Master of Biotechnology

2025 Deakin University Handbook

Year	2025 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

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 challenges with a Master of Biotechnology at Deakin. From pioneering medical advancements to cutting-edge solutions for food, agricultural and environmental issues, you will 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 apply your specialist knowledge from the lab across genetic, chemical, industrial and agricultural settings. Your biotechnology expertise will be complemented by skills in statistical data analysis, computer coding, and research alongside a well-developed understanding of the commercial biotechnology environment. This skill set will give you the confidence to thrive across a range of industries when you graduate. In your first year, you will 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. You'll also have the opportunity to operate analytical equipment like those used in industrial-scale production facilities, such as cell-culture bioreactors. During your degree, 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 opportunities to establish professional networks before you graduate. Guest lectures from key industry partners and field work are embedded into the curriculum, offering 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 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

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 explore a wide range of exciting roles in industry, education, government, policy development, and teaching.

Depending on your chosen area/s of expertise, you could pursue an impactful career 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:

government research institutes and departments, eg CSIRO
private research institutes
the health sector
private commercial companies
industrial research companies
universities
the 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.

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.

Course rules

To complete the Master of Biotechnology (exit option only) students must pass 12 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)
8 credit points of core units
4 credit points which may comprise of:
- Industry Practice pathway (4 credit points)
- Advanced Discipline coursework pathway (4 credit points)

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.

Course structure

Core

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)

SLE761

Professional Research Practice

SLE712

Molecular Biotechnology

HSH746

Biostatistics 1

SLE703

Agricultural Biotechnology

SLE706

Nanobiotechnology

SLE713

Industrial Biotechnology

SLE777

Applied Bioinformatics

SLE767

Industry Practice Planning

Pathway options

Chosen from the following professional studies pathways:

Industry practice pathway

SLE768

Industry Practice A (2 credit points)

SLE769

Industry Practice B (2 credit points)

Advanced discipline coursework pathway (3 credit points from the following units):

SLE717

Synthetic Biology

SLE718

Green Chemistry and Industrial Bioprocessing

SIT771

Object-Oriented Development

SIT718

Real World Analytics

MPM712

Managing Innovation

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

Work experience

Students will have an opportunity to complete work experience as part of the industry practice pathway.

Course duration

Course duration may be affected by delays in completing course requirements, such as failing of units or accessing or completing placements.

Further information

Student Central can help you with course planning, choosing the right units and explaining course rules and requirements.

Contact Student Central

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 or 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.

Estimate your fees

For further information regarding tuition fees, other fees and charges, invoice due dates, withdrawal dates, payment methods visit our Current students website.