Master of Science (Biotechnology)

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.

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.

To qualify for a Master of Science (Biotechnology), a student must complete 16 units (200 credit points) comprising:

• 10 core units (125 credit points)
• 6 elective units (75 credit points)being either- 6 elective units of 12.5 credit points eachor- 4 elective units of 12.5 credit points each and 1 elective unit of 25 credit points

Units of study

Complete 10 units (125 credit points):

BIO60002 The Microbial World BIO60003 Concepts of Biotechnology BIO60005 Biotechnology of Genes and Proteins BIO60006 Environmental Biotechnology BIO60007 Biotechnology BIO70003 Minor Research Project BIO80001 Advanced Topics in Biotechnology BIO80004 Advanced Topics in Biotechnology II BIO80005 Research Methods in Science BCH80001 Advanced Biochemistry

Complete 5 or 6 units (75 credit points in total) (see Course Structure above):

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 BIO70001 Applications of Bioinformatics BIO80003 Major Research Project

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

** Subject to approval by the course co-ordinator.

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 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.

6. 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.

7. Communicate effectively by using a variety of modes including written, oral and e- 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 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.