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 guess 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. The core units in this course cover a wide range of emerging topics in biotechnology and, importantly, business skills. Graduates may choose to articulate into the Master of Biotechnology (Honours). Alternatively, students may choose to early exit with a Graduate Diploma or 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 titleMaster of Biotechnology (International Students)
Course descriptionFees and charges
Fee paying place - International (IFP)
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.
Fees for international students apply to persons living in Australia with Temporary Resident status, provided that there is no limitation on study and persons living abroad who are not Australian citizens and do not have Permanent Resident status in Australia.
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.
* 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 rules
Students are required to complete 12 credit points of study consisting of 8 credit points of core units and 4 credit points of elective units. Included in the list of electives is the option to complete a 2 credit point Professional Practice Project (SBB708) or a 4 credit point Industry-Based Project (SBB710).
Course structure
Students are required to complete 8 credit points of core units followed by 4 credit points of elective units.
Core units
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
Elective units
SBB708 Professional Practice Project (2cps)
AND 2 approved level 7 elective units^
OR
Four approved Level 7 elective units^
OR
SBB710 Industry Project
Level 7 elective units
SBB711 Drug Design and Delivery
SEN703 Applications of Bioprocessing *
SEB711 Developing and Managing Innovation
SEB712 Managing Complex Projects
SEB722 Commercialisation Project
SEN700 Research Methodology
* SEN703 not offered in 2009, offered in 2010
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 applicants previous academic record. The minimum requirements are successful completion of a three-year undergraduate degree, or equivalent, from an approved university or other educational institution or successful completion of other equivalent qualifications gained by examination, or approved professional or industrial experience. International students must also meet the English language requirements.
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
If you have completed previous studies which you believe may reduce the number of units you have to complete at Deakin, indicate in the appropriate section on your application that you wish to be considered for advanced standing. You will need to provide your previous course details so your credit can be determined. If you are eligible, your offer letter will then contain information about your advanced standing.
Your advanced standing is formally approved prior to your enrolment at Deakin during the Enrolment and Orientation Program. You must bring original documents relating to your previous study so that this approval can occur.
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
* Applicant Portal: Use our online application system to submit and track your application now.
* Apply through a Deakin International office: Fill out an application form and submit it to a Deakin International office.
* Apply through a Deakin representative: Take your application form to your preferred agent for assistance.
Tracking your application:
If you have already applied and wish to enquire about your application please refer to the relevant area through which you originally applied.
* If you applied online, log back into the Applicant Portal using your username and password.
* If you applied through a Deakin representative please contact your representative.
* If you applied through a Deakin International office please contact that office.