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Graduate Diploma of Science (Biotechnology)

Z011  055215G



Duration

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Fee*
1 Year/s Hawthorn (Semester 1, Semester 2) A$23,200 (annual for 2012) 
*The indicative course fees shown in Course Search apply to international students studying on-campus in Australia for the relevant year only. They are based on a standard study load per year. However, please note that fees are assessed according to a student's study load in each semester, and variation to study load will result in an adjustment to tuition fees. All fees are subject to annual review and may be adjusted.

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).

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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.

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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. 
 
From 2011, the program structure comprises five core units of study (equivalent to 62.5 credit points) and three electives (equivalent to 37.5 credit points). 
 
Prior to 2011, the program structure comprised 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).
 
*International students are required to study full-time.

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Program Structure from 2011
Core units of study (all units are valued at 12.5 credit points)
HES6501 Concepts of Biotechnology
HES6502 The Microbial World
Electives (all units are valued at 12.5 credit points)
HES6510 Biotechnology
HAH401 Critical Thinking
NB: All units of study are subject to enrolment quotas and timetabling availability.

Suggested progression for full-time students from 2011 (February entry)
Semester 1
HES6501 Concepts of Biotechnology
HES6502 The Microbial World
HES6504 Biotechnology of Genes and Proteins
Plus one elective at the value of 12.5 credit points
Semester 2
HES6503 Experimental Biotechnology
HES6506 Minor Research Project
Plus two electives at the value of 12.5 credit points each 

Suggested progression for full-time students from 2011 (August entry)
Semester 1
HES6501 Concepts of Biotechnology
HES6502 The Microbial World
Plus one elective at the value of 12.5 credit points
NB: All units of study are subject to enrolment quotas and timetabling availability.

Suggested progression for full-time students prior to 2011 (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 prior to 2011 (August entry)
Semester 1
HES6501 Concepts of Biotechnology 

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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.

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Application forms can be downloaded from the website at: http://www.swinburne.edu.au/postgrad/apply/
 
Closing Date: Wednesday 16 February for start in Semester 1 2011 (28 February 2011).

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Swinburne College English for Academic Purposes Advanced level certificate at the postgraduate level (EAP 5: PG-70%); OR, obtaining a minimum IELTS overall band of 6.5 (Academic Module) with no individual band below 6.0; OR, a TOEFL (Paper-based) minimum score of 575 (with Test of Written English (TWE) score of 5); OR, a TOEFL (Computer-based) minimum score of 232 (with Written Writing score of 5); OR, a TOEFL (Internet-based) minimum score of 90 with no band less than 20.

 

Refer to the English Language Requirements website for further information.

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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.
International applicants will be required to have minimum English proficiency with an IELTS score of 6.5 or higher and no bands less than 6.0.

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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.

International applicants will be required to have minimum English proficiency with an IELTS score of 6.5 or higher and no bands less than 6.0.

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Enquire online: http://www.swinburne.edu.au/international/enquiry

Email: international@swinburne.edu.au

Phone:
+613 8676 7002 (outside Australia)
Freecall 1800 897 973 (within Australia)

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Visit our Meet Us page to see when we are visiting your home country (or here in Australia)

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A range of scholarships are available to international students, visit our Scholarship Page for details.

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