a professional internship, or tailor their studies with a choice of subjects from any UTS faculty.
  
• Cross-disciplinary expertise: UTS Science curriculum goes beyond scientific and technical skills development. With subjects in biobusiness and intellectual property commercialisation, students can also explore the commercial and ethical impacts of biotechnology in the world beyond the lab.

Taught by the leaders in biotechnology 

Course content is shaped by research from the acclaimed UTS Climate Change Cluster (C3); the Australian Institute for Microbiology & Infection (AIMI); the School of Life Sciences; and the Deep Green Biotech Hub, a UTS-partnered collaboration that specialises in algal biotechnology and innovation. As well as studying industry-aligned curriculum, students gain access to guest lectures, mentoring and more through UTS’s extensive industry connections. Elsewhere, the faculty’s rapidly expanding professional experience program can connect students with internships in UTS laboratories and in leading medical science organisations in Sydney and beyond*.

*Please note: this is an elective subject. Students must complete a competitive application process to secure a professional placement.

Purpose-built facilities for hands-on learning

As a university of technology, UTS is known for its commitment to practice-based teaching and the integration of new technologies into course design and development. Students learn in the world-class Hive Super Lab and UTS Science Super Lab, two tech-driven learning environments that support simultaneous teaching of multiple classes in a single collaborative space. They also have the opportunity to visit the UTS Biologics Innovation Facility, a purpose-built good manufacturing process (GMP) bioprocessing facility where biotechnology comes to life.

Areas of study

Environmental biotechnology, medical biotechnology.

Career opportunities

Medical biotechnology major: Positions in laboratories or research labs developing new vaccines and medicines for pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies, hospitals, pathology and biomedical firms, universities, and research institutes.

Environmental biotechnology major: Research associate, consultant, field scientist, microbiologist, conservation officer, environment officer, biotechnologist, and employment across a wide range of industries, creating new products or processes to conserve the environment.

Honours

Available as an additional year to meritorious students.

Fees and charges

Refer to UTS current fee information.