Master of Biotechnology and Bioinformatics
La Trobe University
Key Information
Campus location
Melbourne, Australia
Languages
English
Study format
On-Campus
Duration
2 years
Pace
Full time
Tuition fees
AUD 39,000 / per year *
Application deadline
Request info
Earliest start date
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* additional fees may apply
Scholarships
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Introduction
Be a biotech trailblazer.
The field of biotechnology is vast, varied and rapidly growing. Whether you want to create vaccines or explore genetic modification, we’ll teach you what you need.
In La Trobe's Master of Biotechnology and Bioinformatics, you'll learn to harness new and emerging technologies in human health, diagnostics, sustainability, food security and renewable energy.
Develop the human skills and technical expertise to launch a career in a range of exciting industries. From biological products to pharmaceuticals, agriculture to nutrition: you'll be prepared to work in the fields that rely on this fast-growing area of science.
This degree gives you more than flexibility in your career – it also gives you flexibility in how you study. In your final year, you could take an advanced bioinformatics Pathway. Or you could choose the research project Pathway instead, enjoying unrivalled access to industry networks and researchers in the field and benefiting from 25-30 hours of laboratory time each week.
If you decide you want to head straight into the workforce, you could even exit with a Graduate Diploma in Biotechnology and Bioinformatics after successfully completing the first year of this degree.
Program Outcome
You'll learn:
- Bioinformatics
Use industry-standard bioinformatics software to address biological problems. - Practical biotechnology
Gain practical skills in PCR, cloning, protein expression, protein purification and immunoblotting laboratory techniques. - Scientific communication skills
Build your expertise in writing reports and presenting data. - Proteomics and genomics
Explore advanced technologies such as CRISPR-mediated gene editing, next-generation sequencing and mass spectrometry. - Protein chemistry
Practice the laboratory techniques used in purifying and characterising protein preparations.
The qualification awarded on graduation is recognised in the Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) as Level 9 - Masters Degree.
Career Opportunities
Graduates will have the skills and knowledge to find employment in a range of roles, including:
- Biotechnologist
Work in biopharmaceutical research and development designing products and constructing biological systems. - Bioinformatician
Collect and interpret data for a range of fields, including genetics and pharmaceutics. - Microbiology
Study microscopic life forms and processes, including their growth, interactions and characteristics. - Research Assistant
Perform and analyse experiments, provide technical support to research teams and manage the day-to-day running of a laboratory.
Salaries for senior research scientists in biotechnology in Australia can range from an average of $65 000 to upwards of $120 000.*
*PayScale, 2021, Average Senior Research Scientist, Biotechnology Salary in Australia
Curriculum
Please note, the following course structure is indicative and subject to change depending on your course location, offer year or how you tailor your course with specialisations, majors, minors and electives. Structures for the following year are not normally finalised until October, so the sample provided is based on the most recently approved structure.
To qualify for the award of Master of Biotechnology and Bioinformatics, students must complete a total of 240 credit points across 2 years.
Year 1
Year 1 requires the completion of 120 credit points
including:
- 120 credit points from chosen Core
Year 2
Year 2 requires the completion of 120 credit points
including:
- 120 credit points from chosen Core choice
Core choice
Core choice subjects are one or more subject groups you need to select in your course. Core choice subjects may be specific to your course, major, minor, specialisation or other learning requirements.
Students to select one learning pathway from the list below.
Pathway
- Advanced bioinformatics
- Research project