General Information

Overview

The Master of Science (Biotechnology) provides an in-depth understanding of the fundamental principles of biotechnology, including molecular biology, biochemistry, microbiology, and medical, industrial, forensic, agricultural and environmental biotechnology. It allows students to study to their desired level and focus on their particular field of interest.

Study structure

Successful completion of the Master of Science (Biotechnology) requires students to complete units of study to the value of 200 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
Core units
Biotechnology
Core unit, 12.5 credit points 		BIO60007
Advanced Topics in Biotechnology
Core unit, 12.5 credit points 		BIO80001
Advanced Topics in Biotechnology II
Core unit, 12.5 credit points 		BIO80004
Advanced Biochemistry
Core unit, 12.5 credit points 		BCH80001
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
Applications of Bioinformatics
Elective unit, 12.5 credit points 		BIO70001
Major Research Project
Elective unit, 25.0 credit points 		BIO80003

Aims and objectives

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

  • Demonstrate a body of advanced knowledge and skills, including new developments in key areas of biotechnology, relevance to the profession of biotechnology and the advancement of science and society and care of the environment.
  • Plan and implement an independent biotechnology research project, applying research principles and methods and using technical research skills.
  • 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 specialised cognitive and creative skills to identity, review, systematically analyse and critically appraise complex and highly specialised concepts in theoretical and applied aspects of biotechnology.
  • Interpret and solve a range of complex scientific problems, of technical, conceptual or abstract nature, 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, oral and e- communications to convey scientific results, information, or alternative arguments, to a range of audiences, for a range of purposes.

Career opportunities

Medical laboratory scientists, scientific officers or research and development scientists in diverse fields including:

  • biochemistry
  • microbiology
  • molecular biology
  • diagnostic services and pathology services
  • pharmaceutical industries
  • forensic science laboratories
  • veterinary science
  • racing industry
  • agribusinesses
  • wine industry and breweries
  • biotechnology businesses
  • food technologists
  • quality assurance officers
  • occupational health and safety officers
  • scientific sales representatives/executives
  • associates to patent attorneys
  • staff with science publishers
  • newspaper writers in this field, also PhD students in any of the above fields.

Maximum Academic Credit

The maximum level of credit that can be granted for the Master of Science (Biotechnology) is 100 credit points (normally eight units).

Admission criteria

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

Interested in the Master 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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