This combined degree (two testamurs) is designed to provide opportunities for students interested in biotechnology, the scientific basis of engineering and technology, and the technology itself.
Engineers are needed in the biotechnology field to design new technologies for industries such as the food, agricultural, environmental and medical biotechnology industries.
A strong professional focus ensures graduates have the skills employers want with a solid link between theory and practice and the benefits of hands-on experience.
This combined degree can be completed in less time than would be required to complete the two degrees separately.
This course aims to produce graduates with professional qualifications in biotechnology and engineering who are well prepared to pursue a career in either field, or one that combines the skills of both.
Career options include positions in biotechnology, materials technology, medical technology and instrumentation, molecular biology and nanotechnology. Good employment opportunities exist with government scientific organisations, in research in universities, hospitals and industry, and in specialised development and consulting companies.
There is provision for students already enrolled in a Bachelor of Biotechnology or a Bachelor of Engineering degree to transfer to this combined degree program. The eligibility criteria used to assess transfer applications are in line with those used by UAC to assess non-current school leaver applicants.
Mathematics Extension 1; Physics; and English Standard.
English Advanced is recommended.
This course is offered over five years full time, 10 years part time, or six years full time with Honours.
Full-time attendance involves approximately 24 hours each week at the University, which allows a full stage of the course to be completed in one semester. Part-time attendance involves approximately 12 hours each week at the University, which allows a full stage to be completed in one year. It is expected that employers will release part-time students for at least one half-day per week for attendance at classes.
The course comprises a total of 240 credit points, made up of 162 credit points of Engineering subjects and 78 credit points of Biotechnology subjects.
The Engineering component of this course is made up of subjects selected from the Engineering core, the Engineering Practice Program and the Engineering fields of practice (majors).
The Biotechnology component represents a specific Biotechnology strand. There is an emphasis on DNA technologies and applications, and on industrial aspects of biotechnology. Students attain a high level of competence in microbiology and biochemistry and learn to design products involving the application of biotechnology in product manufacturing.
A Diploma in Engineering Practice, and a Diploma in Scientific Practice, are also available. The Diploma in Engineering Practice requires the additional completion of two six-month internships and the Engineering Practice Program. The Diploma in Scientific Practice (C20038), a period of industrial training, is available with an additional year of full-time study. It is not offered to international students.
| STM90106 Core subjects | 54cp | |
| CBK90176 Engineering major choice | 108cp | |
| STM90274 Biotechnology Core | 78cp | |
| Total | 240cp |
The program for this course is the same as that for the Bachelor of Engineering Bachelor of Biotechnology Diploma in Engineering Practice (C10079), but without the requirements for the Diploma in Engineering Practice.
| Year 1 | ||
| Autumn semester | ||
| 33130 Mathematical Modelling 1 | 6cp | |
| 48510 Introduction to Electrical Engineering | 6cp | |
| 68037 Physical Modelling | 6cp | |
| 65111 Chemistry 1 | 6cp | |
| Spring semester | ||
| 33230 Mathematical Modelling 2 | 6cp | |
| 48023 Object-oriented Programming | 6cp | |
| 48520 Electronics and Circuits | 6cp | |
| 65212 Chemistry 2 | 6cp | |
| Year 2 | ||
| Autumn semester | ||
| 48230 Engineering Communication | 6cp | |
| 48610 Introduction to Mechanical and Mechatronic Engineering | 6cp | |
| 48441 Introductory Digital Systems | 6cp | |
| 91161 Cell Biology and Genetics | 6cp | |
| Spring semester | ||
| 48240 Design Fundamentals | 6cp | |
| 48530 Circuit Analysis | 6cp | |
| 68038 Advanced Mathematics and Physics | 6cp | |
| 91400 Human Anatomy and Physiology | 6cp | |
| Year 3 | ||
| Autumn semester | ||
| 48430 Embedded C | 6cp | |
| 48531 Electromechanical Systems | 6cp | |
| 91320 Metabolic Biochemistry | 6cp | |
| 91314 General Microbiology | 6cp | |
| Spring semester | ||
| 48451 Advanced Digital Systems | 6cp | |
| 48540 Signals and Systems | 6cp | |
| 48250 Engineering Economics and Finance | 6cp | |
| 91132 Molecular Biology 1 | 6cp | |
| Year 4 | ||
| Autumn semester | ||
| 48260 Engineering Project Management | 6cp | |
| 48210 Interrogating Technology: Sustainability, Environment and Social Change | 6cp | |
| 91142 Biotechnology | 6cp | |
| 91144 Plant Biotechnology | 6cp | |
| Spring semester | ||
| 48570 Data Acquisition and Distribution | 6cp | |
| 48551 Advanced Electronics | 6cp | |
| 48550 Electrical Energy Technology | 6cp | |
| Select 6 credit points from the following options: | 6cp | |
| 91326 Analytical Biochemistry | 6cp | |
| 91330 Epidemiology and Public Health Microbiology | 6cp | |
| 91401 Introductory Haematology and Immunology | 6cp | |
| Year 5 | ||
| Autumn semester | ||
| 48434 Embedded Systems | 6cp | |
| 48016 Capstone Project Part A | 6cp | |
| 91369 Biobusiness and Environmental Biotechnology | 6cp | |
| Select one of the following: | 6cp | |
| 91335 Molecular Biology 2 | 6cp | |
| 91359 Advanced Immunology | 6cp | |
| Spring semester | ||
| 48270 Engineering Enterprise | 6cp | |
| 48026 Capstone Project Part B | 6cp | |
| 48560 Analogue and Digital Control | 6cp | |
| 91368 Bioreactors and Bioprocessing | 6cp | |
The Bachelor of Engineering may be awarded with First or Second Class Honours for meritorious performance in the course as a whole.
An Honours program in Biotechnology (C09022) is available, which involves an extra year of full-time study. The Honours program is designed to introduce students to more advanced coursework and to research work in biotechnology. It allows selected students to continue with postgraduate studies if desired and enhances their employment prospects.
Engineers Australia
Depending on the disciplines chosen, students may also be eligible for entry to other relevant professional associations.
Further information is available from the Engineering Outreach Office on:
Further information on the Biotechnology component is available from: