斯威本科技大学

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.

Course description

This Master of Science (Biotechnology) aims to provide advanced education in the theory and practice of biotechnology and to prepare students for undertaking diverse types of employment or research-based careers, or further advanced education in this field, e.g. medicine and health, agriculture, pharmaceutical and environmental industries, biotechnology businesses, as well as the education sector. The course 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 course 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 Master of Science (Biotechnology) is part of a nested suite of courses that incorporates the Graduate Diploma of Science (Biotechnology) and 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.

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.

Aims and objectives

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

1. 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.

2. Plan and implement an independent biotechnology research project, applying research principles and methods and using technical research skills.

3. 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.

4. 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.

5. 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.