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.

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%

6.5 IELTS (Academic) with no individual band less than 6.0.

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.