Courses and degrees

A-Z study options

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

Biochemistry and molecular biology courses (Mid year entry)
Offer year	Course title	Campus(es)	Duration	Semester starts
2013	Doctor of Philosophy	Albury-Wodonga Bendigo Melbourne	4 years full-time or up to 10 years part-time	Anytime
Doctor of Philosophy continued… 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. Fee type Research Training Scheme (RTS) funded 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
2013	Master of Science	Albury-Wodonga Bendigo Melbourne	1-2 years full-time or 2-4 years part-time	Anytime
Master of Science continued… 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. Fee type Research Training Scheme (RTS) funded 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

Show mid year entryShow next year’s courses

Biochemistry and molecular biology international courses
Offer year	Course title (CRICOS)	Campus(es)	Duration	Semester starts	Annual Tuition Fee (AUD)
2013	Doctor of Philosophy (006294K, 008712C, 014579G, 072940D, 008710E, 001724M)	Albury-Wodonga Bendigo Melbourne	4 years	Anytime	$25 980
Doctor of Philosophy continued… 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. 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. 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. 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. 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
2013	Master of Science (071897K)	Albury-Wodonga Bendigo Melbourne	2 years	Anytime	$25 980
Master of Science continued… 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. 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. 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. 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. 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

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.

Related study options

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.