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 and Suzhou (SEU). Map your units semester by semester with the MonMap planner.

Credit points
96
Duration
2 years full time
4 years part time
Campus
Clayton, Suzhou (SEU)
On campus

This is the 2022 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. Note: If you are at Southeast University, China you do not complete this Part. The Application studies units are taken within the partner degree at Southeast University Suzhou and recorded as block credit for this course.

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 credit points of units from the elective list.
Note: You must have a successful application with a company to undertake BRM5021. Training on how to write a CV and to prepare for an interview is available and you will be provided with the opportunity to apply to up to five organisations.

Coursework pathway option

48 credit points
You must complete the following unit and four units (24 credit points) 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 credit 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.

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

Depending on prior qualifications you may receive entry level credit (a form of block credit) which determines your point of entry to the course:

Clayton

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

Southeast University, China 

  • If you are at Southeast University, China you complete 72 credit points, comprising 48 credit points (Part A) and 24 credit points taken within the partner degree at Southeast University Suzhou and recorded as block credit for this course.

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).

Units are 6 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
  • BMS5007 Biotechnology: Commercialising biomedical science
  • BRM5014 Therapeutic approaches and biotechnology
  • one unit from:
     
    • If you are enrolled at Clayton campus you will complete one of the following units:
      • BEX5114 Start-up finance and accounting
      • BEX5120 Law for entrepreneurs
      • BEX5411 Entrepreneurship and creativity
      • BEX5413 Technology and innovation for start-ups
    • If you are enrolled at Southeast University, China you will complete one of the following units.
      • MGZ5966 International business theory and practice
      • MGZ5640 Cross-cultural management communication
      • MKZ5955 Marketing and the international consumer

Part B. Application studies (48 points)

Note: If you are at Southeast University, China you do not complete this Part. The Application studies units are taken within the partner degree at Southeast University Suzhou and recorded as block credit for this course.

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 with the opportunity to apply to up to five organisations.

Elective list

  • ASC5001 Addiction science: A biopsychosocial overview
  • ASC5002 Sociocultural perspectives of addiction
  • ASC5003 Addiction policies, prevention and public health
  • ASC5004 Addiction assessment and treatment: Practice and innovation
  • BFC5925 Financial management theory 
  • BMS5003 Infectious diseases and population health
  • BMS5012 Cancer biology and therapeutics
  • EPM5023 Foundations of international health
  • MPH5264 Economic management in healthcare
  • MPH5269 Foundations of health policy 
  • MPH5272 Principles of health systems 
  • MPH5020 Introduction to epidemiology and biostatistics
  • MPH5283 Ethics, good research practice and practical research methods
  • MTE5885 Biomaterials and Biomechanics

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

Monash Minimum: Level B, that is: IELTS (Academic): 6.5 (with individual band scores of Writing: 6.0, Listening: 6.5, Reading: 6.5 and Speaking: 6.0); or Pearson Test of English (Academic):  score of 58 overall with minimum scores: Writing 50, Listening 58, Reading 58, Speaking 50; or TOEFL Internet-based test: score of 79 overall with minimum scores: Writing 21, Listening 20, Reading 19, Speaking 18; or Equivalent approved English test

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. 

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
Professor Graham Lieschke
Dr Chau Khuong

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 and Suzhou (SEU).

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 title
Master of Biotechnology