The Master of Philosophy (BABS) is offered to international students and is recognised as a postgraduate research degree that sits somewhere between a BSc and a PhD. It is designed to be completed over six terms, or 1.5 years, during which three subjects of coursework are undertaken and a supervised research project is completed in the supervisor's research laboratory. The outcomes of the research project are documented in a thesis, which is examined.
This qualification allows students to experience modern and sophisticated laboratory techniques that apply to a wide range of biotechnology and molecular biology fields.
To allow greater flexibility to pursue a particular area of interest, course electives may be chosen (see options below), subject to the approval of the Head of School.
Program
How an MPhil (BABS) differs from Honours
The MPhil (BABS) should be considered as an alternative to an Honours year for international students. The entry requirement for Honours or an MPhil (BABS) is the same, an overall WAM of 65 (credit) or higher. HECS is applicable to the Honours year, whereas MPhil (BABS) is classified as a research degree, so does not qualify for HECS.
| Honours | MPhil | |
| Purpose | Preferred pathway to a Higher Degree by Research (MSc by research or PhD). Intended for students just completing their undergraduate degree. | Intended for international students who do not meet the requirements for an MSc by Research or PhD, or those wishing to develop expertise in an area different from their undergraduate degree. |
| Entry requirements | A 65 (credit) average or higher in all stage 1-3 courses and stage 3 Science courses, in addition to approved supervision. | International applicants: First class degree or four-year degree in a relevant discipline, and approved supervision. |
| Duration | 1 year full time | 1.5 years full time |
| Offered part-time? | No | Yes, depending on project selected |
| Coursework involved? | No – 100% research | Yes, 18UOC; research component approximately two-thirds of the program
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| Fees |
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| Centrelink (domestic students only) |
Eligible for Centrelink payments | Not eligible for Centrelink payments |
Research component
Research projects are the same as for Honours. Disciplines include process biotechnology, biocatalysis, environmental microbiology, bioremediation, biochemistry, antioxidants and ageing, biomolecular engineering, infection and immunity, bioinformatics and genomics, cancer biology, genetics, extremophiles and virology.
View the current BABS Honours Information Booklet and the BABS HDR Information Booklet for supervisors, projects and research areas.
Entry eligibility
- Overseas applicants require a First Class Degree or four-year degree in a relevant discipline.
- Applicants must seek and obtain agreement of a BABS academic to be their supervisor prior to applying; this is a key requirement to gain acceptance. View the BABS Honours Information Booklet and the BABS HDR Information Booklet for supervisors, projects and research areas. Identifying and negotiating with prospective supervisors is key to gaining admission, and you will need to align your topic of interest with the research area of one of our School’s academics.
- Applicants must provide evidence that their English language ability meets the minimum requirements for admission: English language requirements.
- Further information can be obtained from the Graduate Research School (GRS).
Coursework component
Students are required to complete one core course and two electives:
- Core course: Research Techniques (BABS7180)
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- Relevant third-year courses can be chosen (with permission from PG coordinator and supervisor)
- Advanced Topics in Biotechnology and Biomolecular Sciences (BABS8010)
- Applied Bioinformatics (BINF9010)
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- Relevant postgraduate or third-year courses can be chosen (with permission from PG coordinator and supervisor)
- Biocompatibility (BIOM9332)
- Cellular and Tissue Engineering (BIOM9333)
- Chemistry and Physics of Synthetic and Biological Polymers (BIOM9432)
- Water Treatment (CVEN9856)
- Advanced Food Chemistry (FOOD4110)
- Food Microbiology (FOOD8320)
- Nutrition (FOOD8220)
- Safety Risk Management: Physical Hazards (AVIA9201)
How to apply for an MPhil (BABS)
International students may consider the MPhil (BABS) as an alternative to Honours. This program includes advanced treatment of all areas of biotechnology. It can provide students with a strong qualification through emphasis on research training supplemented with a substantial coursework component. This combination includes laboratory experience with modern, sophisticated techniques and equipment that apply to a wide range of biotechnology and molecular biology fields.
Acceptance into the program is contingent upon satisfying UNSW admission/academic requirements and locating a supervisor within the School of BABS. Students are encouraged to approach team leaders at any time for further information about suitable research projects.
It is essential for you to have identified a BABS supervisor who has agreed to take you on as a student prior to applying. View the BABS Honours Information Booklet and the BABS HDR Information Booklet for supervisors, projects and research areas.
Applicants may view the application procedures on the GRS website.
View application deadlines.