Graduate Diploma of Biotechnology

2024 Deakin University Handbook

Year	2024 course information
Award granted	Graduate Diploma of Biotechnology
Deakin course code	S613
Faculty	Faculty of Science, Engineering and Built Environment
Campus	Offered at Waurn Ponds (Geelong)
Online	No
Duration	1 year full-time or part-time equivalent
Course Map - enrolment planning tool	This course map is for new students commencing from Trimester 2 2024 Course maps for commencement in previous years are available on the Course Maps webpage or please contact a Student Adviser in Student Central.
CRICOS course code	113875J Waurn Ponds (Geelong)
Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) recognition	The award conferred upon completion is recognised in the Australian Qualifications Framework at Level 8
New course from Trimester 2, 2024

Course sub-headings

Course overview

Develop the advanced knowledge and technical skills to pioneer medical advancements or find cutting-edge solutions to food, agricultural and environmental issues with Deakin’s Graduate Diploma of Biotechnology. You’ll have the opportunity to experience hands-on learning under internationally recognised academics, ready to graduate with the specialist biotechnology knowledge, practical laboratory experience and professional networks to succeed in a booming industry.

Want a rewarding career that will make a difference?

You’ll learn how to take your in-depth knowledge of biotechnology from the lab and apply it across genetic, chemical, industrial and agricultural settings. Your technical biotechnology expertise will be complemented by skills in statistical data analysis, computer coding and research, and a well-developed understanding of the commercial biotechnology environment, ensuring you have versatile skills to thrive across a range of roles.

Advance your skills across a range of topics, including:
molecular biotechnology
biostatistics
agricultural biotechnology
nanobiotechnology
industrial biotechnology
applied bioinformatics.

Harness the latest in scientific discovery under the guidance of our expert staff and graduate with the diverse skills to tackle critical global healthcare, food and environmental problems.

Indicative student workload

You can expect to participate in a range of teaching activities each week. This could include classes, 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

Graduate with the in-depth scientific knowledge and transferrable technical and commercial skills to build a rewarding career in a rapidly growing industry. With a highly relevant and extremely versatile biotechnology qualification, you’ll be uniquely positioned to pursue a wide range of exciting roles in industry, education, government, policy development and teaching.

Participation requirements

It is important to note that some elective units may include compulsory placement, study tours, work-based training or collaborative research training arrangements.

Pathways

Upon completion of the Graduate Diploma of Biotechnology you could use the credit points you’ve earned to enter into further study, including:

Master of Biotechnology (Professional) (S713)

Alternative exits

Graduate Certificate of Bioinformatics (S513)

Course Learning Outcomes

Deakin Graduate Learning Outcomes	Course Learning Outcomes
Discipline-specific knowledge and capabilities	Develop a working knowledge of biotechnology, and the ability to apply it in different arenas including the genetic, chemical, industrial and agricultural settings. Using scientific process and knowledge of research planning to conduct research tasks. Ability to use bioinformatics skills to conduct basic analyses of research data sets and make inferences using statistically valid methods.
Communication	Demonstrate well developed communication skills both written and oral in a range of settings including among peers, to academic staff, industry contacts and outreach to the general public. Articulate scientific information in a structured form to describe scientific problems, formulate hypotheses, analyse evidence to support or oppose the interpretations of findings and conclusions, considering the evidence from scientific studies.
Digital literacy	Evaluate information using evidence from a range of reliable sources to establish scientific knowledge, recognise ambiguity and disseminate accurate information. Apply existing analytical tools (bioinformatics) and data resources to conduct analysis of research data sets.
Critical thinking	Use abstract, analytical and logical reasoning to critically evaluate scientific evidence arguments and approaches. Apply critical reasoning in a variety of situations to scope, interpret and structure biotechnological investigations. 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. Use judgement to convince scientific and non- scientific audiences, in the use of strategies to generate solutions to real world problems.
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 biotechnology.

Approved by Faculty Board 1 June 2023

Course rules

To complete the Graduate Diploma of Biotechnology, students must attain 8 credit points, which must include the following:

DAI001 Academic Integrity Module (0 credit point compulsory unit)
STP710 Career Tools for Employability (0 credit point compulsory unit)
SLE010 Laboratory and Fieldwork Safety Induction Program (0-credit point compulsory unit)
7 core units (7 credit points)
1 credit point of level 7 postgraduate open elective units offered by the University

Students are required to meet the University's academic progress and conduct requirements.