Graduate Diploma of Biotechnology

2027 Deakin University Handbook

Year	2027 course information
Award granted	Graduate Diploma of Biotechnology
Course credit points	8
Deakin course code	S613
Course version	1
Faculty	Faculty of Science, Engineering and Built Environment
Course information	For students who commenced from 2024 onwards
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 2027 Course maps for commencement in previous years are available on the Course Maps webpage or please contact a Student Adviser in Student Central.
CRICOS 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? 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 through hands-on learning led by globally renowned academics. As a graduate you will emerge with specialist biotechnology expertise, practical laboratory experience and invaluable industry connections, essential for thriving in this dynamic field.

At Deakin, you won’t just learn theory but actively shape the future of biotechnology. You will apply your 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.

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.

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

Course Learning Outcomes
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Work effectively as a team member, assuming various roles and utilising effective teamwork skills to achieve goals.
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 Learning Outcomes

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Work effectively as a team member, assuming various roles and utilising effective teamwork skills to achieve goals.

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.

Note – From 2026, Deakin commenced introducing Graduate Attributes (GAs), which define the distinctive characteristics of a Deakin graduate. You may notice some courses still refer to Graduate Learning Outcomes (GLOs) during this transition period.

Course rules

To complete the Graduate Diploma of Biotechnology you must pass 8 credit points. The number of credit points required may vary, depending on how much credit you receive as recognition of prior learning (RPL) based on your professional experience and previous qualifications.

An 8-credit point Graduate Diploma of Biotechnology includes:

DAI001 Academic Integrity and Respect at Deakin (0-credit-point compulsory unit) in your 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.

Most units are equal to one credit point. As a full-time student you will study four credit points per trimester and usually undertake two trimesters per year.

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

Course structure

Core units

You are required to complete seven core units (these are essential units for this degree)

In your first trimester you must also complete three 0-credit point units which are compulsory for this degree.

Year 1 - Trimester 1

DAI001

Academic Integrity and Respect at Deakin (0 credit points)

STP710

Career Tools for Employability (0 credit points)

SLE010

Laboratory and Fieldwork Safety Induction Program (0 credit points)

SLE703

Agricultural Biotechnology

SLE712

Molecular Biotechnology

HSH746

Biostatistics 1

SLE761

Professional Research Practice

Year 1 - Trimester 2

SLE706

Nanobiotechnology

SLE713

Industrial Biotechnology

SLE777

Applied Bioinformatics

Plus 1 level 7 open elective unit (1 credit point)

Open electives

Choose one open elective unit from across the University, including from a completely different study area (subject to meeting unit prerequisites).

Course duration

You may be able to study available units in the optional third trimester to fast-track your degree, however your course duration may be extended if there are delays in meeting course requirements, such as completing a placement.

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.

Estimate your fees

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 .

Contact Student Central