Biotechnology

www.sci.waikato.ac.nz

Biotechnology is the application of science and engineering to develop useful products from biological materials. Biotechnology is a very broad area, which ranges from cloning to cheese making, with applications including antibiotics, waste management technology and beer.

This programme examines the extraction, recovery, and purification of biochemicals from the meat, dairy, and other industries. It explores technological applications at the industrial level as well as the molecular level.

Degrees

Biotechnology can also be taken as a second major or supporting subject within most degrees.

School subjects required

As well as biology and chemistry, students would find mathematics, physics and/or technology useful. Some first-year papers have specific prerequisites so check the paper list carefully.

Other subjects that may interest you

Biochemistry, Biological Sciences, Chemical and Biological Engineering, Materials and Process, Materials and Process Engineering.

Career Opportunities

Bioengineer
Biotechnologist
Food Technologist
Laboratory Technician
Pharmaceutical Engineer
Quality Assurance Officer

Potential Employers

Crown Research Institutes
Food and Dairy Industry
Pharmaceutical Industry
Private Research Companies
Universities and Polytechnics

Papers

COMP103 Introduction to Computer Science 1
This paper introduces computer programming (assuming no prior knowledge) and a variety of concepts in computer science including representation, storage and manipulation of computer-based information, algorithms for problem-solving and an introduction to information systems.

BIOL102 The Biology of Organisms
An introduction to the structure and function of eukaryotes and the principles of ecology. Topics include the diversity and function of protists, fungi, plants and animals; particularly nutrient procurement and processing, gaseous exchange, internal transport, regulation of body fluids, control mechanisms, reproduction and development.

CHEM101 Chemical Concepts
The study of chemical concepts fundamental to the sciences and technology. Topics include stoichiometry, states of matter, gas-phase, solution, acid-base and redox equilibria, atomic structure, orbitals and electronic configurations, bonding, and systematic chemistry of the elements.

Prerequisite(s): 14 credits at Level 3 in NCEA Chemistry, or equivalent, provide automatic entry to this paper. Students with fewer credits may be allowed entry at the discretion of the Chairperson of Department or nominee.

CHEM102 Chemical Change and Organic Compounds
An introduction to physical and organic chemistry with some emphasis on environmental, technological and biological relevance, chemical thermodynamics, reaction kinetics and mechanism and the common organic functional groups and their typical reactions.
Prerequisite: 14 credits at Level 3 in NCEA Chemistry, or CIE Chemistry with a minimum D pass at AS or A level.

ENGG180 Foundations of Engineering
An introduction to engineering analysis and design and the engineering profession. Topics include: the skills of a successful engineer, the nature of design and the design process, fundamental laws for engineering analysis, accounting principles applied to mass, energy and money. Includes design-build-test experience.

ENMP102 Introduction to Materials Science and Engineering
An introduction to the basic laws and concepts of materials science. Topics include: relation of the structure of solids to the physical and mechanical properties of materials and uses of different type of materials. This paper is also a requirement for Materials and Processing Engineering.

MATH165 General Mathematics
An introduction to algebra and calculus.Students passing this paper may then proceed to MATH101 and/or MATH102.
Prerequisite(s): 18 credits at Level 2 in NCEA Mathematics, or CIE Mathematics with a minimum C pass at AS level, or D pass at A level.

STAT111 Statistics for Science
This paper is an introduction to Statistics designed especially for the needs of students in the School of Science & Engineering.

STAT121 Introduction to Statistical Methods
An introduction to statistical data collection and analysis. Topics include general principles for statistical problem solving; some practical examples of statistical inference; and the study of relationships between variables using regression analysis.
Prerequisite(s): 18 credits at Level 2 in NCEA Mathematics, or 14 credits at Level 3 in Statistics and Modelling or Mathematics with Calculus, or CIE Mathematics with a minimum D pass at AS or A level.

200 Level and Beyond
A variety of topics from Biological Sciences, Chemistry and Engineering are covered, including microbiology, biochemistry, process engineering and design, environmental technology, food and bioresources.