Swinburne University of Technology - Melbourne Australia
Future Students - Courses
Course Description:
This graduate diploma program 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 program 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 program 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 program 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. The Graduate Diploma of Science (Biotechnology) is part of a nested suite of programs that also includes the Master of Science (Biotechnology).
Aims & Objectives:
The biotechnology programs are designed to develop: introduction to the basic theoretical principles and experimental skills in biotechnology for the Graduate Diploma level, and mastery of the advanced theoretical principles, experimental techniques and applications of biotechnology for the master level a sound and practical knowledge of laboratory techniques and practices in biochemistry, molecular biology, microbiology and chemistry, which are the foundations of biotechnological developments an understanding of the diversity of medical and industrial practices through which laboratory discoveries are applied on a wider scale a sound understanding of the social context in which biotechnology is applied an appreciation of the legislation that regulates biotechnology activities an appreciation of the moral, ethical, legal and social issues and values in relation to professional practices in biotechnology flexibility of thought, independence as well as teamwork, safe laboratory practices, record-keeping skills sound professional skills and attitude advanced communication and interpersonal skills, both verbal and written For the master level, students will gain additional skills in: information gathering, evaluation of published information, critical analysis of data experimental design, problem solving preparing results for peer-evaluation publication through written reports/minor thesis, journal articles and/or presentations at conferences
For the master level, students will gain additional skills in:
Course Structure:
The graduate diploma program requires students to successfully complete 100 credit points of approved units of study equivalent to one year of full-time study. One credit point is deemed to be equivalent to one hour of student work per week over a semester, whether in contact with staff or in private study. For full-time study, students must be enrolled for 50 credit points per semester. For part-time study, students must be enrolled for 25 credit points per semester. Total student contact hours, including lectures, classes, tutorials and laboratory sessions, will normally be between 12 to 16 hours per week during the academic semesters. The graduate diploma program is based mainly on coursework and also includes a minor research project. The program structure comprises six core units of study (equivalent to 75 credit points) and two electives (equivalent to 25 credit points). Upon completion of the graduate diploma, students may progress to the Master of Science (Biotechnology).
Units of Study:
Core units of study (all units are valued at 12.5 credit points) HES6501 Concepts of Biotechnology HES6502 The Microbial World HES6503 Experimental Biotechnology HES6504 Biotechnology of Genes and Proteins HES6505 Genome: Biotechnology and Society HES6506 Minor Research Project Electives (all units are valued at 12.5 credit points) HES6510 Biotechnology HES6511 Environmental Biotechnology HES6512 Forensic and Analytical Science HES6513 Research Skills HES6514 Microbes in the Environment HES6516 Environmental Management HES6517 Communicable Disease Control HES6519 Bioanalytical Techniques HMS770 Statistical Practice 1 HAH401 Critical Thinking HES6401 International Good Manufacturing Practices and Quality Assurance HES6402 Good Manufacturing Practices for Manufacturing Operations HES6410 Good Laboratory Practices (for Non-Clinical Laboratories) HES6406 Process Development for Therapeutics (A) – A Perspective for Protein Therapeutics HES6416 Pharmaceutical Engineering – Facility, Equipment and Process Design HES6418 Chemical Analysis of Pharmaceuticals NB: All units of study are subject to enrolment quotas and timetabling availability. Suggested progression for full-time students (February entry) Semester 1 HES6501 Concepts of Biotechnology HES6502 The Microbial World HES6503 Experimental Biotechnology Plus one elective Semester 2 HES6504 Biotechnology of Genes and Proteins HES6505 Genome: Biotechnology and Society HES6506 Minor Research Project Plus one elective Suggested progression for full-time students (August entry) Semester 1 HES6501 Concepts of Biotechnology HES6504 Biotechnology of Genes and Proteins HES6505 Genome: Biotechnology and Society Plus one elective Semester 2 HES6502 The Microbial World HES6503 Experimental Biotechnology HES6506 Minor Research Project Plus one elective
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.
Graduate Attributes:
Swinburne aims to produce higher education graduates who are capable in their chosen profession. Within this context it is the intent of Swinburne that its higher education graduates have certain graduate attributes. Graduates: are capable in their chosen professional, vocational or study areas operate effectively in work and community situations are adaptable and manage change are aware of environments in which they will be contributing are entrepreneurial in contributing to innovation and development within their business, workplace or community The graduate diploma will focus on the fundamental scientific concepts and key issues in biotechnology. In addition to the knowledge of biotechnology, graduates will develop skills of critical inquiry, teamwork, and written and oral communication skills. These attributes will be evidenced through the various assessment tasks that students will be required to successfully complete.
Entry Requirements:
A three-year Bachelor of Science degree in a biological or chemical science (e.g. biology, botany, zoology, agriculture, forestry, health sciences, veterinary science, chemistry) or equivalent.
Credit Transfer:
Applicants with prior tertiary studies that satisfy part of the academic requirements of the course may be granted 'credit' and/or entry to the course with 'advanced standing'. University policies apply and applicants are assessed on a case-by-case basis. For further information refer to 'Swinburne Pathways: Credit Transfer Guide' at: http://pandoraplus.swin.edu.au/credit/
Recognition of Prior Learning:
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) is a process where a student may be granted credit or partial credit towards a qualification in recognition of skills and knowledge gained through work experience, life experience and/or formal training. Further details for students considering Higher Education courses: http://www.swin.edu.au/corporate/registrar/ppd/files/stuinf.htm
Course Fees:
In 2009, tuition fees for this program are based on $1850 per 12.5 credit point unit of study. In the event that a unit of study is derived from another program, the applicable fee will be that of the other program. All fees are reviewed each year and may increase without notice. FEE-HELP The Higher Education Loan Program (HELP) is a suite of income-contingent loans for Australian citizens and holders of Australian permanent humanitarian visas. FEE-HELP (previously PELS) is available to eligible fee-paying undergraduate and postgraduate students. It provides students with a loan to cover their tuition fees (lifetime maximum $83,313 from 1 January 2009). The FEE-HELP limit is indexed on 1 January each year. Note: New Zealand citizens and holders of other Australian permanent resident visas do not have access to HELP loans. These students must pay their student contributions or tuition fees up front without a discount. For further information on your support and study options visit the 'Going to Uni' website at: http://www.goingtouni.gov.au
Application Procedure:
Applications for mid-year entry will be accepted until Friday 17 July 2009. Applications submission details can be found on the application form and can be downloaded from the website at: www.swinburne.edu.au/hed/postgrad/apply
Information Sessions:
Postgrad City Session Question Everything in the one spot Wednesday 1 July 2009 6.00pm - 8.30pm Melbourne CBD Attend the Swinburne Postgraduate Q&A night in the city to find out more about Mid-year entry for postgrad programs. Register online now www.swinburne.edu.au/citysession
Further information:
Web: Enquire online Tel: 1300 ASK SWIN (1300 275 794) Email: postgrad@swinburne.edu.au Website: www.swinburne.edu.au/lss
