Master of Biotechnology and Bioinformatics

2024 Deakin University Handbook

Year	2025 course information
Award granted	Master of Biotechnology and Bioinformatics
Deakin course code	S772
Faculty	Faculty of Science, Engineering and Built Environment
Campus	For students who commenced prior to 2022
Duration	2 years full-time or part-time equivalent
CRICOS course code	096753J Waurn Ponds (Geelong)
Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) recognition	The award conferred upon completion is recognised in the Australian Qualifications Framework at Level 9
The final intake to this course version was in 2021. Students should contact a Student Adviser in Student Central for course and enrolment information. Further course structure information can be found in the handbook archive.

Course sub-headings

Course overview

This innovative course provides hands-on experience and knowledge of the latest techniques in biotechnology and bioinformatics research, as well as nanotechnology and bioprocessing. Throughout the Master of Biotechnology and Bioinformatics, you will gain experience in the use of various molecular biology techniques and bioinformatics tools, along with the opportunity to operate analytical equipment like those used in industrial-scale production facilities.

Connections to industry are an integral part of this course and ensures you have opportunities to gain an industry perspective and establish professional networks prior to graduation. Guest lectures from key industry partners are embedded into the curriculum to provide a deeper understanding of industry-engaged research and commercialisation in the biotechnology environment.

Want to explore emerging topics in biotechnology and bioinformatics?

Gain experience operating cutting-edge analytical equipment and explore a wide range of emerging topics in biotechnology and, importantly, research management and business skills. You will also have the opportunity to participate in site visits and can elect to undertake a research project.

Following successful completion of the course, you may choose to pursue further research through a PhD or seek employment in industry or government roles. You may choose to exit this course early with a Graduate Certificate of Research Management or Graduate Diploma of Biotechnology and Bioinformatics.

Indicative student workload

Approximately 150 hours of learning and assessment activities per Deakin credit point.

Students will have access to a range of elective units from a variety of relevant discipline areas across the Faculty and University. This will allow them to tailor a program relevant to their specific interests, subject to academic approval. As a pathway to PhD, the proposed courses have a key component in the form of a research project. The thesis should offer a significant contribution to knowledge in the discipline concerned and demonstrate the student’s capacity to carry out independent research.

Students not wishing to pursue further studies in research will have the opportunity to undertake a 4-credit point industry practice placement during their second year of studies, along with 4 course electives that will allow them to complement their studies with a range of relevant options.

Career opportunities

As a graduate of this course, you will be uniquely positioned to commence a PhD or actively pursue research roles in industry, education, government, policy developments and teaching. Depending on your chosen area/s of expertise, you may choose to seek employment as a bioinformatician animal scientist, botanist, chemist, food scientist, material scientist, metallurgist, molecular biologist, communications specialist, researcher or science journalist. Potential employers include CSIRO, government research institutes and departments, private research institutes, health sector, private commercial companies, industrial research companies, universities, schools, agriculture and food sector, local councils and public service.

A biotechnology qualification is also highly relevant and extremely versatile in Research and Development (R&D) 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 have the opportunity to become biotech product specialist and play a valuable role in marketing and selling a variety of biotechnological products ranging 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 will be uniquely positioned to commence a PhD.

Alternate exits

Graduate Diploma of Biotechnology and Bioinformatics (S672) (Exit option only)

Graduate Certificate of Research Management (S521)

