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Master of Science (Biotechnology) 

Z012

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Hawthorn

Full-time, Part-time (day)

Postgraduate

2 years full-time or 4 years part-time

Feb, Aug

This 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 aimed at 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 in-depth studies 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 Master of Science (Biotechnology) is part of a nested program that incorporates the Graduate Diploma 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 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 master degree requires students to successfully complete 200 credit points of approved units of study which is equivalent to two years 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 master degree is based mainly on coursework and also includes a minor research project.  The program structure is comprised of nine core units of study (equivalent to 112.5 credit points) and electives (equivalent to 87.5 credit points).
 
Electives are to be approved by the Program Coordinator, depending on your previous education, to accommodate appropriate level of study. The Program Panel has the authority to approve additional elective studies for particular students.
 
*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)
HES6518 Advanced Topics in Biotechnology II

Electives (all units are valued at 12.5 credit points unless otherwise indicated)
HES6509 Major Research Project (25 credit points)
NB: All units of study are subject to enrolment quotas and timetabling availability. Electives are to be approved by the Program Coordinator, depending on your previous education, to accommodate appropriate level of study. The Program Panel has the authority to approve additional elective studies for particular students.

Suggested progression for full-time students from 2011 (February entry)
Semester 1
HES6501 Concepts of Biotechnology
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
Semester 3
HES6507 Advanced Biochemistry
Plus two electives at the value of 12.5 credit points each
Semester 4
HES6505 Genome: Biotechnology and Society
Plus elective(s) to the value of 25 credit points

Suggested progression for full-time students from 2011 (August entry)
Semester 1
HES6501 Concepts of Biotechnology
Plus one elective at the value of 12.5 credit points
Semester 2
HES6504 Biotechnology of Genes and Proteins
HES6506 Minor Research Project
Plus two electives at the value of 12.5 credit points each
Semester 3
HES6505 Genome: Biotechnology and Society
HES6518 Advanced Topics in Biotechnology II
Plus two electives at the value of 12.5 credit points each
Semester 4
HES6507 Advanced Biochemistry
HES6508 Advanced Topics in Biotechnology
Plus elective(s) to the total value of 25 credit points
 
Electives (all units are valued at 12.5 credit points  unless otherwise indicated)
NB: All units of study are subject to enrolment quotas and timetabling availability. Electives are to be approved by the Program Coordinator, depending on your previous education, to accommodate appropriate level of study. The Program Panel has the authority to approve additional elective studies for particular students.

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 at the value of 12.5 credit points
Semester 2
HES6504 Biotechnology of Genes and Proteins
HES6505 Genome: Biotechnology and Society
HES6506 Minor Research Project
Plus one elective at the value of 12.5 credit points
Semester 3
HES6507 Advanced Biochemistry
HES6508 Advanced Topics in Biotechnology
Plus elective(s) to the value of 25 credit points 
Semester 4
Plus electives to the value of  37.5 credit points
 
Suggested progression for full-time students prior to 2011 (August entry)
Semester 1
HES6501 Concepts of Biotechnology 
HES6504 Biotechnology of Genes and Proteins
HES6505 Genome: Biotechnology and Society
Plus one elective at the value of 12.5 credit points
Semester 2
HES6502 The Microbial World
HES6503 Experimental Biotechnology 
HES6506 Minor Research Project     
Plus one elective at the value of 12.5 credit points
Plus electives to the value of 37.5 credit points
Semester 4
Plus elective(s) to the value of 25 credit points


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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.


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Graduates will be eligible to apply for membership of a number of professional associations and societies, in fields such as biotechnology, biochemistry, microbiology and genetics. These professional associations and societies include: AusBiotech Ltd, Genetics Society of Australia (GSA), Australian Society of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (ASBMB), Australian Society for Microbiology (ASM) and The Royal Australian Chemical Institute (RACI).


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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 first year of the program will focus on the fundamental scientific concepts and key issues in biotechnology, and the second year will extend these further into specialised areas and develop student skills in communicating their science knowledge to others. In addition to the knowledge of biotechnology, graduates will develop skills of critical inquiry, teamwork, and written and oral communication skills. Graduates will also develop independent research and problem-solving skills and extend their written communication and critical analysis skills through oral presentations and a minor thesis. These attributes will be evidenced through the various assessment tasks which students will be required to successfully complete.


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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) with an average of 60% marks over the three years, or successful completion of the Graduate Diploma of Science (Biotechnology), or equivalent.


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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


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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 the Fees website.


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Application forms can be downloaded from the website at: http://www.swinburne.edu.au/postgrad/apply/


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Web: Enquire online

Tel: 1300 ASK SWIN (1300 275 794)
 


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