Graduate Certificate of Bioinformatics

2025 Deakin University Handbook

Year	2025 course information
Award granted	Graduate Certificate of Bioinformatics
Deakin course code	S513
Faculty	Faculty of Science, Engineering and Built Environment
Campus	Offered at Burwood (Melbourne), Waurn Ponds (Geelong)
Online	Yes
Duration	One year (part-time only)
Course Map - enrolment planning tool	This course map is for new students commencing from Trimester 1 2025 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
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

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, site visits 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 build a thriving career 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 students must pass 4 credit points and meet the following course rules to be eligible to graduate:

DAI001 Academic Integrity and Respect at Deakin (0-credit-point compulsory unit) in their first study period
4 credit points of core units

Students are required to meet the University's academic progress and conduct requirements. See the enrolment codes and terminology to help make sense of the University’s vocabulary.