Course coordinator
Dr Lisette Pregelj
Course overview
- Study period
- Semester 2, 2025 (28/07/2025 - 22/11/2025)
- Study level
- Undergraduate
- Location
- St Lucia
- Attendance mode
- In Person
- Units
- 2
- Administrative campus
- St Lucia
- Coordinating unit
- Chemistry & Molec Biosciences
A key aspect of Biotechnology is the production of knowledge, goods, and/or services through the application of science and technology. This course introduces students to the process of commercialising biotechnology products, including the costs, length, risks, and regulatory requirements.
This course covers the commercialisation process of how science and technology knowledge and ideas are translated into new products and services. It explores multiple stages of the commercialisation process from research and development towards production and marketing, issues affecting success at different stages, as well as different pathways to market and broader market, competitor, and financial considerations. The commercialisation process of different types of biotechnologies are also explored, such as agricultural, medical, and industrial biotechnologies.
Course requirements
Assumed background
Good understanding of molecular biology as applied to the production of biotechnology products; completion of BIOT2002 would be useful.
Recommended prerequisites
We recommend completing the following courses before enrolling in this one:
BIOT2002
Incompatible
You can't enrol in this course if you've already completed the following:
BIOT7005 (co-taught)
Course contact
Course staff
Lecturer
Dr Lisette Pregelj
Dr Henry De Malmanche
Timetable
The timetable for this course is available on the UQ Public Timetable.
Additional timetable information
Check your online timetable regularly.
Aims and outcomes
The course aims to provide students with an understanding and appreciation of the activities, costs, length, risk, and complexities of commercialising biotechnology-based products, as well as the importance of identifying market opportunities and competitive threats. Pathways and strategies taken by successful and unsuccessful commercialisation processes are also analysed, so students can become more familiar with the different options for commercialisation. Based on a series of lectures and contact activities, students will also learn how to conduct market and competitor research and interpret the findings to make recommendations for product commercialisation, and how to calculate and interpret Internal Rates of Return (IRR).
Learning outcomes
After successfully completing this course you should be able to:
LO1.
Appreciate how business plans are developed in local and international biotechnology companies.
LO2.
Develop the ability to operate as an independent learner aware of continual self-development.
LO3.
Identify and effectively use resources, such as those within libraries, online, and through consultants, to find information required.
LO4.
Develop confidence to make decisions with incomplete information and where there are multiple decisions.
LO5.
Work effectively, transparently, and confidently in groups.
LO6.
Develop skills to assess market and commercial opportunities for new biotechnology products.
LO7.
Accurately and succinctly self-reflect and communicate to others important points you have learned.
LO8.
Have fundamental knowledge of making decisions in biotechnology commercialisation through sound financial understanding.
Assessment
Assessment summary
| Category | Assessment task | Weight | Due date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Paper/ Report/ Annotation |
Product Development Recommendation Assignment
|
35% |
7/10/2025 2:00 pm |
| Essay/ Critique, Quiz |
IRR Assignment
|
25% |
23/10/2025 2:00 pm |
| Examination |
End of Semester Exam
|
40% |
End of Semester Exam Period 8/11/2025 - 22/11/2025 |
A hurdle is an assessment requirement that must be satisfied in order to receive a specific grade for the course. Check the assessment details for more information about hurdle requirements.
Assessment details
Product Development Recommendation Assignment
- Hurdle
- Team or group-based
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Paper/ Report/ Annotation
- Weight
- 35%
- Due date
7/10/2025 2:00 pm
- Other conditions
- Peer assessment factor.
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L03, L04, L05, L06, L07
Task description
The assessment task "Product Development Recommendation Assignment" provides the opportunity to improve your desktop research skills, analytical skills, and complex reasoning skills. Working in groups, students will assess the market opportunity for, competitor situation of, and research and development (R&D) required (including regulatory requirements) to develop two biotechnology products, and then make recommendations as to which product should be developed, based on their findings. Detailed instructions on how to complete this task will be provided on Blackboard.
This assignment is to be completed in groups, and your mark will be computed based on an individual component and a group component. The group component mark is subject to moderation by a Peer Assessment Factor (PAF).
Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Translation (MT)
Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Translation (MT) are emerging tools that may support students in completing this assessment task. Students may appropriately use AI and/or MT in completing this assessment task. Students must clearly reference any use of AI and/or MT in each instance.
