The graduate diploma program requires students to successfully complete 100 credit points of approved units of study equivalent to one year of full-time study. One credit point is deemed to be equivalent to one hour of student work per week over a semester, whether in contact with staff or in private study. For full-time study, students must be enrolled for 50 credit points per semester. For part-time study, students must be enrolled for 25 credit points per semester.* Total student contact hours, including lectures, classes, tutorials and laboratory sessions, will normally be between 12 to 16 hours per week during the academic semesters.

The graduate diploma program is based mainly on coursework and also includes a minor research project. 

From 2011, the program structure comprises five core units of study (equivalent to 62.5 credit points) and three electives (equivalent to 37.5 credit points). 

Prior to 2011, the program structure comprised six core units of study (equivalent to 75 credit points) and two electives (equivalent to 25 credit points). 

Upon completion of the graduate diploma, students may progress to the Master of Science (Biotechnology).

*International students are required to study full-time.

Program Structure from 2011
Core units of study (all units are valued at 12.5 credit points)
HES6501 Concepts of Biotechnology
HES6502 The Microbial World
HES6503 Experimental Biotechnology
HES6504 Biotechnology of Genes and ProteinsHES6506 Minor Research Project
Electives (all units are valued at 12.5 credit points)
HES6510 Biotechnology
HES6511 Environmental BiotechnologyForensic and Analytical Science (HES6512)HES6513 Research SkillsMicrobes in the Environment (HES6514)HES6516 Environmental Management
HES6517 Communicable Disease Control
HES6519 Bioanalytical Techniques
HMS770 Statistical Practice 1 (online unit)
HAH401 Critical Thinking
NB: All units of study are subject to enrolment quotas and timetabling availability.

Suggested progression for full-time students from 2011 (February entry)
Semester 1
HES6501 Concepts of Biotechnology
HES6502 The Microbial World
HES6504 Biotechnology of Genes and Proteins
Plus one elective at the value of 12.5 credit points
Semester 2
HES6503 Experimental Biotechnology
HES6506 Minor Research Project
Plus two electives at the value of 12.5 credit points each 

Suggested progression for full-time students from 2011 (August entry)
Semester 1
HES6501 Concepts of Biotechnology
HES6502 The Microbial World
HES6503 Experimental Biotechnology

Plus one elective at the value of 12.5 credit points
Semester 2
HES6504 Biotechnology of Genes and Proteins 

HES6506 Minor Research Project
Plus two electives at the value of 12.5 credit points each

Program Structure prior to 2011
Core units of study (all units are valued at 12.5 credit points)
HES6501 Concepts of Biotechnology
HES6502 The Microbial World
HES6503 Experimental Biotechnology
HES6504 Biotechnology of Genes and Proteins
HES6505 Genome: Biotechnology and Society
HES6506 Minor Research Project

Electives (all units are valued at 12.5 credit points)
HES6510 Biotechnology
HES6511 Environmental Biotechnology
HES6512 Forensic and Analytical Science
HES6513 Research Skills
HES6514 Microbes in the Environment    
HES6516 Environmental Management
HES6517 Communicable Disease Control
HES6519 Bioanalytical Techniques
HMS770 Statistical Practice 1 
HAH401 Critical Thinking
HES6401 International Good Manufacturing Practices and Quality Assurance
HES6402 Good Manufacturing Practices for Manufacturing Operations
HES6410 Good Laboratory Practices (for Non-Clinical Laboratories)
HES6406 Process Development for Therapeutics (A) – A Perspective for Protein Therapeutics
HES6416 Pharmaceutical Engineering – Facility, Equipment and Process Design 
HES6418 Chemical Analysis of Pharmaceuticals
NB: All units of study are subject to enrolment quotas and timetabling availability.

Suggested progression for full-time students prior to 2011 (February entry)
Semester 1
HES6501 Concepts of Biotechnology
HES6502 The Microbial World
HES6503 Experimental Biotechnology
Plus one elective
Semester 2
HES6504 Biotechnology of Genes and Proteins
HES6505 Genome: Biotechnology and Society
HES6506 Minor Research Project
Plus one elective

Suggested progression for full-time students prior to 2011 (August entry)
Semester 1
HES6501 Concepts of Biotechnology 
HES6504 Biotechnology of Genes and Proteins
HES6505 Genome: Biotechnology and Society 
Plus one elective
Semester 2
HES6502 The Microbial World
HES6503 Experimental Biotechnology 
HES6506 Minor Research Project      
Plus one elective

The biotechnology programs are designed to develop:  

* introduction to the basic theoretical principles and experimental skills in biotechnology for the Graduate Diploma level, and mastery of the advanced theoretical principles, experimental techniques and applications of biotechnology for the master level;
* a sound and practical knowledge of laboratory techniques and practices in biochemistry, molecular biology, microbiology and chemistry, which are the foundations of biotechnological developments;
* an understanding of the diversity of medical and industrial practices through which laboratory discoveries are applied on a wider scale
* a sound understanding of the social context in which biotechnology is applied;
* an appreciation of the legislation that regulates biotechnology activities;
* an appreciation of the moral, ethical, legal and social issues and values in relation to professional practices in biotechnology;
* flexibility of thought, independence as well as teamwork, safe laboratory practices, record-keeping skills;
* sound professional skills and attitude;
* advanced communication and interpersonal skills, both verbal and written.

For the master level, students will gain additional skills in:
* information gathering, evaluation of published information, critical analysis of data;
* experimental design, problem solving;
* preparing results for peer-evaluation publication through written reports/minor thesis, journal articles and/or presentations at conferences.

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.