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School of Life Sciences Teaching Areas |
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The School of Life Sciences has a number of teaching areas including:
BiochemistryBiochemistry is the study of the chemical processes that occur in living organisms including the chemical structure, function, properties and energy flows. Biochemistry is an essential and very successful area of study for many practitioners in the life sciences industry. Biochemistry students at QUT gain both the theoretical knowledge to understand biochemical problems and formulate solutions, and the practical skills to carry out the necessary laboratory investigations that test these solutions for real-world application. Students gain hands-on practical laboratory experience from their first year of study. Career OpportunitiesStrong employment opportunities exist around the world in both the private and government sectors of industry for biochemists. QUT graduates skilled in biochemistry can find career opportunities in research, diagnostic and analytical laboratories, universities, hospitals and health departments, pharmaceutical companies, primary and agricultural industries and departments, food industry laboratories, environmental agencies, veterinary pathology laboratories and in the area of marketing, sales, commercialisation and management of biological products and processes. Professional RecognitionGraduates are eligible for membership of the Australian Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, and possibly the Australasian Association of Clinical Biochemists. Biomolecular SciencesThe many and varied disciplines which are characteristic of research and development activities in the life sciences are reflected in employer demand for a broad range of graduates with different specialisations. To accommodate this demand a Biomolecular Sciences co-major is available in the Bachelor of Applied Science. In this co-major, students may compose a combination of six approved units from the Biotechnology, Biochemistry and Microbiology majors. You will benefit from a broad range of biomolecular theory and skills, closely aligned to personal interests, for application in an ever-increasing variety of niche employment opportunities. BiotechnologyBiotechnology is the application of molecular biology and biochemical principles to create a new generation of products and processes for the benefit of society. Biotechnology is one of the fastest growing areas of science and business in the world today. Modern biotechnology uses the techniques of genetic engineering to enable faster, cheaper and more reliable production of an ever-increasing range of engineered products. The integration of biotechnology research into QUT Biotechnology courses ensures that you will receive access to the latest information and hands-on laboratory experience in contemporary molecular technologies. All students receive hands-on practical laboratory experience from your first year of study in Queensland's newest biotechnology teaching laboratories. Career OpportunitiesGlobally and locally, the developing biotechnology industry demands highly skilled graduates. As a biotechnology graduate you will have a wide range of exciting career opportunities available to you across a number of existing and emerging global industries. New career opportunities include nanotechnology, proteomics, materials science, molecular farming and bioinformatics; while existing career opportunities in hospitals and diagnostic laboratories continue to expand. Professional RecognitionGraduates are eligible for membership of AusBiotech Ltd, Australian Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, and possibly the Australian Society for Medical Research, and the Australian Society for Microbiology. Medical ScienceThe Bachelor of Applied Science (Medical Science) leads to a range of exciting career opportunities in the field of medical science. The degree is the preferred qualification for employment in the pathology industry as a medical scientist, giving you practical experience in the most up-to-date diagnostic techniques and the opportunity to learn from current professionals in the workplace. Career OpportunitiesScientists in pathology industry perform tests on human blood or tissue and other forms of testing in the areas of immunology, haematology, microbiology, histopathology, cytology and biochemistry. You may decide to specialise in areas such as leukaemia diagnosis, cytological diagnosis, DNA testing or forensic testing, or proceed to a mangerial position within a pathology laboratory or hospital. The course also provides a first degree for students wishing to undertake postgraduate studies in medicine. Graduates also have the opportunity to proceed to postgraduate studies leading to a career in medical research. Graduates are currently working as researchers in areas such as malaria, virology, stem cells, immunology and molecular biology. Professional RecognitionGraduates are immediately eligible for graduate membership of the Australian Institute of Medical Scientists and will have completed the academic requirements for admission as members. MicrobiologyMicrobiology is the study of living organisms of microscopic size. The principal components are bacteriology, virology and mycology, and areas of fundamental importance in the applied sciences of pathology and immunology. You will develop skills and knowledge in the handling and study of micro-organisms and investigation of their properties. Advanced studies allow you to expand your knowledge and expertise in your specialised area such as human pathology, animal and plant diseases, food technologies, environmental testing (soil, air and water) and bioremediation, and molecular applications of microbiological principles. Career OpportunitiesMicrobiologists are employed in a variety of careers including human pathology testing in bacteriology, immunology, mycology, parasitology and virology, animal and plant disease, treatment of inorganic waste, food fermentations and microbiological testing of goods for pathogens or spoilage organisms, water and soil microbiology and research. Employment opportunities exist in private and government research and analytical laboratories, such as the CSIRO, universities, hospitals, health departments, primary industry departments, food industry laboratories, environmental agencies, and in the marketing of biological products. Professional RecognitionGraduates are eligible for membership of the Australian Society for Microbiology. PharmacyQUT's Bachelor of Pharmacy has been designed in close consultation with the pharmacy profession to capture the latest practices and emerging trends in community and hospital pharmacy. Pharmacists play an important role in the healthcare sector by dispensing medications and counselling patients on their appropriate use. Career OpportunitiesAustralia is currently experiencing a shortage of trained pharmacists so you can expect excellent employment prospects on graduating. Pharmacists are employed in a range of settings including community pharmacies, hospitals, the pharmaceutical industry and in drug regulatory and research roles. Community pharmacists are often the first health professional contacted for medical advice and play a major role as health providers and educators for the general public. Hospital pharmacists work closely with doctors in a patient-care role, conduct and manage clinical drug trials, evaluate newly released medicines and prepare medicines for patients requiring specialised treatments. Professional RecognitionFollowing graduation, approximately 12 months of pre-registration training performed under the supervision of a registered pharmacist is required to meet the registration requirements of the Pharmacists Board of Queensland. Graduates will be eligible for membership into a number of professional associations, including the Pharmaceutical Association of Australia (PSA), the Pharmacy Guild and the Society of Hospital Pharmacists of Australia (SHPA). |