A failure to reference generative AI or MT use may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.
However please note, this task has been designed to be challenging, authentic and complex. Whilst students may use AI and/or MT technologies, successful completion of assessments in this course will require students to critically engage in specific contexts and tasks for which AI and/or MT will provide only limited support and guidance.
Hurdle requirements
See ADDITIONAL COURSE GRADING INFORMATION for the hurdle/s relating to this assessment item.Submission guidelines
Submit your entire Product Development Recommendation Assignment (all individual components plus group components) through the course Turnitin submission point in Blackboard. As this is a group assignment, one group member will be responsible for submission on behalf of the entire group. It is your responsibility to confirm with your group members that submission has been successful.
Submit your individual component through the Blackboard assignment submission point in Blackboard.
The assessment item will not be considered as submitted until BOTH the entire Product Development Recommendation Assignment AND your individual component have been submitted.
Refer to the assignment instructions on Blackboard for full details on how to submit the individual and group components of your assignment through Blackboard.
Before submitting your assessment item to Turnitin please name your file in the following way. FAMILY NAME_GivenName_StudentID_CourseCode_AssignmentName For example: Bob Smith (ID: 54329876) would name his ABCD1234 essay 1 in the following way. SMITH_Bob_54329876_ABCD1234_Essay1
Deferral or extension
You may be able to apply for an extension.
The maximum extension allowed is 28 days. Extensions are given in multiples of 24 hours.
Applications for extension
Extension applications must be received no later than 24 hours after the published assessment due date and time.
Read the information contained in the following links carefully before submitting an application for extension to assessment due date.
For guidance on applying for an extension, information is available here.
For the policy relating to extensions, information is available here (Part D).
Information on medical certificates
Please note the University's requirements for medical certificates here.
Late submission
A penalty of 10% of the maximum possible mark will be deducted per 24 hours from time submission is due for up to 7 days. After 7 days, you will receive a mark of 0.
You are required to submit assessable items on time. If you fail to meet the submission deadline for any assessment item, then 10% of the maximum possible mark for the assessment item (assessment ‘marked from’ value) will be deducted as a late penalty for every day (or part day) late after the due date. For example, if you submit your assignment 1 hour late, you will be penalised 10%; if your assignment is 24.5 hours late, you will be penalised 20% (because it is late by one 24-hour period plus part of another 24-hour period). 10% will be deducted per day for up to 7 calendar days, at which point your submission will receive a mark of zero (0) unless an extension has been approved.
In most instances one or more hurdles will apply to your assessment item so you will need to submit it to fulfill the requirements of the course regardless of how late it is and the mark you are likely to be awarded.
IRR Assignment
- Hurdle
- Online
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Essay/ Critique, Quiz
- Weight
- 25%
- Due date
23/10/2025 2:00 pm
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L02, L04, L07, L08
Task description
The assessment item "IRR Assignment" provides the opportunity to improve your skills in financial analysis of biotechnology products and decision-making. In this assessment you will generate excel spreadsheets with product development costs, calculate Internal Rates of Return (IRR), conduct sensitivity analyses, and make recommendations based on your calculations. Your answers will be submitted via a Blackboard Test. Detailed information and instructions on how to complete this task will be provided on Blackboard.
Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Translation (MT)
Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Translation (MT) are emerging tools that may support students in completing this assessment task. Students may appropriately use AI and/or MT in completing this assessment task. Students must clearly reference any use of AI and/or MT in each instance.
A failure to reference generative AI or MT use may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.
However please note, this task has been designed to be challenging, authentic and complex. Whilst students may use AI and/or MT technologies, successful completion of assessments in this course will require students to critically engage in specific contexts and tasks for which AI and/or MT will provide only limited support and guidance.
Hurdle requirements
See ADDITIONAL COURSE GRADING INFORMATION for the hurdle/s relating to this assessment item.Submission guidelines
Submission will be online via a Blackboard test - students will input answers obtained from excel spreadsheet analyses, submit example spreadsheets as an excel file, and input written short essay answers to questions based on the answers obtained from excel spreadsheet analyses.
Before submitting your excel files, please name your file in the following way: FAMILY NAME_GivenName_StudentID_CourseCode_AssignmentName. For Example: Bob Smith (ID:54329876) would name is ABCD1234 Essay 1 in the following way: SMITH_Bob_54329876_ABCD1234_Essay1
Deferral or extension
You may be able to apply for an extension.
