The Master of Biotechnology is a 54-unit program comprising coursework and research leading to a thesis and is offered by the Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences.
Admission requirements
Applicants must normally have completed, with a Credit average or better, an approved degree in a biological or medical science at an approved tertiary institution. However, the Biotechnology Examinations Board may, under certain circumstances and subject to specific conditions, admit others who can show evidence of fitness for candidature.
Course aims
The Master of Biotechnology course is a research higher degree award which aims at providing a more direct pathway to research training leading to a PhD than the coursework-based Master of Biotechnology Studies course. Nevertheless, the aims of both courses are to develop graduates who are able to function as practitioners in the interdisciplinary, global research-intensive biotechnology industry. They are designed to enhance graduates’ abilities to contribute to the development of scientifically sound, ethical and culturally sensitive solutions to complex problems for the economic and social benefit of society. They aim to develop graduates who work effectively within team environments and improve their practice through critical reflection and learning.
Learning outcomes
On successful completion of the course, graduates should be able to:
- transfer and apply core scientific concepts to develop solutions in the biotechnology industry
- work in ways that are informed by knowledge of the legislative, regulatory, commercial, scientific and social environment
- use critical analysis and problem solving skills to develop, plan and implement innovative solutions within a diverse range of biotechnology industry sectors
- synthesise information and communicate effectively, succinctly and sensitively with the scientific community, co-workers, government agencies, investors, the broad public and particular cultural and Indigenous communities
- apply judgement and initiative to propose and prioritise work strategies in consultation with co-workers to achieve timely completion of a project
- work in a multidisciplinary team and incorporate the views of all stakeholders including Indigenous groups, and use self-awareness and consultation to understand their role within a group and how they can best contribute to the group
- articulate a conscious understanding of their own values and demonstrate respect for the values of others and the ability to view an ethical dilemma from multiple view points
- inform society of impending developments and engage in a constructive debate
- incorporate understanding and awareness of Indigenous and other communities’ religious beliefs and culture into biotechnology practice
- plan and conduct research projects and effectively communicate research findings
- apply their understanding of the commercialisation processes to biotechnology products or services.
Program of study
To qualify for the Master of Biotechnology, a student must complete 54 units with a grade of P or NGP or better in each topic, according to the following program of study:
Option - Year 1 & 2 topics
18 units selected from:
BTEC9001 BioBusiness GE (9 units)
BTEC9002 Molecular Biotechnology (4.5 units)
BTEC9003 Legal, Ethical and Social Aspects of Bioscience GE (4.5 units)
BIOL9004 DNA to Genome GE (4.5 units)
BIOL9005 Protein to Proteome GE (4.5 units)
BTEC9006 Professional Skills for Biotechnology (4.5 units)
BTEC9007 Protein Biotechnology (4.5 units)
BTEC9008 Industrial and Pharmaceutical Biotechnology GE (4.5 units)
BTEC9010 Medical Biotechnology GE (4.5 units)
BTEC9011 Plant Science to Food Biotechnology GE (4.5 units)
BTEC9012 Environmental Biotechnology GE (4.5 units)
BIOL9013 Integrating Molecular Biosciences GE^ (4.5 units)
^Enrolment into this topic requires the permission of the Topic Coordinator.
Core - Research project topics
Select one of:
BTEC9640 Masters Research Project in Biotechnology (Medicine) (36 units)
BTEC9641 Masters Research Project in Biotechnology (Biology) (36 units)
