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I want more infoIn this course you will
- Explore biotechnology through a research-intensive science degree designed for high-achieving students.
- Build expertise in molecular biology, genetics, biochemistry and biotechnology while working alongside researchers from your first year.
- Develop the scientific knowledge, laboratory skills and research experience needed to tackle challenges in health, industry and the environment.
In this course you will
- Explore biotechnology through a research-intensive science degree designed for high-achieving students.
- Build expertise in molecular biology, genetics, biochemistry and biotechnology while working alongside researchers from your first year.
- Develop the scientific knowledge, laboratory skills and research experience needed to tackle challenges in health, industry and the environment.
Why choose this course?
Biotechnology is a great choice for students who want to understand how biology works at its most fundamental level and use that knowledge to create positive change in the world.
Biotechnology is recognised as a critical technology for the future and plays an important role in addressing challenges in:
- sustainable manufacturing
- environmental remediation
- decarbonisation of energy and mining industries
- improving access to advanced medicines
As an Advanced Science student, you'll investigate these opportunities through authentic research experiences and develop the skills needed to contribute to future scientific discoveries.
Real-world learning
Beyond the laboratory, you'll develop an understanding of entrepreneurship, innovation and the commercialisation of biotechnology. You'll explore how new biotechnologies are developed, evaluated and brought into practical use within a rapidly evolving global industry.
You'll also critically evaluate the ethical use of genetic technologies and consider the broader societal impacts of emerging biotechnologies.
As an Advanced Science student, you'll have opportunities to engage with research throughout your degree and contribute to the QUT Science Research Symposium, where students present findings, receive feedback and develop professional research communication skills.
Learn from the best
QUT has internationally recognised strengths in microbial and plant biotechnologies and works closely with biotechnology companies seeking university partners to develop new methods and innovations.
As part of the Bachelor of Science (Advanced) (Honours), you'll become part of a connected research community, building professional networks with academics, researchers and fellow students. From your first year, you'll engage with emerging scientific challenges and gain insight into how research translates into real-world outcomes.
QUT's biotechnology capability includes expertise in precision fermentation and industrial biotechnology, supporting the development of new biotechnology solutions and pathways from scientific discovery to practical application.
In this course, you'll learn from leading researchers like Dr James Behrendorff. James is a synthetic biologist and senior lecturer in Microbial Biotechnology whose research develops new ways to use enzymes and microorganisms to convert low-cost or waste resources into useful molecules like nutritional oils, pharmaceuticals, and bio-based plastics.
James is a chief investigator in the Australian Research Council's Centre of Excellence in Synthetic Biology and QUT Centre for Agriculture and the Bioeconomy. He has experience engineering diverse biological systems and has worked in the biotechnology industry in the United States.
Explore this course
Explore biotechnology through research from your first year
Biotechnology harnesses living organisms and biological systems to address real-world challenges in health, agriculture, manufacturing industries and the environment. As a biotechnology student in the Bachelor of Science (Advanced) (Honours), you'll combine advanced scientific study with authentic research experiences from your first year. You'll join a small cohort of high-achieving students and work alongside researchers exploring how biological systems can be understood, modified and applied to solve complex global challenges.
What you'll study
You'll build a strong foundation in molecular and cellular biology, including genetics and biochemistry. These core areas underpin our ability to understand, manipulate and engineer biological systems for practical applications.
You'll also explore microbiology and plant biology, gaining the theoretical knowledge and practical laboratory skills to analyse and modify biological systems at the molecular level. Through research-led teaching and scientific investigation, you'll learn how biotechnology can be used to solve complex challenges affecting society and industry.
Skills you'll gain
You'll develop advanced knowledge and skills in molecular biosciences as applied to microbial and plant biotechnologies, including using and modifying living organisms and biological components to create products and solutions.
By graduation, you'll be able to:
- design, plan and conduct biotechnology experiments
- analyse and interpret experimental results
- investigate genetic modification approaches
- evaluate biological processes and systems
- communicate complex scientific concepts
- apply scientific thinking to real-world challenges
You'll also graduate with highly transferable capabilities including critical thinking, data analysis, scientific literacy, communication and business case development.
Careers and outcomes
Skills and expertise in biotechnology are sought after across industry, research organisations and government.
The Advanced Science (Honours) pathway also provides strong preparation for honours-level research, higher-degree research and PhD study.
Possible careers
- Biotechnologist
- Biotechnology scientist
- Fermentation scientist
- Food scientist
- Microbial strain engineer
- Molecular biologist
- Plant biotechnologist
To graduate with a Bachelor of Science Advanced (Honours) students are required to complete 384 credit points, comprising:
- 132 credit points of core units
- 180 credit points of a Major
- 24 credit points of QUT You units
- 48 credit points of complementary studies.
Note that complementary studies options depend on major.
