CourseMaster's Degree (Coursework)MBiotech

M6030 Master of Biotechnology

Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences

Master of Biotechnology (M6030) is a 2 years full-time, 96-credit-point, master's degree (coursework) course from the Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, taught at Clayton. Map your units semester by semester with the MonMap planner.

Credit points
96
Duration
2 years full time
4 years part time
Campus
Clayton
On campus

This is the 2020 handbook entry. See the 2027 entry.

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Requisite map

Overview

The Master of Biotechnology integrates biotechnology and entrepreneurship through a range of multidisciplinary coursework, research and work-integrated units in modern areas of studies.

In the first year (Part A) of the course, you will be taught theoretical knowledge and practical skills in contemporary biotechnology-related topics, and the processes involved in obtaining research funding and translating biomedical products from lab to life.

In the second year (Part B) of the course, if you achieved at least 70% average in your first-year studies you will have the opportunity to undertake either a 6-month industry placement in a pharmaceutical, medical device, life science and/ or regulatory organisation, or have the option to undertake a research project, where you will work closely with experts in a specialised area of research to advance knowledge of human diseases, and explore therapeutic targets for the prevention and treatment of these conditions. If you do not achieve at least a 70% average in your first-year studies, a range of coursework electives are available in interdisciplinary fields of pioneering developments in biotechnology research and enterprise.

Course structure

Part A. Core biotechnology studies48 credit points
Part B. Application studies48 credit points
You must complete one of the following options

Research pathway option

48 credit points
You must complete the following unit. Note: In order to be eligible for the research project, you need to have an average of at least 70%  in your core biotechnology studies (Part A). If you do not meet this requirement, then you must undertake 48 points of units from the elective list.

Coursework pathway option

48 credit points
You must complete the following unit and four units from the elective list below. Note: In order to be eligible for the industry placement unit, you need to have an average of at least 70%  in your core biotechnology studies (Part A). If you do not meet this requirement, then you must undertake 48 points of units from the elective list. Note: You must have a successful application with a company to undertake BRM5022. Training on how to write a CV and to prepare for an interview is available and you will be provided the opportunity to apply to up to five organisations.
The handbook's description of this structure

The course is structured in two parts: Part A: Core Biotechnology studies and Part B: Application studies. All students complete Part A. Depending upon prior qualifications, you may receive credit for Part B.

Note: If you are eligible for credit for prior studies you may elect not to receive the credit.

Part A. Core biotechnology studies

These studies present theoretical knowledge in key areas of biotechnology and its applications. You will gain a critical understanding of the designs and methods used in undertaking medical research, and the opportunities and challenges involved in the commercialisation of biotechnology.

Part B. Application studies

In these studies, you will focus on the application of advanced biotechnology practice. You will consolidate your skills, and knowledge and demonstrate your mastery through either a research project and/ or an industry placement program.

In order to be eligible for the industry placement program or the research project, you will be required to achieve at least 70 percent in the core biotechnology component. If you do not meet this requirement, then you must undertake 48 points from the elective list.

Master's entry points

  • If you are admitted at entry level 1 you complete 96 points, comprising Parts A and B.
  • If you are admitted at entry level 2 you complete 48 points, comprising Part A

Note: If you are eligible for credit for prior studies you may elect not to receive the credit and complete the higher credit point option. If you are admitted at entry level 2 you will not complete the industry placement program or research project.

Course progression map

The course progression map provides guidance on unit enrolment for each semester of study.

The course comprises 96 points structured into two parts: Part A. Core Biotechnology (48 points) and Part B: Application Studies (48 points).

  • If you are admitted at entry level 1 you complete 96 points, comprising Parts A and B.
  • If you are admitted at entry level 2 you complete 48 points, comprising Part A.

Note: If you are eligible for credit for prior studies you may elect not to receive the credit and complete the higher credit point option.

Units are 6 credit points unless otherwise stated.

Part A. Core biotechnology studies (48 points)

You must complete:

  • BRM5011 Foundations for medical biotechnology and its applications
  • BRM5012 Techniques in medical biotechnology: genomics, proteomics and bioinformatics
  • BRM5013 Techniques in medical biotechnology: Imaging, iPS cells, cell and gene therapies
  • GEN5010 Advanced genetics and biotechnology
  • BRM5015 Biotechnology research studies
  • BEX5411 Creativity and entrepreneurship
  • BMS5007 Biotechnology: Commercialising biomedical science
  • BRM5014 Therapeutic approaches and biotechnology

Part B. Application studies (48 points)

In order to be eligible for the research project or industry placement, you need to have an average of at least 70% in your core biotechnology studies (Part A).    If you do not meet this requirement, then you can undertake 48 points from the elective list or you may exit and graduate with a Graduate Diploma of Biotechnology.

