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.
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. 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.
Units of Study:
Program Structure from 2011Core units of study (all units are valued at 12.5 credit points) HES6501 Concepts of BiotechnologyHES6502 The Microbial World HES6503 Experimental Biotechnology HES6504 Biotechnology of Genes and ProteinsHES6506 Minor Research Project Electives (all units are valued at 12.5 credit points) HES6510 Biotechnology HES6511 Environmental BiotechnologyForensic and Analytical Science (HES6512)HES6513 Research SkillsMicrobes in the Environment (HES6514)HES6516 Environmental Management HES6517 Communicable Disease Control HES6519 Bioanalytical Techniques HMS770 Statistical Practice 1 (online unit) HAH401 Critical ThinkingNB: 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 BiotechnologyHES6502 The Microbial WorldHES6504 Biotechnology of Genes and ProteinsPlus one elective at the value of 12.5 credit pointsSemester 2 HES6503 Experimental BiotechnologyHES6506 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 BiotechnologyHES6502 The Microbial World HES6503 Experimental Biotechnology Plus one elective at the value of 12.5 credit points Semester 2HES6504 Biotechnology of Genes and Proteins HES6506 Minor Research Project Plus two electives at the value of 12.5 credit points each Program Structure prior to 2011Core units of study (all units are valued at 12.5 credit points) HES6501 Concepts of BiotechnologyHES6502 The Microbial World HES6503 Experimental BiotechnologyHES6504 Biotechnology of Genes and ProteinsHES6505 Genome: Biotechnology and SocietyHES6506 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 SkillsHES6514 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 OperationsHES6410 Good Laboratory Practices (for Non-Clinical Laboratories) HES6406 Process Development for Therapeutics (A) – A Perspective for Protein TherapeuticsHES6416 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 prior to 2011 (February entry) Semester 1 HES6501 Concepts of BiotechnologyHES6502 The Microbial World HES6503 Experimental BiotechnologyPlus one elective Semester 2 HES6504 Biotechnology of Genes and Proteins HES6505 Genome: Biotechnology and SocietyHES6506 Minor Research Project Plus one elective Suggested progression for full-time students prior to 2011 (August entry) Semester 1 HES6501 Concepts of Biotechnology HES6504 Biotechnology of Genes and ProteinsHES6505 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:
The total tuition fee is dependent upon the combination of units of study selected by the student. Fees are reviewed each year.For information about Swinburne's fees visit: www.swinburne.edu.au/fees
Application Procedure:
Application forms can be downloaded from the website at: http://www.swinburne.edu.au/postgrad/apply/
Further information:
Web: Enquire online Tel: 1300 ASK SWIN (1300 275 794) Email: postgrad@swinburne.edu.au Website: www.swinburne.edu.au/lss
