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I want more infoHighlights
Discover how biotechnology is shaping the future, and inspire the next generation of scientists to do the same.
- Explore how biotechnology is transforming health, food production, agriculture and sustainability.
- Build expertise in genetics, molecular biology, genomics and synthetic biology.
- Develop practical laboratory and scientific inquiry skills through hands-on learning.
- Learn from researchers and academics working at the forefront of biotechnology innovation.
- Connect contemporary biotechnology discoveries to secondary science and biology curriculum areas.
- Graduate prepared to teach science while sharing your passion for biotechnology with future generations.
Highlights
Discover how biotechnology is shaping the future, and inspire the next generation of scientists to do the same.
- Explore how biotechnology is transforming health, food production, agriculture and sustainability.
- Build expertise in genetics, molecular biology, genomics and synthetic biology.
- Develop practical laboratory and scientific inquiry skills through hands-on learning.
- Learn from researchers and academics working at the forefront of biotechnology innovation.
- Connect contemporary biotechnology discoveries to secondary science and biology curriculum areas.
- Graduate prepared to teach science while sharing your passion for biotechnology with future generations.
Why choose this course?
Studying biotechnology gives you a strong foundation in one of the most rapidly evolving areas of science. You'll learn how biological systems are used to create solutions in medicine, agriculture, environmental management and manufacturing while developing the knowledge needed to teach senior biology and science subjects with confidence.
The major combines theoretical knowledge with practical laboratory experience, helping you understand both the science itself and the processes of scientific investigation. These experiences provide valuable context for future classroom teaching and support your ability to bring contemporary science examples into learning environments
Real-world learning
Through laboratory classes and practical learning experiences, you'll develop skills used by biotechnology professionals while building an understanding of how science is applied outside the classroom.
You'll explore topics such as:
- industrial biotechnology
- biotechnology in agriculture
- food innovation and alternative proteins
- synthetic biology
- environmental biotechnology
- biotechnology ethics and regulation.
These experiences help you connect contemporary scientific practice with the science concepts you'll teach throughout your teaching career.
Explore this course
Biotechnology uses living organisms and biological systems to solve real-world challenges across health, agriculture, food production and environmental sustainability. In this major, you'll explore how biology can be applied to develop new products, improve industrial processes and create innovative solutions to global challenges.
Through studies in molecular biology, genetics, genomics, microbiology and synthetic biology, you'll develop a strong understanding of the science shaping our future. You'll gain hands-on laboratory experience while building the scientific literacy and critical thinking skills needed to explain complex concepts to others.
As a future secondary educator, you'll graduate with both specialist biotechnology knowledge and the skills to engage young people in science, helping the next generation understand emerging technologies and their role in addressing real-world challenges.
You'll develop knowledge across:
- molecular and cellular biology
- genetics and genomics
- microbiology
- biochemistry
- plant biology
- synthetic biology
- biotechnology applications and innovation.
You'll learn how to:
- conduct and evaluate scientific investigations
- analyse and interpret biological data
- apply laboratory techniques safely and effectively
- evaluate emerging biotechnology developments
- communicate scientific concepts clearly to different audiences
- understand the social, ethical and environmental impacts of biotechnology.
Careers and outcomes
This major forms part of the Bachelor of Education (Secondary) / Bachelor of Science and supports teaching specialisations in science-related curriculum areas. The biotechnology knowledge gained through this major can also provide pathways into postgraduate study and specialist science education roles.
Possible careers
- Secondary school teacher
- Teacher
This course is a vertical double degree, combining SV02 Bachelor of Science (Biological Sciences) with EU50 Master of Teaching (Secondary).
This course is a vertical double degree, combining SV02 Bachelor of Science (Biological Sciences) with EU50 Master of Teaching (Secondary).
- 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
- SV02
- QTAC code
- 409832
- CRICOS code
- 103173M
-
- Gardens Point
- Kelvin Grove
-
- Gardens Point
- Kelvin Grove
- 4 years full-time
- 8 years part-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:
- English, or Literature, or English and Literature Extension, or English as an Additional Language (Units 3 & 4, C)
- Mathematical Methods, or Specialist Mathematics (Units 3 & 4, C)
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 defer your offer and postpone the start of your course for one year.
More about deferring your offer
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
97.95
|
Selection rank
99.95
|
| Median ATAR/selection rank to receive an offer |
Selection rank
83.65
|
Selection rank
88.05
|
| Lowest ATAR/selection rank to receive an offer |
Selection rank
68.75
|
Selection rank
72.75
|
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).
I completed my studies outside of Australia
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.
Assumed knowledge
- Mathematical Methods, or Specialist Mathematics (Units 3 & 4, C)
You must have achieved this study at a level comparable to Australian Year 12 or in recognised post-secondary studies.
I completed secondary school in Australia
Assumed knowledge
Before you start this course we assume you have sound knowledge in these areas:
- Mathematical Methods, or Specialist Mathematics (Units 3 & 4, C)
- 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 | 7.5 | 8 | 7 | 7 | 8 |
|
Cambridge C1 Advanced
You must share your results with QUT through the Candidate Results Online website. |
191 | 200 | 193 | 193 | 208 |
| PTE Academic | 73 | 79 | 66 | 69 | 88 |
| TOEFL iBT Australia Test (120 scale) | 105 | 28 | 24 | 27 | 28 |
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: $55,200 per year full-time (108 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
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