Major Undergraduate

Genetics and Biotechnology


Study mode
Part Time Full Time
Study mode
Full Time
Murdoch code
MJ-GENB
What is a Major?
A major is your primary area of focus within a degree. It determines the core subjects you'll study and the skills you'll master.

Major overview

Study genetics and biotechnology in world-class molecular research centres

Genetics and biotechnology are transforming how we understand life, disease and the environment. The Genetics and Biotechnology major within our Bachelor of Biomedical Science equips you with the knowledge and practical skills to explore genes, cells and molecular processes that underpin health, agriculture and biotechnology innovation. 

During your genetics and biotechnology major, you’ll study areas such as molecular biology, genetics, genomics and genetic engineering. You’ll learn how DNA is analysed and manipulated, how genes influence traits and disease, and how biotechnology is used to solve real-world challenges in health, agriculture and environmental science. 

You’ll study at the cutting-edge Murdoch Health and Knowledge Precinct, home to several world-class molecular research centres including the Australian National Phenome Centre, the State Agricultural Biotechnology Centre and the Centre for Rhizobium Studies. With access to these facilities, you’ll gain insight into leading-edge research and how advances in genetics and biotechnology are applied in professional practice. 

Guided by leading academics, you’ll study in advanced laboratory environments, developing strong technical and analytical skills while engaging with contemporary biomedical research. You’ll learn to apply molecular techniques and technologies used in genetic analysis, biotechnology and research settings. 

You can combine Genetics and Biotechnology with another major within our flexible biomedical science degree – Biochemistry and Nutrition, Biomedicine, Clinical Laboratory Science, Microbiology and Immunology or Pharmacology and Toxicology – to broaden your expertise and expand your career opportunities across science and biotechnology fields.
Student handling samples with gloves in a laboratory

3 reasons to study genetics and biotechnology at Murdoch University

  1. Study in world-class molecular research facilities, including the Australian National Phenome Centre, the State Agricultural Biotechnology Centre and the Centre for Rhizobium Studies
  2. Tailor your flexible biomedical science degree by combining this major with another specialisation to broaden your expertise and career pathways. 
  3. Build practical skills through hands-on laboratory work and research-informed learning guided by leading academics.

What you’ll learn

  • Explore cell biology, microbiology and biochemistry to understand how living systems function at molecular and cellular levels. 
  • Analyse complex biological systems through systems biology, understanding how interactions within cells and organisms influence health and disease. 
  • Develop practical skills in molecular biology techniques used in genetic and biotechnological research. 
  • Apply genome editing tools such as CRISPR to study and modify genetic material in laboratory settings. 
  • Interpret and evaluate scientific data to support discoveries in genetics, biotechnology and biomedical research. 
  • Communicate scientific concepts clearly and collaborate effectively in research and laboratory environments.

Not only could I study a Bachelor of Science in Forensic Biology and Toxicology, and a Bachelor of Criminology, but I had the opportunity to study them as a combined degree.

Danika, Medical, Molecular and Forensic Sciences

Murdoch University MMFS student with hammer prop

Your future career in genetics and biotechnology

Graduate ready to contribute to advances in medicine, agriculture and environmental science, with career opportunities across biotechnology companies, research organisations, laboratories, health-related industries. You can also use your major in genetics and biotechnology as a pathway to further study in specialised areas such as genetics, biotechnology, biomedical research or related scientific fields. 

Potential roles include: 

  • Geneticist 
  • Biotechnology scientist 
  • Laboratory technician 
  • Research scientist 
  • Molecular or systems biologist 
  • Biomedical researcher
For more details about our Genetics and Biotechnology major, download our information pack.

Start dates

Starting period Location Face to Face Online Mixed mode
Semester 1, 2026 Murdoch Yes No No
Semester 2, 2026 Murdoch Yes No No
Semester 1, 2027 Murdoch Yes No No
Semester 2, 2027 Murdoch Yes No No

View the dates for our teaching periods or find out more about attendance modes.

Major Structure

Visit the Course Handbook - Get detailed information on units, prerequisites, and pathways.

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

Unit code Unit name Credit points

How to Apply

Majors are part of a degree and can't be applied on their own. Apply for a related degree first, then choose your major once enrolled.

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1300 687 3624

1300 687 3624

1300 687 3624

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