Master of Biotechnology

2024 Deakin University Handbook

Year	2024 course information
Award granted	Master of Biotechnology
Deakin course code	S712
Faculty	Faculty of Science, Engineering and Built Environment
Campus	This course is an exit option only
Online	No
Duration	1.5 years full-time or part-time equivalent
Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) recognition	The award conferred upon completion is recognised in the Australian Qualifications Framework at Level 9
New course from Trimester 2, 2024

Course sub-headings

Course overview

This is an exit only option from the Master of Biotechnology (Professional). Become an in-demand biotechnology expert and create innovative solutions to global issues when you study a Master of Biotechnology at Deakin. From pioneering medical advancements to cutting-edge solutions to food, agricultural and environmental problems, you’ll gain advanced technical skills to build a global career effecting positive change. Graduate with the high-level biotechnology knowledge, practical laboratory and fieldwork experience, and professional networks you need to succeed in a booming industry.

Learn under internationally recognised researchers and discover how to take your specialist knowledge of biotechnology from the lab and apply it across genetic, chemical, industrial and agricultural settings. Your biotechnology expertise will be complemented by skills in statistical data analysis, computer coding, research and a well-developed understanding of the commercial biotechnology environment – giving you the confidence to thrive across a range of industries when you graduate. In your first year, you’ll gain in-depth biotechnology knowledge before pursuing a pathway in research, industry placement or advanced coursework.

Want to explore emerging topics in biotechnology and pursue a career that makes a difference?

During your first year, you’ll advance your knowledge in:

professional research practice
molecular biotechnology
biostatistics
agricultural biotechnology
nanobiotechnology
industrial biotechnology
applied bioinformatics.

In addition to building advanced knowledge, you’ll get hands-on experience using various molecular biotechnologies and bioinformatics tools, along with the opportunity to operate analytical equipment like those used in industrial-scale production facilities, such as cell-culture bioreactors. During your degree, you’ll also develop crucial research management and business skills that employers are looking for.

Tailor your studies to your professional interests by choosing one of two study pathways:

industry practice, where you’ll gain invaluable professional work experience
advanced coursework, where you’ll further your biotechnology knowledge under the supervision of our internationally recognised research staff.

Connections to industry are an integral part of this course, providing you with invaluable industry perspectives and allowing you to establish professional networks before you graduate. Guest lectures from key industry partners and field work are embedded into the curriculum to provide a deeper understanding of industry-engaged research and commercialisation in the biotechnology environment.

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.

Depending on your chosen area/s of expertise, you can make an impact across a wide range of careers, including as a:

bioinformatician animal scientist
botanist
chemist
food scientist
material scientist
metallurgist
molecular biologist
researcher.

With the potential to work globally in a broad range of industries, your potential employers might include:

CSIRO
government research institutes and departments
private research institutes
health sector
private commercial companies
industrial research companies
universities
agriculture and food sector
local councils and public service.

Participation requirements

Elective units may be selected that include compulsory placements, work-based training, community-based learning or collaborative research training arrangements.

Reasonable adjustments to participation and other course requirements will be made for students with a disability. More information available at Disability support services.

Mandatory student checks

Any unit which contains work integrated learning, a community placement or interaction with the community may require a police check, Working with Children Check or other check.

Fees and charges

Fees and charges vary depending on the type of fee place you hold, your course, your commencement year, the units you choose to study and their study discipline, and your study load.

Tuition fees increase at the beginning of each calendar year and all fees quoted are in Australian dollars ($AUD). Tuition fees do not include textbooks, computer equipment or software, other equipment or costs such as mandatory checks, travel and stationery.

Use the Fee estimator to see course and unit fees applicable to your course and type of place. For further information regarding tuition fees, other fees and charges, invoice due dates, withdrawal dates, payment methods visit our Current students website.

Course Learning Outcomes

Deakin Graduate Learning Outcomes	Course Learning Outcomes
Discipline-specific knowledge and capabilities	Develop deep 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 for discovery as well as development of commercially valuable products. Ability to use bioinformatics skills to analyse large research data sets and make valid inferences using rigorous statistical 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 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. Apply critical reasoning in a variety of situations to scope, interpret and structure investigations to develop an in- depth knowledge for professional biotechnological practice. 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. Ability and courage to step into a leadership role when the situation demands.
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 Master of Biotechnology (exit option only), students must attain 12 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)
eight core units (8 credit points)
a four (4) credit point pathway in:
- Industry Practice Pathway OR
- Advanced Discipline Coursework Pathway.