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I want more infoDr James Behrendorff
Dr Behrendorff is a senior lecturer in microbial biotechnology and deputy program leader for synthetic biology in the Centre for Agriculture and the Bioeconomy. His research focuses on engineering enzymes and microbes to convert low-cost and waste resources into high-value molecules - such as nutritional oils, pharmaceuticals and bio-based plastics - enabling a shift toward circular, low-carbon biomanufacturing.
Dr James Behrendorff
Dr Behrendorff is a senior lecturer in microbial biotechnology and deputy program leader for synthetic biology in the Centre for Agriculture and the Bioeconomy. His research focuses on engineering enzymes and microbes to convert low-cost and waste resources into high-value molecules - such as nutritional oils, pharmaceuticals and bio-based plastics - enabling a shift toward circular, low-carbon biomanufacturing.
Program overview
Use the power of biology to create innovative solutions for people, industry and the planet.
- Learn how living systems can solve challenges in health, food, agriculture and sustainability.
- Explore genetics, molecular biology, genomics, microbiology and synthetic biology.
- Gain hands-on experience in modern biotechnology laboratories.
- Apply biotechnology to emerging industries including biomanufacturing, alternative proteins and environmental innovation.
- Learn from industry-connected researchers working on real-world challenges.
- Build career-ready skills for biotechnology, health, environmental and food industries.
Program overview
Use the power of biology to create innovative solutions for people, industry and the planet.
- Learn how living systems can solve challenges in health, food, agriculture and sustainability.
- Explore genetics, molecular biology, genomics, microbiology and synthetic biology.
- Gain hands-on experience in modern biotechnology laboratories.
- Apply biotechnology to emerging industries including biomanufacturing, alternative proteins and environmental innovation.
- Learn from industry-connected researchers working on real-world challenges.
- Build career-ready skills for biotechnology, health, environmental and food industries.
Why choose this course?
Biotechnology is ideal for curious problem-solvers who want to understand how living systems work and use that knowledge to improve people's lives and the world around them.
At QUT, you'll learn in an environment connected to world-leading biotechnology research and industry. Our expertise spans microbial biotechnology, plant biotechnology, synthetic biology and biomanufacturing, with strong partnerships across the biotechnology sector.
Biotechnology is playing an increasingly important role in addressing global challenges such as:
- sustainable manufacturing
- food security
- environmental remediation
- climate adaptation
- renewable materials and products
- advanced medicines and healthcare technologies.
You'll also explore how biotechnology innovations move from research to real-world applications through entrepreneurship, commercialisation and industry engagement.
Real-world learning
You'll gain practical experience through laboratory classes, project-based learning and research-informed teaching. Throughout the course, you'll work with technologies and methods used across contemporary biotechnology industries.
The major emphasises the real-world application of biotechnology, including:
- industrial biotechnology
- precision fermentation
- plant biotechnology
- microbial biotechnology
- biotechnology innovation and commercialisation
- ethical and regulatory considerations in biotechnology.
Learning activities are informed by QUT's strong industry partnerships and biotechnology research capability.
Facilities and industry connections
You'll learn from researchers and industry-connected academics at QUT's Gardens Point campus. Teaching draws on facilities including:
- molecular bioscience laboratories
- chemistry teaching laboratories
- microbial and plant growth facilities
- specialised biotechnology infrastructure
- bioprocessing and fermentation facilities.
QUT has strong connections with biotechnology organisations and companies working across food, agriculture, health and industrial biotechnology. These links help ensure your learning reflects current industry needs and emerging technologies.
Learn from the best
This course is taught by leading experts in biotechnology research, including:
- Dr James Behrendorff, synthetic biologist and senior lecturer in microbial biotechnology
- Associate Professor Brett Williams, research leader in plant resilience and crop biotechnology
- Professor Phil Pope, research leader in microbiome science
Explore this course
Biotechnology uses living organisms and biological systems to solve real-world challenges across health, agriculture, manufacturing and the environment. In this major, you'll explore how biology can be applied to develop new products, improve industrial processes and create sustainable solutions for the future.
You'll build a strong foundation in molecular and cellular biology, genetics, biochemistry and genomics before progressing to advanced areas such as synthetic biology, microbial biotechnology and plant biotechnology. Through hands-on laboratory experiences and research-led learning, you'll develop practical skills in analysing, modifying and engineering biological systems.
Drawing on QUT's strengths in industrial biotechnology and synthetic biology, this major prepares you for careers in one of Australia's fastest-growing science sectors.
Through this major, you'll develop knowledge across:
- molecular and cellular biology
- genetics and genomics
- biochemistry and metabolism
- microbiology
- plant biology
- synthetic biology
- biotechnology applications and design.
