Graduate Certificate in Biotechnology

Admission requirements

Applicants must normally have completed an approved bachelor degree in a biological, agricultural or medical science at an approved tertiary institution. However, the Dean (Education) may, under certain circumstances and subject to specific conditions, admit others who can show evidence of fitness for candidature.

Course aims

This is a one semester 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 progress into either the Graduate Diploma in Biotechnology or 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. It ensures that students who elect not to complete the Masters degree are not disadvantaged and can gain a postgraduate certificate 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
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.

Program of study

To qualify for the Graduate Certificate in Biotechnology, a student must complete 18 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.

Except with the permission of the Biotechnology Executive Committee, the program must be completed full-time in one semester or part-time in two consecutive semesters.

Option - Year 1 topics

18 units selected from:

BIOL8004  DNA to Genome GE (4.5 units)
BIOL8005  Protein to Proteome GE (4.5 units)
BIOL9013  Integrating Molecular Biosciences GE* (4.5 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)
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.

Every effort has been made to ensure the information published on the Course Rule pages is accurate at the time of publication. Flinders University reserves the right to amend its curriculum without prior notice, and will update the Course Rules to reflect any amendments at the earliest opportunity.