Biotechnology

Why study Biotechnology?

Biotechnology is one the fastest growing industries worldwide. Our highly-regarded courses offer hands-on, technique-intensive learning, with a strong research focus aimed to equip graduates with the skills necessary to work in the sector. Our subjects are less lecture-based and more enquiry-based, involving small-group workshops and tutorials, and our Masters courses are pathways into PhD studies. 

The University's strength in research is demonstrated by the 2012 Excellence in Research for Australia (ERA) ratings. In Biochemistry and Cell Biology, La Trobe was one of two universities whose research output was rated well above world standard, achieving the maximum score of 5.

Career opportunities

Graduates are prepared for work in molecular biology, biochemistry, bioinformatics and biotechnology, in business and research throughout the world. Those combining their studies with a MBA will be ready for positions with a focus on business management.

Courses

Local students

Biotechnology courses
Offer yearCourse titleCampus(es)DurationSemester starts
2013 Master of Biotechnology Melbourne
1.5 years full-time Semester 1 and 2 (March and July)

Master of Biotechnology continued…

Course description
This course gives students the broad range of skills required to succeed in the rapidly developing field of biotechnology. The program provides the ideal molecular biotechnology background for students who want to complement their biotechnology skills with legal or business studies.
Prerequisite
Australian Bachelors degree with at least two years of biology, including at least one of biochemistry, microbiology, immunology, cell biology, genetics, biotechnology, botany, pharmacology or pharmacy.
Fee type
Fees (Fee-Help available)
Fee amount
Indicative (2012): $20,580 per 120 credit points.
How to apply
Apply direct to the University. Download, complete and submit a postgraduate coursework application form . Please ensure you also provide all supplementary information required.
Full course details
Course structures and subject information for the following cours(es):
Biotechnology (Master)Melbourne
2013 Master of Biotechnology and Bioinformatics Melbourne
2 years full-time or up to 4 years part-time Semester 1 and 2 (March and July)

Master of Biotechnology and Bioinformatics continued…

Course description
This laboratory-based course aims to give students broad-ranging skills required to excel in the rapidly developing field of biotechnology. The curriculum covers key elements of biotechnology and the manipulation of molecular biological data. It provides a wide range of practical experiences in laboratory settings, including intensive short projects, industry visits, and multiple weekly practical sessions.
The course has a strong research focus, and comprises coursework (50 per cent) and research-based thesis (50 per cent). Students work in a specifically designed research laboratory with computer access.

Prerequisite
Bachelor degree including at least second-year university-level biology.
Fee type
Fees (Fee-Help available)
Fee amount
Indicative (2012): $20,580 per 120 credit points.

Additional information
Students may exit with a Postgraduate Diploma in Biotechnology and Bioinformatics after completing first year.

How to apply
Apply directly to the University up to two weeks prior to the commencement of the course. Download, complete and submit a postgraduate coursework application form (PDF 77KB). Please ensure you also provide all supplementary information required.
Full course details
Course structures and subject information for the following cours(es):
Biotechnology and Bioinformatics (Master)Melbourne
2013 Master of Biotechnology / Master of Business Administration Melbourne
2 years full-time Semester 1 and 2 (March and July)

Master of Biotechnology / Master of Business Administration continued…

Course description
This course enables students to develop biotechnology skills and high-quality business management skills without requiring a major research component. It provides a perfect training ground for a career in management within the biotechnology industry.

The biotechnology course offers students with a biotechnology background the opportunity to further develop their laboratory skills and other essential attributes for the biotechnology sector, including science communication, teamwork and analytical skills. The MBA component provides the knowledge required for positions in business management. The course runs over two regular semesters and a summer semester.
Prerequisite
Bachelor degree, or equivalent, with at least two years (four semesters) of biology-related subjects such as biochemistry, microbiology, immunology, cell biology, molecular biology, plant biotechnology, genetics, biotechnology, botany or pharmacology.
Fee type
Fees (Fee-Help available)
Fee amount
Indicative (2012): $20,120 per 120 credit points.
Additional information
NOTE: students may choose to commence in September (Term 4). See Course Structure for more information.

The two degrees will only be conferred on completion of both components. Students will only be doing 75% of each degree so they will not be eligible to be awarded the individual degree for either SMBT or MBA if they do not complete the full program.
How to apply
Apply directly to the University up to two weeks prior to the commencement of the course. Download, complete and submit an . Please ensure you also provide all supplementary information required.
Full course details
Course structures and subject information for the following cours(es):
Biotechnology / Business Administration (Master)Melbourne
2013 Postgraduate Diploma in Biotechnology and Bioinformatics Melbourne
1 year full-time or up to 2 years part-time Semester 1 and 2 (March and July)

Postgraduate Diploma in Biotechnology and Bioinformatics continued…

Course description
This unique course aims to train students in the key elements of biotechnology and the manipulation of molecular biological data. With a strong emphasis on embedding research skills, the course offers a wide variety of practical experiences in laboratory settings - including intensive short projects, industry visits, and multiple weekly practical sessions. The program also provides opportunities to develop communication and higher-order thinking skills, including analysis, critical inquiry and problem-solving.

