Applications now open
There's never been a better time to build new skills and follow your passion. Applications for Semester 2 now open.
Entry requirements and pathways
Academic entry requirement
Prerequisites
Applicants must have an Australian Bachelor's degree (or international equivalent).
Specialisation - compulsory: At least two years (four semesters) of biology, including at least two semesters in any of the following areas of study at second-year level or above: biochemistry, microbiology, immunology, cell biology, genetics or biotechnology.
WAM - Weighted Average Mark (WAM) 60%
Note: Meeting minimum prerequisites does not guarantee an offer of a place. Entry into all La Trobe courses is based on competitive selection and there may be limited places available.
Special Entry Access Schemes (SEAS)
For information on adjustment factors that may be applicable, such as those through Special Entry and Access Schemes (SEAS) and other La Trobe special access schemes see: Special Entry Access Schemes (SEAS)
Credit for previous study (advanced standing)
Credit for previous study (advanced standing) is the recognition of prior study or learning that can be counted towards a qualification. This can reduce the number of subjects required to complete your course. The amount of credit received depends on the level and relevance of your previous study and the number of subjects completed.
The University will designate courses where there is only admission into Year 1 of the course. In these cases, there is limited credit. See list of limited entry courses.
To check if this course is available for credit, please visit the Advanced standing webpage.
Pathways
There are currently no alternative Pathway courses for this course.
Use the Pathways Tool to discover other courses with pathway options available.
Questions about the course?
Check when course applications close and find out how to apply directly.
Call 1300 135 045
Book a one-on-one
Book a consultation with us to get advice on your study options.
Ask a question
Submit a question online. We'll get back to you within the next business day.
What you'll study
Sample course structure
Please note, the following course structure is indicative and subject to change depending on your course location, offer year or how you tailor your course with specialisations, majors, minors and electives. Structures for the following year are not normally finalised until October, so the sample provided is based on the most recently approved structure. For more information, please refer to the La Trobe University Handbook.
To qualify for the award of Master of Biotechnology and Bioinformatics, students must complete a total of 240 credit points across 2 years.
Year 1 requires the completion of 120 credit points including:
- 120 credit points from chosen Core
Year 2 requires the completion of 120 credit points including:
- 120 credit points from chosen Core choice
Study options
Core subjects are required subjects in your course. You need to complete these subjects to attain your degree.
| Subject name | Subject code | Year | Credit points |
|---|---|---|---|
| BIO-BUSINESS MANAGEMENT | BIO5BBM | 1 | 15 |
| BIOINFORMATICS | BIO5INF | 1 | 15 |
| PRACTICAL BIOTECHNOLOGY | BIO5PRC | 1 | 15 |
| PROTEIN CHEMISTRY | BIO5PRO | 1 | 15 |
| PROTEOMICS AND GENOMICS | BIO5PAG | 1 | 15 |
| SCIENTIFIC COMMUNICATION SKILLS | BIO5SCS | 1 | 15 |
| SKILLS IN SCIENCE | BIO5SIS | 1 | 15 |
| TECHNIQUES IN BIOTECHNOLOGY | BIO5TEC | 1 | 15 |
Core choice subjects are one or more subject groups you need to select in your course. Core choice subjects may be specific to your course, major, minor, specialisation or other learning requirements.
Students to select one learning pathway from the list below.
Pathway
- Advanced bioinformatics
- Research project
For more information on these please refer to the La Trobe University Handbook.
See La Trobe University Handbook for more details
The Handbook contains detailed course information designed for enrolled students, including course structures, electives and options. The delivery of this course can vary between campuses.
View course information for Melbourne (Bundoora)
Questions about the course?
Check when course applications close and find out how to apply directly.
Call 1300 135 045
Book a one-on-one
Book a consultation with us to get advice on your study options.
Ask a question
Submit a question online. We'll get back to you within the next business day.
Master of Biotechnology and Bioinformatics course and career outcomes
However you choose to structure your study, La Trobe recognises your hard work. Here are the pathways you could follow as you move through your course.
Course intended learning outcomes
- Critically analyse and solve complex problems in biotechnology and bioinformatics, including data science, by using expert judgement, advanced knowledge and multidisciplinary approaches
- Apply understanding of complex theoretical concepts and the integration of advanced skills and specialised knowledge of biotechnology and bioinformatics
- Apply advanced knowledge from biochemistry, bioinformatics, molecular biology and genetics to recent developments in these disciplines
- Evaluate the appropriate application of advanced techniques and scientific approaches for scientific problems in biotechnology and bioinformatics
- Communicate scientific information in biotechnology and bioinformatics to specialist and non-specialist audiences orally and in writing
- Work effectively and ethically individually and as a team member to address scientific problems in biotechnology and bioinformatics
- Implement research projects and experiments using advanced concepts and techniques in biotechnology or bioinformatics
Master of Biotechnology and Bioinformatics career opportunities
Graduates will have the skills and knowledge to find employment in a range of roles, including:
- Biotechnologist
- Work in biopharmaceutical research and development designing products and constructing biological systems.
- Bioinformatician
- Collect and interpret data for a range of fields, including genetics and pharmaceutics.
- Microbiology
- Study microscopic life forms and processes, including their growth, interactions and characteristics.
- Research assistant
- Perform and analyse experiments, provide technical support to research teams and manage the day-to-day running of a laboratory.
Questions about the course?
Check when course applications close and find out how to apply directly.
Call 1300 135 045
Book a one-on-one
Book a consultation with us to get advice on your study options.
Ask a question
Submit a question online. We'll get back to you within the next business day.
Fees and scholarships
Estimated course fees for domestic postgraduate students
Estimated fees per year (2024):
Indicative based on 2023 fees
$34,000 per 120 credit points.
Note: 120 credit points represents full-time study for one year.
Commonwealth Supported Places (CSP) may be available.
Indicative CSP price $8,948 per 120 credit points.
Commonwealth supported places (CSP):
Scholarships
Scholarships are available for both current and future students. Find out what La Trobe scholarship opportunities might be available to you. View all available scholarships
Note: You must first have an offer to study at La Trobe before you are eligible to apply for a La Trobe scholarship.
Scholarships that may be available for this course
La Trobe Excellence Scholarships - Domestic Students
Albury-Wodonga Campus, Bendigo Campus, Melbourne Campus, City Campus, Mildura Campus, Shepparton Campus – Future postgraduate coursework, Australian Citizen
Duration of Course
Tertiary Access Payment (TAP) Program
Albury-Wodonga Campus, Bendigo Campus, Melbourne Campus, City Campus, Mildura Campus, Shepparton Campus – Future undergraduates, 1st year undergraduates, Australian Citizen, Humanitarian Visa, New Zealand Citizen, Permanent Resident
Full time enrolment and proof of relocation will be confirmed before payment is made into the recipient's bank account.
Questions about fees and scholarships?
Check when course applications close and find out how to apply directly.
Call 1300 135 045
Book a one-on-one
Book a consultation with us to get advice on your study options.
Ask a question
Submit a question online. We'll get back to you within the next business day.
How to apply
The application process can vary depending on the course.
Most postgraduate courses generally take 15 to 20 minutes.
You can apply for up to eight postgraduate courses. Please list these in order of your preference. If you’re eligible, you’ll receive an offer for your highest preference. If you change your mind, you can change your preferences through the application portal.
Check when course applications close
If you’ve undertaken study in the past, you may be able to get credit toward your new postgraduate degree. This is called ‘advanced standing’.
Once you’ve enrolled in your course, you can apply for advanced standing by lodging an advanced standing application form.
Ready to apply?
Check when course applications close and find out how to apply directly.
Call 1300 135 045
Book a one-on-one
Book a consultation with us to get advice on your study options.
Ask a question
Submit a question online. We'll get back to you within the next business day.
Other courses you may like
COURSE
Bachelor of Animal and Veterinary Biosciences with Honours
1 year full-time or part-time equivalent1 year full-time
Melbourne (Bundoora)
COURSE
Bachelor of Biological Sciences with Honours
1 year full-time or part-time equivalent1 year full-time
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COURSE
Bachelor of Biomedicine (Honours)
1 year full-time or part-time equivalent1 year full-time
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Bachelor of Science (Honours)
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Bachelor of Science (Wildlife and Conservation Biology) with Honours
1 year full-time or part-time equivalent1 year full-time
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Master of Biotechnology Management
2 years full-time or part-time equivalent2 years full-time
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Master of Chemical Sciences
2 years full-time or part-time equivalent2 years full-time
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Bachelor of Agriculture
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Bachelor of Animal and Veterinary Biosciences
3 years full-time or part-time equivalent3 years full-time
Melbourne (Bundoora), Albury-Wodonga
COURSE
Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Science
4 years full-time or part-time equivalent4 years full-time
Melbourne (Bundoora)
COURSE
Bachelor of Biological Sciences
3 years full-time or part-time equivalent3 years full-time
Melbourne (Bundoora), Albury-Wodonga
COURSE
Bachelor of Science
3 years full-time or part-time equivalent3 years full-time
Melbourne (Bundoora), Bendigo
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Bachelor of Veterinary Nursing
3 years full-time or part-time equivalent3 years full-time
Other
COURSE
Bachelor of Wildlife and Conservation Biology
3 years full-time or part-time equivalent3 years full-time
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Diploma of Biological Sciences
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Diploma of Science
1 year full-time or part-time equivalent1 year full-time
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Overview
Key facts
| Award | Master of Biotechnology and Bioinformatics |
|---|---|
| Start dates |
Indicative based on 2023 start dates Semester 1 (March 2024), Semester 2 (July 2024) |
| Duration | 2 years full-time or part-time equivalent |
| Available locations | Melbourne (Bundoora) |
| Scholarships | View fees and scholarships |
| Fees |
Indicative based on 2023 fees $34,000 per 120 credit points.Note: 120 credit points represents full-time study for one year. Commonwealth Supported Places (CSP) may be available. Indicative CSP price $8,948 per 120 credit points. Learn more about Fees and scholarships. |
About the Master of Biotechnology and Bioinformatics
In La Trobe's Master of Biotechnology and Bioinformatics, you'll learn to harness new and emerging technologies in human health, diagnostics, sustainability, food security and renewable energy.
