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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.

310599 v.2 Master of Biomedical Science

MBSc(Curtin)

Course CRICOS Code: 058864F
Registered full-time Duration for International Onshore Students on student visas: 2 Years

Introduction

Biomedical science is a rapidly growing field of science, with increasing application to everyday life all over the world. It affects everyone in many ways, from the development of new medicines and drugs to the creation and delivery of diagnostic technologies and progress towards revolutionary clinical therapies. This course is designed for those seeking to understand the application of the most recent laboratory, computer, and industrial technology developments in the biological sciences, within a medical context. It examines the latest knowledge and technologies in research, diagnosis, epidemiology, microbiology, biotechnology, and data analysis, and combines this with hands-on laboratory work. Within the Masters coursework program, students select from one of three major streams: Molecular Biotechnology, Infectious Diseases, or Biomedical Science. This course encourages professional and personal development through active learning. Among the different units, students apply and test the knowledge gained through information gathering, report writing, and professional level oral presentations. Practical experience is obtained through a molecular techniques workshop or project.

Course Entry Requirements/Prerequisites

Students will have completed an approved bachelor degree in a biology or biomedical/life science based discipline or equivalent (with a history of above average grades). Graduates from other science disciplines will be considered on an individual basis.

Recognition of Prior Learning

Applicants will be assessed on an individual basis should they have completed equivalent post-graduate units.

Duration and Availability

This course is two years full time or equivalent part-time study.

Intermediate Awards 1

A student who has successfully completed the requirements of an approved intermediate award may apply for graduation in that award subject to approval of Head of School/Department. Fees apply. Intermediate award(s) approved for this course are:

Intermediate Award

Postgraduate Diploma in Biomedical Science.

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 can 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

Purchase of text books may be required for some units. A laboratory coat will be required for practical work within the Molecular Science Practicum unit.

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
310653 v.2   Molecular Biotechnology Major 300.0
  OR  
310654 v.2   Infectious Diseases Major 300.0
  OR  
310655 v.2   Biomedical Science Major 300.0
  300.0

Availability

Year Location Period All* Internal Partially Online Internal^ External Fully Online#
2012 Bentley Campus Semester 1 Y        
2012 Bentley Campus Semester 2   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.