301636 v.5 Bachelor of Science (Molecular Genetics and Biotechnology)

Introduction

Molecular Biotechnology will dominate science and technology in the 21st Century. Molecular biotechnologists will provide solutions to some of the most challenging and pressing problems facing humanity including prevention and control of human, animal and plant diseases, reversal of environmental degradation and feeding the world's population. "DNA chips" can detect expression of thousands of genes enabling rapid diagnosis of many diseases in a single test. Individuals will have access to their own DNA sequence and hence predict their propensity to develop cancer, Alzheimer's, diabetes, heart failure and many other human diseases. Genetic engineering is being used to design new vaccines, antimicrobial agents and pharmaceutical drugs for prevention and control of many diseases - AIDS, malaria, tuberculosis, to name just a few. Plants and animals are being genetically modified to improve the world's food supply. Stem cells and tissue culture promise novel methods for organ replacement and injury repair. Our graduates look forward to a wide array of challenging careers working alongside other scientists, medical and health-care professionals, engineers, computer software developers, lawyers, business professionals and entrepreneurs.

Course Entry Requirements/Prerequisites

Prerequisites: No prior study in a particular subject is required. Applicants must meet the University’s standard entry requirements, which include English competency. Desirable: Chemistry 3A/3B and Mathematics 3C/3D and Human Biological Science 3A/3B or Biological Sciences 3A/3B. STAT: E and either V or Q

Specific Requirements

STAT elements considered are E and either V or Q. Applicants with relevant TAFE qualifications are encouraged to contact the School to discuss entry qualification and any recognition of prior learning.

Recognition of Prior Learning

Applications for recognition of prior learning are assessed on an individual basis.

Duration and Availability

This course is three years full time or equivalent part-time.

Course Organisation

The first year of the degree provides a general introduction to biomedical science and support disciplines. In the second year students gain a thorough understanding of the molecular biology of genetics, biochemistry, microbiology and immunology. The final year explores the molecular basis of disease and microbial pathogenesis and introduces students to analyses of molecular and genetic data with advanced bioinformatics software. Students learn to use cutting-edge techniques and laboratory instruments for sophisticated molecular and genetic analyses. Students debate the legal, social and ethical implications raised by the advent of molecular biotechnology. Finally there is an introduction to intellectual property, patents and commercial opportunities relevant to the biotechnology industry in Australia and the surrounding region.

Career Opportunities

Graduates are sought by government, academic and private research centres, and biomedical, agricultural and pharmaceutical industries. Graduates with commercial ideas and entrepreneurial skills may develop their own businesses and companies.

Additional Course Expenses

All essential equipment, computer software and study materials are provided. Students may wish to purchase additional textbooks, reference materials and their own personal computer.

Further Information

Please note that some units in this course are available as electives for students in other courses. Prospective students should consult the course coordinator to discuss alternative prerequisites for these units. For further information contact Curtin Future Students on telephone (08) 9266 1000 email: futurestudents@curtin.edu.au or visit our website: www.healthsciences.curtin.edu.au.

Special Note

Contact School of Biomedical Sciences on (08) 9266 7374, or visit their website at www.biomed.curtin.edu.au.

Course Structure Disclaimer

Curtin University reserves the right to alter the internal composition of any course to ensure learning outcomes retain maximum relevance. Any changes to the internal composition of a course will protect the right of students to complete the course within the normal timeframe and will not result in additional cost to students through a requirement to undertake additional units.

The information displayed above refers to study periods and locations where the course is available for first time entry. Students are normally only offered or admitted to a course once.

* The course itself may not be available either solely internally or externally but individual units may be offered in either or both of those modes. Prospective students should contact the Course Coordinator for further information.

^ Course and associated units are offered in this mode permitting International Onshore student enrolment.

# Course and associated units are offered in this online only mode and DO NOT permit International Onshore student enrolment.