Master of Biotechnology (Professional)

2027 Deakin University Handbook

Year	2027 course information
Award granted	Master of Biotechnology (Professional)
Course credit points	16
Deakin course code	S713
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	2 years full-time or part-time equivalent
Course map - enrolment planning tool	These course maps are for new students commencing from Trimester 1 2027: Advanced Discipline Coursework Pathway Research Pathway Industry Practice Pathway (i) Industry Practice Pathway (ii) 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	113876H Waurn Ponds (Geelong)
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

Become an in-demand expert and create innovative solutions to global challenges with a Master of Biotechnology (Professional) at Deakin. From pioneering medical advancements to cutting-edge solutions for food, agricultural and environmental issues; gain advanced technical skills to build a global career effecting positive change.

Undertake up to 500 hours of placements with organisations specialising in food innovation, agricultural biotechnology, disease monitoring and analytical testing, such as Symbio Laboratories, Agromillora, CSIRO and Australian Clinical Labs.

Learn under globally recognised researchers and discover how to apply your specialist knowledge across genetic, chemical, industrial and agricultural settings. Your biotechnology expertise will be complemented by skills in statistical data analysis, coding and research alongside a well-developed understanding of the commercial biotechnology environment.

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 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.

A biotechnology qualification is also highly relevant and extremely versatile in research and development roles within both public and private sector research institutes. Many biotech companies engaged in manufacturing employ qualified biotechnologists as manufacturing associates in a supervisory and management capacity.

Graduates also can become biotech product specialists, playing a valuable role in marketing and selling a variety of biotechnological products. These can range from biotech instruments to reagents related to genomics or proteomics. Many biotechnologists are also engaged in the rapidly expanding field of bioinformatics and contribute towards drafting biotech patent applications under the supervision of a patent lawyer.

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.

Pathways

Graduates who have completed the Research Project pathway will be uniquely positioned to commence a PhD.

Alternative exits

Graduate Certificate of Bioinformatics (S513)
Graduate Diploma of Biotechnology (S613)
Master of Biotechnology (S712)

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 (Professional) you must pass 16 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.

A 16-credit point Master of Biotechnology (Professional) 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
9 credit point pathway which may comprise of:
- Research pathway (subject to meeting unit requirements)*
- Industry Practice pathway (subject to meeting unit requirements)^
- Advanced Discipline coursework pathway.

* Students must have passed 7 level 7 units (6 units must be SLE coded units) and have a minimum WAM of 70 to be eligible for the Research pathway.

^ Students must have completed STP710 Career Tools for Employability, passed 8 credit points of study at level 7 and have a minimum WAM of 70 to be eligible for the Industry Practice pathway.

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.

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

SLE706

Nanobiotechnology

SLE713

Industrial Biotechnology

SLE777

Applied Bioinformatics

Pathways

You must complete one of these professional studies pathways:

Research pathway

SLE763

Research Project Planning

SLE764

Research Project (4 credit points)

SLE765

Research Project (Advanced) (4 credit points)

Industry practice pathway

SLE767

Industry Practice Planning

SLE717

Synthetic Biology

SLE718

Green Chemistry and Industrial Bioprocessing

SLE768

Industry Practice A (2 credit points)

SLE769

Industry Practice B (2 credit points)

plus two (2) level 7 open elective units (2 credit points)

Advanced discipline coursework pathway

SLE767

Industry Practice Planning

SLE717

Synthetic Biology

SLE718

Green Chemistry and Industrial Bioprocessing

SIT771

Object-Oriented Development

SIT718

Real World Analytics

MPM712

Managing Innovation

plus three (3) level 7 open elective units (3 credit points)

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