Undergraduate Major

Genetics and Biotechnology

Studying Genetics and Biotechnology lets you explore the amazing world of DNA, and learn about cutting edge tools and technology that are shaping how we solve biological problems at the molecular level.

What type of student are you?

Domestic International

Murdoch code: MJ-GENB
Study mode: Part Time or Full Time
Selection rank
CRICOS code

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Overview

In this major you’ll learn up-to-date knowledge and hands-on practical skills in genetics and molecular biology. You’ll focus on the importance of understanding cutting edge “omics” technologies, including genomics, together with genome editing and the bioinformatic software tools needed to comprehensively analyse DNA and other cellular components. This technology has widespread application to all areas of modern life science, including medicine, conservation biology, forensic science and agriculture.

Building on the fundamental disciplines of biochemistry, molecular biology and microbiology, the major provides in-depth study of modern molecular science and introduces students to practical scientific techniques associated with gene and protein expression, gene manipulation and genetic engineering.

3 reasons to study Genetics and Microbiology at Murdoch

Murdoch’s Perth campus hosts several world-class molecular research centres, including the Australian National Phenome Centre, the State Agricultural Biotechnology Centre, and the Centre for Rhizobium Studies.
Learn by doing, with laboratory content throughout the course to ensure you acquire practical skills and reinforce theoretical principles.
You can tailor your interest by adding a major in another area of study such as Biomedicine, Pharmacology and Toxicology, Biochemistry and Nutrition, Forensic Biology or Crop and Pasture Science.

What you’ll learn

Build the knowledge and skills you need to meet your career or study goals. Here are some of the things you’ll learn: 

Cell biology (structure and function of cells)
Molecular biology (molecular basis of life)
Microbiology (bacteria, viruses and fungi important in industrial, ecological, agricultural and medical settings)
Genetics and evolution (studying the evolution of life and population development)
Genetic engineering (construction and uses of GMOs and associated ethical considerations)
Biochemistry (chemistry of life)
Systems biology (holistic approaches to understand biological functions)

Your future career

A major in Genetics and Biotechnology will prepare you for a career working in various areas such as discovering markers for diagnosing disease, developing useful new products through genetic engineering, working against the trade in endangered species or developing new crop varieties to feed a growing population. Careers could include:

Research Scientist
Molecular Biologist
Genetic Engineer
Biotechnologist
Systems Biologist
Laboratory Technologist/Technician
Scientific Sales and Marketing Specialist
Biology Teacher

Progress to structure

Study areas

Medical, Molecular and Forensic Sciences

Courses with this major

To study this major, you must apply for one of these courses.

Bachelor of Biomedical Science

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Structure

To help plan the structure of your course, search for our suggested course plans.

Total credit points: 24

Unit code	Unit name	Credit points
Major		24 credit points
Required Units		18 credit points
BIO282	Molecular Biology	3
BIO247	Biochemistry	3
BIO394	Genetic Engineering	3
BIO356	Genetics and Evolution	3
BIO390	Metabolic and Cellular Biochemistry	3
BIO378	Systems Biology	3
Specified Elective Units Select units from each Group of Specified Elective Units as indicated below:		6 credit points
Group A		3 credit points
BMS212	Medical Microbiology	3
	OR
BIO246	Microbiology	3
Group B		3 credit points
BIO359	Forensic DNA Analysis	3
	OR
BMS327	Diagnostic Genomics	3
	OR
BIO367	Forensic Toxicology	3

Progress to entry requirements

Entry requirements

I have completed studies in

Select which option best describes your path to university :

Higher Education

You have completed university study in Australia, including a bridging or enabling course.

Recent Secondary Education

You are finishing high school this year or have done so in the last two years.

Vocational Education & Training

You have completed an apprenticeship or a VET course at TAFE or another private training provider.

Work & Life Experience

You have completed an aptitude test or spent time away from study for work.

Means of admission	Minimum academic requirement	Minimum English requirement
University study	Successful completion of 2 units at an Australian University or Open Universities Australia (OUA).	Successful completion of 2 units at an Australian University or Open Universities Australia (OUA).
Murdoch Institute of Technology (MIT) courses	Successful completion of one of the following: Murdoch University Preparation Course with a minimum of 50% in every subject MUPC (1 Trimester) Foundation Studies Course with a minimum of 50% in every subject.	Successful completion of one of the following: Murdoch University Preparation Course Introduction to Academic Communication unit Foundation Studies Course with a minimum of 50% in every subject.
Enabling courses (after Year 12)	Successful completion of one of the following: OnTrack Flex, OnTrack Sprint or K-Track at Murdoch University. An enabling or bridging course at another Australian university.	Successful completion of the course.
Enabling courses (in Year 12)	Successful completion of one of the following: Murdoch FlexiTrack High Program in Year 12 TLC Learning for Tomorrow in Year 12 An enabling or bridging program at another Australian university	Evidence of completing Year 11 and 12 in Australia at any level (domestic applicants only), OR Evidence of completing a minimum of 2 years study at TAFE or an RTO (domestic applicants only), OR A STAT Written English score of 140 or higher, OR Scaled mark of 50 or higher in one of the following: English ATAR Literature ATAR English as and Additional Dialect (EALD)

University study
Minimum academic requirement Successful completion of 2 units at an Australian University or Open Universities Australia (OUA).
Minimum English requirement Successful completion of 2 units at an Australian University or Open Universities Australia (OUA).

Murdoch Institute of Technology (MIT) courses
Minimum academic requirement Successful completion of one of the following: Murdoch University Preparation Course with a minimum of 50% in every subject MUPC (1 Trimester) Foundation Studies Course with a minimum of 50% in every subject.
Minimum English requirement Successful completion of one of the following: Murdoch University Preparation Course Introduction to Academic Communication unit Foundation Studies Course with a minimum of 50% in every subject.

Enabling courses (after Year 12)
Minimum academic requirement Successful completion of one of the following: OnTrack Flex, OnTrack Sprint or K-Track at Murdoch University. An enabling or bridging course at another Australian university.
Minimum English requirement Successful completion of the course.

Enabling courses (in Year 12)
Minimum academic requirement Successful completion of one of the following: Murdoch FlexiTrack High Program in Year 12 TLC Learning for Tomorrow in Year 12 An enabling or bridging program at another Australian university
Minimum English requirement Evidence of completing Year 11 and 12 in Australia at any level (domestic applicants only), OR Evidence of completing a minimum of 2 years study at TAFE or an RTO (domestic applicants only), OR A STAT Written English score of 140 or higher, OR Scaled mark of 50 or higher in one of the following: English ATAR Literature ATAR English as and Additional Dialect (EALD)

Means of admission	Minimum academic requirement	Minimum English requirement
Experience based entry	A successful experience based entry application that demonstrates relevant aptitude and ability in a related learning area. Find out more about the Experienced based entry.
Enabling courses (in Year 12)	Successful completion of one of the following: Murdoch FlexiTrack High Program in Year 12 TLC Learning for Tomorrow in Year 12 An enabling or bridging program at another Australian university	Evidence of completing Year 11 and 12 in Australia at any level (domestic applicants only), OR Evidence of completing a minimum of 2 years study at TAFE or an RTO (domestic applicants only), OR A STAT Written English score of 140 or higher, OR Scaled mark of 50 or higher in one of the following: English ATAR Literature ATAR English as and Additional Dialect (EALD)
Extenuating circumstances	We'll consider applications from prospective students whose education has been compromised due to genuine hardship, resulting in them falling short of entry requirements for an undergraduate course. Find out more.	Case-by-case assessment.
GCE A Levels	Minimum of 6 points taken from the best 2 or 3 subjects where A*=6, A=5, B=4, C=3, D=2, E=1 (AS Levels are equivalent to half points e.g. A=2.5, B=2 etc.) or higher.	A Levels: D in one of the following: English Language English Literature Knowledge and Inquiry. AS Level: C in one of the following: English Language English Literature Knowledge and Inquiry.
Overseas Year 12	Please refer to the information under the country of study.	Please refer to the information under the country of study.
Western Australian Universities Foundation Program (WAUFP)	CPS 54 or higher.	50% in English Language and Australian Cultural Studies (ELACS).
Queensland Certificate of Education (QCE)	Overall Position (OP) of 13 or lower.	Sound Achievement (4) or better in a Queensland Studies Authority approved subject of one of the following: English English Extension (Literature) English for ESL Learners. Evidence of completing year 11 and 12 in Australia at any Level (Domestic Applicants Only) Evidence of completing a minimum of 2 years of studies at TAFE or an RTO (Domestic Applicants Only).
Minimum Selection Rank (WA/ACT/NSW/NT/SA/TAS/VIC)	70	Scaled mark of 50 or higher in one of the following (or interstate equivalent): English ATAR Literature ATAR English as an Additional Dialect (EALD) ATAR Or a STAT Written English score of 140 or higher. Or evidence of completing year 11 and 12 in Australia at any Level (Domestic applicants only).
VET course studied at school	Successful completion of a Certificate IV or higher.	Evidence of completing year 11 and 12 in Australia at any Level (Domestic Applicants Only) Evidence of completing a minimum of 2 years of studies at TAFE or an RTO (Domestic Applicants Only). Scaled mark of 50 or higher in one of the following: English ATAR Literature ATAR English as an Additional Dialect (EALD) ATAR or a STAT Written English score of 140 or higher.
International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma	Total score of 24 or higher.	Higher level (HL): 3 or better. Standard Level (SL): 4 or better. Evidence of completing year 11 and 12 in Australia at any Level (Domestic Applicants Only) Evidence of completing a minimum of 2 years of studies at TAFE or an RTO (Domestic Applicants Only).

Experience based entry
Minimum academic requirement A successful experience based entry application that demonstrates relevant aptitude and ability in a related learning area. Find out more about the Experienced based entry.

Enabling courses (in Year 12)
Minimum academic requirement Successful completion of one of the following: Murdoch FlexiTrack High Program in Year 12 TLC Learning for Tomorrow in Year 12 An enabling or bridging program at another Australian university
Minimum English requirement Evidence of completing Year 11 and 12 in Australia at any level (domestic applicants only), OR Evidence of completing a minimum of 2 years study at TAFE or an RTO (domestic applicants only), OR A STAT Written English score of 140 or higher, OR Scaled mark of 50 or higher in one of the following: English ATAR Literature ATAR English as and Additional Dialect (EALD)

Extenuating circumstances
Minimum academic requirement We'll consider applications from prospective students whose education has been compromised due to genuine hardship, resulting in them falling short of entry requirements for an undergraduate course. Find out more.
Minimum English requirement Case-by-case assessment.

GCE A Levels
Minimum academic requirement Minimum of 6 points taken from the best 2 or 3 subjects where A*=6, A=5, B=4, C=3, D=2, E=1 (AS Levels are equivalent to half points e.g. A=2.5, B=2 etc.) or higher.
Minimum English requirement A Levels: D in one of the following: English Language English Literature Knowledge and Inquiry. AS Level: C in one of the following: English Language English Literature Knowledge and Inquiry.

Overseas Year 12
Minimum academic requirement Please refer to the information under the country of study.
Minimum English requirement Please refer to the information under the country of study.

Western Australian Universities Foundation Program (WAUFP)
Minimum academic requirement CPS 54 or higher.
Minimum English requirement 50% in English Language and Australian Cultural Studies (ELACS).

Queensland Certificate of Education (QCE)
Minimum academic requirement Overall Position (OP) of 13 or lower.
Minimum English requirement Sound Achievement (4) or better in a Queensland Studies Authority approved subject of one of the following: English English Extension (Literature) English for ESL Learners. Evidence of completing year 11 and 12 in Australia at any Level (Domestic Applicants Only) Evidence of completing a minimum of 2 years of studies at TAFE or an RTO (Domestic Applicants Only).

Minimum Selection Rank (WA/ACT/NSW/NT/SA/TAS/VIC)
Minimum academic requirement 70
Minimum English requirement Scaled mark of 50 or higher in one of the following (or interstate equivalent): English ATAR Literature ATAR English as an Additional Dialect (EALD) ATAR Or a STAT Written English score of 140 or higher. Or evidence of completing year 11 and 12 in Australia at any Level (Domestic applicants only).

VET course studied at school
Minimum academic requirement Successful completion of a Certificate IV or higher.
Minimum English requirement Evidence of completing year 11 and 12 in Australia at any Level (Domestic Applicants Only) Evidence of completing a minimum of 2 years of studies at TAFE or an RTO (Domestic Applicants Only). Scaled mark of 50 or higher in one of the following: English ATAR Literature ATAR English as an Additional Dialect (EALD) ATAR or a STAT Written English score of 140 or higher.

International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma
Minimum academic requirement Total score of 24 or higher.
Minimum English requirement Higher level (HL): 3 or better. Standard Level (SL): 4 or better. Evidence of completing year 11 and 12 in Australia at any Level (Domestic Applicants Only) Evidence of completing a minimum of 2 years of studies at TAFE or an RTO (Domestic Applicants Only).

Means of admission	Minimum academic requirement	Minimum English requirement
Certificate IV AQF level 4	Successful completion of a Certificate IV.	Evidence of completing year 11 and 12 in Australia at any Level (Domestic Applicants Only), OR Evidence of completing a minimum of 2 years of studies at TAFE or an RTO (Domestic Applicants Only), OR STAT Written English score of 140 or higher (145 if prior to May 2010).
Diploma or Advanced Diploma AQF level 5-6	Successful completion of a Diploma or Advanced Diploma.	Successful completion of a Diploma or Advanced Diploma.

Certificate IV AQF level 4
Minimum academic requirement Successful completion of a Certificate IV.
Minimum English requirement Evidence of completing year 11 and 12 in Australia at any Level (Domestic Applicants Only), OR Evidence of completing a minimum of 2 years of studies at TAFE or an RTO (Domestic Applicants Only), OR STAT Written English score of 140 or higher (145 if prior to May 2010).

Diploma or Advanced Diploma AQF level 5-6
Minimum academic requirement Successful completion of a Diploma or Advanced Diploma.
Minimum English requirement Successful completion of a Diploma or Advanced Diploma.

Means of admission	Minimum academic requirement	Minimum English requirement
Special Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT)	Multiple Choice score of 135 (145 if taken prior to May 2010).	Evidence of completing year 11 and 12 in Australia at any Level (Domestic Applicants Only). Evidence of completing a minimum of 2 years of studies at TAFE or an RTO (Domestic Applicants Only). Written English Score of 140 (145 if taken prior to May 2010).
Experienced based entry	A successful experience based entry application that demonstrates relevant aptitude and ability in a related learning area. Find out more about the Experienced based entry.
Mature Age Pathway (MAP)	MAP involves an interview and a portfolio submission to be assessed by the Academic Chair of the course. Admission is based on relevant work and life experience. Applicants must also meet the English Language Competency requirements for the course. Email us for more information.	Evidence of completing year 11 and 12 in Australia at any Level (Domestic Applicants Only). Evidence of completing a minimum of 2 years of studies at TAFE or an RTO (Domestic Applicants Only). Must be met according to the respective courses standard ELC requirements, STAT Written English 140, etc.

Special Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT)
Minimum academic requirement Multiple Choice score of 135 (145 if taken prior to May 2010).
Minimum English requirement Evidence of completing year 11 and 12 in Australia at any Level (Domestic Applicants Only). Evidence of completing a minimum of 2 years of studies at TAFE or an RTO (Domestic Applicants Only). Written English Score of 140 (145 if taken prior to May 2010).

Experienced based entry
Minimum academic requirement A successful experience based entry application that demonstrates relevant aptitude and ability in a related learning area. Find out more about the Experienced based entry.

Mature Age Pathway (MAP)
Minimum academic requirement MAP involves an interview and a portfolio submission to be assessed by the Academic Chair of the course. Admission is based on relevant work and life experience. Applicants must also meet the English Language Competency requirements for the course. Email us for more information.
Minimum English requirement Evidence of completing year 11 and 12 in Australia at any Level (Domestic Applicants Only). Evidence of completing a minimum of 2 years of studies at TAFE or an RTO (Domestic Applicants Only). Must be met according to the respective courses standard ELC requirements, STAT Written English 140, etc.

English Requirements

You must meet a minimum standard in English to study at Murdoch, which for most courses can be demonstrated by providing evidence that you have completed Year 11 and 12 in Australia at any level if you are a domestic student, or through either English proficiency tests, university preparation courses, English language courses, previous tertiary study or vocational education.

Advanced Standing

Everyone has a different path to university so if you’ve already completed formal or informal learning, you could receive advanced standing. Also known as recognition of prior learning, advanced standing can reduce the amount of study needed to complete your degree by giving you credit for certain units.

Formal learning can include previous study in higher education vocational education or adult and community education. Informal learning can include on the job learning, various kinds of work and life experience.

Find out more

This information applies to courses offered at our Australian campuses only. Courses offered at our Dubai and Singapore campuses or delivered by Open Universities Australia may have different requirements.

Enabling pathways

If you don’t currently meet our admission requirements, we have a range of enabling pathways to help build your skills.

Progress to fees and scholarships

Fees and scholarships

How much will it cost?

Instead of paying an overall course fee, you pay for the individual units you enrol in. The total course cost will vary depending on the units you choose.

Following your successful application, you’ll receive a Letter of Offer which will contain specific course and fee information.

If you are applying for an undergraduate course, you may be eligible for a Commonwealth Supported Place. Postgraduate programs are full fee paying, unless indicated otherwise in your Letter of Offer.

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How to apply

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Genetics and Biotechnology

What type of student are you?

Overview

Study areas

Courses with this major

Apply to start

Sign up to hear from us

Structure

Total credit points: 24

Courses with this major

Where could a science degree take you?

Entry requirements

Select which option best describes your path to university :

Higher Education

Recent Secondary Education

Vocational Education & Training

Work & Life Experience

Minimum academic requirement

Minimum English requirement

Minimum academic requirement

Minimum English requirement

Minimum academic requirement

Minimum English requirement

Minimum academic requirement

Minimum English requirement

Minimum academic requirement

Minimum academic requirement

Minimum English requirement

Minimum academic requirement

Minimum English requirement

Minimum academic requirement

Minimum English requirement

Minimum academic requirement

Minimum English requirement

Minimum academic requirement

Minimum English requirement

Minimum academic requirement

Minimum English requirement

Minimum academic requirement

Minimum English requirement

Minimum academic requirement

Minimum English requirement

Minimum academic requirement

Minimum English requirement

Minimum academic requirement

Minimum English requirement

Minimum academic requirement

Minimum English requirement

Minimum academic requirement

Minimum English requirement

Minimum academic requirement

Minimum academic requirement

Minimum English requirement

English Requirements

Advanced Standing

Adjustment for Murdoch RISE

Advanced Standing

Enabling pathways

Fees and scholarships

Scholarships

How much will it cost?

How much will it cost?

Scholarships

How to apply

How to apply