MPhil BABS - UNSW

Master of Philosophy in Biotechnology and Biomolecular Sciences MPhil (BABS)

UNSW focuses on the interdisciplinary approach to research and training in biotechnology. Our staff have an international reputation for research in biotechnology and bioprocess engineering and have established collaborative links with industry in Australia and overseas. In keeping with our reputation of innovative research, from 2009 a new research program will be offered to students seeking qualifications in this discipline.

The Master of Philosophy in Biotechnology and Biomolecular Sciences (MPhil (BABS)) program includes advanced treatments of all areas of biotechnology. This program replaces the Master of Biotechnology (coursework), and provides you with a stronger qualification through emphasis on research training supplemented with a coursework component. MPhil (BABS) has a substantial coursework component that will provide information on and laboratory experience with modern, sophisticated techniques that apply to a wide range of biotechnology and molecular biology fields. The program also requires students to undertake three semesters of research, under supervision. The outcomes of the research project are then reported in a thesis, which is examined.

Coursework component
You will complete 2 core courses and one elective course.

Core courses:
BABS7160 Genomics and Proteomics
BABS7180 Research Techniques

Elective courses:
Bioinformatics Methods and Applications (BINF9010)
Environmental Biotechnology (BABS7081)
Advanced Topics in Biotechnology and Biomolecular Sciences (BABS8010)
Biocompatibility (BIOM9332)
Cellular and Tissue Engineering (BIOM9333)
Chemistry and Physics of Synthetic and Biological Polymers (BIOM9432)
Chromatography (CHEM7114)
Chromatography/Mass Spectrometry (CHEM7116)
Water Treatment (CVEN9856)
Advanced Food Chemistry (FOOD1697)
Food Microbiology (FOOD2627)
Nutrition (FOOD3567)
Risk Management (SESC9211)
Biomass Energy Sources (SOLA9011)

To give you greater flexibility to pursue an area of interest other electives may be chosen, subject to the approval of the Head of School.

Research component

You will choose a research project from disciplines including: process biotechnology, enzyme expression and isolation, biocatalysis, environmental microbiology, bioremediation, astrobiology, biochemistry, antioxidants & ageing, biomolecular engineering, infection and immunity, bioinformatics and genomics, cancer biology, genetics, extremophiles and virology.

Career options

The MPhil (BABS) program provides a high level qualification that will stand by itself and qualify you to enter a research higher degree program if you wish. Graduates find employment with government, industry, education and research organisations in areas of biopharmaceuticals and vaccines, enzyme biotransformations, food and beverage fermentation, environmental management and pollution control.

Entry requirements
Minimum entry to MPhil:
3 year degree with >65 (Credit) average or, for overseas applicants, a 1st Class degree or 4 year degree in a relevant discipline.

Minimum entry to Graduate Diploma:
3 year degree in a relevant discipline.

Other postgraduate courses

GradDip 1 year coursework with a significant project. Graduates are eligible to proceed to a research degree.

Research MSc or PhD research only, examined by thesis.

For more information and application procedures:
School of Biotechnology and Biomolecular Science
Associate Professor Peter White
T: +61 (2) 9385 3780
F: +61 2 9385 1483
E: p.white@unsw.edu.au
W: www.babs.unsw.edu.au

Download course brochure (PDF 1.73MB).