Get a head start in molecular biology research.

If your goal is to work at the coalface of molecular biology research, this 1.5 year program will give you a head start. It'll enhance your technical and research skills in core areas of molecular biology, protein technology and bioinformatics through a two- or three-semester laboratory immersion. You can undertake the research within university laboratories, in an industry setting with co-supervision by one of our academics, or as a placement under an industry-based supervisor in a company, government department or other suitable organisation.

You'll learn the latest techniques in molecular biology, like protein engineering, artificial evolution, enzymology, high-throughput screening, bioinformatics, ancestral sequence reconstruction, fundamental methods of molecular cloning, protein purification and LC-MS analysis of small molecules.

You'll also learn how to formulate a hypothesis, design and execute experiments, and become familiar with Australian safety standards. Regular consultations with your supervisor allow you to discuss progress and receive feedback and guidance.

In your last semester, you'll hone your scientific communication skills when you present your findings in a scientific manuscript suitable for publication in a relevant scientific journal, and for peer review to your lab group members.

Postgraduate study can take you anywhere. Here are some of the careers you could be on your way to:

• Analytical biochemist
• Genetic pathologist
• Immunologist
• Biotechnologist
• Environmental biologist
• Biomedical science lecturer
• Bioinformatician
• Virologist
• Microbiologist
• Embryologist