From Lab to Life

This subject has the following teaching availabilities in 2011:

For the purposes of considering request for Reasonable Adjustments under the Disability Standards for Education (Cwth 2005), and Students Experiencing Academic Disadvantage Policy, academic requirements for this subject are articulated in the Subject Description, Subject Objectives, Generic Skills and Assessment Requirements of this entry. The University is dedicated to provide support to those with special requirements. Further details on the disability support scheme can be found at the 3 Disability Liaison Unit website: 4 http://www.services.unimelb.edu.au/disability/

What does it take to develop something innovative and then move it from the laboratory out into the real world? Scientists must negotiate a labyrinth of hurdles, ranging from conducting bullet-proof data analysis, designing clinical trials, developing and managing intellectual property, assessing contracts, and setting up Total Quality Management systems in a biotech setting. Students will learn how to navigate these hurdles as applied to a range of possible inventions, such as therapeutics, diagnostics, medical devices, GMOs and other bio-science-related creations.

Upon completion of the subject, students will have:

• An understanding of the approaches and techniques relevant to the discovery and subsequent
  development of biotechnologies;
• An appreciation of the need for input from a range of disciplines from basic science to
  intellectual property management;
• An insight into the roles of various regulatory bodies around the world and the complexity of
  idea scale up to product development, whether it be a drug, medical device or food .

Two 4000 word essays due mid semester (50%) and at the end of semester (50%)

Building Biotechnology: Starting, Managing, and Understanding Biotechnology Companies - Business Development, Entrepreneurship, Careers, Investing, Science, Patents and Regulations by Yali Friedman Publisher: Think biotech; 2 edition (2006) ISBN-10: 0973467630

A Guide to Biotechnology Law and Business by Robert A. Bohrer Publisher: Carolina Academic Press (2007) ISBN-10: 1594600872

This subject is not available as a breadth subject.

At the completion of this subject, students should gain skills in:

• applying advanced analysis, scientific communication and critical analytical skills in an industry
  based practice
• demonstrating the breadth of knowledge gained in an inter-disciplinary approach
• analysing projects holistically and to identify and integrate multiple disciplines in order to solve
  problems
• developing the ability to exercise critical judgement, be capable of rigorous and independent
• thinking, be able to account for their decisions
• be able to examine critically, synthesise and evaluate knowledge pertaining to biotechnology
• high level written report presentation skills
• oral communication and presentation skills
• time management and self-management skills