Graduate Diploma in Biotechnology

Admission requirements

Applicants who do not hold the Graduate Certificate in Biotechnology must normally have completed, with a Credit average or better, an approved degree in agricultural, biological or medical science at an approved tertiary institution. However, under certain circumstances and subject to specific conditions, others who can show evidence of fitness for candidature may be admitted.

Course aims

This is a one year course that aims to provide Life science graduates with the ability to apply their prior knowledge within a biotechnology context. It also aims to be a pathway for students to continue to research training by progressing into the Master of Biotechnology Studies.

It aims to develop graduates who work effectively within team environments and improve their practice through critical reflection and learning, and to prepare them for the research training in the final year of the Master of Biotechnology Studies.

It ensures that students who elect not to complete the Masters degree are not disadvantaged and can gain a postgraduate diploma which can lead to careers in the biotechnology sector that are not research intensive such as sales and marketing, business development or communication.

Learning outcomes

On successful completion of the course, graduates should be able to:

transfer and apply core scientific concepts to develop solutions in the biotechnology industry
work in ways that are informed by knowledge of the legislative, regulatory, commercial, scientific and social environment
use critical analysis and problem solving skills to develop, plan and implement innovative solutions within a diverse range of biotechnology industry sectors
synthesise information and communicate effectively, succinctly and sensitively with the scientific community, co-workers, government agencies, investors, the broad public and particular cultural and Indigenous communities
apply judgement and initiative to propose and prioritise work strategies in consultation with co-workers to achieve timely completion of a project
work in a multidisciplinary team and incorporate the views of all stakeholders including Indigenous groups, and use self-awareness and consultation to understand their role within a group and how they can best contribute to the group
articulate a conscious understanding of their own values and demonstrate respect for the values of others and the ability to view an ethical dilemma from multiple view points
inform society of impending developments and engage in a constructive debate
incorporate understanding and awareness of Indigenous and other communities’ religious beliefs and culture into biotechnology practice
apply their understanding of the commercialisation processes to biotechnology products or services.

Program of study

To qualify for the Graduate Diploma in Biotechnology, a student must complete 36 units with a grade of P or NGP or better in each topic, according to the program of study below.

Except with permission of the Biotechnology Examinations Board, no topic may be attempted more than twice.

At least 18 units must be chosen from Core topics:

Core - Year 1 topics

BIOL8004  DNA to Genome GE (4.5 units)
BIOL8005  Protein to Proteome GE (4.5 units)
BTEC8001  BioBusiness (9 units)
BTEC8002  Molecular Biotechnology (4.5 units)
BTEC8003  Legal, Ethical and Social Aspects of Bioscience GE (4.5 units)
BTEC9006  Professional Skills for Biotechnology (4.5 units)
BTEC8007  Protein Biotechnology (4.5 units)

Elective - Year 1 topics

BIOL9013  Integrating Molecular Biosciences GE* (4.5 units)
BTEC9008  Industrial and Pharmaceutical Biotechnology GE (4.5 units)
BTEC9010  Medical Biotechnology GE (4.5 units)
BTEC9011  Plant Science to Food Biotechnology GE (4.5 units)
BTEC9012  Environmental Biotechnology GE (4.5 units)

*Enrolment into this topic requires the permission of the Topic Coordinator.