Master of Biotechnology

Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology

About

As a graduate of this program, you will be able to move into advanced areas of the Biotechnology industry, equipped with advanced skills in gene and protein technologies, bioinformatics, and in various microbiology and food science disciplines.

The theoretical component of the program is complemented by a large component of "hands-on" laboratory practicals and a research or Work Integrated Learning (WIL) component, which may include the production of a minor thesis.

Such skills are in high demand in the diverse biotechnology sector.Year one focuses on the development of core skills and knowledge, and allows you to specialise by selecting courses of interest relevant to your chosen stream.

Procedures and protocols, as well as oral, written and visual language specific to the study and practice of science are also reviewed.

You will also develop your practical skills in Microbiology (BIOL2173) which includes a Work Integrated Learning (WIL) experience in which your knowledge and skills are applied and assessed in a simulated workplace context and where feedback from industry and/or community is integral to your experience.Year two further develops your specialisation.

You will also apply your skills to a Biotechnology and Bioinformatics Research Project (BIOL2496/BIOL2497) which includes a Work Integrated Learning (WIL) experience in which your knowledge and skills are applied and assessed in a real or simulated workplace context and where feedback from industry and/or community is integral to your experience.

Biotechnology and Bioinformatics Research Project (BIOL2496/BIOL2497) is also a capstone course which requires you to integrate and apply your prior learning within the program as preparation for your transition to professional practice.

You will also have the opportunity to complete an optional Work Experience Practicum (BIOL1302/BIOL2491).This program requires on campus attendance.

The program is delivered full time, in face-to-face mode, supported by various blended learning activities (including on-line).

Structure

Year One of Program

Complete the following Eight (8) Courses

Course Title Credit Points Course Code Campus
Bioinformatics 12 BIOL2034 City Campus
Gene Technologies 1 12 ONPS1052 Bundoora Campus
ONPS2641 City Campus
Microbiology 12 BIOL2173 City Campus
Biostatistics 12 MATH1300 City Campus
MATH2209 Bundoora Campus
Biotechnology and Business 12 BUSM2270 City Campus
BUSM4724 Bundoora Campus
Systems Biology 12 BIOL2499 City Campus
BIOL2500 Bundoora Campus
Protein Technologies 12 BIOL2226 City Campus
Functional Genomics and Proteomics 12 BIOL2332 Bundoora Campus
AND

Year Two of Program

Note: Advanced Biotechnology Research Project and Work Experience Practicum courses have a pre-requisite of a minimum average grade of DISTINCTION (70+)

Graduating with a Minor requires you to complete Forty-Eight (48) credit points in that field. If Students are opting for a Minor, please select Thirty-Six (36) credit points from the Minor Options list below and complete your research project or WIL placement in that field.

Option 1: Complete the following One (1) Course

Course Title Credit Points Course Code Campus
Research Methods 12 BIOL1070 Bundoora Campus
BIOL2411 City Campus

Select and Complete One (1) of the following courses:

Course Title Credit Points Course Code Campus
Advanced Biotechnology/Bioinformatics Research Project 48 BIOL2493 City Campus
BIOL2494 Bundoora Campus
Work Experience Practicum 2 48 BIOL1302 Bundoora Campus
BIOL2491 City Campus

Select and Complete Three (3) courses OR Thirty-Six (36) credit points from the Minors Options List or Science Options List. Please refer to the list of Minor Option courses and Science option courses at the end of the program structure document:

Option 2: Complete the following Two (2) Courses:

Course Title Credit Points Course Code Campus
Research Methods 12 BIOL1070 Bundoora Campus
BIOL2411 City Campus
Biotechnology/Bioinformatics Research Project 24 BIOL2496 City Campus
BIOL2497 Bundoora Campus

Select and Complete Four (4) courses OR (48) cp from the Minor Options lists below and One (1) 12 cp course from the Science Option list below: Please refer to the list of Minor Options and Science Options at the end of this program structure document.

Select and Complete Five (5) Courses (sixty-60 credit point) from the Science Options List: Please refer to the Science Option courses at the end of this program structure document.

