MC111 - Master of Biotechnology

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Plan: MC111P03 - Master of Biotechnology
Campus: City Campus

Program delivery and structure

Approach to learning and assessment
Work integrated learning
Program structure
Program transition plan

Approach to learning and assessment

The teaching approach in this program is designed to foster your development as an independent learner so that you will be able to extend your capabilities once you graduate. The teaching method includes lectorial, seminar, tutorial, workshop, practical and laboratory sessions, site visits and the provision of online materials. You will be expected to complete all prescribed out-of-class learning activities in preparation for scheduled face-to-face and online classes and encouraged to extend your learning through additional recommended readings and online activities. Of particular importance is the time spent in practice, laboratory based and work integrated learning activities that will develop your employability skills and capabilities. 

Several courses in the program are delivered online, rather than on-campus, and you are likely to find that other courses transition to online delivery as you progress through the program. All courses use Canvas for electronic provision of course material, tutorial problems and/or other relevant documents.   

Assessments in this program are designed to give you the opportunity to demonstrate your capabilities. Various forms of assessment will be used throughout the program since the assessment you undertake will be appropriate to the objectives and student learning outcomes for each course.  Assessment may include class tests, quizzes, essays/reports, oral class presentations, group projects, research projects, laboratory projects, practical assignments, timed assessment.  

Inherent requirements 

The following information on inherent requirements outlines the tasks you will be required to undertake during professional placement and on-campus learning activities. The non-academic abilities listed are provided for information only and are not entry requirements.

If there are any activities outlined which may be difficult for you to undertake, there are a range of adjustments to your study conditions available to enable and support you to demonstrate these abilities. Please contact the Equitable Learning Service to discuss any adjustments you may require.

Please read the full list of the Bachelor of Science inherent requirements, which apply to Master of Biotechnology: https://www.rmit.edu.au/study-with-us/applying-to-rmit/local-student-applications/entry-requirements/inherent-requirements/bachelor-of-science

By understanding the types of activities you will participate in, you can:

  • understand more about the program
  • determine if you may need support during your studies
  • make an informed decision about whether the program is suitable for you

If you are living with disability, long-term illness and/or a mental health condition, we can support you by making adjustments to activities in your program so that you can participate fully in your studies. To receive learning adjustments, you need to register with Equitable Learning Service

The University considers the wellbeing and safety of all students, staff and the community to be a priority in on-campus learning and professional experience settings.

Credit Transfer and Recognition of Prior Learning

If you have already developed areas of skill and knowledge included in this program (for example, through prior studies or work experience), you can apply for credit once you have enrolled in this program. There is information on the RMIT University website about how to apply for Credit: https://www.rmit.edu.au/students/student-essentials/enrolment/apply-for-credit

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Work integrated learning

RMIT University is committed to providing you with an education that strongly links formal learning with professional or vocational practice. As a student enrolled in this RMIT University program you will: 

  • undertake and be assessed on structured activities that allow you to learn, apply and demonstrate your professional or vocational practice;
  • interact with industry and community when undertaking these activities;
  • complete these activities in real work contexts or situations;  

These interactions and the work context provide a distinctive source of feedback to you to assist your learning. Any or all of these aspects of a WIL experience may be simulated.

In this program, there are three types of WIL integrated into courses. Whilst Research Methods (BIOL1070) is core, you will be allotted to either a 48 cp industry project or 24/48 cp research project based on your interest and demonstrated ability (First year GPA and interview).

BIOL2173 Microbiology:

This year one, second level microbiology course follows on from introductory studies in microbiology. It increases the depth of knowledge and practical skills in microbiology with emphasis on bacteria and other microorganisms of importance to humans. This general microbiology course provides the background for the study of more applied aspects such as food microbiology, environmental microbiology and medical / clinical microbiology. A comprehensive and compulsory practical program is undertaken to complement the lecture component of this course.The capabilities developed in this course include knowledge, technical expertise, critical analysis, communication skills and professional awareness of important medical and industrial microorganisms.

