Biochemistry and molecular biology
Why research Biochemistry and molecular biology?
The 2012 Excellence in Research for Australia (ERA) rated La Trobe University as one of two Australian universities whose research in Biochemistry and Cell Biology was rated well above world standard (achieving the maximum score of 5).
Our research groups in biochemistry are supported by annual external funding of more than $7 million. Research programs include protein chemistry, molecular and cell biology, biomedical research and biotechnology. Members of the department are part of the Cooperative Research Centre for Biomarker Translation and the Centre of Excellence for Coherent X-ray Science. You will have the opportunity to collaborate with the best minds in your field locally and internationally.
Furthermore, some of the best teaching and research facilities in the world are at La Trobe with the construction of the new $94 million La Trobe Institute for Molecular Science (LIMS) building. LIMS focuses on training researchers to turn molecular science, biotechnology and nanotechnology research into medical solutions.
Research specialisations
For more information on research in the Faculty of Science, Technology and Engineering please visit our school and department pages page.
Career opportunities
Graduates work with scientists locally and abroad in solving research problems. Most PhD graduates obtain postdoctoral work in laboratories locally and abroad. Opportunities exist in medical research institutes, universities, government and private sector laboratories, biotechnology companies, as well as in administration and education.
Courses
Local students
2013
Doctor of Philosophy
- Duration :
- 4 years full-time or up to 10 years part-time
- Semester starts :
- Anytime
- Campus:
- Albury-Wodonga
- Bendigo
- Melbourne
- Year
- 2013
- Course description
- Areas of study available in this doctoral program include: agricultural science; behavioural science and psychology; biochemistry; botany; chemistry; civil engineering; computer science and computer engineering; electronic engineering; environmental management and ecology; genetics; information; mathematics; microbiology; pharmacy; physics; psychology; statistical science; and zoology.
- Prerequisite
- Candidates with first-class or H2A Honours degrees may be admitted directly to the PhD program. Others are normally required
to enrol in a Masters program and transfer to a PhD after demonstrating a capacity for independent research at a
suitable level. - How to apply
- Please download an application form here.
- Professional recognition
- Depending on the specific studies chosen, accreditation with a relevant science professional association is possible.
- Full course details
- Science, Technology and Engineering (Doctor of Philosophy)Melbourne
Science, Technology and Engineering (Doctor of Philosophy)Bendigo
Science, Technology and Engineering (Doctor of Philosophy)Albury-Wodonga
Master of Science
- Duration :
- 1-2 years full-time or 2-4 years part-time
- Semester starts :
- Anytime
- Campus:
- Albury-Wodonga
- Bendigo
- Melbourne
- Year
- 2013
- Course description
- Areas of study include: biomedical engineering, computer science and computer engineering, electronics, electronic design automation, electronic systems engineering, opitcal communications, physics semiconductor materials and devices, and signal and image processing.
- Prerequisite
- Honours degree in relevant discipline with at least H2A result, or equivalent. Applicants with H2B results or equivalent may be considered in some instances.
- Additional information
- Environmental Management and Ecology is offered at the Albury-Wodonga Campus.
Pharmacy is offered at the Bendigo Campus.
All other major areas of study are offered at the Bundoora Campus. - How to apply
- Please download an application form here.
- Professional recognition
- Depending on the specific studies chosen, accreditation with a relevant professional association is possible.
- Full course details
- Science (Master)Melbourne
Science (Master)Bendigo
Science (Master)Albury-Wodonga
How to apply
You can apply for research candidature at any time. However, applications for research scholarships close on 31 October. In addition, a limited number of Bridging Scholarships are available for applicants at other times of the year. Please make enquiries with your prospective supervisor.
To apply for Master's candidature, you need an Honours degree or Master's Preliminary. For Doctoral (PhD) candidature, you need a Master's or a Bachelor's degree with Honours, usually with a result of at least H2A.
Before applying, it's best to contact a potential academic supervisor and receive in-principle approval for your topic.
Once you've done this, you can download an application form [PDF 1.02Mb] and submit it to La Trobe's Research Services office.
Fees and scholarships
Research degrees are funded by the Commonwealth Government via the Research Training Scheme (RTS) (fees may apply to some components of some Professional Doctorates).
There are a range of scholarships available for local students.
International students
2013
Doctor of Philosophy (006294K, 008712C, 014579G, 072940D, 008710E, 001724M)
- Duration :
- 4 years
- Semester starts :
- Anytime
- Annual Tution Fee (AUD) :
- 25 980
- Campus
- Albury-Wodonga, Bendigo, Melbourne
- Year
- 2013
- Course description
- Areas of study available in this doctoral program include: agricultural science; behavioural science and psychology; biochemistry; botany; chemistry; civil engineering; computer science and computer engineering; electronic engineering; environmental management and ecology; genetics; information; mathematics; microbiology; pharmacy; physics; psychology; statistical science; and zoology. Albury-Wodonga, Bendigo, Melbourne
- English Language Requirements
- IELTS (Academic): minimum score of 6.5 with no individual band score less than 6.0.
