Master of Biotechnology (Advanced)

Overview

• Ideal for students who want to specialise in general, medical and/or plant biotechnology.
• Work with a supervisor to complete a research project in your final semester of study.
• Prepares you for a career in research in universities, research institutes, pathology laboratories and hospitals.
• Complete in 2 years full-time or 4 years part-time.

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 programs also cater 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. This program also offer 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 Master of Biotechnology (Advanced) program completes the comprehensive training of students and follows successful completion of core and optional units offered in the Graduate Certificate in Biotechnology, Graduate Diploma in Biotechnology and Master of Biotechnology programs. It encompasses general medical and/or plant biotechnology. In their final semester of the program, students may undertake a supervised research project either at QUT or external to QUT.

Part-time students may also elect to do a research project at their place of work, with both a workplace supervisor and a QUT supervisor. Students must discuss research project areas prior to enrolment in their final semester of study to organise a suitable project and a project supervisor(s). While there is a wide range of research project areas available, it may not always be possible for students to conduct a research
project exactly in the area they desire.

Students who prefer not to undertake a research project in the final semester will undertake additional coursework units selected in consultation with the course coordinator.

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 Master of Biotechnology (Advanced) program completes the comprehensive training of students and follows successful completion of core and optional units offered in the Graduate Certificate in Biotechnology, Graduate Diploma in Biotechnology and Master of Biotechnology programs. It encompasses general medical and/or plant biotechnology. In their final semester of the program, students may undertake a supervised research project either at QUT or external to QUT. Part-time students may also elect to do a research project at their place of work, with both a workplace supervisor and a QUT supervisor. Students must discuss research project areas prior to enrolment in their final semester of study in LS96 to organise a suitable project and a project supervisor(s). While there is a wide range of research project areas available, it may not always be possible for students to conduct a research project exactly in the area they desire.

There is also no guarantee that either a suitable project and/or project supervisor(s) will be available in the semester that the student wishes to undertake the project unit. Some students prefer not to undertake a research project in their final semester of study. For students not undertaking a research project, additional coursework must be completed. Students will need to consult with the course coordinator in selecting additional coursework units.

Entry requirements

A degree or equivalent, preferably but not necessarily in science.
Advanced standing (credit) may be given for the foundation program (LS66) 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.

Scholarships and financial support

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

View all scholarships