BIOL1070 Research Methods:

This core course develops the knowledge and skills required by Master students to successfully design and implement a scientific research project. You will access online information in order to achieve a systematic approach to literature searching and an awareness of information sources, which in turn will be applied in designing a research project.  You will develop skills in quantitative data treatment in order to practice the interpretation of scientific data.  Finally, the course will provide important information relating to lab and field work safety, research ethics, intellectual property and patenting.

Industry placement: BIOL1302/2491 Work Experience Practicum

You will undertake a semester (48 credit points) working in a relevant industry workplace under an industry supervisor which requires development of a workplan agreed to by all parties. Assessment includes bi-weekly reflective, analytical reports to the course coordinator (50%) and 50% from the industry supervisor based on work performance. Permission to undertake Work Experience Practicum must be obtained from the Program Coordinator before enrolment.

Research Project: BIOL2496/2497 (Biotechnology and Bioinformatics Research Project 24 cp)/ BIOL2493/2494 (Advanced Biotechnology/Bioinformatics Research Project 48 cp)

You will undertake a research project (24/48 credit points) in a research laboratory or in research institutions such as the Murdoch Children Research Institute, CSIRO, Department of Primary Industries, Peter Mac, and Burnet Institute under supervision of the industry R&D staff.   You will present a seminar which is evaluated by both academic and industry supervisors. Findings of these projects are submitted as theses that are then assessed by academic supervisors. Permission to undertake Research Project must be obtained from the Program Coordinator before enrolment.

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Program Structure

To graduate you must complete the following: Note: All courses listed may not be available each semester.
 

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Year One of Program

Complete the following Eight (8) Courses

Course Title

Credit Points

Course Code

Campus

Computational Biology 12 BIOL2575 City Campus
Genetics & Molecular Biology 12 BIOL2570 City Campus
Microbiology 12 BIOL2173 City Campus
BIOL2580 Bundoora Campus
Biostatistics 12 MATH1300 City Campus
MATH2209 Bundoora Campus
Biotechnology and Business 12 BUSM2270 City Campus
BUSM4724 Bundoora Campus
Systems Biology 12 BIOL2499 City Campus
BIOL2500 Bundoora Campus
Proteomics and Designer Proteins 12 BIOL2572 City Campus
Genomics and Gene Technologies 12 BIOL2571 City Campus
BIOL2581 Bundoora Campus
 
AND

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Year Two of Program

Option 1: Complete the following One (1) Course

Course Title

Credit Points

Course Code

Campus

Research Methods 12 BIOL1070 Bundoora Campus
BIOL2411 City Campus
AND
Select and Complete One (1) of the following courses:

Course Title

Credit Points

Course Code

Campus

Advanced Biotechnology/Bioinformatics Research Project 48 BIOL2493 City Campus
BIOL2494 Bundoora Campus
Work Experience Practicum 2 48 BIOL1302 Bundoora Campus
BIOL2491 City Campus
AND
{
Select and Complete Three (3) courses OR Thirty-Six (36) credit points from the Minors Options List or Science Options List. Please refer to the list of Minor Option courses and Science option courses at the end of the program structure document:
OR
Option 2: Complete the following Two (2) Courses:

Course Title

Credit Points

Course Code

Campus

Research Methods 12 BIOL1070 Bundoora Campus
BIOL2411 City Campus
Biotechnology/Bioinformatics Research Project 24 BIOL2496 City Campus
BIOL2497 Bundoora Campus
}
AND
{
Select and Complete Four (4) courses OR (48) credit-points from the Minor Options list and One (1) 12 credit-points course from the Science Options list: Please refer to the Minor Options List and Science Options List at the end of this program structure
OR
Select and Complete Five (5) Courses (sixty-60 credit point) from the Science Options List: Please refer to the Science Option courses at the end of this program structure document.
}
 
AND

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Option Course Lists:

Food Technology Minor Option List:

