Bachelor of Biomolecular Science - Griffith University 

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Program overview

Why choose this program?

This program is designed to train a new generation of biomolecular research scientists to meet the growing demand for research-ready graduates with specialised, high level expertise and skills in the principles and practice of the new biomolecular sciences - the disciplines now driving the extraordinary advances across the biosciences and medicine. Founded on the basic disciplines of biochemistry and molecular biology, the biomolecular sciences encompass the new genetics, genetic engineering, genomics and proteomics, structural and systems biology and bioinformatics.

If you are seeking a research career, this accelerated program gives you a unique opportunity to be immersed in cutting edge research during your undergraduate studies. Research of this nature is the target of the Queensland Government's 'Smart State' initiative and you will be well placed to take advantage of opportunities in this expanding industry.

Human and animal cells are preserved in liquid nitrogen so that supplies are readily available for important science research.

Attendance

The Bachelor of Biomolecular Science is offered full-time on campus at the Nathan campus. You may choose to study courses at other campuses if or where the program structure allows.

As a full-time student, you will generally attend 10 to 14 hours of scheduled classes per week throughout the semester. Classes may be scheduled during the day and evening throughout the week. Students are also advised that some courses require additional workshop session that may increase contact hours by up to 4 hours per week.

Students may take a reduced study load. You will be classed as a part-time student if you enrol in less than 30 credit points per semester. 

If you wish to study part-time throughout the program, a program structure showing a sequence of courses is provided so you can undertake 5 to 7 hours of scheduled classes per week. However, attendance at daytime classes is required.

Special notes and deviations

All students should be aware that this program contains compulsory laboratory components in second year (2013BBS Biotechniques laboratory, which is a full year course) and third year (3035BBS Biomolecular Sciences Laboratory and 3017BBS, the Biomolecular project). Some of these laboratory sessions can only be passed by obtaining satisfactory results from experiments performed in a limited time frame. In some cases the laboratory can not be opened for repeat sessions or for extension, even with a medical certificate (this is due to staffing commitments and availability of teaching laboratories). In these cases students may need to work outside the normal lecture framework. In the case of the specialised Biomolecular Sciences project, which runs over year, the student may be placed in a workplace environment outside the University (for example; a hospital). In some cases these placements can not be run under the standard lecturing timetable. The Biomolecular Sciences project can be negotiated with students and host supervisors and can be run during the vacation period and can also be run overseas.

Summer semester

The Bachelor of Biomolecular Science offers some courses in Summer semester (3017BBS and potentially in the future 3035BBS, to be advised). You may negotiate to take 3017BBS, the Biomolecular project, during a summer vacation. This will not necessarily speed up the program completion but may allow a student to reduce course load during the final year of their program.

Summer semester is the period between the end of Semester Two and the beginning of Semester One of the following year (November-February). The Biomolecular Sciences project can be negotiated with students and host supervisors ( ie . research staff at hospitals or research institutes) and can be run during the vacation period or overseas. However, this must be negotiated with the program convener well in advance of initiating the research.

Winter semester

The Bachelor of Biomolecular Science offers some courses in Winter semester (3017BBS and potentially in the future 3035BBS, to be advised). You may negotiate to take 3017BBS, the Biomolecular project, during a winter vacation. This will not necessarily speed up the program completion but may allow a student to reduce course load during the final year of their program.

Work experience/Placement

In the final year of the B.Biomolecular Science program you are required to undertake 3017BBS (Biomolecular project) which includes unpaid practical experience with negotiated attendance at a research institute on multiple occasions. Some placements may be outside of the Brisbane metropolitan area / Gold Coast area/ interstate or overseas. Students should negotiate this project with the program convener.

Professional recognition

Graduates are eligible to join the Australian Biotechnology Association, Australian Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology and the Australian Society for Medical Research.

Career opportunities

You will be in demand in the pharmaceutical, diagnostic, biotechnology and other emerging bioindustries; in biomedical and other research institutes; in the applied health sciences; and in university and government research and development organisations such as the CSIRO. Your specialised, high-level skills will make you valuable to employers in Australia and internationally.

You will graduate prepared for a career in research so you will also be in an excellent position to undertake an honours degree leading on to a PhD and an international career as a professional biomolecular research scientist, working at the frontiers of modern science.

Study pathways

Diploma of Biosciences

Graduates of the Diploma of Biosciences program (undertaken at both QIBT and Griffith) may articulate to the second year of the Bachelor of Biomolecular Science program at Nathan with 80 credit points of credit.