MC111 - Master of Biotechnology

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

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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 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
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 Histology 12 ONPS2532 Bundoora Campus Anatomical Pathology 1 12 MEDS2183 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, 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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