Graduate Diploma in Biotechnology

Course 786-AB (2008)

Note: This is an archived Handbook entry from 2008. Search for this in the current handbook

Year and Campus: 2008
Fees Information: Subject EFTSL, Level, Discipline & Census Date
Level: Graduate/Postgraduate

Contact

Course Coordinator: Dr David Tribe detribe@unimelb.edu.au
Course Overview: Biotechnology is the application of molecular, genetic and cellular techniques from the life sciences for practical contribution to human welfare, often applied in a commercial setting. It includes both medical areas such as vaccine and drug development, industrial activities such as hormone manufacturing using large scale cell culture or drug synthesis using enzyme catalysis, and non-medical applications such as waste treatment and biofuel production.

The Graduate Diploma in Biotechnology offers a flexible path of personal and professional development that suited for entry into a wide range of biotechnology industries and research enterprises.

Objectives: The framework of the Graduate Diploma in Biotechnology is designed to allow students of diverse backgrounds great flexibility of subject choice according to their area of particular interest. It provides students with an opportunity to catch up on the introductory aspects of certain subjects, and permits specialisation in advanced subjects. There is an opportunity to obtain significant experimental experience during the research project which is part of the diploma training.

The course is designed to:

  • foster acquisition of a broad range of up to date knowledge appropriate for employment in the biotechnology sector
  • develop research, analytical, and communication skills
  • provide significant research experience through 'on the job' training ;
  • provide skills in advanced techniques through using state of the art equipment;
  • develop leadership for the science-biotechnology base of industry, economy and human welfare.

Course Structure & Available Subjects: Completion of 100 points from a selection of approved subjects offered in the disciplines of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Biochemistry, Botany, Chemical Engineering, Chemistry, Genetics, History and Philosophy of Science, Medical Biology, Microbiology, Pathology, Pharmacology and Physiology.

All students are required to do 510-801 Major Project in Biotechnology (25 points).

A minimum of 37.5 points from Group A subjects (see list below).

The remaining 37.5 points may be from Group A, Group B, Group C or non-group subjects (eg offered by Engineering, Agriculture and Forestry, Arts, Law and Social Science as approved by the course coordinator), with no more than 12.5 points from Group B.

Quota:

Some of the subjects offered in this course are quota subjects. The selection of students in quota-restricted subjects is based primarily on tertiary results.

Subject Options: Core Subject:

Core Subject

Core Subject:
Subject
Study Period Commencement:
Credit Points:
Semester 1, Semester 2, Summer
25

Group A Subjects (At least 37.5 points of the course must be taken from this group):

Group A Subjects

Group A Subjects:
Subject
Study Period Commencement:
Credit Points:
Semester 2
12.50

Group B Subjects (No more than 12.5 points should be taken from this group):

Group B Subjects:

Group B Subjects:
Subject
Study Period Commencement:
Credit Points:
Not offered in 2008
12.50
Semester 1, Semester 2
12.50
Semester 1, Semester 2
12.50
Not offered in 2008
12.50
Not offered in 2008
12.50
Semester 2
12.50
Semester 1, Semester 2
12.50

Group C Subjects:

Group C Subjects

Group C Subjects:
Subject
Study Period Commencement:
Credit Points:
Semester 1, Semester 2
25
Semester 2
12.50
Semester 1
12.50
Semester 2
12.50
Semester 2
12.50
Semester 2
12.50
Entry Requirements: A bachelor degree in science, engineering or other approved qualifications. Preference will be given to candidates with relevant work experience. Candidates are expected to provide evidence that they have already completed at least one university course in Biology and at least one University course in Chemistry.

Core Participation Requirements:

For the purposes of considering request for Reasonable Adjustments under the Disability Standards for Education (Cwth 2005), and Student Support and Engagement Policy, academic requirements for this subject are articulated in the Subject Overview, Learning Outcomes, Assessment and Generic Skills sections of this entry.

It is University policy to take all reasonable steps to minimise the impact of disability upon academic study, and reasonable adjustments will be made to enhance a student's participation in the University's programs. Students who feel their disability may impact on meeting the requirements of this subject are encouraged to discuss this matter with a Faculty Student Adviser and Student Equity and Disability Support: http://services.unimelb.edu.au/disability

Graduate Attributes: None
Notes: Students will complete normal end of semester examinations for the subjects in which they have enrolled. Satisfactory completion of subjects worth 75 points, along with satisfactory completion of the 25 point research project, is required to obtain the Graduate Diploma in Biotechnology.

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