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The University of Western Australia (UWA)

  • 22% international / 78% domestic

Master of Biotechnology

  • Masters (Coursework)

This course offers a thorough grounding in state-of-the-art biotechnology in combination with training in enterprise, commercialisation and intellectual property (IP) protection.

Key details

Degree Type
Masters (Coursework)
Course Code
71580
Study Mode
In person

About this course

Biotechnology is central to our lives. The use of plants, animals and bacteria, enhanced by areas such as genetics, genomics and synthetic biology, gives rise to new food, fibre and biochemical production routes, and new strategies for environmental protection and stewardship, all central requirements as the global population increases over the coming decades. You will study the theory of genetics and molecular biology and receive world-class training in 'next generation' practical techniques such as proteomics, metabolomics, genomics, and synthetic biology. These core skills will be complemented by bioinformatics practices. Specialisations can be chosen in the following areas: AQUAtech Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Environmental and Agricultural Biotechnology Genetics and Genomics Synthetic Biology This is a signature program that set us apart from other universities by offering a thorough grounding in state-of-the-art biotechnology and combining this with training in enterprise and commercialisation. This includes developing the theory of genetics and molecular biology in parallel with skills training in practical techniques such as genomics, proteomics, metabolomics, genetic engineering and synthetic biology techniques including CRISPR, as well as basic and advanced bioinformatics. Current streams include the application of biotechnology to Plant and Animal Breeding, Environmental Biotechnology, Genetics and Genomics, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, and Commercialisation. This cross institutional course draws on the expertise of staff in the UWA Business School, business angels and mentors in biotechnology businesses to provide the academic and business skills you'll need to make a significant contribution to the biotechnology sector now and in the future. Besides these skills in enterprise and commercialisation, in Science key components of your training will be provided by expert staff from the Schools of Molecular Science, Biological Sciences, and Earth Sciences. You can also pursue options from other areas within the university. This course will put you in an ideal position to pursue career opportunities in international research laboratories, government agencies and the private sector, as outlined under Careers & Further Study.

Entry requirements

Admission requirements

If you're interested in furthering your career by studying this postgraduate course, find out the admission details below

Admission Requirements
(1) To be considered for admission to this course an applicant must have-
(a) a Bachelor of Science, or an equivalent qualification, as recognised by UWA;
and
(b) the equivalent of a UWA weighted average mark of at least 50 per cent;
and
(c) met the prerequisite for the chosen specialisation
(2) For the Biochemistry and Molecular Biology specialisation an applicant must have-
(a) successfully completed intermediate units at a tertiary level in Biochemistry, or equivalent, as recognised by UWA; and
(b) successfully completed intermediate units at a tertiary level in Molecular Biology, or equivalent, as recognised by UWA
(3) For the Environmental and Agricultural Biotechnology specialisation, an applicant must have successfully completed Chemistry ATAR, or CHEM1003 Introductory Chemistry equivalent, as recognised by UWA
(4) For the Genetics and Genomics specialisation, an applicant must have successfully completed intermediate units at a tertiary level in Genetics, or equivalent, as recognised by UWA
(5) For the AQUAtech specialistion an applicant must have successfully completed Chemistry ATAR, or equivalent, as recognised by UWA
(6) For the Synthetic Biology specialisation an applicant must have successfully completed intermediate units at a tertiary level in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology or Genetics, or equivalent, as recognised by UWA
Admission Requirements
(1) To be considered for admission to this course an applicant must have-
(a) a Bachelor of Science, or an equivalent qualification, as recognised by UWA;
and
(b) the equivalent of a UWA weighted average mark of at least 50 per cent;
and
(c) met the prerequisite for the chosen specialisation
(2) For the Biochemistry and Molecular Biology specialisation an applicant must have-
(a) successfully completed intermediate units at a tertiary level in Biochemistry, or equivalent, as recognised by UWA; and
(b) successfully completed intermediate units at a tertiary level in Molecular Biology, or equivalent, as recognised by UWA
(3) For the Environmental and Agricultural Biotechnology specialisation, an applicant must have successfully completed Chemistry ATAR, or CHEM1003 Introductory Chemistry equivalent, as recognised by UWA
(4) For the Genetics and Genomics specialisation, an applicant must have successfully completed intermediate units at a tertiary level in Genetics, or equivalent, as recognised by UWA
(5) For the AQUAtech specialistion an applicant must have successfully completed Chemistry ATAR, or equivalent, as recognised by UWA
(6) For the Synthetic Biology specialisation an applicant must have successfully completed intermediate units at a tertiary level in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology or Genetics, or equivalent, as recognised by UWA
Ranking and Selection Process
Where relevant, admission will be awarded to the highest ranked applicants or applicants selected based on the relevant requirements.
Ranking and Selection Process

Where relevant, admission will be awarded to the highest ranked applicants or applicants selected based on the relevant requirements.

ADMISSION REQUIREMENT
English competency

English is the language of instruction and assessment at UWA and you will need to meet the English language requirements of the University to be eligible for a place.

Minimum overall IELTS score of 6.5, with no band less than 6.0.

ADMISSION REQUIREMENT
English competency

Study locations

Perth

Career pathways

Careers and further study

Explore the career opportunities available to you.

