ObjectivesThe 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 outcomesOn 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 knowledgeGraduates 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.The course builds on the foundations gained at the Bachelor degree level and by a combination of coursework and research will further professional development, preparing graduates for a career in the Biotechnology sector or for further study in a biotechnology-related field or in other areas where the range of skills and knowledge acquired is applicable.Transferable professional skillsGraduates 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.
Entry requirementsApplicants 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.CREDITEligible 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.
Academic titleMaster of Biotechnology Studies
Course descriptionThe 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.
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
BTEC9610A
BioBusiness*
9
BTEC9630
Special Masters Topic in Biotechnology*
6
BTEC9650
Advanced Experimental Biotechnology
9
BTEC9660
Biotechnology Regulation and Ethics
3
and
BTEC9680
Biotechnology Research Project (Medicine)^^
27
or
BTEC9681
Biotechnology Research Project (Biology)^^
27
plus 18 units selected from:
BTEC9620
BioInnovation*
6
BTEC9670
Bioprocessing and Industrial Biotechnology*
6
BTEC9671
Environmental Biotechnology*
6
BTEC9672
Genomics and Drug Discovery
6
BTEC9673
Medical Biotechnology*
6
BTEC9674
Plant Biotechnology*
6
BTEC9675
Reproductive Technologies*
6
* 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:
BTEC9680B
Biotechnology Research Project (Medicine) (3/27 units)
3
BTEC9680C
Biotechnology Research Project (Medicine) (4.5/27 units)
4.5
BTEC9680D
Biotechnology Research Project (Medicine) (6/27 units)
6
BTEC9680E
Biotechnology Research Project (Medicine) (9/27 units)
9
BTEC9680F
Biotechnology Research Project (Medicine) (12/27 units)
12
BTEC9680G
Biotechnology Research Project (Medicine) (18/27 units)
18
BTEC9681A
Biotechnology Research Project (Biology) (3/27 units)
3
BTEC9681B
Biotechnology Research Project (Biology) (4.5/27 units)
4.5
BTEC9681C
Biotechnology Research Project (Biology) (6/27 units)
6
BTEC9681D
Biotechnology Research Project (Biology) (9/27 units)
9
BTEC9681E
Biotechnology Research Project (Biology) (12/27 units)
12
BTEC9681F
Biotechnology Research Project (Biology) (18/27 units)