C10078v6 Bachelor of Engineering Bachelor of Biotechnology

Overview

This combined degree 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.

Course aims

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

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.

Assumed knowledge

Mathematics Extension 1; Physics; and English Standard.

English Advanced is recommended.

Course duration and attendance

The course duration is 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 a week for attendance at classes.

Course structure

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 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.

Course program

The example program below is for a full-time, Autumn-commencing student with electrical engineering as their chosen engineering major.

Levels of award

The Bachelor of Engineering may be awarded with first or second class honours for meritorious performance in the course as a whole.

Honours

Professional recognition

The Bachelor of Engineering is accredited by Engineers Australia (under the Washington Accord the degree is internationally recognised by countries including the UK, USA, Hong Kong China, Malaysia, Korea, Japan, Ireland, New Zealand, Canada, Chinese Taipei, Russia, Singapore, South Africa and Turkey). Depending on the disciplines chosen, students may also be eligible for entry to other relevant professional associations.

Other information

Further information is available from: