This Graduate Diploma of Science (Biotechnology) aims to provide advanced education in biotechnology and to prepare students for undertaking diverse types of careers in this field e.g. medicine and health, agriculture, pharmaceutical and environmental industries, biotechnology businesses, as well as the education sector. The course is specifically designed for students who have a first degree in basic biological or chemical sciences e.g. botany, zoology, chemistry, biochemistry, microbiology, agriculture, veterinary science, but little prior education in biotechnology.

The course aims to provide an understanding of the fundamental principles of the key areas of biotechnology, including molecular biology, bioinformatics, medical, industrial, forensic and agricultural biotechnology, and the diverse applications of these areas, hence a prior degree or experience in biotechnology is not essential.

The Graduate Diploma of Science (Biotechnology) is part of a nested suite of courses that includes the Master of Science (Biotechnology) and is structured to provide flexible options that allow students to undertake studies to their desired level and focus on their field of interest, by choosing appropriate exit points, elective units and research project topics.

Laboratory assistants or technicians in medical laboratories or research facilities, pharmaceutical industries, wine industry and breweries, forensic science, veterinary laboratories, agricultural services and businesses, R and D professionals in pharmaceutical and biotechnology businesses/ industries, quality assurance officers, occupational health and safety officers, sales representatives of scientific speciality chemicals and equipment, assistants to patent attorneys and stockbrokers.