AND

Option Course Lists:

Food Technology Minor Option List:

Course Title Credit Points Course Code Campus
Food Safety Plans 12 ONPS2377 City Campus
ONPS2529 Bundoora Campus
Food Microbiology 12 ONPS2374 City Campus
Industrial Microbiology 12 ONPS1060 Bundoora Campus
Rheology and Food Biophysics 12 ONPS2448 City Campus
ONPS2521 Bundoora Campus
Food Chemistry 12 CHEM1226 City Campus
CHEM1287 Bundoora Campus
Sensory Evaluation and Consumer Behaviour 12 ONPS2331 City Campus
ONPS2526 Bundoora Campus
Dairy Science and Technology 12 ONPS2127 City Campus
ONPS2522 Bundoora Campus
Food Quality Assurance 12 ONPS2378 City Campus
ONPS2530 Bundoora Campus

Clinical Microbiology Minor Option List:

Course Title Credit Points Course Code Campus
Clinical Biochemistry 1 12 ONPS2340 Bundoora Campus
Medical Microbiology 2 12 ONPS1048 Bundoora Campus
Medical Microbiology 1 12 ONPS1054 Bundoora Campus
Industrial Microbiology 12 ONPS1060 Bundoora Campus
Applied Biochemical Methods 12 BIOL2322 Bundoora Campus
Bacterial Infections 24 ONPS1045 City Campus
Viruses and Infections 12 BIOL2402 City Campus
Parasites 12 BIOL2401 City Campus
Molecular Genetics and Diagnostics 12 ONPS2639 Bundoora Campus

Science Options List

Course Title Credit Points Course Code Campus
Environmental Biotechnology 12 BIOL2370 City Campus
Industrial Microbiology 12 ONPS1060 Bundoora Campus
Applied Biochemical Methods 12 BIOL2322 Bundoora Campus
Programming Fundamentals for Scientists 12 COSC2752 City Campus
Biomolecules and Cellular Regulation 12 BIOL2317 Bundoora Campus
Practical Data Science 12 COSC2670 City Campus
Immunology 12 ONPS1050 Bundoora Campus
Ecotoxicology 12 ENVI1004 Bundoora Campus
ENVI1224 City Campus
Food Safety Plans 12 ONPS2377 City Campus
ONPS2529 Bundoora Campus
Food Microbiology 12 ONPS2374 City Campus
Rheology and Food Biophysics 12 ONPS2448 City Campus
ONPS2521 Bundoora Campus
Food Chemistry 12 CHEM1226 City Campus
CHEM1287 Bundoora Campus
Sensory Evaluation and Consumer Behaviour 12 ONPS2331 City Campus
ONPS2526 Bundoora Campus
Dairy Science and Technology 12 ONPS2127 City Campus
ONPS2522 Bundoora Campus
Food Quality Assurance 12 ONPS2378 City Campus
ONPS2530 Bundoora Campus
Clinical Biochemistry 1 12 ONPS2340 Bundoora Campus
Medical Microbiology 2 12 ONPS1048 Bundoora Campus
Medical Microbiology 1 12 ONPS1054 Bundoora Campus
Bacterial Infections 24 ONPS1045 City Campus
Viruses and Infections 12 BIOL2402 City Campus
Parasites 12 BIOL2401 City Campus
Molecular Genetics and Diagnostics 12 ONPS2639 Bundoora Campus

Entry requirements

Program Entry Requirements

An Australian bachelor degree with a GPA of at least 2.0 out of 4.0 in Biological Sciences, Food Science/Technology, Biotechnology, Medicine, Veterinary Science, Dentistry, Agricultural Science or Chemical Engineering, or equivalent.

International qualifications are assessed for comparability to Australian qualifications, according to the Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF).

Prerequisites

Successful completion of a Chemistry or Biochemistry course in a bachelor degree.

English Language Requirements

A minimum IELTS (Academic module) overall score of 6.5, with no band below 6.0; or equivalent. For equivalents to English entry requirements, see the English equivalents web page.

Learning outcomes

The program MC111 Master of Biotechnology is designed to enable you to achieve the following Program Learning Outcomes:

1. Understanding science.

1.1 You will demonstrate an advanced understanding of biological sciences by articulating the methods of science, explaining why current biological knowledge is both contestable and testable through further inquiry, and explaining the role and relevance of biotechnology in society.

1.2 You will have an understanding of recent developments in a specialised area of biotechnology

1.3 You will demonstrate knowledge of research principles and methods applicable to biological sciences

2. Advanced skills to critically analyse and solve problems in biotechnology.

2.1 You will demonstrate cognitive skills in mastery of advanced theoretical knowledge in biotechnology and apply this knowledge to solve complex problems in existing and new areas.

2.2 You will generate and evaluate complex ideas and concepts at an abstract level.

3. Application of knowledge and skills.

You will critically analyse and solve problems in biotechnology by:

3.1 Demonstrating creativity, initiative and a high level of autonomy in research and/or professional practice

3.2 Planning and executing a substantial research or work-based project and/or pieces of scholarship.

4. Communication.

You will be able to effectively communicate concepts of biotechnology to specialist and non-specialist audiences, using a variety of presentation modes.

5. Personal and professional responsibility.

5.1 You will be accountable for individual learning and scientific work by being an independent and self-directed learner

5.2 You will work effectively, responsibly, ethically, and safely in an individual or team context

5.3 You will demonstrate knowledge of the regulatory frameworks and ethical principles relevant to biotechnology

Institution