Course Title

Credit Points

Course Code

Campus

Food Microbiology 12 ONPS2752 City Campus
Industrial Biotechnology 12 ONPS1060 Bundoora Campus
Food and Nutritional Chemistry 12 CHEM1319 City Campus
CHEM1320 Bundoora Campus
Human Sensory Evaluation 12 ONPS2755 Bundoora Campus
Food Manufacturing: Plant Products 12 ONPS2546 Bundoora Campus
Food Manufacturing Animal Products 12 ONPS2681 Bundoora Campus
Food Product and Process Innovation 12 ONPS2550 Bundoora Campus
Food Processing Technologies 12 ONPS2326 City Campus
ONPS2528 Bundoora Campus
AND
Clinical Microbiology Minor Option List:

Course Title

Credit Points

Course Code

Campus

Clinical Biochemistry 1 12 ONPS2340 Bundoora Campus
Medical Microbiology 2 12 ONPS1048 Bundoora Campus
Medical Microbiology 1 12 ONPS1054 Bundoora Campus
Medical Biotechnology 12 BIOL2574 City Campus
Applied Biochemical Methods 12 BIOL2568 Bundoora Campus
Viruses and Infections 12 BIOL2402 City Campus
Molecular Genetics and Diagnostics 12 ONPS2639 Bundoora Campus
Integrative Pathology 12 MEDS2181 Bundoora Campus
AND
Science Options List

Course Title

Credit Points

Course Code

Campus

Environmental and Industrial Biotechnology 12 BIOL2573 City Campus
Medical Biotechnology 12 BIOL2574 City Campus
Applied Biochemical Methods 12 BIOL2568 Bundoora Campus
Programming Fundamentals for Scientists 12 COSC2752 City Campus
Practical Data Science with Python 12 COSC2670 City Campus
Immunology 12 ONPS2750 Bundoora Campus
Ecotoxicology 12 ENVI1004 Bundoora Campus
ENVI1224 City Campus
Food Safety Plans 12 ONPS2377 City Campus
ONPS2529 Bundoora Campus
Food Microbiology 12 ONPS2752 City Campus
Rheology and Food Biophysics 12 ONPS2758 Bundoora Campus
Food and Nutritional Chemistry 12 CHEM1319 City Campus
CHEM1320 Bundoora Campus
Human Sensory Evaluation 12 ONPS2755 Bundoora Campus
Food Manufacturing Animal Products 12 ONPS2681 Bundoora Campus
Food Quality Assurance 12 ONPS2378 City Campus
ONPS2530 Bundoora Campus
Clinical Biochemistry 1 12 ONPS2340 Bundoora Campus
Medical Microbiology 2 12 ONPS1048 Bundoora Campus
Medical Microbiology 1 12 ONPS1054 Bundoora Campus
Viruses and Infections 12 BIOL2402 City Campus
Molecular Genetics and Diagnostics 12 ONPS2639 Bundoora Campus
 

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Program transition plan

Semester 1, 2025 Transition Plan

Minor amendments have been made to your program effective semester 1, 2025. If you have completed any course that is now removed, your credit will still count towards your completion. You will not be required to enrol in new core courses that have replaced courses you have already completed.

Please liaise with your program manager, Assoc Prof Nitin Mantri for further enrolment advise.

  • Addition of two new Bundoora offerings, BIOL2580 Microbiology and BIOL2581 Genomics and Gene Technologies
  • Removal of ONPS2532 Histology and MEDS2183 Anatomical Pathology 1

Semester 1, 2024 Transition Plan

Minor amendments have been made to your program effective semester 1, 2024. If you have completed any course that is now removed, your credit will still count towards your completion. You will not be required to enrol in  new core courses that have replaced courses you have already completed.

Please liaise with your program manager, Assoc Prof Nitin Mantri for further enrolment advise.