Applications for extension
Extension applications must be received no later than 24 hours after the published assessment due date and time.
Read the information contained in the following links carefully before submitting an application for extension to assessment due date.
For guidance on applying for an extension, information is available here.
For the policy relating to extensions, information is available here (Part D).
Information on medical certificates
Please note the University's requirements for medical certificates here.
Late submission
A penalty of 10% of the maximum possible mark will be deducted per 24 hours from time submission is due for up to 7 days. After 7 days, you will receive a mark of 0.
You are required to submit assessable items on time. If you fail to meet the submission deadline for any assessment item, then 10% of the maximum possible mark for the assessment item (assessment ‘marked from’ value) will be deducted as a late penalty for every day (or part day) late after the due date. For example, if you submit your assignment 1 hour late, you will be penalised 10%; if your assignment is 24.5 hours late, you will be penalised 20% (because it is late by one 24-hour period plus part of another 24-hour period). 10% will be deducted per day for up to 7 calendar days, at which point your submission will receive a mark of zero (0) unless an extension has been approved.
In most instances one or more hurdles will apply to your assessment item so you will need to submit it to fulfil the requirements of the course regardless of how late it is and the mark you are likely to be awarded.
End of Semester Exam
- Hurdle
- Identity Verified
- In-person
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Examination
- Weight
- 40%
- Due date
End of Semester Exam Period
8/11/2025 - 22/11/2025
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L02, L04, L06, L07, L08
Task description
The examination samples knowledge from all modules (weeks 2 - 12), the Course Introduction and Overview lecture in week 1, and Course Revision and Exam Preparation lecture in week 13. More information will be provided during teaching activities and/or on Blackboard.
Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Translation (MT)
This assessment task is to be completed in-person. The use of generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) or Machine Translation (MT) tools will not be permitted. Any attempted use of AI or MT may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.
Hurdle requirements
See ADDITIONAL COURES GRADING INFORMATION for the hurdle/s relating to this assessment item.Exam details
| Planning time | 10 minutes |
|---|---|
| Duration | 120 minutes |
| Calculator options | (In person) Casio FX82 series only or UQ approved and labelled calculator |
| Open/closed book | Closed book examination - no written materials permitted |
| Exam platform | Paper based |
| Invigilation | Invigilated in person |
Submission guidelines
Deferral or extension
You may be able to defer this exam.
Course grading
Full criteria for each grade is available in the Assessment Procedure.
| Grade | Description |
|---|---|
| 1 (Low Fail) |
Absence of evidence of achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: Some engagement with the assessment tasks; however no demonstrated evidence of understanding of the concepts in the field of study. The minimum percentage required for this grade is: 0% |
| 2 (Fail) |
Minimal evidence of achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: Inability to apply knowledge and skills. The minimum percentage required for this grade is: 30% |
| 3 (Marginal Fail) |
Demonstrated evidence of developing achievement of course learning outcomes Course grade description: Emerging ability to apply knowledge and skills. The minimum percentage required for this grade is: 45% |
| 4 (Pass) |
Demonstrated evidence of functional achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: Acceptable application of knowledge and skills. The minimum percentage required for this grade is: 50% |
| 5 (Credit) |
Demonstrated evidence of proficient achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: Effective application of knowledge and skills. The minimum percentage required for this grade is: 65% |
| 6 (Distinction) |
Demonstrated evidence of advanced achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: Extensive application of knowledge and skills. The minimum percentage required for this grade is: 75% |
| 7 (High Distinction) |
Demonstrated evidence of exceptional achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: Original, novel and/or creative application of knowledge and skills. The minimum percentage required for this grade is: 85% |
Additional course grading information
Assessment Hurdles
In order to pass this course, you must meet ALL of the following requirements (if you do not meet these requirements, the maximum grade you will receive will be a 3):
1. You must obtain an overall mark of 40% or more on the end of semester exam.
2. You must complete and submit an examinable attempt* on 100% of the assessable items in the course.
* An examinable attempt is a submission that demonstrates genuine engagement with the task as evidenced by addressing the task, shows effort, meets basic requirements, is of a coherent structure and demonstrates academic integrity.
