PG Dip in Science specialisation in Biotechnology

Biotechnology has traditionally encompassed industrial microbiology, and dealt with ancient processes such as brewing or the microbial production of cheese and yoghurt. In the last few years, however, an avalanche of genetic and protein information has been discovered, with equally impressive advances in transgenic and animal cloning technologies.
In this light, biotechnology has broadened its scope and is poised to make significant impacts on our health and nutrition, and how we interact with our environment.
Our graduates are highly sought after by employers in industry and government agencies, and our staff are recipients of both national and international research funding and awards and feature regularly in scientific communications and social media.

PGDipSci - Postgraduate Diploma in Science

Postgraduate study in Biotechnology provides the necessary academic background for entry into the exciting and emerging biotechnology industry.
Alongside the development of advanced practical knowledge of biotechnology and molecular genetic technologies that are the foundation of modern biotechnology, you will learn about the commercial exploitation of living organisms or their components (such as proteins), and develop your ability to communicate and translate scientific research.

Areas of research interests open to exploration include:
- Aspects of medical technology
- Computing
- Downstream processing and protein purification
- Fermentation technology
- Managing technology
- The social, legal and ethical place of biotechnology in society

Biotechnology is at the forefront of the knowledge economy, and is an excellent subject if you’re interested in the commercialisation of cutting-edge science.
Our graduates are likely to begin their careers as technical and research assistants within fundamental and applied research programmes in biotechnology companies, Crown Research Institutes, pharmaceutical companies, and universities and diagnostic facilities in medicine and agriculture.

Jobs related to Biotechnology:
- Clinical research associate
- Epidemiologist
- Healthcare scientist (genomics, immunology)
- Physician associate
- Plant breeder/ geneticist
- Research scientist (life sciences, medical)
- Science writer

Prerequisite: A major in Biotechnology or the equivalent approved by the Academic Head or nominee

Complete 120 points comprising:

15 points for all Compulsory Course, and
15 points from Group 1 Elective Courses, and
90 points from Group 2 Elective Courses

Compulsory Course

Complete 15 points for ALL of the following:

SCIENT 703 - Frontiers in Biotechnology - Level 9 (15 points)

Group 1 Elective Courses

Complete exactly 15 points from the following:

BIOSCI 701 - Practical Approaches in Genomics - Level 9 (15 points)

BIOSCI 704 - Practical Applications of Cell Analysis - Level 9 (15 points)

Group 2 Elective Courses

Complete exactly 90 points from the following:

BIOSCI 700 - Phylogenetics (15 points)

BIOSCI 701 - Practical Approaches in Genomics - Level 9 (15 points)

BIOSCI 702 - Modelling Biological Processes (15 points)

BIOSCI 736 - Synthetic Biology (15 points)

BIOSCI 737 - High Resolution Imaging of Biological Molecules (15 points)

BIOSCI 738 - Advanced Biological Data Analysis (15 points)

BIOSCI 741 - Applied Microbiology and Biotechnology (15 points)

BIOSCI 746 - The Molecular Machinery of The Cell (15 points)

BIOSCI 749 - Microbiomes (15 points)

BIOSCI 751 - Plant-microbial Interactions (15 points)

BIOSCI 752 - Applied Plant Biotechnology (15 points)

BIOSCI 753 - Synthesis of Plant Products and Foods (15 points)

BIOSCI 755 - Genomics and Gene Expression (15 points)

BIOSCI 757 - Molecular Form, Function and Design (15 points)

BIOSCI 758 - Development, Differentiation and Disease (15 points)

BIOSCI 759 - Cell and Molecular Biomedicine (15 points)

BIOSCI 760 - Biosystematics (15 points)

BIOSCI 761 - Research Practice - Level 9 (15 points)

BIOSCI 764 - Human Virology (15 points)

BIOSCI 765 - Translating Biomedical Science into Therapeutic Strategies (15 points)

BIOSCI 768 - Practical Gene Editing in Plants - Level 9 (15 points)

Up to 30 points may be substituted from other approved 700 level courses offered at this University.

Please note that this is an indicative degree planner only and should be used in conjunction with the University Calendar Regulations. Courses may be rearranged between semesters and years as required, subject to course availability and prerequisite requirements.

A list of the BIOT-PGDSC elective courses is provided above.

If you intend to apply for the 120-point MSc in Biological Sciences upon completion of the PGDipSci, you must complete BIOSCI 761. Enrolment in BIOSCI 761 requires confirmation of supervision. Information on how to secure a supervisor can be found here.

You can find the relevant Programme Director’s name and contact details on the Academic Advice for Postgraduate Students webpage.

Year 1

Semester One

BIOT-PGDSC elective course (group I)

15 Points

Course offered in Semester 1:

BIOSCI 701

Course offered in Semester 2:

BIOSCI 704

BIOT-PGDSC elective course (group II)

15 Points

BIOT-PGDSC elective course (group II)

15 Points

BIOT-PGDSC elective course (group II) or A 700-level course approved by the Programme Director

15 Points

Academic Integrity course ACADINT 01

0 Points

Semester Two

BIOT-PGDSC core course SCIENT 703

15 Points

BIOT-PGDSC elective course (group II)

15 Points

BIOT-PGDSC elective course (group II)

15 Points

BIOT-PGDSC elective course (group II) or A 700-level course approved by the Programme Director

15 Points

Hidden Page Items

Apply Header