Graduate Diploma of Science (Biotechnology)
Blended learning – on-campus and digital learning
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.
Duration
1 year full-time or 2 years part-time
Intakes
Hawthorn (Semester 1, Semester 2) - View application and start dates
Study modes
- Full-time,
- Part-time (day)
2023 Start Dates
Semester 1 -
27 February 2023
Semester 2 -
31 July 2023
2024 Start Dates
Semester 1 -
26 February 2024
Semester 2 -
29 July 2024
Course information in detail
- Course detail, course structure and units of study.
Course description
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.
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)
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):
Elective units
Choose two units (25 credit points):
* Outcome units - matched exemptions are generally not granted for higher education outcome units.
Careers and graduate outcomes
- Career opportunities, course aims and objectives and graduate skills.
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.
Graduate skills
Swinburne aims to produce higher education graduates who are capable in their chosen profession. Within this context it is the intent of Swinburne that its higher education graduates have certain graduate attributes. Graduates:
- are capable in their chosen professional, vocational or study areas;
- operate effectively in work and community situations;
- are adaptable and manage change;
- are aware of environments in which they will be contributing;
- are entrepreneurial in contributing to innovation and development within their business, workplace or community.
The graduate diploma will focus on the fundamental scientific concepts and key issues in biotechnology. In addition to the knowledge of biotechnology, graduates will develop skills of critical inquiry, teamwork, and written and oral communication skills. These attributes will be evidenced through the various assessment tasks that students will be required to successfully complete.
Pathways and scholarships
- Credit transfer, recognition of prior learning and scholarships.
Course fees and requirements
- Entry requirements and non-year 12 entry.
Course fees
Fees are estimates for students commencing in 2023 only: Tuition fees as published are subject to change given individual circumstances at enrolment. These fees apply for units studied in 2023 only and may change for units studied in future years. If part-time study is permitted, annual fees will be proportionally lower based on the number of units taken per semester.
How do I pay my fees?
FEE-HELP is a loan given to eligible full-fee paying higher education students to help pay part or all of their tuition fees. The Commonwealth Government pays the amount of the loan directly to Swinburne.
Entry requirements
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.