310599 v.1 Master of Biomedical Science

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

Introduction

Biotechnology is one of the most exciting and rapidly growing industries. It affects our lives in many ways from the development of new medicines and drugs to the farming of transgenic plants and animals. This course is designed for those seeking knowledge of the application of molecular technologies in the biotechnology industry. It examines the enabling technologies that drive the modern biotechnology industry and how they are being applied to the development of commercial products and processes. Students select from one of three majors - Molecular Biotechnology, Infectious Diseases and Biomedical Sciences. This course encourages professional and personal development through action learning. Participants apply and test the knowledge gained throughcase studies, company reports and business plans. Practical hands-on experience is obtained through a molecular techniques workshop or project. Students from Curtin's Master of Science (Molecular Biotechnology) graduate with the knowledge and practicalskills required to work at an advanced level in the biotechnology sector and other support industries.

Course Entry Requirements/Prerequisites

Students will have completed an approved bachelor degree in a biology or biomedical/life science based discipline or equivalent. 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 or equivalent part-time study.

Intermediate Awards I

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

Intermediate Awards II

Graduate Certificate in Molecular Biotechnology; Postgraduate Diploma in Molecular Technology.

Course Organisation

The course is comprised of four 25 credit units (within two semesters) taught in a lecture and tutorial format. These units cover the applied and theoretical aspects of the molecular biotechnology course. The third semester comprises of a dissertation (critical review of the literature) on a selected topic and a laboratory based molecular techniques unit. By invitation, if a suitable project is available, a project unit may be undertaken in place of the dissertation and molecular techniques practicum. In the fourth semester the student will undertake a 100 credit research project supervised by a member of the School's academic staff.

Professional Recognition

Students will be eligible for membership of Australian Biotechnology Association and/or equivalent industry organisations internationally.

Career Opportunities

Graduates will be able to seek employment in the biotechnology and allied industries, government, hospital and university research and development laboratories.

Additional Course Expenses

Purchase of text books may be required for some units. A laboratory coat will be required for any practical work taken involving laboratory work other than in the PCR laboratory. Laboratory coats are provided for use in the PCR laboratory.

Course Structure			Hrs/Wk	Credit
Majors, Streams or Other Core Components
310653	v.1	Molecular Biotechnology Major		300.0
		OR
310654	v.1	Infectious Diseases Major		300.0
		OR
310655	v.1	Biomedical Science Major		300.0
				300.0

Availability

Year	Location		All*	Internal	Partially Online Internal^	External	Fully Online#
2007	Bentley Campus	Semester 1	Y
2007	Bentley Campus	Semester 2	Y
2008	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.