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Deakin University

  • 21% international / 79% domestic

Master of Biotechnology (Professional)

  • Masters (Coursework)

Become an in-demand biotechnology expert and create innovative solutions to global issues when you study a Master of Biotechnology (Professional) at Deakin.

Key details

Degree Type
Masters (Coursework)
Course Code
S713, 113876H

About this course

Become an in-demand biotechnology expert and create innovative solutions to global issues when you study a Master of Biotechnology (Professional) at Deakin. From pioneering medical advancements to cutting-edge solutions to food, agricultural and environmental problems, you'll gain advanced technical skills to build a global career effecting positive change. Graduate with the high-level biotechnology knowledge, practical laboratory and fieldwork experience, and professional networks you need to succeed in a booming industry.

Learn under internationally recognised researchers and discover how to take your specialist knowledge of biotechnology from the lab and apply it across genetic, chemical, industrial and agricultural settings. Your biotechnology expertise will be complemented by skills in statistical data analysis, computer coding, research and a well-developed understanding of the commercial biotechnology environment - giving you the confidence to thrive across a range of industries when you graduate. In your first year, you'll gain in-depth biotechnology knowledge before pursuing a pathway in research, industry placement or advanced coursework.

Want to explore emerging topics in biotechnology and pursue a career that makes a difference?



During your first year, you'll advance your knowledge in:

  • professional research practice
  • molecular biotechnology
  • biostatistics
  • agricultural biotechnology
  • nanobiotechnology
  • industrial biotechnology
  • applied bioinformatics.

In addition to building advanced knowledge, you'll get hands-on experience using various molecular biotechnologies and bioinformatics tools, along with the opportunity to operate analytical equipment like those used in industrial-scale production facilities, such as cell-culture bioreactors. During your degree, you'll also develop crucial research management and business skills that employers are looking for.

Tailor your studies to your professional interests in your second year by choosing one of three study pathways:

  • research, where you'll develop advanced industry-oriented scientific research skills
  • industry practice, where you'll gain invaluable professional work experience
  • advanced coursework, where you'll further your biotechnology knowledge under the supervision of our internationally recognised research staff.

Connections to industry are an integral part of this course, providing you with invaluable industry perspectives and allowing you to establish professional networks before you graduate. Guest lectures from key industry partners and field work are embedded into the curriculum to provide a deeper understanding of industry-engaged research and commercialisation in the biotechnology environment.

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.

Career pathways

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.

Depending on your chosen area/s of expertise, you can make an impact across a wide range of careers, including as a:

  • bioinformatician animal scientist
  • botanist
  • chemist
  • food scientist
  • material scientist
  • metallurgist
  • molecular biologist
  • medical scientist
  • trainee patent attorney
  • agriculture technologist
  • researcher.

With the potential to work globally in a broad range of industries, your potential employers might include:

  • CSIRO
  • government research institutes and departments
  • private research institutes
  • health sector
  • private commercial companies
  • industrial research companies
  • universities
  • agriculture and food sector
  • local councils and public service.

A biotechnology qualification is also highly relevant and extremely versatile in research and development 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 can become biotech product specialists and play a valuable role in marketing and selling a variety of biotechnological products, 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 structure

To complete the Master of Biotechnology (Professional), students must attain 16 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)
  • seven (7) core units (7 credit points)
  • a nine (9) credit point pathway in:
    • Research pathway (subject to meeting unit requirements)* OR
    • Industry practice pathway (subject to meeting unit requirements)^ OR
    • Advanced discipline coursework pathway.

* Students must have passed 7 level 7 units (6 units must be SLE coded units) and a WAM of 70 to be eligible for the Research Pathway.

^ Students must have passed STP710 Career Tools for Employability (0-credit point compulsory unit), and must have successfully completed 8 credit points of study in level 7 units and have a minimum WAM of 70 to be eligible for the Industry Practice Pathway.

Students are required to meet the University's academic progress and conduct requirements.

7

Core units

9

Pathway units

16

Total

Credit for prior study or work

The University aims to provide students with as much credit as possible for approved prior study or informal learning which exceeds the normal entrance requirements for the course and is within the constraints of the course regulations. Students are required to complete a minimum of one-third of the course at Deakin University, or four credit points, whichever is the greater. In the case of certificates, including graduate certificates, a minimum of two credit points within the course must be completed at Deakin.

You can also refer to the Recognition of prior learning system which outlines the credit that may be granted towards a Deakin University degree and how to apply for credit.

Recognition of prior learning may be granted to applicants based on prior studies and/or equivalent industry experience.