Master of Biotechnology - Prior to 31 December 2017

Admission requirements

Applicants must normally have completed, with a Credit average or better, an approved degree in a biological or medical science at an approved tertiary institution. However, the Biotechnology Examinations Board may, under certain circumstances and subject to specific conditions, admit others who can show evidence of fitness for candidature.

Course aims

The Master of Biotechnology course is a research higher degree award which aims at providing a more direct pathway to research training leading to a PhD than the coursework-based Master of Biotechnology Studies course. Nevertheless, the aims of both courses are to develop graduates who are able to function as practitioners in the interdisciplinary, global research-intensive biotechnology industry. They are designed to enhance graduates’ abilities to contribute to the development of scientifically sound, ethical and culturally sensitive solutions to complex problems for the economic and social benefit of society. They aim to develop graduates who work effectively within team environments and improve their practice through critical reflection and learning.

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
plan and conduct research projects and effectively communicate research findings
apply their understanding of the commercialisation processes to biotechnology products or services.

Program of study

To qualify for the Master of Biotechnology, a student must complete 54 units with a grade of P or NGP or better in each topic, according to the following program of study:

Option - Year 1 & 2 topics

18 units selected from:

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)
BTEC8007  Protein Biotechnology (4.5 units)
BTEC9006  Professional Skills for Biotechnology (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)
BIOL9013  Integrating Molecular Biosciences GE^ (4.5 units)