The School of Biotechnology and Biomolecular Sciences at UNSW is among the largest and most prestigious schools of scientific research and teaching in Australia. With distinguished academic staff, an innovative teaching program and state-of-the-art facilities, BABS is producing graduates and scientific discoveries of international renown. Research projects and teaching within the school fall within the disciplines of molecular biology, biochemistry, genetics, microbiology, immunology, bioengineering, bioinformatics and biotechnology.

Teaching
The School of Biotechnology and Biomolecular Sciences offers a variety of excellent undergraduate and postgraduate programs to cater to the needs and interests of enrolling students. Our programs offer an integrated course of study in the biomolecular sciences with a high degree of flexibility and the opportunity to specialise in the later years of the degree. They provide cutting-edge training in research techniques and modern laboratory experience for those wishing to pursue research-oriented careers. There is also a focus on developing the communication and information retrieval skills necessary to stay current in this rapidly evolving area of science and on acquiring the expertise required to maintain life-long learning. The active research environment in the school benefits students at all levels by exposing them to the most recent scientific developments and providing them with the opportunity to become part of a research team.

Research
Excellence in scientific research is an essential component of the school of Biotechnology and Biomolecular Sciences. The high quality of scientific research in the school is exemplified by the proliferation of commercial partnerships, overseas collaborators, and publications in international journals. Spearheading the research in the school is an impressive level of government and private funding, state-of-the-art equipment and highly qualified academic staff members, many of whom are internationally recognised leaders in their field of research. In addition, the School of Biotechnology and Biomolecular Sciences is home to several Centres of Excellence, as well as Facilities that provide technology and services of international quality.

Students
UNSW Biotechnology and Biomolecular Sciences has a remarkably vibrant and diverse student body. Comprised of Australians from urban and rural settings and a large number of international students from Asia, Europe and North America, the academic and social well-being of students is successfully assisted by the University-wide Student Support Program.

UNSW Services
UNSW has a large array of student services on offer. There is a fully equipped gym, a discount academic bookshop and a large library, tennis courts, playing fields, health and counselling services. The Sports Association caters to a huge range of sporting activities, from archery to yoga. The Student Union provides facilities for the many on-campus cultural, religious and social clubs. The Union also organises on-campus activities such as live music and open days. And student publications, such as Tharunka and BLITZ, inform students of events and issues and give them a voice.

Why Study in Sydney, Australia?
Sydney is a city of rare natural beauty. The city is bordered by the deep blue Pacific Ocean and a string of gorgeous surf beaches and is situated on the shores of one the world's most beautiful harbours. The Harbour is not just a pretty picture. It is a focus for sailing, fishing, transportation and trade. And it's clean! Submerged in its depths are rare tropical fish, with dolphins and whales paying frequent visits to its waters. Sydney is also a bushwalkers paradise. It is one of the only major international cities to be surrounded by National Parks. To the west are the majestic Blue Mountains, while the north and south are bordered by the expansive Ku-ring Gai Chase and Royal National Parks.

In addition to its natural beauty, Sydney is a leading cultural centre not only for Australia, but also for the Asia-Pacific region. In and around the city centre are a rich array of cinemas, theatres, museums, galleries, and the world famous Sydney Opera House. There are major entertainment areas and shopping precincts, such as Darling Harbour, the Opera Quays and the Queen Victoria Building. And there are the beautiful and historic parklands of the Botanical Gardens, the Domain and Hyde Park. Just around the corner from UNSW is Centennial Park, Sydney's largest urban park. Sydney is also famous for its distinctive cuisine, inspired by an abundance of fresh seafood, local game, and tropical fruit. Dining out in Sydney is an appetising experience, with an enormous choice of restaurants reflecting the city's unique multi-ethnic diversity and ranging from inexpensive noodle bars to some of the finest restaurants in the world.

Getting around this beautiful city is made easy by Sydney's extensive range of public transportation services, ranging from rail, bus and ferry. UNSW itself is well serviced by numerous bus services. Local papers and online services, such as the Sydney Morning Herald and CitySearch keep people on the pulse of this energetic and exciting city.

Biochemistry : Biochemistry is the study of the chemical processes that occur in cells and organisms - the chemistry of life. The basis of biochemistry is the chemical and 3D structures of biological molecules, particularly macromolecules like proteins, carbohydrates, lipids and nucleic acids. Biochemistry overlaps and underlies other disciplines, particularly cell and molecular biology, but also biotechnology, genetics, immunology, microbiology, physiology and pharmacology. In addition to revealing the basic mechanisms of life, the discipline of Biochemistry is uncovering new biological processes and novel methods for use in biotechnology and modern medicine.

Bioengineering: Bioengineering integrates physical, chemical, or mathematical sciences and engineering principles for the study of biology, medicine, or health. It advances fundamental concepts, creates knowledge for the molecular to the organ systems levels, and develops innovative biologics, therapeutics, materials, processes, and devices, for the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of disease.

Bioinformatics: Bioinformatics is an emerging discipline at the convergence of computing and the life sciences aimed at development of technologies for storing, extracting, organising, analysing, interpreting and utilising biological information. Bioinformatics has come to prominence with the analysis of the huge amounts of data generated by genome projects and post-genomic biology.
For more information visit http://www.bioinformatics.unsw.edu.au

Biotechnology: An applied science, aimed at harnessing the natural biological capabilities of microbial, plant and animal cells for the benefit of society. Biotechnology couples scientific and engineering principles with commercial considerations to develop and improve products and processes that originate or occur within living systems. Groundbreaking new discoveries in the disciplines of biochemistry, genetics, and molecular biology, together with a push for "green" alternatives to products and industrial processes are increasing the demand for biotechnological solutions now and in the future.

Genetics: Genetics is the study of genes, the basis of biological inheritance. Genetics is a central component of the Life Sciences, as the structure and function of all living things is determined by their genetic content. Genes control all normal functions from the ability to see and smell to aspects of behaviour; even the structure of the tiniest virus is determined by its genetic content. Defects in genes can lead to inherited diseases such as cystic fibrosis or susceptibility to cancers. There are a wide variety of genetics units available at UNSW, including human, molecular, conservation, population and classical genetics.

Immunology: The study of the immune system. This field of science is making significant contributions to modern medicine in areas such as blood transfusion, organ transplantation, treatements of allergic reactions and development of vaccines, and immunity to disease.

Microbiology: Microbiology is the study of the smallest forms of life namely, bacteria, viruses, archaea, fungi and protozoa. These fascinating organisms impact our lives in many ways. On the negative side, they cause disease in humans, animals and plants; they spoil our food. However, microorganisms are also of great benefit as they contribute to a better environment via recycling of organic wastes, maintenance of soil fertility and biodegradation of pollutants. Many foodstuffs, beverages, pharmaceuticals and other products of biotechnology are products of microbial action. The genetic engineering of microorganisms is a fundamental aspect of molecular biology and the way of the future.

Molecular biology: Molecular Biology involves the study of genes and their protein products at the molecular level. Techniques such as isolation, cloning and manipulation of DNA from genes of interest are used to examine how genes are organised and how they function to control all biological processes. Molecular biology provides the tools to investigate the causes of cancer and other genetic disorders, to accelerate the production of medical and industrial products, improve food quality and production by genetic alteration of plants and animals, and to control pests and parasites. New molecular techniques are providing exciting developments in many fields including, medicine, biotechnology, evolution, genetic engineering and agriculture.