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Curtin University
Courses Handbook 2012

This handbook contains information for courses and units at Curtin in 2012.
Information for current year courses and units is available at Courses Handbook 2011.

193107 v.8 Postgraduate Diploma in Biomedical Sciences

PGradDipBiomedSc(Curtin)

Course CRICOS Code: 010556C
Registered full-time Duration for International Onshore Students on student visas: 1 Year

Introduction

This one year course provides theoretical training in molecular and cell biology, diagnostics, microbiology, biotechnology, research principles and data analysis. It can be completed entirely by coursework, or can include a significant component of practical work, which can be conducted in a biomedical diagnostic laboratory, or research laboratory, under the supervision of professional biomedical scientists. Assessment in this course consists of examinations, report writing, and oral presentations.

Course Entry Requirements/Prerequisites

A Bachelor of Science (Medical Science) or a Bachelor of Science degree with an appropriate major. Candidates holding qualifications other than those specified are assessed on an individual basis.

Recognition of Prior Learning

Applications for recognition of prior learning are assessed on an individual basis.

Duration and Availability

This fee paying course is one year full-time or equivalent part-time study. Availability of individual units may depend on the enrolment of a minimum number of students.

Course Organisation

Students can specialise in biomedical science, infectious diseases or molecular biotechnology. Each of the majors provide students with valuable scientific and research skills through advanced level coursework units in specialist areas. Because postgraduate students often have specific plans for their postgraduate level career, the courses allow significant flexibility in the combination of units that may be studied. Students can learn key laboratory techniques in modern molecular genetics, microbiology, biotechnology, and medical sciences and can put their learning into practice in an advanced laboratory unit, or through individual projects within a research or diagnostic laboratory. In practical work, students will be presented with real-life situations involving experimental design, technique selection and solving practical problems in the laboratory.

Professional Recognition

Graduates are eligible for membership of the Australian Biotechnology Association and equivalent industry organisations internationally.

Career Opportunities

Graduates may seek employment in biotechnology and allied industries, in government, hospital and university research and development laboratories and in other professions that require an advanced understanding of molecular biosciences.

Additional Course Expenses

Students may be expected to purchase a number of textbooks, readers and other essential study materials.

Course Structure Disclaimer

Curtin University reserves the right to alter the internal composition of any course to ensure learning outcomes retain maximum relevance. Any changes to the internal composition of a course will protect the right of students to complete the course within the normal timeframe and will not result in additional cost to students through a requirement to undertake additional units.

Course Structure Hrs/Wk Credit
Year 1 Semester 1
13152 v.3   Health Research Methods 681 4.0 25.0
6756 v.6   Molecular Genetics 631 3.0 25.0
  SELECT OPTIONAL UNITS TO THE TOTAL VALUE OF:   50.0
  100.0
Year 1 Semester 2
310172 v.1   Molecular Microbiology 631 4.0 25.0
310656 v.1   Biomedical Science 630 3.0 25.0
  SELECT OPTIONAL UNITS TO THE TOTAL VALUE OF:   50.0
  100.0
Optional Units to Select from in Year 1 Hrs/Wk Credit
13150 v.4   Epidemiology of Infectious Diseases 681 4.0 25.0
13371 v.3   Bioinformatics 631 4.0 25.0
303673 v.4   Sexually Transmissible Infection and HIV - International Perspectives 600 8.0 25.0
310157 v.1   Biotechnology 631 4.0 25.0
310160 v.1   Drug Discovery and Development 631 3.0 25.0
310161 v.1   Biotechnology 632 4.0 25.0
310162 v.1   Vaccine Science 632 3.0 25.0
310168 v.1   Molecular Diagnostics 631 3.0 25.0
310173 v.1   Nosocomial Pathogens 632 3.0 25.0
310669 v.2   Emerging Infectious Diseases 631 3.0 25.0
5511 v.7   Advanced Specialisation 695 3.0 25.0
5515 v.7   Advanced Specialisation 696 3.0 25.0
6753 v.5   Molecular Techniques 632 3.0 25.0

Availability

Year Location Period All* Internal Partially Online Internal^ External Fully Online#
2012 Bentley Campus Semester 1   Y      

The information displayed above refers to study periods and locations where the course is available for first time entry. Students are normally only offered or admitted to a course once.

* The course itself may not be available either solely internally or externally but individual units may be offered in either or both of those modes. Prospective students should contact the Course Coordinator for further information.

^ Course and associated units are offered in this mode permitting International Onshore student enrolment.

# Course and associated units are offered in this online only mode and DO NOT permit International Onshore student enrolment.