Supplementary assessment
Supplementary assessment is available for this course.
Should you fail a course with a grade of 3, you may be eligible for supplementary assessment. Refer to my.UQ for information on supplementary assessment and how to apply.
Supplementary assessment provides an additional opportunity to demonstrate you have achieved all the required learning outcomes for a course.
If you apply and are granted supplementary assessment, the type of supplementary assessment set will consider which learning outcome(s) have not been met.
Supplementary assessment can take any form (such as a written report, oral presentation, examination or other appropriate assessment) and may test specific learning outcomes tailored to the individual student, or all learning outcomes.
To receive a passing grade of 3S4, you must obtain a mark of 50% or more on the supplementary assessment.
Additional assessment information
Assessment Submission
It is the responsibility of the student to ensure the on time, correct and complete submission of all assessment items.
Students are responsible for retaining evidence of submission by the due date for all assessment items, in the required form (for example, screenshot, email, photo, and an unaltered copy of submitted work).
In the case of a Blackboard outage, contact the Course Coordinator as soon as possible to confirm the outage with ITS.
Assessment/Attendance
Notify your Course Coordinator as soon as you become aware of any issue that may affect your ability to meet the assessment/attendance requirements of the course. The my.UQ website and the Course Profile (CP) for your course provide information about your course requirements, the rules associated with your courses and services offered by the University.
A note for repeating students in this course
Only learning activities and/or assessment items completed during the study period of enrolment, including any approved extensions, may contribute to your grade in this course. The whole or partial use of assessment items previously submitted for the same course, for a course at any institution, or for published material, is not permitted without written permission of the Course Coordinator.
Important Note
Turnitin is to be used for assignments/laboratory reports to check for plagiarism. Penalties can be severe for plagiarism.
The University has adopted the following definition of plagiarism: Plagiarism is the act of misrepresenting as one's own original work the ideas, interpretations, words or creative works of another either intentionally or unintentionally. These include published and unpublished documents, designs, music, sounds, images, photographs, computer codes and ideas gained through working in a group. These ideas, interpretations, words or works may be found in print and/or electronic media.
Students should read the UQ Student Integrity and Misconduct Policy.
Learning resources
You'll need the following resources to successfully complete the course. We've indicated below if you need a personal copy of the reading materials or your own item.
Library resources
Library resources are available on the UQ Library website.
Additional learning resources information
Blackboard
Additional learning resources and materials may be posted on the Blackboard site for BIOT3004/BIOT7005 at learn.uq.edu.auﾠ
Please check the Announcements section of the Blackboard site regularly for information updates.
Learning activities
The learning activities for this course are outlined below. Learn more about the learning outcomes that apply to this course.
Filter activity type by
Please select
| Learning period | Activity type | Topic |
|---|---|---|
Week 1 |
General contact hours |
Course Introduction and Overview Introduction to the course, assessment items and expectations. Introduction to commercialisation. Learning outcomes: L01 |
Multiple weeks From Week 2 To Week 4 |
General contact hours |
Module 1: Markets & Competitors Learning outcomes: L01, L03, L04, L05, L06, L07 |
Multiple weeks From Week 5 To Week 6 |
General contact hours |
Module 2: Developing and Testing Biotech Products . Learning outcomes: L01, L03, L04, L05, L06, L07 |
Multiple weeks From Week 7 To Week 8 |
General contact hours |
Module 3: Costings of R&D and Production Learning outcomes: L01, L03, L04, L05, L06, L07, L08 |
Multiple weeks From Week 9 To Week 10 |
General contact hours |
Module 4: Financial analysis Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L04, L06, L07, L08 |
Multiple weeks From Week 11 To Week 12 |
General contact hours |
Module 5: Pathways to Market Learning outcomes: L01, L03, L04, L06 |
Week 13 |
General contact hours |
Course Revision and Exam Preparation Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L04, L06, L07, L08 |
Policies and procedures
University policies and procedures apply to all aspects of student life. As a UQ student, you must comply with University-wide and program-specific requirements, including the:
- Student Code of Conduct Policy
- Student Integrity and Misconduct Policy and Procedure
- Assessment Procedure
- Examinations Procedure
- Reasonable Adjustments for Students Policy and Procedure
Learn more about UQ policies on my.UQ and the Policy and Procedure Library.