This cutting-edge course provides hands-on experience and knowledge of the latest techniques in biotechnology and bioinformatics research.

Industry connectedness is an integral part of this course and ensures students have opportunities to gain an industry perspective and establish professional networks prior to graduation. Strong industry links ensure that guest lectures from key industry partners are embedded into the curriculum to provide students with an understanding of industry-engaged research and commercialisation in the biotechnology environment. Students also have the opportunity to participate in site visits and have the opportunity to undertake a Research Project in a Biotechnology or Bioinformatics related field.

Throughout the Master of Biotechnology and Bioinformatics students will also gain experience operating cutting edge analytical equipment (e.g. cell-culture bioreactors similar to those in industrial-scale production facilities) and cover a wide range of emerging topics in biotechnology and, importantly, research management and business skills.

Following successful completion of the course, graduates may choose to pursue further research through a PhD, or seek employment in industry or government roles. Alternatively, students may choose to exit early with a Graduate Certificate of Research Management or Graduate Diploma of Biotechnology and Bioinformatics.

As a graduate of this course, you will be uniquely positioned to commence a PhD or actively pursue research roles in industry, education, government, policy developments and teaching. Depending on your chosen area/s of expertise, you may choose to seek employment as a bioinformatician animal scientist, botanist, chemist, food scientist, material scientist, metallurgist, molecular biologist, communications specialist, researcher or science journalist.  Potential employers include CSIRO, government research institutes and departments, private research institutes, health sector, private commercial companies, industrial research companies, universities, schools, agriculture and food sector, local councils and public service.

A biotechnology qualification is also highly relevant and extremely versatile in Research and Development (R&D) roles within both public and private sector research institutes. Many biotech companies engaged in manufacturing employ qualified biotechnologists as manufacturing associates in a supervisory and management capacity. Graduates also have the opportunity to become biotech product specialist and play a valuable role in marketing and selling a variety of biotechnological products ranging from biotech instruments to reagents related to genomics or proteomics. Many biotechnologists are also engaged in the rapidly expanding field of bioinformatics and contribute towards drafting biotech patent applications under the supervision of a patent lawyer.