Graduate Certificate in Biotechnology

Overview

• Ideal for students who want to specialise in general, medical and/or plant biotechnology.
• Study the fundamental aspects of cell and molecular biology, biochemistry, and microbiology.
• Prepares you for a career in research in universities, research institutes, pathology laboratories and hospitals.
• Complete in 1 semester full-time or 2 semesters part-time.
• Opportunity to progress on to the Graduate Diploma in Biotechnology.

QUT course code	LS66
Attendance	Part-time or Full-time
Course duration	0.5 year full-time 1 year part-time
Start month	2013 July
Delivery	On campus Gardens Point
Faculty	Faculty of Health
Course contact	Email: biomedical@qut.edu.au Telephone: 3138 1938
CRICOS code	054278A
Careers	Biochemist Biotechnologist Medical Biotechnologist Microbiologist Molecular Biologist Plant Biotechnologist Research Assistant Scientist Virologist

Details

This postgraduate coursework program will suit anyone who has a recent undergraduate degree (preferably, however not necessarily, in science) and who wishes to gain training and advanced specialisation in general, medical and/or plant biotechnology. The program also caters for working scientists, support staff or students involved in commercial aspects of biotechnology, who wish to update their theoretical and practical biotechnology skills.

Science-based biotechnology units emphasising laboratory skills and hands-on laboratory experimentation feature prominently in the program, which covers contemporary techniques in biotechnology. New technology is incorporated as it becomes available. The program also offers students opportunities to pursue studies related to the business of biotechnology, marketing, commercialisation, as well as the legal and ethical aspects of biotechnological applications.

Course structure

The program of study for an individual student will be decided in consultation with the course coordinator and will take into account the student’s background in the cell and biomolecular sciences and areas of interest in biotechnology.

The Graduate Certificate in Biotechnology is a foundation program for people without a science degree or for those who do not have a recent background in the cell and biomolecular sciences. Fundamental aspects of cell and molecular biology, biochemistry and microbiology are covered in this first program. Successful completion of this program allows students to then specialise in more advanced
aspects of biotechnology. The Graduate Certificate in Biotechnology also allows students to gain essential generic skills and attributes for successful postgraduate research and learning.

Students must commence in July and enrol in Semester 2 units first. Advanced standing may be given for this foundation program if the student has a degree or equivalent with recent and appropriate undergraduate-level knowledge and practical experience in the key areas of molecular biology, cell biology, biochemistry and/or microbiology at an advanced level. If credit is granted and accepted, students can
enrol directly in any of the more advanced biotechnology programs in their first semester of study.

Career outcomes

Career opportunities include employment as research and support staff in the biotechnology industry—private or public biotechnology companies, universities, CSIRO, research institutes, government departments, pathology laboratories and hospitals.

Professional recognition

Graduates are eligible to join AusBiotech, the Australian Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, and the Australian Society for Microbiology.

Units

Course design

The program of study for an individual student will be decided in consultation with the course coordinator and will take into account the student’s background in the cell and biomolecular sciences and areas of interest in biotechnology.

The Graduate Certificate in Biotechnology is a foundation program for people without a science degree or for those who do not have a recent background in the cell and biomolecular sciences. Fundamental aspects of cell and molecular biology, biochemistry and microbiology are covered in this first program. Successful completion of this program allows students to then specialise in more advanced aspects of biotechnology. The Graduate Certificate in Biotechnology also allows students to gain essential generic skills and attributes for successful postgraduate research and learning.

Students must commence in July and enrol in Semester 2 units first. Advanced standing may be given for this foundation program if the student has a degree or equivalent with recent and appropriate undergraduate-level knowledge and practical experience in the key areas of molecular biology, cell biology, biochemistry and/or microbiology at an advanced level. If advanced standing is granted and accepted, students can enrol directly in any of the more advanced biotechnology programs in their first semester of study.

Entry requirements

Entry Requirements

A degree or equivalent, preferably but not necessarily in science.

Advanced standing (credit) may be given for this course if the student has a degree or equivalent with recent and appropriate undergraduate-level knowledge and laboratory experience in the key areas of molecular biology, cell biology, biochemistry and/or microbiology at an advanced level.

Course fees

Your actual fees may vary depending on which units you choose. All fees are based on current fixed fee prices. We review fees annually.

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Scholarships and financial support

You can apply for scholarships to help you with study and living costs.

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You may also be eligible for Centrelink payments