Graduate Diploma of Science (Biotechnology) | International Student Courses | Swinburne University

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This Graduate Diploma of Science (Biotechnology) aims to provide advanced education in biotechnology and to prepare students for undertaking diverse types of careers in this field e.g. medicine and health, agriculture, pharmaceutical and environmental industries, biotechnology businesses, as well as the education sector. The course is specifically designed for students who have a first degree in basic biological or chemical sciences e.g. botany, zoology, chemistry, biochemistry, microbiology, agriculture, veterinary science, but little prior education in biotechnology.

The course aims to provide an understanding of the fundamental principles of the key areas of biotechnology, including molecular biology, bioinformatics, medical, industrial, forensic and agricultural biotechnology, and the diverse applications of these areas, hence a prior degree or experience in biotechnology is not essential.

The Graduate Diploma of Science (Biotechnology) is part of a nested suite of courses that includes the Master of Science (Biotechnology) and is structured to provide flexible options that allow students to undertake studies to their desired level and focus on their field of interest, by choosing appropriate exit points, elective units and research project topics.

Information sessions

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Every international student application is considered for a scholarship
Whether you’re living in Australia or overseas, you’re automatically considered for a scholarship of up to 20% off your course fees. Please check our updated entry requirements.

Duration

1 Year/s

Intakes

Hawthorn (Semester 1, Semester 2) - View application and start dates

CRICOS code

055215G

Fees

A$42240 (annual for 2024)*

The indicative course fees shown in Course Search apply to international students for the relevant year only. They are based on a standard study load per year. However, please note that fees are assessed according to a student's study load in each semester, and variation to study load will result in an adjustment to tuition fees. All fees are subject to annual review and may be adjusted.

Course information in detail

- Course detail, course structure and units of study.

Course description

International students in Australia who hold student visas are required to study full-time and on campus. Courses that are taught entirely online are only available to international students studying outside Australia or those in Australia who are not on a student visa. Online courses are not available to international students in Australia who hold a student visa.

Course structure

To qualify for a Graduate Diploma of Science (Biotechnology), a student must complete eight units (100 credit points) comprising:

6 Core units (75 credit points)
2 Elective units (25 credit points)

Maximum Academic Credit
The maximum level of credit that can be granted for the Graduate Diploma in Science (Biotechnology) is 50 credit points (normally four units)

Units of study

Core units

Complete six units (75 credit points):

BIO60002 The Microbial World *

BIO60003 Concepts of Biotechnology *

BIO60005 Biotechnology of Genes and Proteins *

BIO60006 Environmental Biotechnology *

BIO70003 Minor Research Project *

BIO80005 Research Methods in Science *

Elective units

Choose two units (25 credit points):

BIO60001 Microbes in the Environment

CHE60001 Forensic and Analytical Science

ENV60001 Environmental Management

NPS60001 Research Skills

PEH60001 Communicable Disease Control

STA60001 Statistical Practice 1

PHI60001 Critical Thinking

* Outcome units - matched exemptions are generally not granted for higher education outcome units.

Careers and graduate outcomes

- Career opportunities and course aims and objectives.

Career opportunities

Laboratory assistants or technicians in medical laboratories or research facilities, pharmaceutical industries, wine industry and breweries, forensic science, veterinary laboratories, agricultural services and businesses, R and D professionals in pharmaceutical and biotechnology businesses/ industries, quality assurance officers, occupational health and safety officers, sales representatives of scientific speciality chemicals and equipment, assistants to patent attorneys and stockbrokers.

Aims and objectives

The Graduate Diploma of Science (Biotechnology) graduates will be able to:

Demonstrate advanced knowledge and skills in key areas of biotechnology, of relevance to the profession of biotechnology and the advancement of science and society.
Demonstrate well-developed technical skills and creativity to apply the theoretical knowledge for designing and/or undertaking practical and other professional work in diverse areas of biotechnology.
Demonstrate advanced cognitive, creative and analytical skills to identify, review, systematically analyse and critically appraise specialised concepts in biotechnology.
Interpret and solve a range of complex scientific problems, by analysing data, designing experiments, and/or formulating other types of investigations.
Work independently, efficiently and responsibly, as individuals or within a team or group situation, being accountable for personal duties and outputs as well as communicating with others to achieve team/group outputs.
Communicate effectively by using a variety of modes including written and oral communications to convey scientific results, information, or alternative arguments, to a range of audiences, for a range of purposes.

Pathways and scholarships

- Scholarships.

Scholarships

At Swinburne scholarships are about providing opportunity, promoting equity and recognising excellence and achievement. Scholarships are available for both commencing and current students. Find out more about scholarships.

Course fees and requirements

- Fees, entry requirements and English language requirements.

Course fees

A$42240 (annual for 2024)*

Entry requirements

A prerequisite for many courses, the Pearson Test of English Academic (PTE Academic) can now be done on campus in Hawthorn at Room 132, Building TD. Book now or call +61 3 9214 3584 for more information.

Successful completion of a three-year undergraduate Science degree in a biological or chemical science (e.g. biology, botany, zoology, agriculture, forestry, health sciences, veterinary science, chemistry) equivalent to an Australian Bachelor degree.

English language requirements

Satisfactory completion of one of the following:

Swinburne’s English for Academic Purposes (EAP 5 Advanced level) with overall 70%, all skills 65%
minimum IELTS overall band of 6.5 (Academic Module) with no individual band below 6.0
TOEFL iBT (internet-based) minimum score of 79 with a reading band no less than 18 and writing band no less than 20
Pearson (PTE) minimum score of 58 (no communicative skills less than 50)
any other equivalent assessment of English language proficiency.

Find out more about English language requirements.

How to apply

Find out more about how to apply.

Find out more

Submit an online enquiry
Tel: +61 3 9214 8444 (outside Australia)

Freecall: 1300 794 628 (within Australia)

Email: international@swinburne.edu.au