The Biotechnology Major consists of 180 credit points comprising:
- 156 credit points of core units
- 12 credit points of option units selected from Biotechnology Major Option Units List 1
- 12 credit points of option units selected from Biotechnology Major Option Units List 2
Biotechnology Major students are also required to complete 48 credit points of the complementary studies components (minors) selected from:
- Advanced Science Minor
- Applied Analytical Techniques Minor
Please note, students are expected to have a minimum GPA of at least 5.0 prior to entry to Honours level units in year 4. Students who do not meet this requirement will liaise with the Course Coordinator to discuss strategies for completion.
To graduate with a Bachelor of Science Advanced (Honours) students are required to complete 384 credit points, comprising:
- 132 credit points of core units
- 180 credit points of a Major
- 24 credit points of QUT You units
- 48 credit points of complementary studies.
Note that complementary studies options depend on major.
The Biotechnology Major consists of 180 credit points comprising:
- 156 credit points of core units
- 12 credit points of option units selected from Biotechnology Major Option Units List 1
- 12 credit points of option units selected from Biotechnology Major Option Units List 2
Biotechnology Major students are also required to complete 48 credit points of the complementary studies components (minors) selected from:
- Advanced Science Minor
- Applied Analytical Techniques Minor
Please note, students are expected to have a minimum GPA of at least 5.0 prior to entry to Honours level units in year 4. Students who do not meet this requirement will liaise with the Course Coordinator to discuss strategies for completion.
As this is a new course, the threshold will be available mid-January 2027.
- Course code
- ST20
- QTAC code
- 418062
- CRICOS code
- 102820D
-
- Gardens Point
-
- Gardens Point
- 4 years full-time
- 4 years full-time
- February
- February
Assumed knowledge
Before you start this course, we assume you have sound knowledge of the subject/s listed below. If you don't have the subject knowledge, you can still apply for the course but we strongly encourage you to undertake bridging studies to gain the knowledge:
- Specialist Mathematics (Units 3 & 4, C)
At least one of Agricultural Science, Biology, Chemistry, Earth and Environmental Science, Marine Science, or Physics (Units 3 & 4, C) in addition to prerequisite.
Prerequisites
Before you start this course, you must have obtained the required result for the Queensland year 12 subjects (or equivalent senior subjects) listed below within your Year 12 studies.
-
English, or Literature, or English and Literature Extension, or English as an Additional Language (Units 3 & 4, C); and
-
Mathematical Methods (Units 3 & 4, C); and
-
Either Biology or Chemistry (Units 3 & 4, B).
Additional entry requirements
You must be a 2026 Year 12 student or a recent Year 12 student returning from up to two gap years.
Adjustments to your ATAR/selection rank
Elite Athlete Scheme adjustments do not apply to this course. Any other adjustments you receive to your ATAR or selection rank will be applied to this course.
Find out if you're eligible for an adjustment to your ATAR or selection rank
Deferment
You can defer your offer and postpone the start of your course for one year.
Entry requirements
You must be a current Year 12 student or a recent Year 12 student returning from up to two gap years.
Prerequisites
Before you start this course, you must have obtained the required result for the Queensland year 12 subjects (or equivalent senior subjects) listed below within your Year 12 studies.
-
English, or Literature, or English and Literature Extension, or English as an Additional Language (Units 3 & 4, C); and
-
Mathematical Methods (Units 3 & 4, C); and
-
Either Biology or Chemistry (Units 3 & 4, B).
Minimum English language requirements
We accept English language proficiency scores from the following tests undertaken in a secure test centre. Tests must be taken no more than 2 years prior to the QUT course commencement.
| English Test | Overall | Listening | Reading | Writing | Speaking |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| IELTS Academic / One Skill Retake | 6.5 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 |
|
Cambridge C1 Advanced
You must share your results with QUT through the Candidate Results Online website. |
176 | 169 | 169 | 169 | 169 |
| PTE Academic | 58 | 50 | 50 | 50 | 50 |
| TOEFL iBT Australia Test (120 scale) | 79 | 16 | 16 | 21 | 18 |
Don't have the English language score you need? We can help!
We offer English language programs to improve your English and help you gain entry to this course.
When you apply for this course, we will recommend which English course you should enrol in.
Your actual fees may vary depending on which units you choose. We review fees annually, and they may be subject to increases.
2027 fees
2027: CSP $8,500 per year full-time (96 credit points)
2027 fees
2027: $48,600 per year full-time (96 credit points)
Student services and amenities fees
You may need to pay student services and amenities (SA) fees as part of your course costs.
HECS-HELP: loans to help you pay for your course fees
You may not have to pay anything upfront if you're eligible for a HECS-HELP loan.
Student services and amenities fees
You may need to pay student services and amenities (SA) fees as part of your course costs.
You can apply for scholarships to help you with study and living costs.
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