About The Degree

Biotechnology is a dynamic and rapidly changing field of study, providing a wide variety of job opportunities in industry and government, both internationally and within Australia. The Master of Biotechnology is an intensive program of graduate coursework that provides a pathway for science graduates with a biochemistry and molecular biology background to acquire new skills, or extend and renew their understanding of biotechnological principles and applications. This program, presented by Australia’s top-ranked research university, is designed to give students both theoretical and practical knowledge of modern biotechnology methodologies. The School of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology prides itself on the high quality of its teachers and the support that staff members give to students. The majority of lecturers manage research groups working on the leading edge of their disciplines and they bring that experience into their courses.

Who Should Do The Degree?

The Master of Biotechnology is designed for overseas students who wish to gain experience in a first-class overseas university, where research directs the teaching experience. The degree also suits students who already have an Australian qualification who wish to upgrade their qualifications or embark on a career in Biotechnology.

What Does The Degree Offer?

The program provides students with: • A sound theoretical knowledge of the biological processes commonly used in biotechnology • Practical knowledge of common methodologies used in biotechnology • Skills to interpret, synthesize and analyse critically the published literature • The capacity to apply this knowledge and these acquired skills in the workplace.

Degree Structure

The Master of Biotechnology can be taken as either a one year program by coursework only, or as a two year program (with Honours). The two year program allows eligible students to undertake a ten month research project, in their second year, under supervision, in an active research laboratory. The first year of the Master of Biotechnology program comprises 48 units of study. Courses to the value of 24 units (four, six-unit courses) are offered in mixed mode: campus-based and online. The remaining 24 units (2 courses of 12 units each) provide theoretical and practical knowledge of experimental design and practice. FIRST YEAR PROGRAM STRUCTURE Four, six-unit courses are selected (on the basis of availability at the time of enrolment and the students’ interests and prior experience) from a range of courses including the following: • Genomics and Biotechnology (available online) • General Microbiology (lectures and practical classes) • Molecular Biotechnology (lectures and practical classes) • Genes: Replication and Expression (lectures and practical classes) • Biochemistry of the Cell (lectures and practical classes) • Infection and Immunology (lectures and workshops) • Molecular Immunology (lectures and practical classes) • Biotechnology in Context (lectures and workshops) The experimental design and practice courses, worth 12 units each, are: • Biotechnology Research Proposal: gives experience in planning experiments to extend current knowledge and writing grant applications • Biotechnology Practical Course: provides “hands-on” experience in a range of advanced biotechnology techniques SECOND YEAR (HONOURS RESEARCH PROJECT) Students who achieve a distinction average or better in the first year of the program are eligible for admission to the Honours year. Students are expected to arrange their own supervision for the Honours year but opportunities exist for students to undertake their research project in the School of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, the Research School of Biological Sciences or the John Curtin School of Medical Research. On successful completion of the two year program, Master of Biotechnology (Honours) students are eligible to apply for admission to the ANU postgraduate research program (PhD). A limited number of ANU scholarships are available each year for International PhD students.

Application Process:

Applications are due by 1 November for first semester entry and by 1 April for second semester entry. International students should allow sufficient time to apply for necessary visas. Information about the School of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology and the Masters of Biotechnology program, is available through www.anu.edu.au/bambi. Applications to the program should made through the application process detailed on the ANU study@ site http://studyat.anu.edu.au/graduate_coursework.html Transcripts of prior degree and two academic references must accompany your application. Current tuition fee information is also available through this site (note: there are no ANU scholarships available for coursework students) To be considered for admission to the program, students require a sound academic record in an appropriate science degree with significant previous studies in cell and molecular biology and chemistry (with a minimum average of 65 per cent or more, in the theory components of all science related courses), a minimum Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) score of at least 250 or International English Language Testing System (IELTS) of 6.5 (with no less than 6.0 in any component), and two academic references. MASTER OF BIOTECHNOLOGY + MASTER OF BUSINESS (Science in Industry Stream) On completion of either the one or two year Master of Biotechnology programs, students may apply to undertake a one year Master of Business (Science in Industry). This unique business program has been developed in collaboration with the ANU College of Business and Economics. The program allows students to undertake a sequence of courses which link science, business and industry and aims to expose students from a science oriented background to the issues and management skills required for success in international business environments. As the ANU is one of Australia’s leading universities in the areas of science, business and economics, the program provides students with access to exceptional experiences and resources which link these important discipline areas. For information about the full range of Master of Business options, visit: http://www.cbe.anu.edu.au/futurestudents

FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT

School of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
T: +61 2 6125 2284
E: bmb.mob.prog@anu.edu.au
W: http://www.anu.edu.au/bambi/ or under Graduate Coursework at http://www.anu.edu.au/studyat

ANU CRICOS PROVIDER NUMBER: 00120C