Key facts
English language requirements
Overall IELTS score of 6.5 with no band less than 6 (or equivalent). More information is available at www.ielts.org
Duration
2 years full-time or part-time equivalent
Campuses
Current Deakin Students
To access your official course details for the year you started your degree, please visit the handbook
Course information
This cutting-edge course provides hands-on experience and knowledge of the latest techniques in biotechnology and bioinformatics research as well as nanotechnology and bio-processing technologies. Throughout the Master of Biotechnology and Bioinformatics, you will gain experience in the use of various molecular biology techniques and bioinformatics tools, along with the opportunity to operate analytical equipment similar to those used in industrial scale production facilities.
Industry connectedness is an integral part of this course and ensures students have opportunities to gain an industry perspective and establish professional networks prior to graduation.
Guest lectures from key industry partners are embedded into the curriculum to provide students with an understanding of industry-engaged research and commercialisation in the biotechnology environment.
Want to experience operating cutting-edge analytical equipment?
Throughout the Master of Biotechnology and Bioinformatics students will also gain experience operating cutting-edge analytical equipment and cover a wide range of emerging topics in biotechnology and, importantly, research management and business skills. Students also have the opportunity to participate in site visits and can undertake a research project.
Following successful completion of the course, graduates may choose to pursue further research through a PhD, or seek employment in industry or government roles. Alternatively, students may choose to exit early with a Graduate Certificate of Research Management or Graduate Diploma of Biotechnology and Bioinformatics.
Read MoreCourse structure
To complete the Master of Biotechnology and Bioinformatics, students must attain 16 credit points. Most units (think of units as ‘subjects’) are equal to 1 credit point. So that means in order to gain 16 credit points, you’ll need to study 16 units (AKA ‘subjects’) over your entire degree. Most students choose to study 4 units per trimester, and usually undertake two trimesters each year.
The course comprises a total of 16 credit points, which must include the following:
Year 1 (8 credit points):
- Completion of STP050 Academic Integrity (0-credit point compulsory unit)
- Completion of SLE010 Laboratory and Fieldwork Safety Induction Program (0 credit-point compulsory unit)
- 7 core units (7 credit points)
- 1 elective unit (1 credit point)
Year 2 (8 credit points):
- Research pathway or Industry Practice pathway (8 credit points)
Students are required to meet the University's academic progress and conduct requirements. Click here for more information.
Core
Year 1
Plus one level 7 elective unit (one credit point)
Year 2
Chosen from the following pathways:
Research Pathway
OR
Industry Practice Pathway
plus four credit points of level 7 units
^ Students undertaking this unit must have successfully completed STP710 Career Tools for Employability (0 credit point)
Electives
Plus one level 7 elective unit chosen from existing units
Key information
2021 course information
This course is approved by the University under the Higher Education Standards Framework.
The award conferred upon completion is recognised in the Australian Qualifications Framework at Level 9.
Campuses by intake
Campus availability varies per trimester. This means that a course offered in Trimester 1 may not be offered in the same location for Trimester 2 or 3. Read more to learn where this course will be offered throughout the year.
Trimester 2 - July
- Start date: July
- Available at:
- Waurn Ponds (Geelong)
Additional course information
Graduate Diploma of Biotechnology and Bioinformatics (S672) (Exit option only)
Graduate Certificate of Research Management (S521)
Course duration - additional information
Course duration may be affected by delays in completing course requirements, such as accessing or completing work placements.
Mandatory student checks
Any unit which contains work integrated learning, a community placement or interaction with the community may require a police check, Working with Children Check or other check.
Workload
Approximately 150 hours of learning and assessment activities per Deakin credit point.
Students will have access to a range of elective units from a variety of relevant discipline areas across the Faculty and University. This will allow them to tailor a program relevant to their specific interests, subject to academic approval. As a pathway to PhD, the proposed courses have a key component in the form of a research project. The thesis should offer a significant contribution to knowledge in the discipline concerned and demonstrate the student’s capacity to carry out independent research.
Students not wishing to pursue further studies in research will have the opportunity to undertake a 4-credit point industry practice placement during their second year of studies, along with 4 course electives that will allow them to complement their studies with a range of relevant options.
Participation requirements
Elective units may be selected that include compulsory placements, work-based training, community-based learning or collaborative research training arrangements.
Reasonable adjustments to participation and other course requirements will be made for students with a disability. Click here for more information.
Work experience
Students will have an opportunity to complete an industry practice pathway, equivalent to 4 credit points, in place of a research pathway.
Entry requirements
Entry information
Entry will be based on performance in:
- a Bachelor degree in same discipline with a minimum WAM (Weighted Average Mark) of 60% OR,
- a Graduate Certificate in same discipline, OR
- a Bachelor degree in any discipline PLUS 3 years relevant work experience.
Deakin University offers admission to postgraduate courses through a number of Admission categories. To be eligible for admission to this program, applicants must meet the course requirements.
All applicants must meet the minimum English language requirements.
Please note that meeting the minimum admission requirements does not guarantee selection, which is based on merit, likelihood of success and availability of places in the course.
For more information on the Admission Criteria and Selection (Higher Education Courses) Policy visit the Deakin Policy Library
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.
The 'Estimated tuition fee' is provided as a guide only based on a typical enrolment of students completing the first year of this course. The cost will vary depending on the units you choose, your study load, the length of your course and any approved Recognition of Prior Learning.
One year full-time study load is typically represented by eight credit points of study. Each unit you enrol in has a credit point value. The 'Estimated tuition fee' is calculated by adding together eight credit points of a typical combination of units for your course.
You can find the credit point value of each unit under the Unit Description by searching for the unit in the Handbook.
Learn more about tuition 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 15% reduction per unit on your enrolment fees. Your Immediate Family Members may also be eligible to apply for this bursary.
Apply now
How to apply
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. Please note that closing dates may vary for individual courses.
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
Graduates will be uniquely positioned to commence a PhD.
Why choose Deakin
Career outcomes
As a graduate of this course, you will be uniquely positioned to commence a PhD or actively pursue research roles in industry, education, government, policy developments and teaching. Depending on your chosen area/s of expertise, you may choose to seek employment as a bioinformatician animal scientist, botanist, chemist, food scientist, material scientist, metallurgist, molecular biologist, communications specialist, researcher or science journalist. Potential employers include CSIRO, government research institutes and departments, private research institutes, health sector, private commercial companies, industrial research companies, universities, schools, agriculture and food sector, local councils and public service.
A biotechnology qualification is also highly relevant and extremely versatile in Research and Development (R&D) roles within both public and private sector research institutes. Many biotech companies engaged in manufacturing employ qualified biotechnologists as manufacturing associates in a supervisory and management capacity. Graduates also have the opportunity to become biotech product specialist and play a valuable role in marketing and selling a variety of biotechnological products ranging from biotech instruments to reagents related to genomics or proteomics. Many biotechnologists are also engaged in the rapidly expanding field of bioinformatics and contribute towards drafting biotech patent applications under the supervision of a patent lawyer.
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 |
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Communication |
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Digital literacy |
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Critical thinking |
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Problem solving |
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Self-management |
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Teamwork |
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Global citizenship |
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Approved by Faculty Board 27 June 2019