Master of Science (Biotechnology) | International Student Courses | Swinburne University

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The Master of Science (Biotechnology) provides an in-depth understanding of the fundamental principles of biotechnology, including molecular biology, biochemistry, microbiology, and medical, industrial, forensic, agricultural and environmental biotechnology. It allows students to study to their desired level and focus on their particular field of interest.

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Duration

2 Year/s

Intakes

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

CRICOS code

055216G

Fees

A$39600 (annual for 2023)*

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

This Master of Science (Biotechnology) aims to provide advanced education in the theory and practice of biotechnology and to prepare students for undertaking diverse types of employment or research-based careers, or further advanced education 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 aimed at 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 in-depth studies 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 Master of Science (Biotechnology) is part of a nested suite of courses that incorporates the Graduate Diploma 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.

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 Master of Science (Biotechnology), a student must complete 16 units (200 credit points) comprising:

10 core units (125 credit points)
6 elective units (75 credit points)
being either
- 6 elective units of 12.5 credit points each
or
- 4 elective units of 12.5 credit points each and 1 elective unit of 25 credit points

Maximum Academic Credit
The maximum level of credit that can be granted for the Master of Science (Biotechnology) is 100 credit points (normally eight units)

Units of study

Core units

Complete 10 units (125 credit points):

BIO60002 The Microbial World

BIO60003 Concepts of Biotechnology

BIO60005 Biotechnology of Genes and Proteins *

BIO60006 Environmental Biotechnology

BIO60007 Biotechnology *

BIO70003 Minor Research Project *

BIO80001 Advanced Topics in Biotechnology *

BIO80004 Advanced Topics in Biotechnology II *

BIO80005 Research Methods in Science *

BCH80001 Advanced Biochemistry

Elective units

Complete 5 or 6 units (75 credit points in total) (see Course Structure above):

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

BIO70001 Applications of Bioinformatics **

BIO80003 Major Research Project (25 credit points) **

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

** Subject to approval by the course co-ordinator.

Careers and graduate outcomes

- Career opportunities, course aims and objectives and professional recognition.

Career opportunities

Medical laboratory scientists, scientific officers or research and development scientists in diverse fields including, biochemistry, microbiology, molecular biology, diagnostic services and pathology services, pharmaceutical industries, forensic science laboratories, veterinary science, racing industry, agribusinesses, wine industry and breweries, biotechnology businesses, food technologists, quality assurance officers, occupational health and safety officers, scientific sales representatives/ executives, associates to patent attorneys, staff with science publishers, newspaper writers in this field, also PhD students in any of the above fields.

Aims and objectives

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

1. Demonstrate a body of advanced knowledge and skills, including new developments in key areas of biotechnology, relevance to the profession of biotechnology and the advancement of science and society and care of the environment.

2. Plan and implement an independent biotechnology research project, applying research principles and methods and using technical research skills.

3. 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.

4. Demonstrate specialised cognitive and creative skills to identity, review, systematically analyse and critically appraise complex and highly specialised concepts in theoretical and applied aspects of biotechnology.

5. Interpret and solve a range of complex scientific problems, of technical, conceptual or abstract nature, by analysing data, designing experiments, and/or formulating other types of investigations.

6. 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.

7. Communicate effectively by using a variety of modes including written, oral and e- communications to convey scientific results, information, or alternative arguments, to a range of audiences, for a range of purposes.

Professional recognition

Graduates will be eligible to apply for membership of a number of professional associations and societies, in fields such as biotechnology, biochemistry, microbiology and genetics. These professional associations and societies include: AusBiotech Ltd, Genetics Society of AustralAsia (GSA), Australian Society of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (ASBMB), and the Australian Society for Microbiology (ASM).

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$39600 (annual for 2023)*

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, biotechnology, zoology, agriculture, forestry, health sciences, veterinary science, chemistry) equivalent to an Australian Bachelor degree, with an average of at least 60% marks over the duration of the course.
Students, regardless of completing any of the above streams in Bachelor of Science or Bachelor of Technology can be admitted.

English language requirements

Satisfactory completion of one of the following:

IELTS overall band of 6.5 (Academic Module) with no individual band below 6.0
Swinburne’s English for Academic Purposes (EAP 5 Advanced level) with overall 70%, all skills 65% or above
Or equivalent measures available at 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)

Free call: 1300 794 628 (within Australia)

Email: international@swinburne.edu.au