BACHELOR OF SCIENCE
SPECIALISATION IN
BIOTECHNOLOGY
Biotechnology at VU is a stream within the general Science degree. This
allows you to develop a strong scientific background before choosing your
specialisation.
What is Biotechnology?
Biotechnology involves the use of biological cells, their components or products
for a range of industrial, environmental, agricultural and medical purposes. It is an
exciting field that deals with some of the major challenges faced in today’s society.
Biotechnologists at work!
If you are interested in research, education or industrial science, there is a wide
range of career opportunities in Biotechnology, such as:
Why study Biotechnology at VU?
• The course is carefully structured to prepare you for a career in the many fields
of Biotechnology.
• Our highly qualified educators are committed to providing you with in-depth
education in genetic engineering, cell biology, microbiology, biochemistry and
bioprocessing using the latest technologies such as genomics, proteomics and
bioinformatics. We ensure that you are equipped with the necessary knowledge
and expertise to follow a wide range of rewarding scientific careers.
• Our degree has a strong laboratory component which is highly regarded by
prospective employers. Our laboratory classes are kept small especially in
the second and third year, which means that we are able to personalise our
approach to your learning needs.
• Medical Biotechnologists focus to understand and develop new strategies to
combat diseases, producing tomorrow’s drugs and medicines including vaccines
and antibiotics.
• Your first year study is at the Footscray Campus, and the second and third
year studies are undertaken at the Werribee Campus. At Werribee, you have
access to world class research facilities, and have the opportunity to work with
postgraduate students and research scientists from around the world.
• Biotechnologists play a major role in agriculture, understanding plant diseases
and producing genetically modified crops that can tolerate drought or resist
disease.
• At VU, you will have the opportunity to perform your research project in
collaboration with experts from the biotechnology workforce.
• Biotechnology is an important branch of the food industry; yeast cells are
essential for the production of alcoholic beverages such as wine and beer and
bacteria play an essential role in the manufacture of cheese and other dairy
products.
• Environmental Science Biotechnologists use microbes that can treat waste and
clear up polluted areas, even oil spills. Biotechnologists are currently playing a
major role in fighting climate change by producing biofuels such as ethanol from
agricultural waste and biodiesel from algae.
WWW.VU.EDU.AU/STUDYSCIENCE
CRICOS Provider No. 00124K
For further information, contact Dr Domenico Caridi
phone: +61 3 9919 8077 or +61 3 9919 4201
email: [email protected]
For general enquiries phone: +61 3 9919 4703
email: [email protected]