Graduate Diploma in the Biotechnologies of Life

• General Information
• Aims
• Entry requirements
• Course structure
  • Year one
    • First semester
    • Second semester
  • Year two
    • First semester
    • Second semester
• Attendance
• Advanced standing for previous study
• Assessment
• Special requirements
• Further information
• Completed applications

General Information

Course code: 3401 + Offered through the Monash Institute of Reproduction and Development and Prince Henryís Institute of Medical Research in association with the Monash departments of Physiology, Pharmacology, Obstetrics and Gynaecology, and Anatomy and Cell Biology + Full-fee-paying course $9000 (Australian residents); $15,500 (international students)
The primary aim of the course is to foster education and research into reproductive biology, biotechnology and medicine. This course has been developed by a team of internationally recognised experts under the direction of Professor Alan Trounson and is offered in collaboration with Monash Universityís faculties of Arts, Law and Science together with Davies Collison and Cave, Pattent Attorneys, the Murdoch Institute at the University of Melbourne, the MacFarlane Burnet Centre for Medical Research and the Australian Government Cooperative Research Centre for the Biological Control of Pest Animals.

Aims

The overall aim of this course is to develop the knowledge and skills of both recent graduates and those graduates with experience in the workplace. They will be able to work confidently in all new biotechnological fields, including science, medicine, law and ethics, and assist in further development of areas such as gene therapy, conservation of endangered species and all the other areas where genetic manipulation is used. On completion of the graduate diploma, graduates will:

• have developed a working understanding of basic genetics and microbiology and the techniques associated with the current biotechnologies
• have developed an understanding of the laws and regulations associated with the current biotechnologies and the difficulties involved in keeping these regulations in step with the latest biotechnological practices
• be able to understand and interpret the ethical aspects of the biotechnological practices and to work within these restraints
• be able to interpret any new developments in biotechnology and apply these to update their knowledge and to develop their own special field of work
• have skills in oral presentation and report writing, including the ability to prepare position papers for various government departments
• have developed the ability to critically appraise the literature pertinent to best practice in their specific field of interest in biotechnology
• recognise that biotechnology in its many aspects can be a service to the community and have the capacity to communicate this knowledge to the general public or specific groups or industry.

Entry requirements

Applicants must have a bachelors degree from an Australian university, or have a bachelors degree which is recognised in Australia, or equivalent qualifications. Candidates are assessed on the basis of academic and professional merit.

Course structure

The course consists of eight units, which may be completed in two years of part-time study. Many students find they are able to complete the course while still maintaining employment. Students are advised to allow 12 hours study per week for each unit. From 2003, students will be able to complete the course in one year full-time if they wish.

Year one

First semester

• GBL4001 Introduction to biotechnology
• GBL4003 Ethics and biotechnology

Second semester

• GBL4004 Biotechnology and conservation
• GBL4006 Biotechnology and animal genetics

Year two

First semester

• GBL4002 Biotechnology and patents
• GBL4005 Biotechnology and plant genetics

Second semester

• GBL4007 Biotechnology, human reproduction and contraception
• GBL4008 Biotechnology and the law

Attendance

Attendance is not required at the university, however we encourge students to attend an informal introductory day at the end of February to meet their coordinators and fellow students. Local students are expected to attend a compulsory three-day residential school in June, which includes site visits, and/ or lab work and/or debate for each unit studied.

Advanced standing for previous study

Advanced standing may be granted where the student supplies documentary evidence of successfully completing a similar unit at a similar level elsewhere. Each case will be considered on its merits.

Assessment

Assessment consists of a mixture of written assignments, preparation and submission of journals, written theory exams and, in some units, online participation.

Special requirements

Access to the internet is required.

Further information

For more information, contact Ms Vicki McAuliffe, course manager, c/- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Clayton campus, telephone (03) 9905 2719 or email eprb@med.monash.edu.au.

Completed applications

Completed applications are to be forwarded to Ms V. McAuliffe, c/- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, PO Box 13C, Monash University, Victoria 3800 by 31 October 2002.

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