Key facts
Duration
1 year full-time
Locations
Current Deakin Students
To access your official course details for the year you started your degree, please visit the handbook
Course overview
Develop the advanced knowledge and technical skills to pioneer medical advancements or find cutting-edge solutions to food, agricultural and environmental issues with Deakin’s Graduate Diploma of Biotechnology. You’ll have the opportunity to experience hands-on learning under internationally recognised academics, ready to graduate with the specialist biotechnology knowledge, practical laboratory experience and professional networks to succeed in a booming industry.
Want a rewarding career that will make a difference?
You’ll learn how to take your in-depth knowledge of biotechnology from the lab and apply it across genetic, chemical, industrial and agricultural settings. Your technical biotechnology expertise will be complemented by skills in statistical data analysis, computer coding and research, and a well-developed understanding of the commercial biotechnology environment, ensuring you have versatile skills to thrive across a range of roles.
- Advance your skills across a range of topics, including:
- molecular biotechnology
- biostatistics
- agricultural biotechnology
- nanobiotechnology
- industrial biotechnology
- applied bioinformatics.
Harness the latest in scientific discovery under the guidance of our expert staff and graduate with the diverse skills to tackle critical global healthcare, food and environmental problems.
Read MoreCourse information
- Award granted
- Graduate Diploma of Biotechnology
- Year
2024 course information
- Deakin code
- S613
- CRICOS code?
- 113875J Waurn Ponds (Geelong)
- Level
- Postgraduate (Graduate Certificate and Graduate Diploma)
- Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) recognition
The award conferred upon completion is recognised in the Australian Qualifications Framework at Level 8
Course structure
To complete the Graduate Diploma of Biotechnology, students must attain 8 credit points, which must include the following:
- DAI001 Academic Integrity Module (0 credit point compulsory unit)
- STP710 Career Tools for Employability (0 credit point compulsory unit)
- SLE010 Laboratory and Fieldwork Safety Induction Program (0-credit point compulsory unit)
- 7 core units (7 credit points)
- 1 credit point of level 7 postgraduate open elective units offered by the University
Students are required to meet the University's academic progress and conduct requirements.
7
Core units
1
Elective units
8
Total
Core
Year 1 - Trimester 1
Year 1 - Trimester 2
Plus 1 level 7 open elective unit (1 credit point)
Electives
One (1) credit point of level 7 postgraduate open elective units offered by the University
Intakes by location
The availability of a course varies across locations and intakes. This means that a course offered in Trimester 1 may not be offered in the same location for Trimester 2 or 3. Check each intake for up-to-date information on when and where you can commence your studies.
Trimester 1 - March
- Start date: March
- Available at:
- Waurn Ponds (Geelong)
Trimester 2 - July
- Start date: July
- Available at:
- Waurn Ponds (Geelong)
New course from Trimester 2, 2024
Additional course information
Course duration
Course duration may be affected by delays in completing course requirements, such as accessing or completing work placements.
Workload
You can expect to participate in a range of teaching activities each week. This could include classes, seminars, site visits and online interaction. You can refer to the individual unit details in the course structure for more information. You will also need to study and complete assessment tasks in your own time.
Participation requirements
It is important to note that some elective units may include compulsory placement, study tours, work-based training or collaborative research training arrangements.
Entry requirements
Selection is based on a holistic consideration of your academic merit, work experience, likelihood of success, availability of places, participation requirements, regulatory requirements, and individual circumstances. You will need to meet the minimum academic and English language proficiency requirements to be considered for selection, but this does not guarantee admission.
Academic requirements
To be considered for admission to this degree you will need to meet at least one of the following criteria:
- completion of a bachelor degree or higher in a related discipline
- completion of a bachelor degree in any discipline and two years' of relevant work experience (or part-time equivalent)
English language proficiency requirements
To meet the English language proficiency requirements of this course, you will need to demonstrate at least one of the following:
- bachelor degree from a recognised English-speaking country
- IELTS overall score of 6.5 (with no band score less than 6.0) or equivalent
- other evidence of English language proficiency (learn more about other ways to satisfy the requirements)
Admissions information
Learn more about Deakin courses and how we compare to other universities when it comes to the quality of our teaching and learning.
Not sure if you can get into Deakin postgraduate study? Postgraduate study doesn’t have to be a balancing act; we provide flexible course entry and exit options based on your desired career outcomes and the time you are able to commit to your study.
