Postgraduate: Course rule and topic information

Master of Biotechnology Studies

(MBiotechSt)

Program of Study

INTRODUCTION

The Master of Biotechnology Studies is a 72-unit program which is offered jointly by the Faculty of Science and Engineering and the Faculty of Health Sciences on a Commonwealth Supported basis.

The course articulates with the Graduate Certificate in Biotechnology and the Graduate Diploma in Biotechnology, and the sequentially developed topics allow progression through the three awards. Candidates who have completed either of these courses are awarded credit for related topics.

COURSE AIMS AND LEARNING OUTCOMES

The aim of the course is to develop the scientific, entrepreneurial and research skills of the students by providing:

• advanced theoretical scientific knowledge;
• an understanding of business management issues required for modern biotechnology; and
• training and experience in research skills that are required for independent study and practice at a postgraduate level.

Learning outcomes

On completion of their degree, students will have developed a comprehensive and well-founded knowledge in their science discipline and a range of transferable professional skills. They will have experience at conducting laboratory based research.

Subject knowledge

Graduates of the course are expected to be able to:

• understand and apply relevant scientific principles in a biotechnology context;
• retrieve and present biotechnological information;
• critically analyse information relevant to biotechnology, for example, analyse and evaluate scientific, proof-of concept, and commercialisation data;
• use information technology relevant to core biotechnology practice;
• appreciate the role of biotechnology in society and the regulatory and ethical frameworks it operates within;
• understand the principles of biotechnology commercialisation; and
• conduct laboratory based research in an area of biotechnology.

Transferable professional skills

Graduates of the course are expected to be able to:

• employ scientific methodologies such as experimental design, and the critical analysis of data;
• communicate and present information clearly and fluently in both written and spoken forms;
• interact effectively as part of a team in order to work towards a common outcome;
• work and learn independently;
• reason critically and logically and make independent judgements;
• demonstrate research skills appropriate for further study and employment; and
• appreciate the need for continuing professional development.

COURSE RULE

ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS

Applicants must normally have completed, with a Credit average or better, an approved degree in a biological, agricultural 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.

CREDIT

Eligible students who have successfully completed a four-year or honours degree with a Credit average (or Honours 2A) or who have a three-year degree and significant relevant work experience may be eligible for up to 18 units of credit.

PROGRAM OF STUDY [November, 2008]

To qualify for the Master of Biotechnology Studies, a student must complete 72 units with a grade of P or NGP or better in each topic, according to the program of study below.

Except with permission of the Biotechnology Examinations Board no topic may be attempted more than twice.

Core topics

plus 18 units selected from:

* Students wishing to enrol in this topic over the course of a year, rather than in a single semester, should enrol in two topics listed as Part A and Part B. For example: BTEC9610E BioBusiness Part A and BTEC9610F BioBusiness Part B.

^^Students undertaking BTEC9680 or BTEC9681 should enrol in a combination of sub-topics chosen from the following, ensuring that they enrol in 27 units overall: