Program Summary
Program Overview
Career Opportunities
Advanced Standing, Recognition of Prior Learning, Credit and Articulation
Program Structure
Program Requirements and Notes
Enquiries
Recommended Enrolment Patterns

Program Summary

QTAC Code: 013061
OP/Rank for 2005 Entry: OP-15 / Rank-67
Award Abbreviation: BSc(MicroBiotech)
Degree Type: Undergraduate
Mode of Study: On Campus
Duration: 3 years full-time or equivalent part-time
Fee Type: Commonwealth supported places, domestic fee-paying places, international fee-paying places
Total Units: 288
Recommended Prior Study: English, Maths and one or more of the Sciences, preferably Chemistry
CRICOS Code: 045996A

Program Overview

Microbes can only be seen with a microscope, and are often barely thought about, yet their influence on this planet is almost impossible to overstate - half of the mass of all organisms on Earth is microbes.

We live in a sea of microbes and depend on them for our survival. In this degree, you study the good, the bad, and the ugly side of microbes. Equally importantly, you study how we can use microbes to our advantage. Many commercially important foods such as cheese, bread, beer and wine are produced by microbes.

Almost all of biotechnology, including genetic engineering, relies at some stage on using microbes: the human genome project, for example, could not have been carried out without the use of bacteria. We now heavily use elements of biotechnology to study microbes in the environment.

Professional Membership

Graduates may become members/associate members of the following professional bodies depending on their study specialisations:

• Australasian Society for Immunology
• Australian Institute of Medical Scientists
• Australian Society for Biotechnology
• Australian Society for Microbiology

Career Opportunities

If you choose to enter the workforce rather than proceed to graduate studies you may obtain employment in the following fields: agricultural microbiology, aquaculture, bioremediation, biotechnology, food microbiology, industrial microbiology, infectious disease control, marine microbial ecology, medical microbiology, medical science, microbial genetics, microbial pollution monitoring and control, microbiological research and teaching, pharmaceutical microbiology, public health microbiology, soil microbiology, and water and waste water microbiology.

Program Structure

Core Courses

Select 2 courses from:
COR109 Communication and Thought
COR110 Innovation, Creativity and Entrepreneurship
COR111 Environment, Technology and Sustainability

Introductory Courses

3 required courses:
SCI103 Cell Biology
SCI105 Chemistry
SCI110 Science Research Methods
Plus select 2 introductory courses from the Faculty of Science, Health and Education. (These must not include NUR or EDU coded courses)

Advanced Courses

4 required courses:
MBT251 Biochemistry
MBT252 Molecular Biology
MBT253 Pathogens and Communicable Diseases
MBT263 Microbiology
Plus select at least 4 MBT coded courses, at least 3 of which are 300 level
Plus select at least 3 advanced courses from the Faculty of Science, Health and Education. (These must not include NUR or EDU coded courses)

Electives

Select up to 6 introductory or advanced courses from any faculty. ( Science, Health and Education, Arts and Social Sciences or Business)

Course Substitution: The GO (Global Opportunities) Program

As part of their USC program, students may apply to participate in the GO Program to undertake courses with an overseas higher education provider

Program Requirements and Notes

1. A maximum of 10 introductory (100 level) courses may be chosen, including the core courses.
2. A minimum of 14 advanced (200 & 300 level) courses must be chosen, 5 of which must be 300 level science (not coded NUR or EDU) courses.
3. Refer to the Academic Rules.
4. Refer to Explanation of Terms.
5. Refer to the Recommended Enrolment Patterns.

Enquiries

Faculty of Science, Health and Education
Tel: +61 7 5430 2869; Email: scienceinfo@usc.edu.au