“I want to learn how to use living organisms and their by-products for commercial development”

“I want to learn how to use living organisms and their by-products for commercial development”

Bachelor of Science (Biotechnology)

R2/545/6/0060 | MQA/FA15192 (21.06.2025)

In this course students will examine the fundamental sciences that underpin biotechnology – chemistry, biochemistry, and microbiology – while investigating the application of biotechnology to areas such as business, ethics and environmental science. This professional major also provides flexible study options that allow students to take minors and/or electives studies in chemistry or environmental science or other areas such as business, information technology and designs.

INTAKES
February, September

DURATION
3 years

Professional recognition Graduates are eligible to apply for graduate membership with the Australian Biotechnology Association, The Australian Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Australian Society for Microbiology and the Royal Australian Chemical Institute.

Course details

Course objectives

The main aim of the course is to provide graduates with the knowledge, skills and attitudes to be a professional scientist in their chosen discipline area. Graduates will have a qualification that allows them to seek professional employment, or further studies at honours or postgraduate level.

Students completing the Bachelor of Science (Biotechnology) should be able to:

  1. Demonstrate a coherent understanding of science by articulating the methods of science, explain why current scientific knowledge is both contestable and testable by further inquiry and explain the role and relevance of science in society
  2. Exhibit depth and breadth of scientific knowledge by demonstrating well-developed knowledge in at least one science disciplinary area
  3. Critically analyse and solve scientific problems by evaluating information from a range of sources, designing and planning an investigation, selecting and applying practical and theoretical techniques for that investigation and collecting, recording, interpreting and drawing conclusions from scientific data
  4. Effectively communicate science by presenting information or arguments, to a range of audiences, for a range of purposes using a variety of modes
  5. Adopt ownership of their own learning and scientific work by being independent and self-directed learners, working effectively and safely in an individual or team context, demonstrating knowledge of the regulatory framework relevant to the disciplinary area and practising ethical conduct

Course structure

For the completion of Bachelor of Science (Biotechnology), students are required to complete a total of 24 units (300 credit points) consisting of:

  • 8 Science Core studies (100 credit points)
  • 8 Biotechnology Major (100 credit points)
  • 8 Electives/Component Units (100 credit points)

Units of study

Core units

*Outcome unit – completion demonstrates the attainment of course learning outcomes

Biotechnology Major

*Outcome unit – completion demonstrates the attainment of course learning outcomes

Electives available in Sarawak in the Bachelor of Science (Biotechnology) course:

Science Elective Units

Other recommended electives

Fees & scholarships

Fee*

Malaysian students
RM35,840 (annual)
International students
RM45,792 (annual)

* 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.

Scholarships

At Swinburne scholarships are about providing opportunity, promoting equity and recognising excellence and achievement. Scholarships are available for both commencing and current students.

Find your scholarship

Entry requirements

Entry Requirements

Assess your eligibility for entry to Swinburne Sarawak.

English Requirements

Find out more about English language requirements.

Application process

Apply for this course by following the step-by-step process from the links below.

Career opportunities

As a biotechnology graduate you can pursue a career in environmental or biomolecular research, clinical biochemistry, food or beverage production, agricultural biochemistry, fermentation technology, waste treatment and biodegradation. It also provides pathways into honours, master and PhD degrees.

Online Enquiry

Explore other courses