Career Pathways

You can find career opportunities in academia, through either a higher degree or research/teaching post. The commercial sector also offers opportunities, where the mix of analytical, scientific rationale and business skills will see you well placed within selection criteria for biotechnology industries. Core business training will also give you a full understanding of idea development into spin out companies, and as such, biotechnology start-up ventures are a likely destination for some graduates. Governmental and non-governmental organisations also offers opportunities, for fields such as environmental monitoring, legislative development and advisory bodies concerned with biotechnology development.

Master of Biotechnology graduates will gain a range of skills which will open various career opportunities.

Some international, Australian and WA-based companies and institutions include:

  • Biotechnology companies (e.g. Ozgene, PYC Therapeutics, Dimerix, ULUU, Novozyme, IDT Australia, Life Cykel, Qiagen, Roche)

  • Pharmaceutical/ medical device companies (e.g. CareDx, CSL, Pfizer, Abbvie, GlaxoSmithKline)

  • Agricultural breeding companies (e.g. Australian Grain Technologies, Intergrain)

  • Molecular diagnostics laboratories (e.g. Pathwest, Safe Work Laboratories, Precision Oncology, Mater Pathology)

  • Research Centres (e.g. Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO), Telethon Kids Institute, Centre for Invasive Species Solutions)

  • Provisioners of scientific instrumentation (e.g. Thermo Fisher Scientific, Westlab, LabGear Australia)

  • Genetic counselling services (Government/State, e.g. WA Health)

  • Government agencies (Primary Industries and Regional Development)

  • World Health Organisation

  • Top ranked universities around the world

Career Pathways

You can find career opportunities in academia, through either a higher degree or research/teaching post. The commercial sector also offers opportunities, where the mix of analytical, scientific rationale and business skills will see you well placed within selection criteria for biotechnology industries. Core business training will also give you a full understanding of idea development into spin out companies, and as such, biotechnology start-up ventures are a likely destination for some graduates. Governmental and non-governmental organisations also offers opportunities, for fields such as environmental monitoring, legislative development and advisory bodies concerned with biotechnology development.

Master of Biotechnology graduates will gain a range of skills which will open various career opportunities.

Some international, Australian and WA-based companies and institutions include:

  • Biotechnology companies (e.g. Ozgene, PYC Therapeutics, Dimerix, ULUU, Novozyme, IDT Australia, Life Cykel, Qiagen, Roche)

  • Pharmaceutical/ medical device companies (e.g. CareDx, CSL, Pfizer, Abbvie, GlaxoSmithKline)

  • Agricultural breeding companies (e.g. Australian Grain Technologies, Intergrain)

  • Molecular diagnostics laboratories (e.g. Pathwest, Safe Work Laboratories, Precision Oncology, Mater Pathology)

  • Research Centres (e.g. Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO), Telethon Kids Institute, Centre for Invasive Species Solutions)

  • Provisioners of scientific instrumentation (e.g. Thermo Fisher Scientific, Westlab, LabGear Australia)

  • Genetic counselling services (Government/State, e.g. WA Health)

  • Government agencies (Primary Industries and Regional Development)

  • World Health Organisation

  • Top ranked universities around the world

Further Study
Students completing this degree may have the option to pursue further studies in research. Find out about our world-class research at UWA Science Global.
Further Study Students completing this degree may have the option to pursue further studies in research. Find out about our world-class research at UWA Science Global.

Course structure

Core

Take all units (24 points):

Option

Students in course by coursework only take all units from this group (12 points):

Option

Students in course by coursework and dissertation take 24 points.

AQUAtech specialisation

Students who have not completed tertiary units that are deemed equivalent to the conversion units for the chosen specialisation must complete relevant conversion units up to the value of 24 points from this group, as advised by the School(s):

Take all units (24 points):

For students in course by coursework only, take unit(s) to the value of 12 points:

Biochemistry and Molecular Biology specialisation

Students who have not completed tertiary units that are deemed equivalent to the conversion units for the chosen specialisation must complete relevant conversion units up to the value of 24 points from this group, as advised by the School(s):

Take all units (24 points):

For students in course by coursework only, take unit(s) to the value of 12 points.

Environmental and Agricultural Biotechnology specialisation

Students who have not completed tertiary units that are deemed equivalent to the conversion units for the chosen specialisation must complete relevant conversion units up to the value of 24 points from this group, as advised by the School(s):

Take all units (24 points):

For students in course by coursework only, take unit(s) to the value of 12 points.

Genetics and Genomics specialisation

Students who have not completed tertiary units that are deemed equivalent to the conversion units for the chosen specialisation must complete relevant conversion units up to the value of 24 points from this group, as advised by the School(s):

Take all units (24 points):

For students in course by coursework only, take unit(s) to the value of 12 points, of which at least 1 unit must be at Level 5.

Synthetic Biology specialisation

Students who have not completed tertiary units that are deemed equivalent to the conversion units for the chosen specialisation must complete relevant conversion units up to the value of 24 points from this group, as advised by the School(s):

Take all units (24 points):

For students in course by coursework only, take unit(s) to the value of 12 points.

Graduate outcomes

Graduate satisfaction and employment outcomes for Science & Mathematics courses at The University of Western Australia (UWA).
80.5%
Overall satisfaction
87%
Skill scale
74%
Teaching scale
53.6%
Employed full-time
$62.6k
Average salary
Data source

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