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Business Aspects of Biotechnology

Unit code: LSP127
Contact hours: 5 per week
Credit points: 12
Information about fees and unit costs

Supporting a successful biotechnology industry in Australia requires an entrepreneurial framework to be developed which assists the efforts of both researchers and innovators. This unit integrates those essential entrepreneurial techniques of launching a biotechnology business. The unit focus is on the research and development of industrial products and commercialising innovations developed in this industry. On completion of this unit the student will be able to identify and analyse entrepreneurial opportunities and evaluate these opportunities within biotechnology together with the ability to identify and comprehend the steps involved in setting up a new biotechnology enterprise.

Availability
Semester Available
2013 Semester 1 Yes

Sample subject outline - Semester 1 2013

Note: Subject outlines often change before the semester begins. Below is a sample outline.

Rationale

This unit complements the laboratory-based units in the Graduate Diploma in Biotechnology and Graduate Diploma in Diagnostic Technologies by providing an understanding of business aspects of this area of science.

Aims

Supporting a successful biotechnology industry in Australia requires an entrepreneurial framework to be developed which assists the efforts of both researchers and innovators. This unit integrates those essential entrepreneurial techniques of launching a biotechnology business. The unit focus is on the research and development of industrial products and commercialising innovations developed in this industry.

Objectives

To address with students business and ethical aspects of biotechnology.

Content

Topics to be addressed through lecture or debate or site visits include:

  • Government regulations relating to biotechnology including the workings of the Genetic Manipulation Advisory Committee.
  • Principles of intellectual property.
  • Interpretation of a biotechnology patent.
  • Business aspects of a biotechnology company.
  • Bioethics.
  • Community perception of biotechnology.

    Approaches to Teaching and Learning

    The unit consists of a series of lectures and presentations by QUT staff and external experts. In addition several discussions and debates are conducted in the areas of patenting, ethics and community perceptions. A visit to one or two biotechnology companies is an essential part of this unit.

    Assessment

    You will be expected to undertake a number of assessments related to the learning outcomes of this unit (see below).Feedback will be available on your progress.

    Assessment name: Assignment
    Description: Assessment consists of a series of assignments on the various topic areas as well as an oral presentation on a biotechnology company of their choice.
    Relates to objectives: N/A
    Weight: 100%
    Internal or external: Internal
    Group or individual: Individual
    Due date: See Blackboard Site

    Academic Honesty

    QUT is committed to maintaining high academic standards to protect the value of its qualifications. To assist you in assuring the academic integrity of your assessment you are encouraged to make use of the support materials and services available to help you consider and check your assessment items. Important information about the university's approach to academic integrity of assessment is on your unit Blackboard site.

    A breach of academic integrity is regarded as Student Misconduct and can lead to the imposition of penalties.

    Resource materials

    References:

    Students are provided with relevant handouts and are directed to key references and review articles in local libraries.

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    Risk assessment statement

    There are no out of the ordinary risks associated with this unit.

    Disclaimer - Offer of some units is subject to viability, and information in these Unit Outlines is subject to change prior to commencement of semester.

    Last modified: 08-Oct-2012