Master of Biotechnology

2027 Deakin University Handbook

Year	2027 course information
Award granted	Master of Biotechnology
Course credit points	12
Deakin course code	S712
Course version	1
Faculty	Faculty of Science, Engineering and Built Environment
Course information	For students who commenced from 2024 onwards
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.

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:

Agricultural Scientist
Agricultural Technician
Biochemist
Biomedical Engineer
Biotechnologist
Botanist
Bioinformatician
Chemist
Data Scientist
Food Technologist
Laboratory Manager
Life Scientist
Life Science Technician
Medical Laboratory Scientist
Medical Laboratory Technician
Microbiologist
Regulatory Affairs Assistant
School Laboratory Technician
Science Technicians
Scientific Sales or Product Specialist
University Lecturer
University Tutor.

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

CSIRO and other national research organisations
Government research institutes and departments
Universities and higher education institutions
Private research institutes
Hospitals, pathology laboratories and the broader health sector
Biotechnology and pharmaceutical companies
Agricultural, crop science and animal health industries
Food production, food safety and food technology companies
Environmental testing and sustainability organisations
Industrial research and manufacturing companies
Local councils, public service agencies and regulatory bodies
Scientific equipment, diagnostics and technology companies.

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

Course Learning Outcomes
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.
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 solve problems and use computer programming to develop new methods and resources to advance biotechnology.
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.
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. Ability and courage to step into a leadership role when the situation demands.
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 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.

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 solve problems and use computer programming to develop new methods and resources to advance biotechnology.

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.

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.

Ability and courage to step into a leadership role when the situation demands.

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 Master of Biotechnology (exit option only) you must pass 12 credit points. This 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)
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)

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

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

Pathways

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

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