Malaysian students: RM21,600 (annual for 2010)
International students: RM24,200 (annual for 2010)
3 Year/s
March, August
*The indicative course fees shown here applies to students studying on-campus in Malaysia for the relevant year only. They are based on a standard study load per year. However, please note that fees are assessed according to a student's study load in each semester, and variation to study load will result in an adjustment to tuition fees. All fees are subject to annual review and may be adjusted.
Biotechnology is the applied science of using living organisms and their by-products for commercial development. In fact, everyday items, like milk, beer antibiotics, biodegradable plastics and bio-fuels are all commodities of biotechnology. More specifically, many biotechnologist work with recombinant DNA, cell fusion, bio-processing techniques, bioremediation (a process that uses micro-organisms or their enzymes to return the environment altered by contaminants to its original condition) and environmental management.
Through Swinburne’s Biotechnology professional major, you will examine the fundamental sciences that underpin biotechnology – chemistry, biochemistry, microbiology and statistics – whilst developing applications of biotechnology to areas such as business, ethics, and environmental science.
The course aims to develop:
mastery of the basic scientific principles that underpin biotechnology
a sound and practical knowledge of laboratory techniques and practices through which biotechnological discoveries are made
an appreciation of the social context in which scientific work is undertaken and which scientific knowledge is applied
an appreciation of the legislation that regulates scientific activities, and particularly those that relate to biotechnology
advanced communication and interpersonal skills, both verbal and written
an appreciation of the moral, ethical and social elements essential to a satisfying personal philosophy and a sound professional attitude
skills in self education, evaluation of new information and encouragement in flexibility of thought, to prepare students for a world of accelerating technological change
This course will operate under a student workload model based on 100 credit points for a full-time academic year. One credit point is deemed to be equivalent to one hour of student work per week over a semester, whether in contact with staff or in private study. Four units of study, each worth 12.5 credit points, will generally be taken each semester. The typical student's average weekly workload during semester is therefore expected to be 50 hours. Total student contact hours, including lectures, classes, tutorials, flexible learning and laboratory and field sessions will be approximately 16 hours per week during academic semesters.
Students in the Bachelor of Science (Biotechnology) program must complete 300 credit points, normally 24 units of 12.5 credit points each, comprising:
Biotechnology Professional Major, 16 units of 12.5 credit points each (200 credit points); and
one Co-Major (8 units) OR two Minors (4 units each).
Students can choose from a range of co-majors or minors that add depth or breadth to their degree and also have the option to select their co-major or minors from another Faculty, timetable permitting.
Additionally the following rule apply:
the same unit cannot be counted more than once. Where there are overlaps, the 300 credit points of study must be made up in the first instance by a Minor where 50 credit points is required, otherwise by free electives or Options Plus units.
Students can complete the entire degree programme in Sarawak campus. Students will be able to transfer to Swinburne University of Technology, where the course is offered. Acceptance is subjected to academic merit and approval by the respective Faculty.
Minors available in Swinburne Sarawak A Minor (50 credit points or 4 units of study) is a prescribed set of units that may broaden a student’s learning, such as a set of units from different disciplines.
Consumer Chemistry Minor
Consumer Chemistry involves the chemical underpinning of many everyday items, such as food, wine, agricultural products and the environment. The minor is suitable to students who wish to study science (particularly chemistry) using interesting and relevant examples.
Industrial and Environmental Biotechnology Minor
Both industrial and environmental biotechnology provide excellent examples of biotechnology in action. The minor is specifically designed for biotechnology and bioscience students who wish to study real world examples of biotechnology, particularly in a cultural, geographical and environmental setting of relevance to Malaysia in general and Sarawak in specific.
Swinburne offers International Exchange Programs as well as other Education Abroad Programs to help internationalise your degree. International Exchange is an academic program allowing you to study at a Swinburne Partner Institution for one or two semesters during your degree. Swinburne's Partner Institutions offer many relevant subjects as well as a secure base to explore a different culture. Your studies whilst on exchange can be credited towards your Swinburne degree, provided they are relevant and approved by Swinburne. For further information visit the Swinburne Abroad website.
Biotechnology is a rapidly developing, globally focused industry with strong government support for innovation. As a biotechnology graduate you can pursue an exciting career in a range of fields including medical, environmental or biomolecular research, clinical biochemistry, food or beverage production, agricultural biochemistry, fermentation technology, wine science, pharmaceutical production, protein engineering, waste treatment, biodegradation, bioremediation, sales, marketing, business analysis and management in the biochemical/chemical industries.
A range of scholarships are available to local (Sarawakian, Sabahan
& West Malaysian) and International students either at commencement
or on the continuation of a program.
