Master of Biotechnology (Advanced)

at Australian National University

Program Structure:

The Master of Biotechnology (Advanced) requires the completion of 96 units, of which:

• 48 units must come from completion of the coursework component
• 48 units must come from completion of the research project
• A minimum of 48 units must come from completion of 8000-level courses
   

The 96 units must consist of:
 

18 units from completion of the following compulsory courses:

• BIOL6162 Molecular Gene Technology (6 units)
• BIOL8702 Advanced Research Techniques (12 units)
   

 A minimum of 12 units from completion of courses from the following list:

• BIOL8291 Research Presentation Skills (6 units)
• BIOL8700 Research Proposal (12 units)
• BIOL8704 Biology Literature Research Project (6 units)
   

 A maximum of 18 units from completion of courses from the following list:

• BIOL6006 Genetics (6 units)
• BIOL6106 Biosecurity (6 units)
• BIOL6107 Advances in Medical and Plant Biochemistry (6 units)
• BIOL6108 Hallmarks of Cancer (6 units)
• BIOL6117 Cell Biology (6 units)
• BIOL6141 Infection and Immunity (6 units)
• BIOL6142 General Microbiology (6 units)
• BIOL6144 Advanced and Applied Immunology (6 units)
• BIOL6161 Genes: Replication and Expression (6 units)
• BIOL6163 Genomics and its Applications (6 units)
• BIOL6171 Biochemistry and Nutrition (6 units)
• BIOL6174 Cell Physiology in Health and Disease (6 units)
• BIOL6177 Advances in Molecular Plant Science (6 units)
• BIOL6191 Bioethics and Society (6 units)
• BIOL6204 Genetics of Human Disease 1 (6 units)
• BIOL6205 Genetics of Human Disease 2 (6 units)
• BIOL6243 Bioinformatics and Its Applications (6 units)
• MATH6100 Bioinformatics and Biological Modelling (6 units)
• MATH6208 Advanced Mathematical Bioinformatics (6 units)
• VCPG6001 Unravelling Complexity (6 units)
   

 A maximum of 12 units from completion of courses 6000- and 8000-level courses from the following subject areas:

• CHEM Chemistry
• NEUR Neuroscience
• SCOM Science Communication
   

48 units from completion of the following research component:

Either:

48 units from completion of BIOL8701 Research Project, which must be undertaken twice, in consecutive periods

Or:

48 units from completion of MEDN8701 Medical Research Project, which must be undertaken twice, in consecutive periods
 

Students must achieve a minimum 70% weighted average mark in the first 48 units of coursework and have the approval of an identified supervisor for the research project to remain enrolled in the Master of Biotechnology (Advanced). A condition of supervisor approval is that the research project is feasible and it should be noted that the majority of research projects will require on campus attendance.
 

Students who do not achieve a minimum 70% weighted average mark or do not have approval of an identified supervisor will be transferred to the Master of Biotechnology or a Graduate Diploma of Science.
 

Master Research
This degree has been accredited at AQF Level 9 with a significant component of Research. 
 

Master Research Training
This degree has been accredited at AQF Level 9 with a significant component of Research. 
 

Capstone Courses
[BIOL8701, MEDN8701]
 

Admission Requirements
 

At a minimum, all applicants must meet program-specific academic/non-academic requirements, and English language requirements. Admission to most ANU programs is on a competitive basis. Therefore, meeting all admission requirements does not automatically guarantee entry. 
 

Applicants must present a Bachelor degree or international equivalent

• with a minimum GPA of at least 5.5/7.0
• with at least 8 courses in a cognate discipline, which must also have a minimum GPA of 5.5/7.0.
• The program also has a chemistry/biochemistry pre-requisite which requires a minimum of 2 courses of undergraduate chemistry/biochemistry
   

The GPA requirement for this program must be met by both the program as a whole, as well as by the 8 courses in a cognate discipline. Where more than 8 cognate courses have been completed by the applicant, ANU will take the best 8 courses when assessing the cognate GPA.

 

The annual indicative fee provides an estimate of the program tuition fees for international students and domestic students (where applicable). The annual indicative fee for a program is based on the standard full-time enrolment load of 48 units per year (unless the program duration is less than 48 units). Fees for courses vary by discipline meaning that the fees for a program can vary depending on the courses selected. Course fees are reviewed on an annual basis and typically will increase from year to year. The tuition fees payable are dependent on the year of commencement and the courses selected and are subject to increase during the period of study.
 

Annual indicative fee for international students

$48,802.00

Employment Opportunities

The Master of Biotechnology provides a pathway for science graduates with background knowledge in biochemistry molecular biology and chemistry to acquire new knowledge, or extend and update your theoretical and practical understanding of modern biotechnology. 
 

You’ll be prepared to carry out research in basic, medical or agricultural sciences in university, industry or government research institutions. Opportunities exist in scientific, pharmaceutical and pathology companies, or in government and public service positions.