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La Trobe University

  • 24% international / 76% domestic

Master of Biotechnology and Bioinformatics

  • Masters (Coursework)

The field of biotechnology is vast, varied and rapidly growing. Whether you want to create vaccines or explore genetic modification, we'll teach you what you need.

Key details

Degree Type
Masters (Coursework)
Duration
2 years full-time
Course Code
049585K
Study Mode
In person
Intake Months
Feb, Jul
Domestic Fees
$33,800 per year / $67,600 total
International Fees
$39,000 per year / $78,000 total

About this course

The field of biotechnology is vast, varied and rapidly growing. Whether you want to create vaccines or explore genetic modification, we'll teach you what you need.

In La Trobe's Master of Biotechnology and Bioinformatics, you'll learn to harness new and emerging technologies in human health, diagnostics, sustainability, food security and renewable energy.

Develop the human skills and technical expertise to launch a career in a range of exciting industries. From biological products to pharmaceuticals, agriculture to nutrition: you'll be prepared to work in the fields that rely on this fast-growing area of science.

This degree gives you more than flexibility in your career - it also gives you flexibility in how you study. In your final year, you could take an advanced bioinformatics pathway. Or you could choose the research project pathway instead, enjoying unrivalled access to industry networks and researchers in the field and benefiting from 25-30 hours of laboratory time each week.

If you decide you want to head straight into the workforce, you could even exit with a Graduate Diploma in Biotechnology and Bioinformatics after successfully completing the first year of this degree.

You'll learn:

  • Bioinformatics
    • Use industry-standard bioinformatics software to address biological problems.
  • Practical biotechnology
    • Gain practical skills in PCR, cloning, protein expression, protein purification and immunoblotting laboratory techniques.
  • Scientific communication skills
    • Build your expertise in writing reports and presenting data.
  • Proteomics and genomics
    • Explore advanced technologies such as CRISPR-mediated gene editing, next generation sequencing and mass spectrometry.
  • Protein chemistry
    • Practice the laboratory techniques used in purifying and characterising protein preparations.

The qualification awarded on graduation is recognised in the Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) as Level 9 - Masters Degree.

Sample course structure

Please note, the following course structure is indicative and subject to change depending on your course location, offer year or how you tailor your course with specialisations, majors, minors and electives. Structures for the following year are not normally finalised until October, so the sample provided is based on the most recently approved structure. For more information, please refer to the La Trobe University Handbook.

To qualify for the award of Master of Biotechnology and Bioinformatics, students must complete a total of 240 credit points across 2 years.

Year 1 requires the completion of 120 credit points including:

  • 120 credit points from chosen Core

Year 2 requires the completion of 120 credit points including:

  • 120 credit points from chosen Core choice
Study options

Core subjects are required subjects in your course. You need to complete these subjects to attain your degree.

Subject name Subject code Year Credit points BIO-BUSINESS MANAGEMENT BIO5BBM 1 15 BIOINFORMATICS BIO5INF 1 15 PRACTICAL BIOTECHNOLOGY BIO5PRC 1 15 PROTEIN CHEMISTRY BIO5PRO 1 15 PROTEOMICS AND GENOMICS BIO5PAG 1 15 SCIENTIFIC COMMUNICATION SKILLS BIO5SCS 1 15 SKILLS IN SCIENCE BIO5SIS 1 15 TECHNIQUES IN BIOTECHNOLOGY BIO5TEC 1 15

Core choice subjects are one or more subject groups you need to select in your course. Core choice subjects may be specific to your course, major, minor, specialisation or other learning requirements.

Students to select one learning pathway from the list below.

Pathway

  • Advanced bioinformatics
  • Research project

For more information on these please refer to the La Trobe University Handbook.

See La Trobe University Handbook for more details

The Handbook contains detailed course information designed for enrolled students, including course structures, electives and options. The delivery of this course can vary between campuses.

  • Melbourne (Bundoora)

To view other campus handbook course details, please select relevant campus in the drop down.

Study locations

Melbourne

Career pathways

Graduates will have the skills and knowledge to find employment in a range of roles, including:

  • Biotechnologist
    • Work in biopharmaceutical research and development designing products and constructing biological systems.
  • Bioinformatician
    • Collect and interpret data for a range of fields, including genetics and pharmaceutics.
  • Microbiology
    • Study microscopic life forms and processes, including their growth, interactions and characteristics.
  • Research assistant
    • Perform and analyse experiments, provide technical support to research teams and manage the day-to-day running of a laboratory.

Graduate outcomes

Graduate satisfaction and employment outcomes for Computing & Information Systems courses at La Trobe University.
78.2%
Overall satisfaction
78.2%
Skill scale
74.7%
Teaching scale