Course description
Biotechnology is the application of molecular, genetic and cellular techniques from the life sciences for practical contribution to human welfare, often applied in a commercial setting. It includes both medical areas such as vaccine and drug development, industrial activities such as hormone manufacturing using large scale cell culture or drug synthesis using enzyme catalysis, and non-medical applications such as waste treatment and biofuel production.
The Graduate Diploma in Biotechnology offers a flexible path of personal and professional development that suited for entry into a wide range of biotechnology industries and research enterprises.
Objectives: The framework of the Graduate Diploma in Biotechnology is designed to allow students of diverse backgrounds great flexibility of subject choice according to their area of particular interest. It provides students with an opportunity to catch up on the introductory aspects of certain subjects, and permits specialisation in advanced subjects. There is an opportunity to obtain significant experimental experience during the research project which is part of the diploma training.
The course is designed to:
* foster acquisition of a broad range of up to date knowledge appropriate for employment in the biotechnology sector
* develop research, analytical, and communication skills
* provide significant research experience through 'on the job' training ;
* provide skills in advanced techniques through using state of the art equipment;
* develop leadership for the science-biotechnology base of industry, economy and human welfare.
Course Structure & Available Subjects: Completion of 100 points from a selection of approved subjects offered in the disciplines of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Biochemistry, Botany, Chemical Engineering, Chemistry, Genetics, History and Philosophy of Science, Medical Biology, Microbiology, Pathology, Pharmacology and Physiology.
All students are required to do 510-801 Major Project in Biotechnology (25 points).
A minimum of 37.5 points from Group A subjects (see list below).
The remaining 37.5 points may be from Group A, Group B, Group C or non-group subjects (eg offered by Engineering, Agriculture and Forestry, Arts, Law and Social Science as approved by the course coordinator), with no more than 12.5 points from Group B.
Quota:
Some of the subjects offered in this course are quota subjects. The selection of students in quota-restricted subjects is based primarily on tertiary results.
