Master of Science (MSCC) - MSc

CRICOS code (International applicants): 072518G

Notes

The initial intake into the Biotechnology major is expected to be in Semester 1, 2012. Students who are interested in this area of study should contact us.

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Program focus

This eight unit program provides graduates with knowledge of selected basic concepts and skills associated with the areas of biotechnology or climate adaptation. The program aims to produce graduates who are equipped with the essential scientific knowledge in one of these fields and an appreciation of the latest literature and technologies.

Program aims

The aim of the Master of Science program is to produce graduates that are equipped with essential scientific knowledge and an appreciation of the latest literature and technologies.

Climate Adaptation major

The major is designed to provide students with the knowledge, skills and capabilities to respond by working within their professions to the challenges and opportunities that arise from global and regional climate changes. This includes a thorough appreciation of the impact of climatic changes and variability on natural and human systems such as the build environment, agricultural production systems, regional, national, and global economies. Adapting and mitigating the impacts of climatic changes and variability is one of the most important and complex issues society is dealing with. It requires the skills and raises awareness of the importance to work across a range of professional disciplines and communicates an understanding of how scientific knowledge integrates with diverse socio-economic and political systems in order to achieve sustainable economic prosperity.

Biotechnology major

The major is designed to provide graduates from life sciences programs with advanced knowledge in the various applications of biotechnology in agriculture, bioinformatics, industrial production, pharmaceuticals and research. Candidates will also undertake training in investigative techniques. The program will provide a sound basis for candidates wishing to undertake further advanced research studies, as well as preparing them for scientific research and/or educational roles within biotechnology-related industries.

Program objectives

On completion of the program graduates will be able to:

• demonstrate an advanced understanding in their chosen major

• conduct scholarly investigations into applications and methodologies in their chosen field

• provide scientific literature reports

• apply the specialist knowledge and skills acquired in their major.

Major Objectives

Climate Adaptation Major

On completion of this major, students will be able to:

• demonstrate an in-depth understanding of global environmental changes

• describe the functioning of the global climate system

• apply the principles of sustainable development across a range of professions

• assess the risks of climatic changes and climate variability

• evaluate opportunities that may arise from environmental and climate changes

• provide scientific literature reports;

• express and communicate scientific knowledge and concepts across a range of professions

• display a thorough understanding of the impact of climate change and variability upon natural and human systems

• contribute within their profession to sustainable natural resource management and sustained economic growth.

Biotechnology Major

On completion of this major, students will be able to:

• demonstrate an advanced understanding of biotechnology

• conduct scholarly enquiries into biotechnological applications and methodologies

• critically apply the principles of biotechnology to problem solving

• interact with professionals in a range of disciplines to apply biotechological tools in an appropriate and ethical manner

• demonstrate an understanding of regulations governing the use and application of biotechnologies

• demonstrate oral and written communication skills appropriate to a professional biotechnologist

• demonstrate advanced competency in laboratory techniques and in the use of instrumentation relevant to biotechnologies (this objective is only applicable for those students who choose courses with laboratory-based components).

Admission requirements

Master of Science (Climate Adaptation)

To be considered for entry, applicants must hold a three-year Bachelor's degree from an Australian University or equivalent.

A formal process of Accreditation of Prior Learning (APL) will be used to assess applicants without Bachelor degrees, who wish to gain entry to the program on the basis of equivalent experience or qualifications. Applicants should contact the Program Coordinator if they wish to be assessed for admission on this basis.

Master of Science (Biotechnology)

Applicants may be admitted to the Master of Science (Biotechnology) if they hold a minimum of a three-year Bachelor Degree from an Australian University in an area of the life sciences or an equivalent qualification from a recognised university elsewhere. USQ graduates from the Bachelor of Science or Biomedical Science programs should consult the Program Coordinator as some variation to the Recommended Enrolment Pattern may be required.

International Applicants

International applicants must have also met the University's English language requirements or have completed the University's ELICOS/EAP programs .

How to apply

Domestic students

Application for postgraduate programs may be made directly to USQ.

International students

This program is offered to international students. An international student is a person who is not an Australian or New Zealand citizen and not an Australian permanent resident. Please refer to USQ International for information about entry requirements, visa arrangements and how to apply.

Program fees

Commonwealth supported place

A Commonwealth supported place is where the Australian Government makes a contribution towards the cost of your higher education and you as a student pay a student contribution amount, which varies depending on the courses undertaken. You are able to calculate the fees for a particular course via the Course Fee Finder.
Commonwealth Supported students may be eligible to defer their fees through a Government loan called HECS-HELP.

Domestic full fee paying place

Domestic full fee paying places are funded entirely through the full fees paid by the student. Full fees vary depending on the courses that are taken. You are able to calculate the fees for a particular course via the Course Fee Finder.
Permanent Humanitarian Visa holders, Permanent Resident visa holders and New Zealand citizens who reside outside Australia pay full tuition fees.
Domestic full fee paying students may be eligible to defer their fees through a Government loan called FEE-HELP.

International full fee paying place

International students pay full fees. Full fees vary depending on the courses that are taken and whether they are studied on-campus, via distance education/online. You are able to calculate the fees for a particular course via the Course Fee Finder.

Program structure

The Master of Science program consists of eight courses. Students must successfully complete a minimum of four level 8 courses.

Climate Adaptation Major

The program consists of eight core courses which are all available in external mode.

Biotechnology Major

The program will consist of a core of four courses with a further four courses to be chosen from a list of electives. Almost all courses are offered in both EXT and ONC modes. Different combinations of elective courses offer specialisations in molecular biology, bioinformatics, agricultural biotechnology and pharmaceutical development.

Table 1: On-campus Students

Table 2: External Students

Required time limits

Students have a minimum of 1 year and a maximum of 4 years to complete this program.

IT requirements

Students should visit the USQ Recommended Hardware and Recommended Software sites to check that their computers are capable of running the appropriate software and versions of Internet web browsers and to check the minimum and recommended standards for software.

Other program requirements

To qualify for the award of Master of Science (Biotechnology) a candidate must complete a total of eight units of study as prescribed above within four years of admission to the program.

Exit points

Students in the Climate Adaptation major may exit with the Graduate Certificate in Science on successful completion of four units of study. Alternatively, students who have completed four units that include CLI3302 Adaptation to Climate Change may exit with the Graduate Certificate in Climate Change Adaptation.

Students in the Biotechnology major may exit with the Graduate Certificate in Science on successful completion of four units of study.

Exemptions

No exemptions will be granted towards this award. Candidates who have completed the same or similar courses at USQ or similar courses at another institution may, with the approval of the Program Coordinator, apply to vary their program on the basis of prior study.

Enrolment

In this section:

• Recommended Enrolment Pattern - Climate Adaptation Major Full-time (2 Semesters, S1 or S2 commencement)
• Recommended Enrolment Pattern - Climate Adaptation Major Part-time (2 Semesters, S1 or S2 commencement)
• Recommended Enrolment Pattern - Biotechnology Major Full-time (2 Semesters, S1 or S2 commencement)
• Recommended Enrolment Pattern - Biotechnology Major Part-time (4 Semesters, S1 or 2 commencement)

Recommended Enrolment Pattern - Climate Adaptation Major Full-time (2 Semesters, S1 or S2 commencement)

Recommended Enrolment Pattern - Climate Adaptation Major Part-time (2 Semesters, S1 or S2 commencement)

Recommended Enrolment Pattern - Biotechnology Major Full-time (2 Semesters, S1 or S2 commencement)

Recommended Enrolment Pattern - Biotechnology Major Part-time (4 Semesters, S1 or 2 commencement)