Graduate Certificate of Bioinformatics
2026 Deakin University Handbook
| Year | 2026 course information |
|---|---|
| Award granted | Graduate Certificate of Bioinformatics |
| Course Credit Points | 4 |
| Deakin course code | S513 |
| Course version | 1 |
| Faculty | Faculty of Science, Engineering and Built Environment |
| Course Information | For students who commenced from 2024 onwards |
| Campus | Offered at Burwood (Melbourne), Waurn Ponds (Geelong), Online |
| Duration | One year (part-time only) |
| Course Map - enrolment planning tool | This course map is for students commencing from Trimester 1 2026 Course maps for commencement in previous years are available on the Course Maps webpage or please contact a Student Adviser in Student Central. |
| Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) recognition | The award conferred upon completion is recognised in the Australian Qualifications Framework at Level 8 |
| Supplementary Information | INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS – Please note that due to Australian Government regulations, student visas to enter Australia cannot be issued to students who enrol in Deakin online. |
Course sub-headings
- Course overview
- Indicative student workload
- Career opportunities
- Pathways
- Course Learning Outcomes
- Course rules
- Course structure
- Fees and charges
Course overview
Build highly transferrable specialist skills for the future with a Graduate Certificate of Bioinformatics at Deakin. You will develop advanced knowledge in bioinformatics and data science, equipping you for the data-driven science of the future. Gain practical skills that are valuable across various domains such as business analytics and engineering.
Want to apply your passion for science to a career effecting positive change?
Your technical expertise in biotechnology will be complemented by skills in statistical data analysis, computer coding and research, along with a well-developed understanding of the commercial biotechnology environment. These versatile skills will prepare you to thrive across a range of roles. During your studies, you will apply existing analytical tools (bioinformatics) and data resources to solve problems. You will also use computer programming to develop new methods and resources, advancing the field of biotechnology.
Indicative student workload
You can expect to participate in a range of teaching activities each week. This could include lectures, seminars, workshops and online interaction. You can refer to the individual unit details in the course structure for more information. You will also need to study and complete assessment tasks in your own time.
Career opportunities
Take the right step toward a rewarding career and graduate with the in-depth scientific knowledge and transferrable technical and commercial skills to thrive in a rapidly growing industry. With a highly relevant and extremely versatile biotechnology qualification, you’ll be uniquely positioned to pursue roles in industry, academic research and government. Opportunities include environmental management, health and infectious disease research, epidemiology, and medical genomics.
Pathways
Upon completion of the Graduate Certificate of Bioinformatics you could use the credit points you’ve earned to enter into further study, including:
Graduate Diploma of Biotechnology (S613)
Master of Biotechnology (Professional) (S713) (Advanced Discipline Coursework Pathway only.)
Course Learning Outcomes
| Deakin Graduate Learning Outcomes | Course Learning Outcomes |
|---|---|
| Discipline-specific knowledge and capabilities | Ability to use bioinformatics skills to analyse large research data sets and make valid inferences using rigorous statistical methods. |
| Communication | Demonstrate good communication skills both written and oral, as applied to presenting their work. Articulate understanding of bioinformatics algorithms and methods and apply these to undertake own investigations. |
| Digital literacy | Apply existing analytical tools (bioinformatics) and data resources to solve problems and use computer programming to develop new methods and resources to advance biotechnology. |
| Critical thinking | Use abstract, analytical and logical reasoning to critically evaluate scientific evidence arguments and approaches. Use statistical thinking to determine the strength of scientific evidence. |
| Problem solving | Identify scientific problems and use systematic approaches and experimental strategies to formulate and propose solutions by considering relevant discipline and contextual factors. |
| Self-management | Evaluate own knowledge and skills using frameworks of reflection and take responsibility for learning and performance. Work responsibly and safely in scientific and professional environments to enrich the ideas of others by sharing learning experiences. |
| Teamwork | Work effectively as a team member, assuming various roles and utilising effective teamwork skills to achieve goals. |
| Global citizenship | Apply ethical practice in professional situations to demonstrate responsibility as practitioners when working with people from diverse cultures and communities. Identify and prioritise local, national and global issues and concerns and contribute towards solving real world problems from the perspective of bioinformatics. |
Course rules
To complete the Graduate Certificate of Bioinformatics you must pass 4 credit points. This includes:
- DAI001 Academic Integrity and Respect at Deakin (0-credit-point compulsory unit) in your first study period
- 4 credit points of core units.
Most units are equal to one credit point.
Students are required to meet the University's academic progress and conduct requirements.
Course structure
Core units
Year 1 - Trimester 1
| DAI001 | Academic Integrity and Respect at Deakin (0 credit points) |
| HSH746 | Biostatistics 1 |
| SIT771 | Object-Oriented Development |
Year 1 - Trimester 2
| SLE777 | Applied Bioinformatics |
| SIT718 | Real World Analytics |
Fees and charges
Tuition fees will vary depending on the type of fee place you hold, your course, your commencement year, the units you choose to study, your study load and/or unit discipline.
Your tuition fees will increase annually at the start of each calendar year. All fees quoted are in Australian dollars ($AUD) and do not include additional costs such as textbooks, computer equipment or software, other equipment, mandatory checks, travel, consumables and other costs.
For further information regarding tuition fees, other fees and charges, invoice due dates, withdrawal dates, payment methods visit our Current students website.
Further information
Contact Student Central for assistance in course planning, choosing the right units and explaining course rules and requirements. Student Central can also provide information for a wide range of services at Deakin. To help you understand the University vocabulary, please refer to our Enrolment codes and terminology page.