Second-year students undertake a year-long individual project as a member of a specialised research group, under the supervision of a scientific mentor. Furthermore, all students have the chance to conduct research in our new facilities within the La Trobe Institute for Molecular Sciences (LIMS) or AgriBio, the Centre for AgriBioscience, both located at the Melbourne campus.
Prerequisite
Bachelor degree or equivalent, with at least second-year university-level biology.
Fee type
Fees (Fee-Help available)
Fee amount
Indicative (2012): $20,580 per 120 credit points.

How to apply
Apply directly to the University up to two weeks prior to the commencement of the course. Download, complete and submit an . Please ensure you also provide all supplementary information required.
Full course details
Course structures and subject information for the following cours(es):
Biotechnology and Bioinformatics (Postgraduate Diploma)Melbourne

How to apply?

Methods of application vary from course to course. Please see the course entry above for details of how to apply for the course you are interested in.

Fees and scholarships

Postgraduate coursework programs are either:

  • Fee-paying (where you pay the full cost of the course). FEE-HELP is available.
  • CSP (Commonwealth Supported Place), subsidised by the Commonwealth Government where you pay a contribution towards course costs. HECS-HELP is available.

Students enrolled for certain postgraduate coursework programs may be eligible for student income support.

International students

Show mid year entryShow next year’s courses

Biotechnology international courses
Offer yearCourse title (CRICOS)Campus(es)DurationSemester startsAnnual Tuition Fee (AUD)
2013 Master of Biotechnology (066339E) Melbourne
18 months Semester 1 and 2 (March and July) $25 060

Master of Biotechnology continued…

Year
2013
Course description
This course gives students the broad range of skills required to succeed in the rapidly developing field of biotechnology. The program provides the ideal molecular biotechnology background for students who want to complement their biotechnology skills with legal or business studies.
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
An Australian Bachelor's degree containing at least two years (four semesters) of biology and at least one of biochemistry, microbiology, immunology, cell biology, genetics, biotechnology, botany, pharmacology or pharmacy.
Additional information
Please note: this program does not qualify students to enrol into a PhD.
Full course details
Course structures and subject information for the following cours(es):
Biotechnology (Master)Melbourne
2013 Master of Biotechnology and Bioinformatics (049585K) Melbourne
2 years Semester 1 and 2 (March and July) $25 060

Master of Biotechnology and Bioinformatics continued…

Year
2013
Course description
This laboratory-based course aims to give students broad-ranging skills required to excel in the rapidly developing field of biotechnology. The curriculum covers key elements of biotechnology and the manipulation of molecular biological data. It provides a wide range of practical experiences in laboratory settings, including intensive short projects, industry visits, and multiple weekly practical sessions.
The course has a strong research focus, and comprises coursework (50 per cent) and research-based thesis (50 per cent). Students work in a specifically designed research laboratory with computer access.

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
An Australian Bachelors degree with at least second-year University-level biology, or an approved international equivalent.
Additional information
Students may exit with a Postgraduate Diploma in Biotechnology and Bioinformatics after completing first year, but only if they decide not to proceed to the second year.
Full course details
Course structures and subject information for the following cours(es):
Biotechnology and Bioinformatics (Master)Melbourne
2013 Postgraduate Diploma in Biotechnology and Bioinformatics (049586J) Melbourne
1 year Semester 1 and 2 (March and July) $25 060

Postgraduate Diploma in Biotechnology and Bioinformatics continued…

Year
2013
Course description
This unique course aims to train students in the key elements of biotechnology and the manipulation of molecular biological data. With a strong emphasis on embedding research skills, the course offers a wide variety of practical experiences in laboratory settings - including intensive short projects, industry visits, and multiple weekly practical sessions. The program also provides opportunities to develop communication and higher-order thinking skills, including analysis, critical inquiry and problem-solving.

Second-year students undertake a year-long individual project as a member of a specialised research group, under the supervision of a scientific mentor. Furthermore, all students have the chance to conduct research in our new facilities within the La Trobe Institute for Molecular Sciences (LIMS) or AgriBio, the Centre for AgriBioscience, both located at the Melbourne campus.
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
An Australian Bachelor's degree containing at least second-year university-level biology, or an approved international equivalent.
Additional information
This course forms the first year of the Master of Biotechnology and Bioinformatics.
Full course details
Course structures and subject information for the following cours(es):
Biotechnology and Bioinformatics (Postgraduate Diploma)Melbourne

How to apply?

Enquire now about any course for international students or find out how to apply.

 

Fees and scholarships

Estimated fees for international students are indicated for each course above. Fees are indicative only and set at 120 credit points per course, unless otherwise stated, and may vary depending on the number of credit points in which students enrol. Some courses may vary in credit point load and fees will be adjusted accordingly.

There is also a range of scholarships available for international students to assist students.

Your study experience

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.

About the academic staff

You'll get to meet a large number of academic staff during your studies, from tutors through to lecturers and supervisors. You can view staff in Biotechnology or search all staff in the Faculty of Science, Technology and Engineering.

Biotechnology events

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