The Master of Biotechnology Studies is a 72-unit program which is offered by the Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences.

The course articulates with the Graduate Certificate in Biotechnology and the Graduate Diploma in Biotechnology , and the sequentially developed topics allow progression through the three awards. Candidates who have completed either of these courses are awarded credit for related topics.

Admission requirements

Applicants must normally have completed, with a Credit average or better, an approved degree in a biological, agricultural or medical science, at an approved tertiary institution. However, the Biotechnology Examinations Board may, under certain circumstances and subject to specific conditions, admit others who can show evidence of fitness for candidature. 

Course aims

The course aims to develop graduates who are able to function as practitioners in the interdisciplinary, global research-intensive biotechnology industry. It is designed to enhance graduates' abilities to contribute to the development of scientifically sound, ethical and culturally sensitive solutions to complex problems for the economic and social benefit of society. It aims to develop graduates who work effectively within team environments and improve their practice through critical reflection and learning.

Learning outcomes

On successful completion of the course, graduates should be able to:

  • transfer and apply core scientific concepts to develop solutions in the biotechnology industry
  • work in ways that are informed by knowledge of the legislative, regulatory, commercial, scientific and social environment
  • use critical analysis and problem solving skills to develop, plan and implement innovative solutions within a diverse range of biotechnology industry sectors
  • synthesise information and communicate effectively, succinctly and sensitively with the scientific community, co-workers, government agencies, investors, the broad public and particular cultural and Indigenous communities
  • apply judgement and initiative to propose and prioritise work strategies in consultation with co-workers to achieve timely completion of a project
  • work in a multidisciplinary team and incorporate the views of all stakeholders including Indigenous groups, and use self-awareness and consultation to understand their role within a group and how they can best contribute to the group
  • articulate a conscious understanding of their own values and demonstrate respect for the values of others and the ability to view an ethical dilemma from multiple view points
  • inform society of impending developments and engage in a constructive debate
  • incorporate understanding and awareness of Indigenous and other communities’ religious beliefs and culture into biotechnology practice
  • plan and conduct research projects and effectively communicate research findings
  • apply their understanding of the commercialisation processes to biotechnology products or services

Program of study

To qualify for The Master of Biotechnology Studies, a student must complete 72 units with a grade of P or NGP or better in each topic, according to the program of study below.

Except with permission of the Biotechnology Examinations Board, no topic may be attempted more than twice.

Core - Year 1 & 2 topics

 BIOL8004  DNA to Genome GE  (4.5 units)
 BIOL8005  Protein to Proteome GE  (4.5 units)
 BTEC8001  BioBusiness  (9 units)
 BTEC8003  Legal, Ethical and Social Aspects of Bioscience GE  (4.5 units)
 BTEC9006  Professional Skills for Biotechnology  (4.5 units)

AND

 BTEC9000A  Biotechnology Research Project (Medicine) (4.5/27 units) AND
 BTEC9000B  Biotechnology Research Project (Medicine) (4.5/27 units) AND
 BTEC9000C  Biotechnology Research Project (Medicine) (4.5/27 units) AND
 BTEC9000D  Biotechnology Research Project (Medicine) (4.5/27 units) AND
 BTEC9000E  Biotechnology Research Project (Medicine) (4.5/27 units) AND
 BTEC9000F  Biotechnology Research Project (Medicine) (4.5/27 units) 

OR

 BTEC9700A  Biotechnology Research Project (Biology) (4.5/27 units) AND
 BTEC9700B  Biotechnology Research Project (Biology) (4.5/27 units) AND
 BTEC9700C  Biotechnology Research Project (Biology) (4.5/27 units) AND
 BTEC9700D  Biotechnology Research Project (Biology) (4.5/27 units) AND
 BTEC9700E  Biotechnology Research Project (Biology) (4.5/27 units) AND
 BTEC9700F  Biotechnology Research Project (Biology) (4.5/27 units)  

Option - Year 1 & 2 topics

Select 18 units from the following:

 BIOL9013  Integrating Molecular Biosciences GE*  (4.5 units)
 BTEC8002  Molecular Biotechnology  (4.5 units)
 BTEC8007  Protein Biotechnology  (4.5 units)
 BTEC9008  Industrial and Pharmaceutical Biotechnology GE  (4.5 units)
 BTEC9010  Medical Biotechnology GE  (4.5 units)
 BTEC9011  Plant Science to Food Biotechnology GE  (4.5 units)
 BTEC9012  Environmental Biotechnology GE  (4.5 units)

*Enrolment into this topic requires the permission of the Topic Coordinator.