Master of Biotechnology

Admission requirements

Applicants must normally have completed an approved 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

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 topics

36 units comprising:

BIOL8005  Protein to Proteome GE (4.5 units)
BTEC8002  Molecular Biotechnology (4.5 units)
BTEC8003  Legal, Ethical and Social Aspects of Bioscience GE (4.5 units)
BTEC8005 Human Molecular Genetics (4.5 units)
BTEC9006 Professional Skills for Biotechnology (4.5 units)
BTEC9008  Industrial and Pharmaceutical Biotechnology GE (4.5 units)
BTEC9012  Environmental Biotechnology GE (4.5 units)
ENGR9704 Engineering Management (4.5 units)

Core - Year 2 topics

36 units comprising:

BIOL8802 Bioinformatics (4.5 units)
BTEC8004 BioBusiness (4.5 units)
BTEC9010 Medical Biotechnology GE (4.5 units)
BTEC9100A Biotechnology Research Project A (13.5/22.5 units)
BTEC9100B Biotechnology Research Project B (9/22.5 units)

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.