The Master of Biotechnology is a 72-unit program offered by the College of Medicine and Public Health.
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 aims to develop graduates who are able to function as practitioners in the interdisciplinary, global research-intensive biotechnology industry. It is 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. It aims 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 72 units with a grade of P or NGP or better in each topic, according to the following program of study as below.
Except with the permission of the Biotechnology Examinations Board, no topic may be attempted more than twice.
Core - Year 1 & 2 topics
BTEC8001 BioBusiness (9 units)
BTEC8003 Legal, Ethical and Social Aspects of Bioscience GE (4.5 units)
BIOL8004 DNA to Genome GE (4.5 units)
BIOL8005 Protein to Proteome GE (4.5 units)
BTEC9006 Professional Skills for Biotechnology (4.5 units)
Core - Research project topics
BTEC9000A Biotechnology Research Project (Medicine) (4.5/27 units) AND
BTEC9000B Biotechnology Research Project (Medicine) (4.5/27 units) AND
BTEC9000C Biotechnology Research Project (Medicine) (4.5/27 units) AND
BTEC9000D Biotechnology Research Project (Medicine) (4.5/27 units) AND
BTEC9000E Biotechnology Research Project (Medicine) (4.5/27 units) AND
BTEC9000F Biotechnology Research Project (Medicine) (4.5/27 units)
OR
BTEC9700A Biotechnology Research Project (Biology) (4.5/27 units) AND
BTEC9700B Biotechnology Research Project (Biology) (4.5/27 units) AND
BTEC9700C Biotechnology Research Project (Biology) (4.5/27 units) AND
BTEC9700D Biotechnology Research Project (Biology) (4.5/27 units) AND
BTEC9700E Biotechnology Research Project (Biology) (4.5/27 units) AND
BTEC9700F Biotechnology Research Project (Biology) (4.5/27 units)
Option - Year 1 & 2 topics
18 units selected from:
BTEC8002 Molecular Biotechnology (4.5 units)
BTEC8007 Protein 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)
^Enrolment into this topic requires the permission of the Topic Coordinator.
