Master of Biotechnology and Bioinformatics
2021 Deakin University Handbook
Year | 2021 course information |
---|---|
Award granted | Master of Biotechnology and Bioinformatics |
Course Map | These course maps are for new students commencing from Trimester 2 2021. Course maps for commencement in previous years are available on the Course Maps webpage or please contact a Student Adviser in Student Central. |
Campus | Offered at Waurn Ponds (Geelong) |
Cloud Campus | No |
Duration | 2 years full-time or part-time equivalent |
CRICOS course code | 096753J Waurn Ponds (Geelong) |
Deakin course code | S772 |
Approval status | This course is approved by the University under the Higher Education Standards Framework. |
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
- Indicative student workload
- Career opportunities
- Participation requirements
- Mandatory student checks
- Pathways
- Fees and charges
- Course Learning Outcomes
- Course rules
- Course structure
- Work experience
Course overview
This cutting-edge course provides hands-on experience and knowledge of the latest techniques in biotechnology and bioinformatics research as well as nanotechnology and bio-processing technologies. 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 similar to those used in industrial scale production facilities.
Industry connectedness is an integral part of this course and ensures students 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 students with an understanding of industry-engaged research and commercialisation in the biotechnology environment.
Want to experience operating cutting-edge analytical equipment?
Throughout the Master of Biotechnology and Bioinformatics students will also gain experience operating cutting-edge analytical equipment and cover a wide range of emerging topics in biotechnology and, importantly, research management and business skills. Students also have the opportunity to participate in site visits and can undertake a research project.
Following successful completion of the course, graduates may choose to pursue further research through a PhD, or seek employment in industry or government roles. Alternatively, students may choose to exit 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. Click here for more information.
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)
Fees and charges
Fees and charges vary depending on your course, the type of fee place you hold, your commencement year and your study load. To find out about the fees and charges that apply to you, visit the Current students fees website or our handy Fee estimator to help estimate your tuition fees.
Course Learning Outcomes
Deakin Graduate Learning Outcomes | Course Learning Outcomes | |
Discipline-specific knowledge and capabilities |
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Communication |
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Digital literacy |
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Critical thinking |
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Problem solving |
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Self-management |
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Teamwork |
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Global citizenship |
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Approved by Faculty Board 27 June 2019
Course rules
To complete the Master of Biotechnology and Bioinformatics, students must attain 16 credit points. Most units (think of units as ‘subjects’) are equal to 1 credit point. So that means in order to gain 16 credit points, you’ll need to study 16 units (AKA ‘subjects’) over your entire degree. Most students choose to study 4 units per trimester, and usually undertake two trimesters each year.
The course comprises a total of 16 credit points, which must include the following:
Year 1 (8 credit points):
- Completion of STP050 Academic Integrity (0-credit point compulsory unit)
- Completion of SLE010 Laboratory and Fieldwork Safety Induction Program (0 credit-point compulsory unit)
- 7 core units (7 credit points)
- 1 elective unit (1 credit point)
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. Click here for more information.
Course structure
Core
Year 1
STP050 | Academic Integrity (0 credit points) |
SLE010 | Laboratory and Fieldwork Safety Induction Program (0 credit points) |
SLE761 | Research Planning and Communication |
SLE762 | Research Impact and Management |
SLE763 | Research Frontiers Project |
SLE703 | Agricultural Biotechnology and Bioinformatics |
SLE706 | Nanobiotechnology |
SLE712 | Bioinformatics and Molecular Biology Techniques |
SLE713 | Industrial and Analytical Techniques in Biotechnology |
Plus one level 7 elective unit (one credit point)
Year 2
Chosen from the following pathways:
Research Pathway
SLE764 | Research Thesis 1 (4 credit points) |
SLE765 | Research Thesis 2 (4 credit points) |
OR
Industry Practice Pathway
SLE766 | Industry Practice (4 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.
Other course information
Course duration - additional information
Course duration may be affected by delays in completing course requirements, such as accessing or completing work placements.
Further information
Student Central can help you with course planning, choosing the right units and explaining course rules and requirements.
- Contact Student Central