ObjectivesThis cutting-edge course provides hands-on experience of the latest techniques in biotechnology research as well as up-to-date bio-processing and production technologies involving mammalian cells, stem cells and other cultures. Students will gain experience operating cell-culture bioreactors similar to those in industrial-scale production facilities. An important component of this course is that each unit includes industry involvement through guest lecturers who bring an industry perspective of research and commercialisation into the biotechnology environment. Industry involvement will also include on-site visits for some units. Graduates may choose to articulate into the Master of Biotechnology or Master of Biotechnology (Honours). Alternatively, students may choose to early exit with a Graduate Certificate of Biotechnology.
Entry requirementsApplicants will normally have successfully completed an accredited undergraduate program comprising at least three years of study in Science (or equivalent)
Academic titleGraduate Diploma of Biotechnology
Course descriptionFees and charges
Equivalent Full Time Student Load (EFTSL)
EFTSL is the standard annual full time load. Eight credit points is the standard full time load for one year of study.
Fee paying place - Domestic (DFP)
A Fee paying place is one for which the university does not receive any government funding. As such, students enrolled in these places are required to contribute the full cost of their course.
Fee paying places are available to domestic students. Domestic students are those who are Australian citizens, New Zealand citizens or holders of a permanent visa.
* The 'indicative annual course fee' cited has been provided as a guide only. It has been calculated on the basis of a typical enrolment of a student undertaking the course in 2009, and reflects the cost involved in undertaking a full-time quota of units within the specified discipline.
The actual fees charged by Deakin University will depend upon the discipline from which each individual unit is chosen, and may vary from the indicative course fee cited, particularly if units are chosen from a number of disciplines. The cost of each unit offered in 2009 can be viewed at http://www.deakin.edu.au/current-students/handbooks2009/search.php .
Please note that the fees per unit/credit point may increase annually due to rises in the cost of course delivery and service.
Deakin assumes no responsibility for persons relying on 'indicative course fees' to calculate the total future cost of their course.
Career opportunities
The Biotechnology postgraduate suite has been designed to build the intellectual and practical capacity of a traditional three/four year biotechnology, science or equivalent degree graduate who aspires to a career in the emerging biotechnology, bioscience or nanoscience field.
Course structure
Trimester 1
SBB701 Foundations of Biotechnology
SBB702 Bioinformatics, Proteomics and Genomics
SBB703 Agricultural Biotechnology
SBB704 Cellular Biology and Immunology
Trimester 2
SBB705 Biopharmaceuticals and Medical Devices
SBB706 Frontier Techniques in Biotechnology and Nanotechnology
SBB707 Bio-Ethics, Bio-Regulatory and Biotechnology Management
SEN704 Principles of Bioprocessing
Detailed course rules
Students are required to complete 8 credit points of core units.
Admission requirements - general
Deakin University offers admission to postgraduate courses through a number of Admission categories.
In all categories of admission, selection is based primarily on academic merit as indicated by an applicant's previous academic record.
For more information on the Deakin Admissions Policy visit The Guide
Admission requirements - specific
Applicants will normally have successfully completed an accredited undergraduate program comprising at least three years of study in Science (or equivalent)
Advanced standing - general
The University aims to provide students with as much credit as possible for approved prior study or informal learning which exceeds the normal entrance requirements for the course and is within the constraints of the course regulations. Students are required to complete a minimum of one-third of the course at Deakin University, or four credit points, whichever is the greater. In the case of certificates, including graduate certificates, a minimum of two credit points within the course must be completed at Deakin.
You can also refer to the Advanced Standing System which outlines the credit that may be granted towards a Deakin University degree.
How to apply
Applications must be made directly to the university through the Applicant Portal referring to closing dates for applications as dates for particular courses may vary.
Your faculty may require further information from you when submitting your application. Please refer to the faculty information website for further details.