Master of Science (Biotechnology)

Biotechnology is the use and manipulation of living organisms, or substances obtained from these organisms, to make products of value to humanity. Biotechnology has become a fundamental area of applied science and covers a diversity of specialist fields. Disciplines in Biotechnology include; molecular biology, biochemistry, cell biology, microbiology, plant and environmental sciences, engineering, drug development, nanofabrication, reproductive sciences, stem cells, genetically modified organisms (GMOs) and pollution control. Modern medicine, agriculture, animal breeding, pharmaceuticals, food production and processing etc., all utilise various Biotechnology tools.

This core discipline will focus on advances in key technologies, and will give the student the necessary skills base to go from 'molecules to medicine'. Together with developing an understanding of the actual scientific technologies involved in modern biotechnology, areas such as Trial Design, Regulatory Affairs, Quality Management and GMP will be covered, together with the actual scientific technologies involved in modern biotechnology.

As this program does not contain an independant research component, it is not a pathway to research higher degree studies eg. PhD at The University of Melbourne

Upon completion of this course, students should have:

• a detailed understanding of advanced tools, resources and techniques in molecular biology;
• an understanding of how these techniques are used to study gene and protein functions in cells and organisms;
• an appreciation of how these techniques may be applied both in biotechnology and in advanced research;
• an appreciation of the information resources available to assess the usefulness of a particular technique; and
• acquired the knowledge to enable them to critically appraise new data arising from the use of these techniques and to interpret the implications of such data.

Course structure (all subjects are 12.5 points, total points: 200)

Discipline Core (62.5 points)

Students must take:

• 600-608 Genomics and Bioinformatics
• 600-650 Metabolomics and Proteomics
• 600-606 Advanced Molecular Biology Techniques
• 600-651 Microscopy for Biological Sciences
• 654-604 From Lab to Life

Discipline Elective (37.5 points)

All students must take three of the following subjects with the following exception: Students who have not completed the equivalent of 521-302 Functional Genomics and Bioinformatics or 652-302 Genes: Organisation and Function as part of their undergraduate studies will be directed at enrolment to enrol in one of 521-302 or 652-302 in their first semester of study. For these students, this 37.5 point component of their course will therefore consist of 521-302 or 652-302 and two of the following subjects:

• 600-607 Bioprocess Engineering
• 600-609 Genetically Modified Organisms
• 600-652 Tissue Engineering and Stem Cells
• 208-747 Food Biotechnology
• 208-743 Food Safety and Quality
• 534-313 Drugs in Biomedical Experiments
• other approved electives can be selected in consultation with the Course Coordinator

Project Module (12.5 points)

• 600-611 Industry Project

Professional Tools Module (87.5 points)

Professional Tools Core (75 points):

2 Business Tools Units

• 600-614 Business Tools: Money, People and Processes
• 600-622 Business Tools: The Market Environment

2 Science Tools Units

• 600-615 Thinking and Reasoning with Data
• 600-618 Ethics and Responsibility in Science

2 Communication Tools Units

• 600-619 Scientists, Communication and the Workplace
• 600-616 Science in Context

Professional Tools Elective (12.5 points)

Students must take 1 of the following Science Tools subjects:

• 615-505 e-Science
• 600-617 Systems Modelling and Simulation
• 615-668 Critical Analysis in Science

Discipline Core

Discipline Elective

Project Module

Professional Tools

Graduates will:

• have the ability to demonstrate advanced independent critical enquiry, analysis and reflection;
• have a strong sense of intellectual integrity and the ethics of scholarship;
• have in-depth knowledge of their specialist discipline(s);
• reach a high level of achievement in writing, project activities, problem-solving and communication;
• be critical and creative thinkers, with an aptitude for continued self-directed learning;
• be able to examine critically, synthesise and evaluate knowledge across a broad range of disciplines;
• have a set of flexible and transferable skills for different types of employment;
• be able to initiate and implement constructive change in their communities, including professions and workplaces.