Details of amendment:

1) The following core courses have been removed from Year 1 and replaced: 

Old course

New course

BIOL2034 Bioinformatics

BIOL2575 Computational Biology

ONPS1052 Gene Technologies 1

BIOL2570 Genetics and Molecular Biology

BIOL2226 Protein Technologies

BIOL2572 Proteomics and Designer Proteins

BIOL2332 Functional Genomics and Proteomics

BIOL2571 Genomics & Gene Technologies

2) The following option courses have been removed/added:

Option courses added

Option courses removed

ONPS2546 Food Manufacturing: Plant Pro

ONPS2127/2522 Dairy Science and Tech

ONPS2681 Food Manufacturing: Animal Pro

ONPS1045 Bacterial Infections

ONPS2550 Food Product & Process Innov

BIOL2401 Parasites

MEDS2181 Integrative Pathology

BIOL2370 Environmental Biotechnology

ONPS2532 Histology

BIOL2317 Biomolecules & Cellular Regulation

MEDS2183 Anatomical Pathology 1

CHEM1226/1287 Food Chemistry

BIOL2573 Enviro & Industrial Biotech

 

BIOL2574 Medical Biotech

 

CHEM1319 Food & Nutrition Chemistry

 

3) Change to course codes, with no change to course title or content

Course Title

Old code

New code

Immunology

ONPS1050

ONPS2750

Food Microbiology

ONPS2374

ONPS2752

Rheology and Food Biophysics

ONPS2521

ONPS2758

Human Sensory Evaluation

ONPS2526

ONPS2755

Applied Biochemical Methods  BIOL2322 

BIOL2568 

___________________________________________________________________________________________________________

2019 Transition Plan:

In accordance with the continuous program improvement process and following discussions with student representatives, program managers, discipline head and industry experts, changes will be made to MC111 Master of Biotechnology effective Semester 1, 2019. Students who have already successfully completed any of the core courses will retain credit for those studies in the revised program structure commencing 2019:

Course replacements

Moved courses:

Course Code

Course Name

Removed/moved

BIOL1070

Research Methods

Moved from Year 1 Core to Year 2 Core

MATH1300

Biostatistics

Moved from Year 1 Elective to Year 1 Core

New courses:

Course code

Old course

Course code

 New Course

Credit Points

BIOL2310

Scientific Skills and tools

BUSM2270

Biotechnology and Business

12

BIOL2399/ BIOL2231

Bioinformatics Research Project / Applied Sciences Research Project

BIOL2496/

BIOL2497

Biotechnology and Bioinformatics Research Project

24

BIOL2230

Research Project 1

Elective

Would be considered as elective

12

BIOL2400

Work Experience Practicum (36 cp)

BIOL1302/BIOL2491

Work Experience Practicum

48

Elective

Elective

BIOL2499

Systems Biology

12

ONPS1054

Medical Microbiology 1

BIOL2173

Microbiology

12

ONPS1050

Immunology

BIOL2332

Functional Genomics and Proteomics

12

FOR ALREADY ENROLLED STUDENTS, WE PROPOSE THE FOLLOWING TRANSITION SCHEME:

Note that in all cases you need to achieve 96 credit points per year level i.e. total 192 credit points to graduate. Only core courses are listed below. If you have taken all core courses mentioned below, you will need to supplement with electives to complete 48 credit points per semester.

1. FOR MC111PO3 STUDENTS

1.1. Students who commenced Sem 2 2018 should take following core courses in 2019-2020:

Sem 1 2019 (Year 1, Semester 2)

Course code

 New Course Name

Credit Points

BIOL2173

Microbiology

12

ONPS1052

Gene Technologies 1

12

MATH1300

Biostatistics

12

BIOL2034

Bioinformatics

12

Sem 2 2019 (Year 2, Semester 1)

Course code

 New Course Name

Credit Points

BIOL2332

Functional Genomics and Proteomics

12

BIOL2499

Systems Biology

12

BUSM2270

Biotechnology and Business

12

 

Sem 1 2020 (Year 2, Semester 2)

Course code

 New Course Name

Credit Points

BIOL2493/

BIOL2494

Advanced Biotechnology/Bioinformatics Research Project

24

OR

BIOL2496/BIOL2497

Advanced Biotechnology Research Project

48

OR

BIOL1302/BIOL2491

Work Experience Practicum

48

Note: The above plan assumes that you have completed the following core courses in your Year 1 (2018): Protein Technologies (BIOL2226) and Research Methods (BIOL1070). If you have not completed any of these courses, please complete these in Sem 2 2019. If you have completed BIOL2399 (Bioinformatics Research Project), you can claim credits for BIOL2496/BIOL2497 (Biotechnology and Bioinformatics Research Project) and take other courses you have not previously taken. If unsure, please contact Academic Services.

