Graduate Diploma of Science (Biotechnology)

This Graduate Diploma of Science (Biotechnology) 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 course 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 course 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 Graduate Diploma of Science (Biotechnology) is part of a nested suite of courses that includes the Master 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.

This Graduate Diploma of Science (Biotechnology) 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 course 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 course 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 Graduate Diploma of Science (Biotechnology) is part of a nested suite of courses that includes the Master 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.

To qualify for a Graduate Diploma of Science (Biotechnology), a student must complete eight units (100 credit points) comprising:

• 6 Core units (75 credit points)
• 2 Elective units (25 credit points)

Units of study

Complete six units (75 credit points):

BIO60002 The Microbial World BIO60003 Concepts of Biotechnology BIO60005 Biotechnology of Genes and Proteins BIO60006 Environmental Biotechnology * BIO70003 Minor Research Project BIO80005 Research Methods in Science

Choose two units (25 credit points):

BIO60001 Microbes in the Environment CHE60001 Forensic and Analytical Science ENV60001 Environmental Management NPS60001 Research Skills PEH60001 Communicable Disease Control STA60001 Statistical Practice 1 PHI60001 Critical Thinking

* Outcome units - matched exemptions are generally not granted for higher education outcome units.

Successful completion of a three-year undergraduate Science degree in a biological or chemical science (e.g. biology, botany, zoology, agriculture, forestry, health sciences, veterinary science, chemistry) equivalent to an Australian Bachelor degree.

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

• Demonstrate advanced knowledge and skills in key areas of biotechnology, of relevance to the profession of biotechnology and the advancement of science and society.
• 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.
• Demonstrate advanced cognitive, creative and analytical skills to identify, review, systematically analyse and critically appraise specialised concepts in biotechnology.
• Interpret and solve a range of complex scientific problems, by analysing data, designing experiments, and/or formulating other types of investigations.
• Work independently, efficiently and responsibly, as individuals or within a team or group situation, being accountable for personal duties and outputs as well as communicating with others to achieve team/group outputs.
• Communicate effectively by using a variety of modes including written and oral communications to convey scientific results, information, or alternative arguments, to a range of audiences, for a range of purposes.

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.