Recognition of prior learning
If you have completed previous studies which you believe may reduce the number of units you have to complete at Deakin, indicate in the appropriate section on your application that you wish to be considered for Recognition of prior learning. You will need to provide a certified copy of your previous course details so your credit can be determined. If you are eligible, your offer letter will then contain information about your Recognition of prior learning.
Your Recognition of prior learning is formally approved prior to your enrolment at Deakin during the Enrolment and Orientation Program. You must bring original documents relating to your previous study so that this approval can occur.
You can also refer to the Recognition of prior learning system which outlines the credit that may be granted towards a Deakin University degree.
Fees and scholarships
Fee information
Learn more about fees and your options for paying.
Fees and charges vary depending on your course, your fee category and the year you started. To find out about the fees and charges that apply to you, visit www.deakin.edu.au/fees.
Scholarship options
A Deakin scholarship might change your life. If you've got something special to offer Deakin – or you just need the financial help to get you here – we may have a scholarship opportunity for you.
Postgraduate bursary
If you’re a Deakin alumnus commencing a postgraduate award course, you may be eligible to receive a 10% reduction per unit on your enrolment fees.
Apply now
Applications can be made directly to the University through StudyLink Connect - Deakin University's International Student Application Service. For information on the application process and closing dates, see the How to apply web page.
Fill out the application form and submit to a Deakin International office or take your application form to a Deakin representative for assistance
For information on the application process and closing dates, see the How to apply webpage.
If you’re still having problems, please contact Deakin International for assistance.
Entry pathways
Upon completion of the Graduate Diploma of Biotechnology you could use the credit points you’ve earned to enter into further study, including:
Master of Biotechnology (Professional) (S713)
Alternative exits
Careers
Career outcomes
Graduate with the in-depth scientific knowledge and transferrable technical and commercial skills to build a rewarding career in a rapidly growing industry. With a highly relevant and extremely versatile biotechnology qualification, you’ll be uniquely positioned to pursue a wide range of exciting roles in industry, education, government, policy development and teaching.
Course learning outcomes
Deakin's graduate learning outcomes describe the knowledge and capabilities graduates can demonstrate at the completion of their course. These outcomes mean that regardless of the Deakin course you undertake, you can rest assured your degree will teach you the skills and professional attributes that employers value. They'll set you up to learn and work effectively in the future.
| Deakin Graduate Learning Outcomes | Course Learning Outcomes |
| Discipline-specific knowledge and capabilities | Develop a working knowledge of biotechnology, and the ability to apply it in different arenas including the genetic, chemical, industrial and agricultural settings. Using scientific process and knowledge of research planning to conduct research tasks. Ability to use bioinformatics skills to conduct basic analyses of research data sets and make inferences using statistically valid methods. |
| Communication | Demonstrate well developed communication skills both written and oral in a range of settings including among peers, to academic staff, industry contacts and outreach to the general public. Articulate scientific information in a structured form to describe scientific problems, formulate hypotheses, analyse evidence to support or oppose the interpretations of findings and conclusions, considering the evidence from scientific studies. |
| Digital literacy | Evaluate information using evidence from a range of reliable sources to establish scientific knowledge, recognise ambiguity and disseminate accurate information. Apply existing analytical tools (bioinformatics) and data resources to conduct analysis of research data sets. |
| Critical thinking | Use abstract, analytical and logical reasoning to critically evaluate scientific evidence arguments and approaches. Apply critical reasoning in a variety of situations to scope, interpret and structure biotechnological investigations. Use statistical thinking to determine the strength of scientific evidence. |
| Problem solving | Identify scientific problems and use systematic approaches and experimental strategies to formulate and propose solutions by considering relevant discipline and contextual factors. Use judgement to convince scientific and non- scientific audiences, in the use of strategies to generate solutions to real world problems. |
| Self-management | Evaluate own knowledge and skills using frameworks of reflection and take responsibility for learning and performance. Work responsibly and safely in scientific and professional environments to enrich the ideas of others by sharing learning experiences. |
| Teamwork | Work effectively as a team member, assuming various roles and utilising effective teamwork skills to achieve goals. |
| Global citizenship | Apply ethical practice in professional situations to demonstrate responsibility as practitioners when working with people from diverse cultures and communities. Identify and prioritise local, national and global issues and concerns and contribute towards solving real world problems from the perspective of biotechnology. |
Approved by Faculty Board 1 June 2023
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