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Biotechnology

Postgraduate Coursework in Biotechnology

(Mid-year entry application closing date: 25th July 2008 for all three courses.)

  • Graduate Certificate in Biotechnology
  • Graduate Diploma in Biotechnology
  • Master of Biotechnology Studies

In biotechnology lies hope for the solution to many medical, agricultural and environmental dilemmas that beset our world. Drug development, cures for genetic and degenerative diseases, diagnostic test development, control of pathogens, sustainable yield and biological remediation - these are all the province of biotechnology.

 

*The University also offers the Master of Biotechnology program (Coursework & Research).

 

Fast Facts
Course Level: Postgraduate  
Course Length: Graduate Certificate - 6 months full-time or part-time equivalent (18 units)

Graduate Diploma - 1 year full time or part-time equivalent (36 units)

Master of Biotechnology Studies - 2 years full time or part-time equivalent (72 units)
Location: Taught on-campus at Flinders
Available To: Australian (Commonwealth Supported) and international students
Entry Requirements: Applicants must normally have completed, with a Credit average or better, an approved degree in a biological, agricultural or medical science, at an approved tertiary institution.
Course Program Details: A program of study is available for the Graduate Certificate, Graduate Diploma and Master of Biotechnology Studies in the University's Course Information Handbook

About the Course

Why Study Biotechnology?
 

Biotechnology is the science and technology of using living things for the benefit of humankind. Many areas of society are now seeing the benefits of biotechnological research, development and application.

In this area of rapid growth, biotechnology graduates are using the knowledge and skills they have gained across the widest possible range of applications. The postgraduate biotechnology courses at Flinders University give students the flexibility to follow their professional aspirations. Close collaboration between the School of Biological sciences, the School of Medicine and the prestigious Flinders Medical Centre ensures a quality of teaching and research rarely found in such courses.


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What Will I Study?
 

The key feature of the programs is research training across a variety of specialist areas in medicine and science. Advanced theoretical scientific knowledge is complemented by relevant practical laboratory training and backed up by business training in financial, marketing and management skills. The law, ethics, society and the environment have great relevance in biotechnology and all are examined.

 

Master of Biotechnology Studies students take the core topics, a number of elective topics and a nine-month research project in the School of Medicine or School of Biological Sciences.

 

Research projects are a vehicle for independent learning in a specific area of biotechnology that includes the principles of experimental design and analysis, innovation, critical thinking and research data presentation. Specialisations cover the full range of biotechnology.

 

The courses articulate and the sequentially developed topics allow progression through the three awards. Candidates who have completed the Graduate Certificate are awarded credit towards the Graduate Diploma. Candidates who have completed the graduate diploma are awarded credit towards the Masters.

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How can I use Biotechnology in my career?

The research component is a strength of these courses that is critical in the workplace. A further feature is the emphasis on business training. Graduates of these programs are job ready and highly skilled for medical, pharmaceutical, agricultural, industrial and environmental applications.

 

The Masters programs can also be a pathway to a PhD for those who don’t have an honours degree and want to pursue a research career.

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Why come to Flinders University in Adelaide?

Flinders University is perfectly positioned to offer postgraduate biotechnology courses. The close collaboration of the School of Biological Sciences and the School of Medicine opens up a multi-disciplinary range of expertise and research areas – medical, pharmaceutical, industrial, environmental and agricultural. The schools also have strong links with industry and complementary institutions.

 

At Flinders, our postgraduate courses have low numbers, small class sizes and that’s the way we like it. It gives our staff time to devote to students; it gives students a more interactive atmosphere in which to make the most of their high levels of motivation and achievement.

 

The latest resources are available for specialised practical ‘hands-on’ training. There are several scholarships available to International Students.  Refer to the scholarship database for further information.

 

Surveys have ranked Flinders University highly among Australian universities for student satisfaction, teaching quality, teaching and research links, employer satisfaction with students and research spending and publication rate. The student population is about 15,600, with international students making up about 12%. The campus boasts halls of residence and off-campus, affordable accommodation is available nearby. Regular and frequent public transport services the campus on several routes.

 

Affordable Adelaide, capital of the state of South Australia, is a city of about 1 million people with an eye to the future – a future you can be part of, for the time of your course or the rest of your life. It has the lowest cost of living of all major Australian cities. The state government has a focus on developing, in collaboration with private enterprise, a vibrant, innovative culture that looks to a bright future – quality of life in a sustainable environment.

 

Entry requirements

All Applicants
Applicants must normally have completed, with a Credit average or better, an approved degree in a biological, agricultural or medical science, at an approved tertiary institution.


Australian Students
Australian students should contact:
Faculty of Science and Engineering
Flinders University, GPO Box 2100, Adelaide SA 5001
Tel: (08) 8201 2515 or 1800 803 131 (freecall within Australia)
Fax: (08) 8201 3399
Email: soak.up.science@flinders.edu.au

 


International Students
CRICOS Provider Code: 00114A
 

See the Why choose Flinders section for the following information about this and other Flinders courses:

  • Tuition fees
  • Course entry requirements
  • English language requirements
  • Australian visa and health cover requirements


For further information about studying in Australia:
The International Office
Flinders University, GPO Box 2100, Adelaide SA 5001
Tel (+ 618) 8201 2727
Fax (+ 618) 8201 3177


Ask Flinders - International enquiry form

Apply Now!

If you've read enough and want to apply for entry into this course then:

International Students: Australian Students:
  • Apply using GradStart
Three easy steps:
  1. Visit the South Australian Tertiary Admissions Centre (SATAC) website
  2. Link via the GradStart button. Click on 'Want to Apply?' to begin your application
  3. Submit your application. You will be sent a confirmation e-mail
You can apply for admission at any time during the year and GradStart applications are free.

If you receive any correspondence from SATAC requesting further information you will need to supply what is requested. Your application cannot be processed until all requested information is received. Note: you must be a citizen or permanent resident of Australia to apply through GradStart.
 

Credit Transfer

Students who have completed the Graduate Certificate or Graduate Diploma (or other qualifications deemed equivalent) receive credit when progressing to the Graduate Diploma or Masters.

An Application for Credit form and relevant policies are available on the web.
 

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Course Fees
In 2008 the Graduate Certificate, Graduate Diploma and Master of Biotechnology Studies courses have been approved to have Commonwealth Supported (CS) places. These courses are also offered on a fee-paying basis. See the appropriate fee schedule for Australian students and International Students. Contact the relevant faculty office for further information.

Australian citizens, and those holding an Australian permanent humanitarian visa who meet eligibility criteria, are eligible to defer their fees through the Higher Education Loan Program (FEE-HELP). Contact Student Finance Services on (08) 8201 3143 for details.

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Further Information

Flinders Web Resources
The following are additional links within the University of Flinders website where you will find information on costs, financial assistance, and other courses offered by the University.
Contact Us
If you would like to find out more about this course, or any of our other courses, please contact us:

Admissions Office
     Phone: +61 8 8201 3074 or 1300 657 671 (local call cost)
     Email: admissions@flinders.edu.au

Science & Engineering
     Hotline: 1800 803 131 (local call cost)
     Email: soak.up.science@flinders.edu.au

Course Co-ordinator
     Name:Prof Chris Franco
     Phone:+61 8 8204 5764
     Email: chris.franco@flinders.edu.au

Last reviewed April 2008.

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