You'll learn how to:
- design and conduct biotechnology experiments
- analyse biological data
- apply genomic and molecular tools
- engineer biological components and systems
- evaluate emerging biotechnology solutions
- communicate complex scientific concepts to different audiences.
Careers and outcomes
Biotechnology graduates are in demand across industries including biotechnology, agriculture, food production, environmental management, healthcare, advanced manufacturing and government.
Graduates may also pursue honours, research higher degrees and advanced study pathways in biotechnology and related fields.
Possible careers
- Bioprocess scientist
- Biotechnologist
- Biotechnology scientist
- Fermentation scientist
- Microbial strain engineer
- Plant biotechnologist
- Research scientist
The Biotechnology Major consists of 120 credit points comprising:
- 96 credit points of core units
- 24 credit points of option units
The Biotechnology Major consists of 120 credit points comprising:
- 96 credit points of core units
- 24 credit points of option units
- ATAR/selection rank threshold
- 70.00
These thresholds are the lowest adjusted scores to which QUT made an offer in Semester 1, 2026.
Don't have a ATAR/selection rank?
- Course code
- ST01
- QTAC code
- 418011
- CRICOS code
- 077696D
-
- Gardens Point
-
- Gardens Point
- 3 years full-time
- 6 years part-time
- 3 years full-time
- February and July
- February and July
Year 12 early offer scheme
If you're a current Queensland Year 12 student, you may be eligible to receive an offer for this course on the last day of Queensland Year 12, before receiving your ATAR or selection rank.
Offer guarantee
If you achieve an ATAR or selection rank of 70.00 or higher (including any adjustments) and satisfy all other admission requirements, you are guaranteed an offer for this course in the Semester 1 offer rounds, up to the main offer round in mid-January.
VET guarantee
If you have completed an AQF certificate IV, diploma or higher, and satisfy all other admission requirements, you are guaranteed an offer for this course in the Semester 1 offer rounds, up to the main offer round in mid-January.
Advanced standing
If you have prior studies or work experience, you may be eligible for advanced standing (credit). You can apply for advanced standing once you've been accepted to QUT. If you're in your first semester of study, you must apply for advanced standing within 10 days of receiving your offer.
Deferment
You can't defer your offer in this course. You must start in the semester you apply for.
Adjustments to your ATAR/selection rank
Any 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
Offers we made to school leavers in Semester 1, 2026
The figures listed in the tables below reflect the offers that were made to recent ATAR students. The entry thresholds box at the top of this page shows the lowest adjusted ATAR/selection rank required to receive an offer for all applicants for the most recent January QTAC offer round.
| Excluding adjustments | Including adjustments | |
|---|---|---|
| Highest ATAR/selection rank to receive an offer |
Selection rank
99.80
|
Selection rank
99.95
|
| Median ATAR/selection rank to receive an offer |
Selection rank
79.55
|
Selection rank
81.70
|
| Lowest ATAR/selection rank to receive an offer |
Selection rank
66.25
|
Selection rank
70.25
|
You can find out more about your fellow students’ backgrounds with this course’s student profile.
Other admission options
If you are of Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander descent, you may be eligible for admission through our Centralised Assessment Selection Process (CASP).
Select the country where you completed your studies to see a guide to the grades you need to apply for this course.
If your country or qualification is not listed, you can still apply for this course and we will assess your eligibility.
I completed secondary school in Australia
- ATAR/selection rank
- 70.00
Offer guarantee
If you completed secondary school in Australia and achieve an ATAR/selection rank of 70.00 or higher (including any adjustments) and satisfy all other admission requirements, you are guaranteed an offer for this course.
VET guarantee
If you have completed an AQF certificate IV, diploma or higher, and satisfy all other admission requirements, you are guaranteed an offer for this course.
Minimum English language requirements
Select the country where you completed your studies to see a guide on meeting QUT’s English language requirements.
Your scores and prior qualifications in English-speaking countries are considered. Approved English-speaking countries are Australia, Canada, England, Ireland, New Zealand, Scotland, United States of America and Wales.
If your country or qualification is not listed, you can still apply for this course and we will assess your eligibility.
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: Fee available from October
2027 fees
2027: $48,500 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.
Equity scholarships scheme
A scholarship for low-income students studying in any faculty.
- Scholarship eligibility
- Struggling financially
International Merit Scholarship
A high achievement scholarship for future international undergraduate and postgraduate students.
- Scholarship eligibility
- Academic performance
International Talent Scholarship
A new scholarship for 2026 that covers tuition fees, with eligibility based on your prior academic achievements.
- Scholarship eligibility
- Academic performance
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