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Overview

Research in BABS spans fundamental to applied sciences, and includes human bacterial pathogens, hepatitis viruses, tissue engineering, cancer, bioinformatics, functional genomics, extremophiles, astrobiology, and more. Research is grouped into four main disciplines: Environmental MicrobiologySystems and Cellular BiologyMolecular MedicineInfectious Disease The wide array of scientific research conducted in BABS is represented … For more content click the Read More button below. Students interested in one of these research areas or projects, should apply for this Biotechnology and Biomolecular Science stream. A Graduate Diploma (Research) project in Biotechnology and Biomolecular Science is completed full-time, and may be completed part-time at the discretion of the Supervisor. Most students commence their enrolment in Term 1 but mid-year entry (Term 3) is available subject to supervisor approval. Students are expected to commence their program week 1 of term. Stream Structure Students typically enrol in courses as follows: 18 UOC of postgraduate level or undergraduate level 3 courses from the School of Biotechnology and Biomolecular Science. Students may enrol in these courses in any term depending on the scheduling of courses. Students should discuss their course selection with their supervisor. It is strongly recommended that all students enrol in BABS7180 Research Techniques. Postgraduate courses not from the School of Biotechnology and Biomolecular Science may be taken where a student can demonstrate that the course is relevant to their research project and this is approved by the student's supervisor, the course coordinator and the Postgraduate Coordinator;30 UOC of research project, comprised of a combination of the following courses (depending on the amount of coursework completed each semester): BABS5019 Research Project (6 UOC), BABS5029 Research Project (12 UOC), BABS5039 Research Project (18 UOC).

Available in Program(s)
Single degree program(s) in which this specialisation is available:

Graduate Diploma in Science (Research) - GDipSc(Res)5304 - Science Grad Dip (Research)

Specialisation Structure

Students must complete 48 UOC.

Research Project30 Units of Credit:
Prescribed Electives18 Units of Credit:

Information Rule

Enrolment Disclaimer

Please note that this Handbook is a comprehensive catalogue of our offerings and includes courses that can be taken to satisfy program requirements irrespective as to their availability for a particular year. Availability of courses is best checked using filters on this site or on the class timetable site.

You are responsible for ensuring that you enrol in courses according to your program requirements and by following the advice of your Program Authority. myUNSW enrolment checks that you have met enrolment requirements such as pre-requisites for individual courses but not that you are enrolling in courses that will count towards your program requirements.

Additional Information

The Research Project in Biotechnology and Biomolecular Science has the following assessment items:

  • Literature Review: A major written assignment of approximately 3,000 words on the topic of the student's project work. The aim is to familiarise students with library usage and to develop a critical approach to assessing published literature in the area relevant to the research project. A second important aim is for the student to develop appropriate writing skills. Supervisors will therefore read and comment on drafts of the literature review. In their assessment, supervisors will be looking for evidence of thorough scrutiny of the relevant literature and appropriate presentation of the material. Although this does not constitute a formal part of the final grade it is necessary for students to demonstrate their literacy skills at an early stage.
  • Final Seminar: Each student will present a seminar on outcomes of his/her research project towards the end of their project. This component is worth 5% of the final mark. This is a 15-20 minute powerpoint presentation to the School and is assessed by academics in attendance at the seminar.
  • Thesis: A written manuscript summarising the research and results of the Research Project under the direction of a duly appointed Supervisor. This manuscript is a maximum of 70 pages and is marked by two assigned Examiners (supervisor and one other). This component contributes 75% to the final Grade for the project.

 

There are other compulsory activities which do not contribute to your grades but are required for the successful completion of the Program in the School of BABS. This includes:

  • Occupational Health & Safety training prior to starting research in the laboratory.

Deadlines for the above assessable items and compulsory activities will be advised by the School of Biotechnology and Biomolecular Science.

Admission Requirements and Process

Admission Requirements

Applicants are required to have a recognised three year full-time Bachelor degree (AQF Level 7) with a minimum average mark greater than 55, specialising in:

  • Molecular Cell Biology;
  • Genetics;
  • Microbiology; or
  • Biotechnology

Students must also demonstrate in their application that they have research experience in one of the relevant disciplines for this stream. Students without demonstrated research experience will be considered at the discretion of the Postgraduate Coordinator in the School of Biotechnology and Biomolecular Sciences

Admission Process

It is essential that applicants identify an appropriate academic supervisor and obtain agreement prior to submitting an application for postgraduate study. Identifying and negotiating with prospective supervisors is up to applicants, and applicants need to align their interest with the research area of one of the School's academics.

Once agreement has been reached with a suitable academic staff member, an application for Postgraduate study through UNSW Apply Online (https://apply.unsw.edu.au) is required. Agreement of a supervisor is not a guarantee of admission but required before an application will be considered. Admission also depends on the resources of the School and supervisor availability, and is ultimately at the discretion of the Head of School or nominee.

Pathways

Students who successfully complete the Graduate Diploma (Research) with a sufficiently high weighted average mark are qualified to continue further in their research careers by undertaking postgraduate studies by research (Masters or PhD level).

Graduates are also well qualified to work in various endeavours, which include: patent law specialising in scientific patents, management in technological companies, scientific research and commercial applications, science journalism, forensic science, pollution control, diagnostic microbiology and immunology, and sales and technical specialists in science-based industries.

Pre-2019 Handbook Editions

Access past handbook editions (2018 and prior)
Pre-2019 Handbook Editions