Master of Science (Biotechnology)
Blended learning – on-campus and digital learning
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.
Duration
2 years full-time or 4 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 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.
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)
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):
Elective units
Complete 5 or 6 units (75 credit points in total) (see Course Structure above):
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, graduate skills 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.
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 first year of the program will focus on the fundamental scientific concepts and key issues in biotechnology, and the second year will extend these further into specialised areas and develop student skills in communicating their science knowledge to others. In addition to the knowledge of biotechnology, graduates will develop skills of critical inquiry, teamwork, and written and oral communication skills. Graduates will also develop independent research and problem-solving skills and extend their written communication and critical analysis skills through oral presentations and a minor thesis. These attributes will be evidenced through the various assessment tasks which students will be required to successfully complete.
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
- 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, 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.
Students, regardless of completing any of the above streams in Bachelor of Science or Bachelor of Technology can be admitted.