1.2. Students who commenced Sem 1 2018 should take following core courses in their second year:

Sem 1 2019 (Year 2, Semester 1)

Course code

 New Course Name

Credit Points

BIOL2173

Microbiology

12

MATH1300

Biostatistics

12

BIOL2496/

BIOL2497

Biotechnology and Bioinformatics Research Project

24

Sem 2 2019 (Year 2, Semester 2)

Course code

 New Course Name

Credit Points

BIOL2332

Functional Genomics and Proteomics

12

BIOL2499

Systems Biology

12

BUSM2270

Biotechnology and Business

12

BIOL1070

Research Methods

12

Note: The above plan assumes that you have completed the following core courses in your Year 1 (2018): Gene Technologies 1 (ONPS1052), Bioinformatics (BIOL2034), and Protein Technologies (BIOL2226). If you have not completed any of these courses, please complete these by replacing the course you have completed from the above table. If you have completed BIOL2399 (Bioinformatics Research Project), you can claim credits for BIOL2496/BIOL2497 (Biotechnology and Bioinformatics Research Project) and take other courses you have not previously taken. If you have completed Research Project 1 (BIOL2230) and were going to take Applied Science Research Project (BIOL2231) in 2019, you will instead enrol in Biotechnology and Bioinformatics Research Project (BIOL2496/BIOL2497) to complete your research. If unsure, please contact Academic Services.

1.3. Students who commenced Sem 2 2017 should take following core courses in their last semester (S1 2019):

Sem 1 2019 (Year 2, Semester 2)

Course code

 New Course Name

Credit Points

BIOL2173

Microbiology

12

MATH1300

Biostatistics

12

BIOL2496/

BIOL2497

Biotechnology and Bioinformatics Research Project

24

Note: The above plan assumes that you have completed the following core courses in 2017-2018: Gene Technologies 1 (ONPS1052), Bioinformatics (BIOL2034), Protein Technologies (BIOL2226), Research Methods (BIOL1070). If you have not completed any of these courses, please complete these by replacing the course you have completed from the above table. If you have completed BIOL2399 (Bioinformatics Research Project), you can claim credits for BIOL2496/BIOL2497 (Biotechnology and Bioinformatics Research Project) and take other courses you have not previously taken. If you have completed Research Project 1 (BIOL2230) and were going to take Applied Science Research Project (BIOL2231) in 2019, you will instead enrol in Biotechnology and Bioinformatics Research Project (BIOL2496/BIOL2497) to complete your research. If unsure, please contact Academic Services.

2. FOR MC111CLNC STUDENTS

1.1. Students who commenced Sem 2 2018 should take following core courses in 2019-2020:

Sem 1 2019 (Year 1, Semester 2)

Course code

 New Course Name

Credit Points

BIOL2173

Microbiology

12

ONPS1052

Gene Technologies 1

12

MATH1300

Biostatistics

12

BIOL2034

Bioinformatics

12

Sem 2 2019 (Year 2, Semester 1)

Course code

 New Course Name

Credit Points

BIOL2332

Functional Genomics and Proteomics

12

BIOL2499

Systems Biology

12

BIOL2226

Protein Technologies

12

BUSM2270

Biotechnology and Business

12

Sem 1 2020 (Year 2, Semester 2)

Course code

 New Course Name

Credit Points

BIOL2496/BIOL2497

Biotechnology and Bioinformatics Research Project

24

OR

BIOL2493/BIOL2494

Advanced Biotechnology/Bioinformatics Research Project

48

OR

BIOL1302/BIOL2491

Work Experience Practicum 2

48

Note: The above plan assumes that you have completed the following core course in your Semester 1 (S2 2018): Research Methods (BIOL1070). If you have not completed any of these courses, please complete this in Sem 1 2019. If you have completed ONPS1054 (Medical Microbiology 1), you can claim credits for BIOL2173 (Microbiology). If you have completed BIOL2399 (Bioinformatics Research Project), you can claim credits for BIOL2496/BIOL2497 (Biotechnology and Bioinformatics Research Project) and take other courses you have not previously taken. If unsure, please contact Academic Services.