TOEFL Paper-based Test: minimum score of 575 (minimum score of 5 in the Test of Written English).
TOEFL Internet-based Test: minimum score of 80 with minimum overall for SLR 18; W 22.
La Trobe Melbourne (ELICOS): completion of English for Further Studies Advanced Stage 5B Certificate at postgraduate (EFS5 (70 per cent) PG1) level. For more information please visit the La Trobe Melbourne website.
English as the language of instruction in tertiary studies may be accepted.
Please note: English as the language of instruction in previous study will not be accepted as a basis of admission (English)
for courses where the approved test score requirement is above an IELTS 6.5 with no band score lower than 6.0.
Pearson Test of English (Academic) (PTE): minimum score of 64 with no communicative skill score less than 59.
Cambridge Certificate of Advanced English (CAE): a grade of B or higher.
Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency in English (CPE): a grade of C or higher.
Or approved international equivalent. Albury-Wodonga, Bendigo, Melbourne - Academic entry requirements
- Australian Master's degree or Bachelor's degree with Honours at H1 or H2A level, or approved international equivalent. Applicants must also provide evidence of substantial private research expertise. Albury-Wodonga, Bendigo, Melbourne
- Additional information
- Please note: botany, computer science and statistical science are only offered at the Melbourne campus.
Pharmacy is offered only at the Bendigo campus. Albury-Wodonga, Bendigo, Melbourne - Professional recognition
- Depending on the specific studies chosen, accreditation with a relevant science professional association is possible. Albury-Wodonga, Bendigo, Melbourne
- Full course details
- Science, Technology and Engineering (Doctor of Philosophy)Melbourne
Science, Technology and Engineering (Doctor of Philosophy)Bendigo
Science, Technology and Engineering (Doctor of Philosophy)Albury-Wodonga
Master of Science (071897K)
- Duration :
- 2 years
- Semester starts :
- Anytime
- Annual Tution Fee (AUD) :
- 25 980
- Campus
- Albury-Wodonga, Bendigo, Melbourne
- Year
- 2013
- Course description
- Areas of study include: biomedical engineering, computer science and computer engineering, electronics, electronic design automation, electronic systems engineering, opitcal communications, physics semiconductor materials and devices, and signal and image processing. Albury-Wodonga, Bendigo, Melbourne
- English Language Requirements
IELTS (Academic): minimum score of 6.5 with no individual band score less than 6.0.
TOEFL Paper-based Test: minimum score of 575 (minimum score of 5 in the Test of Written English).
TOEFL Internet-based Test: minimum score of 80 with minimum overall for SLR 18; W 22.
La Trobe Melbourne (ELICOS): completion of English for Further Studies Advanced Stage 5B Certificate at postgraduate (EFS5 (70 per cent) PG1) level. For more information please visit the La Trobe Melbourne website.
English as the language of instruction in tertiary studies may be accepted.
Please note: English as the language of instruction in previous study will not be accepted as a basis of admission (English)
for courses where the approved test score requirement is above an IELTS 6.5 with no band score lower than 6.0.
Pearson Test of English (Academic) (PTE): minimum score of 64 with no communicative skill score less than 59.
Cambridge Certificate of Advanced English (CAE): a grade of B or higher.
Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency in English (CPE): a grade of C or higher.
Or approved international equivalent. Albury-Wodonga, Bendigo, Melbourne- Academic entry requirements
- Applicants must have completed an Australian Bachelors degree with Honours at H1 or H2A level, or an approved equivalent. Applicants with Honours at H2B level, or equivalent, may be considered in some instances. Albury-Wodonga, Bendigo, Melbourne
- Additional information
- Environmental management and ecology is offered at the Albury-Wodonga campus, pharmacy is offered at the Bendigo Campus.
All other major areas of study are offered at the Melbourne campus. Albury-Wodonga, Bendigo, Melbourne - Professional recognition
- Depending on the specific studies chosen, accreditation with a relevant professional association is possible. Albury-Wodonga, Bendigo, Melbourne
- Full course details
- Science (Master)Melbourne
Science (Master)Bendigo
Science (Master)Albury-Wodonga
Fees and scholarships
Estimated fee costs for international students is indicated for each course above. There are also a range of scholarships available for international students to assist students.
Your study experience
Finding a supervisor
One of the most important aspects of your research study will be finding a supervisor in Biochemistry and molecular biology.
Overseas study opportunities
Gain valuable overseas experience by studying with one of our global exchange partners. La Trobe has partnerships with over 100 universities in more than 30 countries in Asia, Europe, and North and South America. See education abroad.
Student and graduate profiles
Students from our Faculty talk about their experience at La Trobe.
