General Information

Overview

This Graduate Diploma of Science (Biotechnology) aims to provide advanced education in biotechnology and to prepare students for undertaking diverse types of careers in this field e.g. medicine and health, agriculture, pharmaceutical and environmental industries, biotechnology businesses, as well as the education sector. The course is specifically designed for students who have a first degree in basic biological or chemical sciences e.g. botany, zoology, chemistry, biochemistry, microbiology, agriculture, veterinary science, but little prior education in biotechnology.

The course aims to provide an understanding of the fundamental principles of the key areas of biotechnology, including molecular biology, bioinformatics, medical, industrial, forensic and agricultural biotechnology, and the diverse applications of these areas, hence a prior degree or experience in biotechnology is not essential.

The Graduate Diploma of Science (Biotechnology) is part of a nested suite of courses that includes the Master of Science (Biotechnology) and is structured to provide flexible options that allow students to undertake studies to their desired level and focus on their field of interest, by choosing appropriate exit points, elective units and research project topics.

Study structure

Successful completion of the Graduate Diploma of Science (Biotechnology) requires students to complete units of study to the value of 100 credit points. All units of study are valued at 12.5 credit points unless otherwise stated.

  • Full-time study: 100 credit points/eight standard units of study per year

  • Part-time study: 50 credit points/four standard units of study per year

  • One credit point is equivalent to one hour of study per week per semester (including contact hours and private study)

  • See the course planner for an example degree structure 

  • Full-time study: 100 credit points/eight standard units of study per year

  • One credit point is equivalent to one hour of study per week per semester (including contact hours and private study)

  • See the course planner for an example degree structure.

Units of study Unit code
Core units
The Microbial World
Core unit, 12.5 credit points 		BIO60002
Concepts of Biotechnology
Core unit, 12.5 credit points 		BIO60003
Biotechnology of Genes and Proteins
Core unit, 12.5 credit points 		BIO60005
Environmental Biotechnology
Core unit, 12.5 credit points 		BIO60006
Minor Research Project
Core unit, 12.5 credit points 		BIO70003
Research Methods in Science
Core unit, 12.5 credit points 		BIO80005
Units of study Unit code
Microbes in the Environment
Elective unit, 12.5 credit points 		BIO60001
Forensic and Analytical Science
Elective unit, 12.5 credit points 		CHE60001
Environmental Management
Elective unit, 12.5 credit points 		ENV60001
Research Skills
Elective unit, 12.5 credit points 		NPS60001
Communicable Disease Control
Elective unit, 12.5 credit points 		PEH60001
Statistical Practice 1
Elective unit, 12.5 credit points 		STA60001

Aims and objectives

The Graduate Diploma of Science (Biotechnology) graduates will be able to:

  • Demonstrate advanced knowledge and skills in key areas of biotechnology, of relevance to the profession of biotechnology and the advancement of science and society.

  • Demonstrate well-developed technical skills and creativity to apply the theoretical knowledge for designing and/or undertaking practical and other professional work in diverse areas of biotechnology.

  • Demonstrate advanced cognitive, creative and analytical skills to identify, review, systematically analyse and critically appraise specialised concepts in biotechnology.

  • Interpret and solve a range of complex scientific problems, by analysing data, designing experiments, and/or formulating other types of investigations.

  • Work independently, efficiently and responsibly, as individuals or within a team or group situation, being accountable for personal duties and outputs as well as communicating with others to achieve team/group outputs.

  • Communicate effectively by using a variety of modes including written and oral communications to convey scientific results, information, or alternative arguments, to a range of audiences, for a range of purposes.

Career opportunities

Laboratory assistants or technicians in medical laboratories or research facilities, pharmaceutical industries, wine industry and breweries, forensic science, veterinary laboratories, agricultural services and businesses, R and D professionals in pharmaceutical and biotechnology businesses/ industries, quality assurance officers, occupational health and safety officers, sales representatives of scientific speciality chemicals and equipment, assistants to patent attorneys and stockbrokers.

Maximum Academic Credit

The maximum level of credit that can be granted for the Graduate Diploma in Science (Biotechnology) is 50 credit points (normally four units).

Admission criteria

Information about Swinburne's general admission criteria can be found at Admissions at Swinburne - Higher Education webpage.

Interested in the Graduate Diploma of Science (Biotechnology)?

From state-of-the-art facilities to opportunities to engage with industry – this course is designed with your future in mind. Let's get started.

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