Biotechnologist (NSW/ACT)

State/Territory Specific Information

Education and Training:

To become a biotechnologist you usually have to complete a biotechnology degree or a science degree with a major in one of the life sciences. You may also become a biotechnologist by completing a degree in chemical engineering with a major in any type of biological engineering. To get into these courses you usually need to gain your HSC/ACT Year 12. Prerequisite subjects, or assumed knowledge, in one or more of chemistry and mathematics are normally required. Most universities in Australia offer degrees in these areas. Universities have different prerequisites and some have flexible entry requirements or offer external study. Contact Open Universities Australia or the universities you are interested in for more information as requirements may change.

Related Courses:

While the following courses are related to this occupation, they may not necessarily lead directly to employment, nor provide the most direct pathway to the occupation. Courses which provide preliminary or informal training, as well as those which provide additional job skills following initial qualifications may also be listed.

*Course is offered by more than one institution. Click link for details.

  1. Diploma of Laboratory Technology - Biotechnology
  2. Bachelor of Arts / Bachelor of Science *
  3. Bachelor of Biotechnology *
  4. Bachelor of Commerce / Bachelor of Science *
  5. Bachelor of Communication and Media Studies / Bachelor of Science
  6. Bachelor of Computer Science / Bachelor of Science
  7. Bachelor of Creative Arts / Bachelor of Science
  8. Bachelor of Engineering - Computer or Electrical or Telecommunications / Bachelor of Science
  9. Bachelor of Engineering / Bachelor of Biotechnology
  10. Bachelor of Engineering / Bachelor of Science *
  11. Bachelor of Engineering / Bachelor of Science / Diploma of Engineering Practice
  12. Bachelor of Forensic Biotechnology
  13. Bachelor of Medical Biotechnology
  14. Bachelor of Medical Biotechnology (Advanced)
  15. Bachelor of Medical Science *
  16. Bachelor of Medical Science / Bachelor of Forensic Biotechnology
  17. Bachelor of Music / Bachelor of Science *
  18. Bachelor of Music / Bachelor of Science (Advanced)
  19. Bachelor of Science *
  20. Bachelor of Science - Advanced Science / Bachelor of Arts
  21. Bachelor of Science - Advanced Science / Bachelor of Social Science
  22. Bachelor of Science - Agriculture
  23. Bachelor of Science - Biotechnology
  24. Bachelor of Science - Computer Science / Bachelor of Science
  25. Bachelor of Science - Forensic Biotechnology
  26. Bachelor of Science - International
  27. Bachelor of Science / Bachelor of Arts *
  28. Bachelor of Science / Bachelor of Commerce *
  29. Bachelor of Science / Bachelor of Education
  30. Bachelor of Science / Bachelor of Laws *
  31. Bachelor of Science / Bachelor of Social Science
  32. Bachelor of Philosophy - Science (Honours)
  33. Bachelor of Science - Advanced Science *

Employment Opportunities:

Biotechnologists are employed in federal, state, territory and local government organisations, including research organisations. They are also employed in private industry, hospitals, educational institutions, primary production and fisheries. Entry to some jobs is highly competitive.

While many laboratory roles are more junior, these roles provide opportunities to expand your scientific knowledge with the aim of running your own laboratory or moving into allied business services such as clinical trial development, patenting, business development, project management and regulation. Senior positions in the industry often require an honours, masters or doctorate degree, demonstrating a high level of competence in the laboratory.

For Further Information:

AusBiotech Ltd

(03) 9828 1400
www.ausbiotech.org

Biotechnology Online

www.biotechnologyonline.gov.au

TechNyou

1800 631 276
www.technyou.edu.au

Information for other states and territories: