Bachelor of Science (Biotechnology or Medical Science)

Science holds the key to many of the challenges – pandemics, climate change, antibiotic resistance – that threaten the world today. With the UTS Bachelor of Science, students can take their place at the forefront of a profession with the power to build resilience in both humanity and the planet.

This flagship degree has been designed with flexibility in mind: with eight majors to choose from and extensive elective blocks on offer, students can build a degree that’s uniquely theirs. In their first year, they gain access to what we call the ‘scientist’s toolkit’, a series of core subjects designed to help them critically analyse the ways in which science can help solve global problems.

From there, they can dive into specialist science subjects in their chosen major, working in world-class facilities and on industry-standard equipment. Our practice-based learning approach means students learn by doing, translating scientific theory into real-world practice. But they don’t just do it in the classroom:  extensive professional experiences, from internships and field trips to global exchange placements, help bring their learning to life. 

At UTS, we believe science is about more than just what happens in the lab. Bachelor of Science students pair the study of in-depth scientific subjects with the development of crucial professional skills – inquiry, reflection, innovation and communication – that prepare them for a diverse and thriving career. 

Students can choose from two majors: Biotechnology or Medical Science. They complete a common first year and then begin specialising in their chosen major.

Biotechnology major: This highly customisable major combines subjects in medical and environmental biotechnology, preparing students to drive new innovations in human and planetary health. Using their extensive subject choice options, they can develop deep expertise in their chosen discipline or build a broad knowledge base that spans the breadth of the biotech field. As well as getting hands-on with emerging technology, students engage with learning content that goes beyond scientific and technical skills development with subjects in bio business and intellectual property commercialisation.

Medical Science major: Students can explore their interests in pathology and medical and health-related sciences with this broad medical science major. Pathology subjects are focused on understanding, detecting and treating disease and infection, while medical and health-related content introduces students to the human side of health care. The curriculum spans everything from pharmacology, immunology, haematology and pathophysiology to immunology, microbiology, biochemistry and molecular biology, as well as chemistry and biotech. With extensive choice options available, students can design a study plan that reflects their future goals.

As Australia’s #1 young university* (and number 11 in the world*), UTS is a vibrant and dynamic place to study. Our youth means we sit at the cutting edge of learning and research – and our students do too. At UTS Science, choice is the name of the game. With more than 20 degrees to choose from, students can create a study plan that reflects their personal and professional goals. Read more about UTS Science Programs.

* QS7 Top 50 Under 50, 2017–2021.

Bridging courses: Students can build skills and confidence in preparation for university study with an intensive bridging course(s) in biology, mathematics, physics or chemistry. Read more about UTS Bridging courses.

Scholarships: We’re committed to celebrating achievement and removing barriers to education. That’s why UTS and UTS Science offer a wealth of scholarships for high achievers, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students, and students experiencing disadvantage. Read more about UTS scholarships and UTS Science scholarships.

Areas of study

Anatomy, animal and plant biotechnology, biobusiness, biochemistry, bioreactors and bioprocessing, cell biology and genetics, environmental biotechnology, haematology, immunology, medical devices, microbiology, molecular biology, neuroscience, parasitology, pathology, pathophysiology, pharmacology, physiology.

Career opportunities

Biotechnology major

Vaccines, diagnostics and medicines for pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies, hospitals, pathology and biomedical firms, universities and research institutes; become research associates, consultants, field scientists, microbiologists, conservation officers, environmental officers or consultants, or biotechnologists across a wide range of industries, including government or biosecurity agencies; or design, develop and oversee policy for government and regulatory bodies like the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA).

Medical Science major

public and private hospitals; clinical trial and tissue bank settings; public health units; government departments; diagnostic labs; biotechnology, health technology and pharmaceutical companies; medical device companies; policy and regulatory organisations, such as state health departments and the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA); and other agencies or businesses seeking medical science expertise.

Honours

Available as an additional year to meritorious students.

Fees and charges

Refer to UTS current fee information.

Course updates
Courses are added and cancelled throughout the admissions year and course details are subject to change. Check the UAC course search regularly.

UTS Online Handbook
For further details about UTS courses listed below, including course content and structure, subject and elective choices, attendance patterns and credit point requirements, visit the UTS Online Handbook.

UTS cross-faculty and combined courses
UTS offers many cross-faculty courses and combined courses in the areas of Arts and Social Sciences, Business, Design, Engineering and Information Technology, Health, Law and Science.

UTS also offers a Bachelor of Creative Intelligence and Innovation (BCII), a Bachelor of International Studies and a Bachelor of Sustainability and Environment as combined degrees. TD School at UTS also offers a unique future-focused Diploma in Innovation that can be completed in parallel with almost any Bachelor degree and double degree, except BCII. Diploma enrolment is by direct application once at UTS.