2.1. Students who commenced Sem 1 2018 should take following core courses in their second year:

Sem 1 2019 (Year 2, Semester 1)

Course code

 New Course Name

Credit Points

MATH1300

Biostatistics

12

BIOL1070

Research Methods

12

BIOL2496/BIOL2497

Biotechnology and Bioinformatics Research Project

24

Sem 2 2019 (Year 2, Semester 2)

Course code

 New Course Name

Credit Points

BIOL2332

Functional Genomics and Proteomics

12

BIOL2499

Systems Biology

12

BUSM2270

Biotechnology and Business

12

ONPS1048

Medical Microbiology 2

12

Note: The above plan assumes that you have completed the following core courses in your Year 1 (2018): Gene Technologies 1 (ONPS1052), Bioinformatics (BIOL2034), Medical Microbiology 1 (ONPS1054), Bacterial Infections (ONPS1045) and Immunology (ONPS1050). If you have not completed any of these courses, please complete these by replacing the course you have completed from the above table. If you have completed BIOL2399 (Bioinformatics Research Project), you can claim credits for BIOL2496/BIOL2497 (Biotechnology and Bioinformatics Research Project) and take other courses you have not previously taken. If you have completed ONPS1054 (Medical Microbiology 1), you can claim credits for BIOL2173 (Microbiology). If you have completed Research Project 1 (BIOL2230) and were going to take Applied Science Research Project (BIOL2231) in 2019, you will instead enrol in Biotechnology and Bioinformatics Research Project (BIOL2496/BIOL2497) to complete your research. If unsure, please contact Academic Services.

2.2. Students who commenced Sem 2 2017 should take following core courses in their last semester (S1 2019):

Sem 1 2019 (Year 2, Semester 2)

Course code

 New Course Name

Credit Points

BIOL2173

Microbiology

12

MATH1300

Biostatistics

12

BIOL2496/BIOL2497

Biotechnology and Bioinformatics Research Project

24

Note: The above plan assumes that you have completed the following core courses in 2017-2018: Gene Technologies 1 (ONPS1052), Bioinformatics (BIOL2034), Immunology (ONPS1050), Bacterial Infections (ONPS1045), Medical Microbiology 2 (ONPS1048) and Research Methods (BIOL1070). If you have not completed any of these courses, please complete these by replacing the course you have completed from the above table. If you have completed BIOL2399 (Bioinformatics Research Project), you can claim credits for BIOL2496/BIOL2497 (Biotechnology and Bioinformatics Research Project) and take other courses you have not previously taken. If you have completed Research Project 1 (BIOL2230) and were going to take Applied Science Research Project (BIOL2231) in 2019, you will instead enrol in Biotechnology and Bioinformatics Research Project (BIOL2496/BIOL2497) to complete your research. If unsure, please contact Academic Services.

2018 Transition Plan:

Students who have already successfully completed ONPS1042 Food Microbiology (24cp) as part of their program will receive credit for ONPS 2374 Food Microbiology (12cp)  in the revised program structure commencing 2018 and any one (1) additional 12cp option course.

Students who have already successfully completed any of the following option courses will retain credit for those studies in the revised program structure commencing 2018:

ONPS1043/2531 Microbial Evaluation of Food (24cp) 

ONPS2131/2525 Confectionery and Lipid Technology (12cp) 

ENVI1154 Environmental Legal Contexts (12cp)

ENVI1173 Water Policy and Management (12cp)

ONPS2326/2528 Food Processing Technologies (12cp)

ONPS2183/2523 Food Manufacturing: Plant Products (12cp)

GEOM1159 GIS Fundamentals (12cp)

GEOM1163 GIS Principles  (12cp)

ONPS2130/2524 Grain Technology  (12cp)

ONPS2128 Meat Fish and Poultry Technology (12cp) 

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