Program Overview

Biotechnology is central to our lives. The use of plants, animals and bacteria, enhanced by areas such as genetics, genomics and synthetic biology, gives rise to new food, fibre and biochemical production routes, and new strategies for environmental protection and stewardship, all central requirements as the global population increases over the coming decades. You will study the theory of genetics and molecular biology and receive world-class training in ‘next generation’ practical techniques such as proteomics, metabolomics, genomics, and synthetic biology. These core skills will be complemented by bioinformatics practices.

This is a signature program that set us apart from other universities by offering a thorough grounding in state-of-the-art biotechnology and combining this with training in enterprise and commercialisation. This includes developing the theory of genetics and molecular biology in parallel with skills training in practical techniques such as genomics, proteomics, metabolomics, genetic engineering and synthetic biology techniques including CRISPR, as well as basic and advanced bioinformatics. Current streams include the application of biotechnology to Plant and Animal Breeding, Environmental Biotechnology, Genetics and Genomics, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, and Commercialisation.

This cross institutional course draws on the expertise of staff in the UWA Business School, business angels and mentors in biotechnology businesses to provide the academic and business skills you’ll need to make a significant contribution to the biotechnology sector now and in the future. Besides these skills in enterprise and commercialisation, in Science key components of your training will be provided by expert staff from the Schools of Molecular Science, Biological Sciences, and Earth Sciences. You can also pursue options from other areas within the university. This course will put you in an ideal position to pursue careers in international research laboratories, government agencies and the private sector, as outlined under Careers & Further Study.