Graduate Diploma of Biotechnology

2025 Deakin University Handbook

Year	2025 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 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.
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

Course sub-headings

Course overview

Ready to lead medical advancements or create solutions to pressing issues in food, agriculture, and the environment? Take the first step with Deakin’s Graduate Diploma of Biotechnology. Play your part in advancing human health and society as you experience hands-on learning under our globally renowned academics. You will emerge equipped with specialist biotechnology expertise, practical laboratory experience, and invaluable industry connections essential for thriving in this dynamic field.

Our commitment to real-world experience means you are not just learning in theory, but actively shaping the future of biotechnology. You will apply your biotechnology knowledge beyond the confines of the lab, spanning genetic, chemical, industrial, and agricultural settings. Enhance your technical expertise as you gain skills in statistical data analysis, computer coding and research, and the commercial biotechnology environment – empowering you to excel in a range of roles.

Want to pursue a fulfilling career with global impact?

Engage with state-of-the-art biotechnology research tools and gain proficiency in operating cutting-edge analytical instruments similar to industrial-scale production environments. Stay at the forefront of scientific innovation under the guidance of our expert faculty and emerge equipped with the versatile skills needed to address pressing global healthcare, food security, and environmental problems.

Prepare to expand your expertise across a range of subjects, including:

applied bioinformatics.
agricultural biotechnology
biostatistics
industrial biotechnology
molecular biotechnology
nanobiotechnology.

From developing drought and pest-resistant crops, to improving plastic waste management, to cutting down on greenhouse gas emissions, biotechnology is revolutionising our world. It continues to stand out as one of the most significant and exciting fields, with a profound impact on many aspects of our lives. Discover the potential of biotechnology and experience the excitement of breakthroughs that shape our future.

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

You will graduate from this course with in-depth scientific knowledge and transferrable technical and commercial skills, ready to embark on a rewarding career in the rapidly expanding biotechnology field. With this highly relevant and extremely versatile qualification, doors will open to various exciting opportunities in industry, education, government, policy development, and teaching.

Your expertise could lead you to a variety of roles, including:

agricultural scientist
animal scientist
bioinformatician
biomedical scientist
biotechnology sales/marketing
botanist
environmental analyst
food scientist
industrial biotechnologist
quality assurance officer
science journalism or communications specialist
technical expert.

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 completed to pursue 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.

Course rules

To complete the Graduate Diploma of Biotechnology students must pass 8 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
STP710 Career Tools for Employability (0-credit-point compulsory unit)
SLE010 Laboratory and Fieldwork Safety Induction Program (0-credit-point compulsory unit)
7 credit points of core units
1 credit point, level 7 postgraduate open elective unit

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.