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Curtin University
Courses Handbook 2014

This handbook contains information for courses and units at Curtin in 2014.
Information for the previous year's courses and units is available at Courses Handbook 2013.

193107 v.9 Graduate Diploma in Biomedical Science

GradDipBiomedSc(Curtin)

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


Course Overview

Graduate diplomas prepare students to develop advanced knowledge and skills for professional or highly skilled work and further learning corresponding to AQF level 8 qualifications.


This course provides theoretical and practical training in molecular and biological aspects of biomedical science, including: biotechnology, DNA analysis and manipulation, microbiology and immunology, diagnostics, research principles and advanced biological data analysis. It includes training in laboratory-based research, and has the option to include laboratory research projects, which may be conducted in a biomedical diagnostic laboratory, or in a research laboratory, under the supervision of professional scientists.


Professional Recognition

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


Career Opportunities

Graduates may seek employment in Medical 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 and other essential study materials.



Course Entry and Completion Details

Applicants are required to meet University academic and English language entry standards; details are provided at http://futurestudents.curtin.edu.au. Applicants generally require a bachelor degree or graduate certificate.


Specifically applicants require a Bachelor of Science degree with an appropriate major. Candidates holding qualifications other than those specified are assessed on an individual basis.


Credit for Recognised Learning

Applications for credit towards a course are assessed on an individual basis. Credit reduces the amount of learning required to complete the course and may be granted for formal education qualifications, non-formal learning from non-award programs of study and informal learning through work experiences. Further information can be found at http://futurestudents.curtin.edu.au.


Pathway to Further Study

Graduates may qualify for entry to some master degrees. For further details, see the University website http://curtin.edu.au.



Course Organisation

Graduate diplomas contain a series of units which may include compulsory (core), optional or elective units to cater for student preferences. They may contain a range of majors/streams for students to choose from to pursue learning in a specialised area of study.


Students can focus on molecular biotechnology, or on the microbiology of infectious diseases. The course provides 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, 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.


Course Learning Outcomes

A graduate of this course can:

1. apply advanced principles of biological and life sciences as they relate to molecular biotechnology

2. plan and conduct a research project and evaluate and report outcomes

3. apply rational processes to critically analyse issues in science and technology, evaluate alternative responses and generate innovative solutions

4. locate, extract and critically appraise relevant evidence and information from a range of resources (and apply to practice

5. relate the significance of science to the public and scientific community using effective written and verbal communication skill

6. effectively use concepts and methods in biotechnology at an advanced level

7. demonstrate self-directed learning and professional development

8. recognise international issues relevant to biotechnology and develop appropriate responses or strategies for solutions

9. demonstrate respect for individual human rights and cultural diversity


Duration and Availability

This fee paying course is one year full-time or equivalent part-time study.


Location and delivery Mode


Year Location Period All* Internal Partially Online Internal^ External Fully Online#
2014 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.




Course Structure Hrs/Wk Credit
Year 1 Semester 1
310157 v.2   Medical Biotechnology and Drug Development 631 4.0 25.0
310669 v.3   Emerging and Hospital Acquired Pathogens 631 3.0 25.0
6756 v.6   Molecular Genetics 631 3.0 25.0
  SELECT OPTIONAL UNITS TO THE TOTAL VALUE OF:   25.0
  100.0
Year 1 Semester 2
310166 v.2   Biomedical Science Practicum 632 10.0 75.0
  SELECT OPTIONAL UNITS TO THE TOTAL VALUE OF:   25.0
  100.0
Optional Units to Select from in Year 1 Semester 1 Hrs/Wk Credit
5511 v.8   Research Project 633 3.0 25.0
13371 v.4   Bioinformatics 633 5.0 25.0
310168 v.2   Molecular Techniques and Diagnostics 633 4.0 25.0
310172 v.2   Molecular Microbiology 633 4.0 25.0
Optional Units to Select from in Year 1 Semester 2 Hrs/Wk Credit
314409 v.1   Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine 634 5.0 25.0
314220 v.2   High Throughput Sequence Analysis 634 4.0 25.0
310162 v.2   Vaccine Science 634 3.0 25.0
5515 v.8   Research Project 634 3.0 25.0



Further Information

For more information about the course, please contact the Faculty of Health Sciences on telephone (08) 9266 1000, email futurestudents@health.curtin.edu.au, or visit our website: http://healthsciences.curtin.edu.au


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.




Handbook Disclaimer

The online handbook is the repository of Curtin University of Technology (“Curtin”) course information. While Curtin makes all reasonable endeavors to keep its online courses handbook up-to-date, information within this website is subject to change from time to time. Curtin reserves the right to change the contents and/or the method of assessment, to change or alter tuition fees of any unit of study, to withdraw/any unit of study or program which it offers, to impose limitations on enrolment in any unit or program, and/or to vary arrangements for any program without notification via the website.

For course overviews and enrolment information please visit our future students website.