Course Learning Outcomes

Deakin Graduate Learning Outcomes	Course Learning Outcomes
Discipline-specific knowledge and capabilities	Demonstrate mastery and specialist knowledge through the application of scientific research principles and methodologies in the investigation of recent developments within a chosen field of study; plan and execute a substantial research project to demonstrate a deep understanding and mastery within that scientific field; creatively apply high-level technical and cognitive skills to research activities in a professional and/or academic setting in order to demonstrate in-depth knowledge of scientific methodologies pertinent to a field of study; demonstrate autonomy, well-developed judgement and responsibility to argue about characteristics and aspects of scientific research in the advancement of a discipline of science through the application of appropriate hypotheses, laws, facts and theories for investigation, testing, analysis, and evaluation of scientific data.
Communication	Present a reasoned argument that highlights essential details of scientific procedures, key observations, results and conclusions of scientific research in a professional manner using appropriate style, language and references including local, national, and international contributions or contexts; apply listening skills and effective communication skills to accommodate, encourage and answer questions from a range of audience and to defend research findings and scientific propositions; interpret the boundaries or limits of scientific information, experimental or field data, discuss error, probability, uncertainty, conclusions and arguments to justify theoretical propositions, methodologies, conclusions and professional decisions.
Digital literacy	Use well-developed technical skills, judgement and responsibility to independently locate, analyse, evaluate the merits of, synthesise and disseminate scientific literature in the planning and implementation of research projects; reflect on information, data and results and develop strategies for disseminating research outcomes in a digital world.
Critical thinking	Appraise complex scientific methodologies and information using critical, analytical and logical reasoning from multiple perspectives for evaluating the merits of scientific methodologies, theoretical propositions and practice; formulate research questions to test and/ or contest ideas, concepts and theoretical propositions through an evidence-based well-structured research project.
Problem solving	Plan and implement scientific research investigation by using evidence to identify problems and by applying analysis and synthesis skills, and appropriate scientific methodologies to solve research and / or practice problems; demonstrate complex problem-solving skills by identifying and creating solutions to real world ill-defined problems through scientific inquiry; contribute to advancements in scientific knowledge through mastery in the use of scientific instruments and techniques to device an investigation, and in the collection, interpretation, analysis, synthesis and dissemination of scientific results and conclusion.
Self-management	Take personal, professional and social responsibility within changing national and international professional science contexts to develop autonomy as researchers and evaluate own performances; work autonomously, responsibly and safely to solve unstructured problems and actively apply knowledge of regulatory frameworks and scientific methodologies to make informed choices
Teamwork	Work independently and collaboratively with advice from the supervisor towards achieving the outcomes of a research project and thereby demonstrate interpersonal skills including the ability to brainstorm, negotiate, resolve conflicts, managing difficult and awkward conversations, provide constructive feedback and work in diverse professional, social and cultural contexts.
Global citizenship	Apply scientific knowledge and skills with a high level of autonomy, judgement, responsibility and accountability in collaboration with the supervisor to articulate the place and importance of scientific inquiry in the local and global context.

Approved by Faculty Board 27 June 2019

Course rules

To complete the Master of Biotechnology and Bioinformatics students must pass 16 credit points and meet the following course rules to be eligible to graduate.

Year 1 (8 credit points):

DAI001 Academic Integrity and Respect at Deakin (0-credit-point compulsory unit) in their first study period
Completion of STP050* Academic Integrity (0-credit-point compulsory unit);
Completion of SLE010 Laboratory and Fieldwork Safety Induction Program (0 credit-point compulsory unit).
Seven (7) core units (7 credit points);
One (1) elective unit (1 credit point);
# core units
# (majors, minors or specialisations)
# electives (you can choose which ones to study)
course specific rules e.g. a maximum of 10 credit points at level 1, or a minimum of 6 credit points at level 3

Year 2 (8 credit points):

Research pathway or Industry Practice pathway (8 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.

* DAI001 Academic Integrity and Respect at Deakin replaces STP050 Academic Integrity from 2025.

Course structure

Core

Year 1

STP050 Academic Integrity (0 credit points) [No longer available for enrolment from 2024, alternate unit DAI001]

SLE010

Laboratory and Fieldwork Safety Induction Program (0 credit points)

SLE761

Professional Research Practice

SLE762

Research Impact and Management

SLE763

Research Project Planning

SLE703 Agricultural Biotechnology and Bioinformatics [No longer available for enrolment]

SLE706 Nanobiotechnology [No longer available for enrolment]

SLE712 Bioinformatics and Molecular Biology Techniques [No longer available for enrolment]

SLE713 Industrial and Analytical Techniques in Biotechnology [No longer available for enrolment]

Plus one level 7 elective unit (one credit point)

Year 2

Chosen from the following pathways:

Research Pathway

SLE764

Research Project (4 credit points)

SLE765

Research Project (Advanced) (4 credit points)

Industry Practice Pathway

SLE768

Industry Practice A (2 credit points)^

SLE769

Industry Practice B (2 credit points)^

SLE766 Industry Practice (4 credit points) [No longer available for enrolment from 2025, alternate unit SLE768 Industry Practice A (2 credit points) and SLE769 Industry Practice B (2 credit points)]

plus four credit points of level 7 units

^ Students undertaking this unit must have successfully completed STP710 Career Tools for Employability (0 credit point)

Electives

Plus one level 7 elective unit chosen from existing units

Work experience

Students will have an opportunity to complete an industry practice pathway, equivalent to 4 credit points, in place of a research 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.