CN0299-7
DIPLOMA OF APPLIED SCIENCE (BIOTECHNOLOGY)

PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

This program is designed to develop the knowledge and skills required to perform routine laboratory procedures in the biotechnology industry and research institutions. The core subjects cover a broad range of the basic techniques in the biotechnology industry, while electives give the student the ability to concentrate on a particular field such as agriculture or medical science.

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

English Proficiency: IELTS 5.5 TOEFL 530 ISLPR 3
and
School Leavers must have completed Year 12 or equivalent with a Sound Achievement in English.
or
Non school-leavers are selected according to eligibility and merit; vocational experience, previous study and personal competencies are used to determine entry.
or
Successful completion of CN0371 Certificate IV in Laboratory Technology, CN0372 Certificate IV in Geoscience, CN0373 Certificate IV in Geophysics, CN0374 Certificate IV in Laboratory Animal Technology

INTERNATIONAL STUDENT INFORMATION

Southbank Institute of TAFE is Queensland's largest TAFE Institute, with over 30,000 student enrolments per year. Southbank Institute is an ideal place to study, as it is central to Brisbane's Central Business District (CBD) and inner city areas. Southbank Institute has campuses at Southbank, Southbank Cotah, Kangaroo Point and Morningside.

While studying with the Southbank Institute students will have access to our facilities and services. These include the Auditorium, Beauty and Natural Therapies Clinic, Bookshops, Canteens, Child-Care Centre, Cocktail Bar, Computer Laboratories, Conference and Function Facilities, Gymnasium, Intercampus Bus and Student Operated Restaurants, Butcher, Baker and Florist.

Teaching methods will combine face-to-face delivery, self-study and project work. Students may be required to complete work experience and/or field trips to be eligible for the program award. Southbank Institute will assist students in finding appropriate organisations in which to complete this component. The majority of classes are conducted in modern, airconditioned venues. Students have access to computers in our extensive library and e-learn centres located on each campus.

Students will be required to sit for both open and closed book examinations and in some cases may be required to perform skills tests and/or oral presentations. Individual or group project work may also be used to determine competency.

The International Services Team consists of administrative and support staff, dedicated to assisting students throughout the various stages of study. This assistance ranges from Program Information to Admission Procedures, Entry Requirements, Visa Regulations and requirements for extending studies to Diploma or Degree level. The International Student Support Officer provides assistance with accommodation, Overseas Student Health Cover, public transport information and can refer students to other support services within and outside the Institute.

CAREER OPPORTUNITIES

Laboratory Technician
Many government departments (e.g. DPI, QMRI), Hospitals and Universities are involved in research projects in the area of biotechnology. There is also an increase in the private industry sector for the research, development and final production of commercial products.

PROGRAM DURATION

Full Time : 2 years

Generally full time classes are timetabled between the hours of 8.00am and 5.00pm, weekdays.
Nominal course hours: 1850

PROGRAM AWARD

Diploma

RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING

Individuals may receive credit for their knowledge and skills through recognition of prior learning (RPL) upon completion of the RPL process.
The process will involve an initial meeting with an assessor to discuss your needs. Fees may be applicable for this service. You will then be required to gather your evidence; enrol into the class/es and submit your application for assessment.

Assessment may include skills and achievements from:
• Work experience (paid and unpaid)
• Life experience (for example leisure pursuits or voluntary work)
• Previous study (formal or informal training and education, for example industry training, school, college or adult education classes)

In order to grant RPL, an assessor must be confident that candidates are currently competent. Evidence used for assessment may take a variety of forms and could include certification, references from past employers, work samples, testimonials from clients and challenge testing.

For additional information relating to RPL for this program, please contact the RPL Coordinator on 07 3244 5386 or email sbit.rplcoordinator@det.qld.gov.au

VENUE

Southbank Campus

HOW TO APPLY

International Student Application Form or contact International Services

APPLICATIONS CLOSE

For full time applicants there is only one intake per year, and applications are made in September for a February intake.

COST

For International students the tuition costs include any materials provided by this Institute. Any additional materials which are purchased externally (eg textbooks or equipment) are not included in this cost.
$15,050.00

FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Location:	International
Telephone:	61 732445100
Facsimile:	61 732445588
Address
In Person:	SouthBank Campus Client Service Centre 14 Glenelg Street A Block, Level2 South Brisbane
Mail:	Southbank International Services Locked Mail Bag 111 SOUTH BRISBANE QLD 4101 AUSTRALIA
Email:	sbit.international@detir.qld.gov.au
Find us at:	www.sbi.net.au

OUTLINE

Unit Code	Unit Name	Unit Description
AAA600	Science Industry Orientation	Designed to introduce the student to the science industry. It aims to show the structure of scientific technical work, illustrating the variety in industry sectors.
AAA603	Occupation Health & Safety	Aims to give the student the knowledge to identify and understand hazards in the laboratory. In addition to risk assessment, it includes relevant legislation and standards, implementation of control measures and procedures for emergency situations.
AAA610	Introductory Physics	Introduces the student to the basic concepts and skills in physics. The student will gain skills in the set-up of simple experiments, recording, analysing and reporting the data. They will also learn to select formulae and appropriate methods to solve given problems.
AAA620	Principles of Instrumentation	The student will develop the knowledge and skills to use common laboratory instrumentation, safely and confidently, as an individual or team member.
AAA630	Computer Fundamentals	Provides the student with the skills to produce a report on a personal computer. In preparation of the report, the student will include information from on-line systems such as library catalogues or databases.
AAA631	Scientific Spreadsheet Application	Aims to give the student the skills to effectively use spreadsheet packages for scientific applications. It will include the design and construction of a spreadsheet for a scientific application, manipulation of the data, documentation of the purpose of the spreadsheet and testing of its accuracy. Graphics will also be used to give a visual representation of the data.
AAA632	Scientific Database Application	Aims to give the student the knowledge and skills to effectively use database packages for scientific applications. Activities will include accessing datafiles, manipulation of data and creation of a database for a specified requirement. The student will also be required to produce reports from databases according to specified criteria.
AAA640	Introductory Mathematics	Aims to give the student basic mathematical skills. It requires solving of mathematical problems in areas such as fractions, ratios, two and three dimensions, algebra, geometry and trigonometry.
AAA641	Laboratory Mathematics	Applies mathematical problem solving to the processing and analysing of data generated from laboratory experimentation.
AAA642	Statistics and Methods of Sampling	Designed to give the student the knowledge and skills required to understand the role of statistic in the laboratory and to perform collection and statistical analysis on sample data. It also involves the interpretation and final reporting of those results.
AAA750	Introductory Chemistry	Designed for the student with little or no science experience. It provides the basic knowledge and skills in the use of chemistry terminology, the use of equipment and chemicals and the presentation of reports of investigations.
AAA751	Chemical Principles	Aims to give the student the knowledge and skills to interpret why certain chemicals or equipment are used in the workplace. It involves relating physical and chemical properties to the periodic table and bonding, and deriving systematic names and formulae for simple compounds. It also includes the understanding of a range of chemical reactions and the ability to calculation chemical concentrations.
AAA752	Chemical Laboratory Techniques	Aims to increase the students knowledge to perform basic laboratory practices. It includes the interpretation of safety regulations, preparation of representative sample, measurement and separation techniques, and conducting weight and volume analysis.
NCS003	Job Seeking Skills	Aims to develop the communication skills needed to evaluate job opportunities, apply for a job and undertake the interview. It includes preparation of a job application and resume, as well as preparation for and involvement in a job interview situation.
NCS005	Dealing with Conflict	Aims to develop the communication skills needed to effectively deal with conflicts in the workplace. It covers identification of signs, stages and possible causes of conflict, as well as the strategies to deal with the conflict.
NCS006	Writing Workplace Documents	Aims to develop the communication skills needed to write routine or non-routine workplace documents. It covers the collection, planning and organising of information in addition to the writing of the document.
NCS009	Negotiation Skills	Builds on the skills gained in Dealing with Conflict NCS005, enabling the development of effective negotiation skills. It includes the planning for a negotiation as well as the strategies to achieve a result to which all are agreed.
NCS015	Presenting Reports	Aims to develop the communication skills needed to write and present a document on a specific study. It involves the research of relevant material, analysing the information, producing a report, and delivering an oral presentation of the document.
AAA602	Laboratory Operations	Gives the student the knowledge and skills to contribute to the operation of a science laboratory or technical workplace. It will include the examination of the ethical, legal and accreditation requirements of a laboratory. Also considered will be the procedures for hazardous materials, inventory and stock control systems and equipment maintenance.
AAA611	Energy	Enables the student to apply the principles of energy to real life situations. It includes solving of quantitative problems involving energy and applying appropriate analytical, experimental and problem-solving skills to an investigation, working as an individual or team member.
AAA643	Statistics & Methods of Quality Assurance	Enables the student to actively participate in the quality assurance programs of an organisation. It will examine the fundamentals of quality assurance, outline methods used and statistically analyse workplace quality assurance.
AAA700	Introductory Biology	Aims to give the student the knowledge of the basic concepts of biology. This includes the importance of the cell in all living things and the classification systems used in the study of the diversity of organisms. It also examines the theory of evolution and the interrelationships of organisms with their environments.
AAA702	Biological Techniques B	Gives the student the skills to safely prepare and examine biological samples. It includes the preparation of culture media and the examination and manipulation of bacterial samples.
AAA703	Biology	This module is designed to build on the knowledge and skills gained in the modules Introductory Biology AAA700, Biological Techniques A AAA701 and B AAA702. The module will further examine the classification of organisms, cell structure and function, and use dissection techniques to illustrate cellular differentiation and organisation.
AAA704	Microscopy Skills	Gives the student the knowledge and skills to use a variety of light microscopy techniques in the examination of biological samples. It will also include the set-up and maintenance of the microscope.
AAA705	Biochemistry I	Relates the physical and chemical properties of biological molecules to their function in living cell. It also gives the student the knowledge and skills to identify these molecules using qualitative analysis.
AAA706	Biochemistry II	Gives the student knowledge of the structure of key macromolecules and how they relate to cell function. The student will also be given the knowledge and skills to perform qualitative and quantitative analysis of these compounds of biological significance.
AAA707	Biochemistry III	Builds on the knowledge and skills developed on the modules, Biochemistry I and Biochemistry II, and focuses on the conversion of nutrients to energy and structural components within the cell. It includes the examination of enzyme activity and the regulation of metabolic pathways in normal cell function.
AAA708	Immunology	Gives the student the knowledge of the components of the immune system and their function. This includes assays for the monitoring, identifying and measurement of these components, interpreting the significance of these assays related to control samples.
AAA711	Genetics	Gives the student the basic principles and techniques used in analysing the transmission, expression and variation of genetic material. Examination of the techniques will also involve evaluation of the ethical implications of selected genetic applications.
AAA712	General Microbiology	This module will give the student basic knowledge of the common groups of microorganisms. It will also develop skills in generic microbiological techniques used for the isolation, cultivation, enumeration and identification of microorganisms.
AAA722	Plant Identification	Aims to give the student the knowledge and skills to identify and classify plants. It includes the preparation, maintenance and display of plant collections.
AAA723	Applied Plant Biology	Aims to give the student the knowledge and skills to perform common laboratory and field techniques associated with plant material. It includes examination of anatomy and physiology and how they relate to plant function, and the recognition of common symptoms of plant disease, pests and nutrient disorders.
AAA730	Molecular Genetics	Introduces the basis of information processing and storage within the cell. It examines the structure and function of nucleic acids, the processes of genome replication, gene expression and genetic modification.
AAA731	Recombinant DNA Techniques	Gives the student the knowledge and skills to understand and perform the basis techniques used in the isolation, purification and analysis of nucleic acids. It examines the application of these techniques in diverse industries such as medicine, agriculture or environmental rehabilitation.
AAA732	Animal Tissue Culture	Aims to gives the student the knowledge and skills to perform basis animal tissue culture techniques. It involves the preparation, maintenance and preservation of cell lines, and the understanding of the critical components of the cell environment.
AAA733	Plant Tissue Culture	Gives the student the knowledge and skills to establish and maintain plant cell and plant tissue cultures. It includes the skills to select and collect suitable plant tissue for the initiation of laboratory cultures.
AAA753	Introductory Spectrophotometry	Provides the student with the knowledge of basic principles of spectrophotometry as it is applied to chemical analysis. It also includes an introduction to the use of spectrophotometers, where the student will perform and interpret simple spectrophotometric analyses.
AAA759	Introductory Chromatography & Electrophoretic Techniques	Introduces the student to non-instrumental chromatographic and electrophoretic techniques for the separation of components in a mixture. It requires the performance of simple separations, involving the selection of the separation method, detection and identification of the components and reporting of the results.
AAA760	UV/Visible Spectrophotometry	Continues on from Introductory Spectrophotometry AAA753, by examining the UV/Visible spectrophotometer. It develops the knowledge and skills to accurately perform basic analysis of samples with a UV/Visible spectrophotometer, determining the appropriate wavelength, analysing the sample, validating the data and reporting on the results.
AAA763	High Performance Liquid Chromatography	Provides the student with the knowledge and skills to perform routine analysis using a High Performance Liquid Chromatography instrument. It includes use and maintenance of sampling accessories, sample preparation, set-up of the instrument and qualitative and quantitative analysis procedures.
AAA902	Haematology I	This module introduces the student to the basic procedures in the haematology. It covers the theory as well as the practical skills of a range of procedures, relating results to clinical information. It also examines the implementation of quality control and quality assurance procedures.
ABD501	Occupational Hygiene	Examines the philosophy, principles and practices of occupational hygiene. The student will examine the types of hazards, which may be found in the workplace, the principles of measuring a hazard, and the selection and use of personal protective equipment used in the control of a hazard.
AAA601	Work Placement	Designed to give the student the opportunity to apply the skills obtained during their course of study. The student will be required to work under direction and in accordance with occupational health and safety procedures, using the skills appropriate for the area of study.
AAA604	Practical Project	Allows the student to develop their knowledge and skills through the design, execution and documentation of a measurement based project. Progress reports and final outcomes will be presented to a selected audience.
AAA650	Laboratory Animal Husbandry	Provides the student with the knowledge and skills to perform routine maintenance of rats, mice, rabbits and guinea pigs. As well as providing a suitable environment and diet for the animals to ensure good health, it examines the keeping of a good animal record system.
AAA654	Animal Ethics & Welfare	Aims to give the student the knowledge and understanding of the legal, ethical and welfare issues related to good care of animals for scientific study.
AAA656	Animal Laboratory Techniques	Provides the student with the knowledge and skills to administer substances to laboratory animals and to collect and process biological samples in accordance with the Australian Code of Practice for the Care and Use of Animals for Scientific Purposes. It includes the understanding of the occupational health and safety, ethical, welfare and legal requirements, which govern animal procedures.
AAA709	Anatomy & Physiology I	Aims to give the student an understanding of the concepts and principles of mammalian anatomy and physiology. It will include examining structural organisation, regulation of body functions, movement of the body and sensory systems.
AAA710	Anatomy & Physiology II	Builds on the knowledge gained from Anatomy and Physiology I, investigating specific processes and mechanisms such as respiratory, digestive, cardiovascular and reproductive systems.
AAA724	Ecological Principles	Aims to give the student the knowledge of the principles of ecology, which is then applied to the analysis of selected ecosystems. It examines the dynamic nature and interrelationships within and between ecosystems and involves field studies to illustrate ecological principles and practices.
AAA725	Ecological Techniques	Deals with the collection, interpretation and reporting of data on selected Australian ecosystems. It includes the planning and preparation of a field study, performance of specific tasks in the study, and analysis and reporting of the study findings.
AAA726	Environmental Microbiology	Examines the role of microorganisms in the environment. It examines microbial ecosystems and the effects of human activity. It also gives the student the skills to analyse the presence or use of microorganisms in water, wastewater, agriculture and industry.
AAA757	Organic Chemistry	Builds on the knowledge gained in Chemical Principles AAA751, and gives the student basis skills in organic chemistry. It examines the basic nature of organic molecules, their names and structural formulae and links their physical properties with chemical structure. Applications of simple organic molecules will also be examined.
AAA758	Applied Organic Chemistry	Aims to provide the student with the knowledge and skills to use and handle biologically and industrially important organic substances. It examines the chemical nature and applications of these molecules and develops preparation and analysis techniques.
AAA906	Clinical Chemistry I	Provides the student with the knowledge and skills to apply safety and basic quality assurance and quality control principles to standard procedures in a clinical chemistry laboratory. The student will also identify factors that affect results and will determine the procedures required when results are out of normal range.
AAA907	Clinical Chemistry II	Expands on the knowledge gained in Clinical Chemistry I AAA906 and provides the student with the knowledge of the pathophysiology of the endocrine system, and the role of therapeutic drugs monitoring. It also builds on Immunology AAA708 by examining enzyme assays and measurement of tumor makers.
AAA909	Medical Microbiology I	Provides the student with core concepts and skills in the basic techniques of medical microbiology. It emphasises safe work practices considering personal health and that of others. In addition to examining the range of specimens used and how they are processed for microbial isolation, this module develops identification skills, and relates the bacteriological data to human health, disease and disease control.

This brochure was last updated Wednesday, 1 November 2006
All information was accurate at time of printing, however, Institute policies, fees and details are subject to change without notice. Course commencement is dependent on sufficient enrolments, accreditation and registration requirements

CRICOS Provider No: 02010D

CN0299-7 DIPLOMA OF APPLIED SCIENCE (BIOTECHNOLOGY)