Introduction

This research-based course specifically aims to equip students with the knowledge, skills, competencies and awareness in preparation for employment in industry and research organisations working in the expanding biotechnology sector as well as for research higher degrees. Candidates shall complete the requirements for the course in Hobart within a specified period provided that the maximum period shall not exceed 12 months from the date of commencement for full-time students or 24 months from the date of commencement for part-time students.

The program will enable students to develop the ability to plan and carry out a research project in pharmacology, and to improve their skills in critically reading the literature and communicating effectively in the discipline. The program consists of major research project leading to a thesis, a research proposal, a literature review and three seminars.

Admission Requirements

Candidates for the degree of Bachelor of Biotechnology with Honours require the approval of Faculty and shall have qualified for admission to the degree of Bachelor of Biotechnology at this University or equivalent qualification at another approved tertiary institution. Candidates would normally be expected to obtain at least a credit average in their third year units. Approval must be sought from the School of Pharmacy for entry and research topics. Candidature is subject to appropriate supervision being available for the thesis topic approved by the Faculty and subject to satisfying the prerequisites required for the chosen field of study. Ordinary degrees in biotechnology with equivalent pharmacology from other universities will be accepted for entry.

Course Structure

Students enrol in the School of Pharmacy honours units as listed below. The BBiotech(Hons) in Pharmacology will be similar to the BPharm(Hons) course that is undertaken by Pharmacy graduates. To unify students within the BBiotech(Hons), students will be required to attend a series of seminars, pertaining to biotechnology, as determined by the course co-ordinator. Students can research a pharmacology related topic in these existing units. To successfully complete the BBiotech(Hons), students must successfully complete the following units:

Each candidate will conduct research and write a thesis. The subject of this thesis requires approval from the School of Pharmacy. Candidates will be required to undertake other activities, which may include the preparation of literature reviews, projects, reports, grant applications, position papers and seminars. See Honours in Pharmacy for further information.

Generic attributes

	knowledge: will be facilitated via research-based activities, literature reviews, student presentations and exposure to current issues in biotechnology.
	communication skills: individual components in the course are evaluated using a number of tools addressing communication skills, both written and oral. These include a research thesis, oral student presentations and other activities as determined appropriate by an individual school/discipline.
	problem-solving skills: problem-solving skills will be obtained via a number of activities undertaken during the course. These include laboratory experiments, student presentations and other activities as determined appropriate by an individual school/discipline.
	global perspective: the techniques in the course address technologies that are utilized in Australia and overseas. The seminar series will provide students with an understanding of the global implications of biotechnology.
	social responsibility: the course provides scientific facts and an understanding of specific technologies relating to biotechnology. The seminar series will provide students with an understanding of the social and ethical issue pertaining to the use of various biotechnologies.

For further information see BBiotech(Hons) Handbook entry, or email queries.

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