Develop the human skills and technical expertise to launch a career in a range of exciting industries. From biological products to pharmaceuticals, agriculture to nutrition: you'll be prepared to work in the fields that rely on this fast-growing area of science.
This degree gives you more than flexibility in your career – it also gives you flexibility in how you study. In your final year, you could take an advanced bioinformatics pathway. Or you could choose the research project pathway instead, enjoying unrivalled access to industry networks and researchers in the field and benefiting from 25-30 hours of laboratory time each week.
If you decide you want to head straight into the workforce, you could even exit with a Graduate Diploma in Biotechnology and Bioinformatics after successfully completing the first year of this degree.
You'll learn:
- Bioinformatics
- Use industry-standard bioinformatics software to address biological problems.
- Practical biotechnology
- Gain practical skills in PCR, cloning, protein expression, protein purification and immunoblotting laboratory techniques.
- Scientific communication skills
- Build your expertise in writing reports and presenting data.
- Proteomics and genomics
- Explore advanced technologies such as CRISPR-mediated gene editing, next generation sequencing and mass spectrometry.
- Protein chemistry
- Practice the laboratory techniques used in purifying and characterising protein preparations.
The qualification awarded on graduation is recognised in the Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) as Level 9 - Masters Degree.
Have questions?
Check when course applications close and find out how to apply directly.
Call 1300 135 045
Book a one-on-one
Book a consultation with us to get advice on your study options.
Ask a question
Submit a question online. We'll get back to you within the next business day.
Other courses you may like
COURSE
Bachelor of Animal and Veterinary Biosciences with Honours
1 year full-time or part-time equivalent1 year full-time
Melbourne (Bundoora)
COURSE
Bachelor of Biological Sciences with Honours
1 year full-time or part-time equivalent1 year full-time
Melbourne (Bundoora)
COURSE
Bachelor of Biomedicine (Honours)
1 year full-time or part-time equivalent1 year full-time
Melbourne (Bundoora)
COURSE
Bachelor of Science (Honours)
1 year full-time or part-time equivalent1 year full-time
Melbourne (Bundoora)
COURSE
Bachelor of Science (Wildlife and Conservation Biology) with Honours
1 year full-time or part-time equivalent1 year full-time
Melbourne (Bundoora)
COURSE
Master of Biotechnology Management
2 years full-time or part-time equivalent2 years full-time
Melbourne (Bundoora)
COURSE
Master of Chemical Sciences
2 years full-time or part-time equivalent2 years full-time
Melbourne (Bundoora)
COURSE
Bachelor of Agriculture
3 years full-time or part-time equivalent3 years full-time
Melbourne (Bundoora), Albury-Wodonga
COURSE
Bachelor of Animal and Veterinary Biosciences
3 years full-time or part-time equivalent3 years full-time
Melbourne (Bundoora), Albury-Wodonga
COURSE
Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Science
4 years full-time or part-time equivalent4 years full-time
Melbourne (Bundoora)
COURSE
Bachelor of Biological Sciences
3 years full-time or part-time equivalent3 years full-time
Melbourne (Bundoora), Albury-Wodonga
COURSE
Bachelor of Science
3 years full-time or part-time equivalent3 years full-time
Melbourne (Bundoora), Bendigo
COURSE
Bachelor of Veterinary Nursing
3 years full-time or part-time equivalent3 years full-time
Other
COURSE
Bachelor of Wildlife and Conservation Biology
3 years full-time or part-time equivalent3 years full-time
Melbourne (Bundoora)
COURSE
Diploma of Biological Sciences
1 year full-time or part-time equivalent
Melbourne (Bundoora)
COURSE
Diploma of Science
1 year full-time or part-time equivalent1 year full-time
Melbourne (Bundoora), Bendigo