You must complete either a. or b. below:

a. Research pathway

  • BRM5021 Biotechnology research project (48 points) 

b. Coursework pathway

  • BRM5022 Biotechnology work-integrated learning (24 points) *
  • four units from the elective list below

* You must have a successful application with a company to undertake this unit,  Training on how to write a CV and to prepare for an interview is available and you will be provided the opportunity to apply to up to five organisations.

Elective list

  • MTE5885 Biomaterials and Biomechanics
  • MPH5269 Foundations of health policy 
  • FOR5007 Elements of forensic toxicology
  • BFC5925 Financial management theory 
  • MPH5264 Economic management in healthcare
  • MEC5889 Medical device technologies
  • EPM5023 Foundations of international health
  • MPH5272 Principles of health systems 
  • BMS5003 Infectious diseases and population health
  • BMS5012 Cancer biology and therapeutics

 

Learning outcomes

These course outcomes are aligned with the Australian Qualifications Framework and Monash Graduate Attributes.

Upon successful completion of this course it is expected that you will be able to:

  1. 1

    demonstrate mastery in theoretical knowledge in major contemporary fields of biotechnology and its applications

  2. 2

    differentiate between the processes involved in the development, regulation, commercialisation and marketing of biotechnological products

  3. 3

    identify the ethical issues relating to research and the research question in the field of biotechnology and where, appropriate, apply ethical principles to the conduct of research within this field

  4. 4

    initiate new or innovative research informed approaches to resolving practical challenges within the field of medical biotechnology

  5. 5

    demonstrate proficiency in laboratory based technologies and techniques fundamental to biotechnological research

  6. 6

    critically appraise and interpret the implications of data arising from these technologies and techniques

  7. 7

    plan, justify and implement research in the field of medical biotechnology

  8. 8

    apply effective and strategic problem-solving, organisational and teamwork skills to the field of biotechnology

  9. 9

    effectively implement and evaluate technological advancements in biotechnology within workplace settings

Entry requirements

English language

Above Monash Minimum. Level B that is: IELTS: 6.5 with individual band scores of Writing 6.0, Listening: 6.5, Reading: 6.5 and Speaking: 6.0; or TOEFL Paper-based test: 550 with a TWE 4.5; or TOEFL Internet-based test: score of 79 overall with minimum scores: Writing 21, Listening 20, Reading 19, Speaking 18.

More information

Progression to further studies

Successful completion of this course may provide a pathway to a graduate research degree for students admitted at entry level 1 completing the research pathway (48 credit points) in Part B. If you are admitted and entry level 2 you will normally already have an honours degree, however, students in this group who wish to complete a research pathway should discuss the options with the course coordinator. 

Notes for students

2021 Monash University Global Campus Program
If you're unable to start this course in Australia, due to COVID-19 restrictions, you can start this course on-campus at Monash University Malaysia in semester one 2021, then continue in Australia once restrictions are eased. Find out more.

Other information

The Master of Biotechnology integrates biotechnology and entrepreneurship through a range of multidisciplinary coursework, research and work-integrated units in modern areas of studies.

In the first year (Part A) of the course, you will be taught theoretical knowledge and practical skills in contemporary biotechnology-related topics, and the processes involved in obtaining research funding and translating biomedical products from lab to life.

In the second year (Part B) of the course, if you achieved at least 70% average in your first-year studies you will have the opportunity to undertake either a 6-month industry placement in a pharmaceutical, medical device, life science and/ or regulatory organisation, or have the option to undertake a research project, where you will work closely with experts in a specialised area of research to advance knowledge of human diseases, and explore therapeutic targets for the prevention and treatment of these conditions. If you do not achieve at least a 70% average in your first-year studies, a range of coursework electives are available in interdisciplinary fields of pioneering developments in biotechnology research and enterprise.

Contacts

Academic Coordinator
Dr Chau Khuong
Professor Graham Lieschke

Common questions

How long is Master of Biotechnology?

2 years full time, 96 credit points. At 24 credit points a semester, that is 4 semesters of full-time study.

Where can I study Master of Biotechnology?

At Clayton.

How do I plan my Master of Biotechnology units?

Open the course in the MonMap planner. It lays out your semesters, checks prerequisites as you drag units in, and tracks the credit points each requirement still needs.

Course details

Qualification
Master's Degree (Coursework)
AQF level
Level 9
Credit points
96
Full time
2 Years
Part time
4 Years
Maximum time
6 years
Faculty
Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences
CRICOS code
095646J
Abbreviation
MBiotech
Award titles
Graduate Diploma of Biotechnology (exit only)Master of Biotechnology