Hi and welcome to Flinders University, I'm Dr Liu-Fei Tan and I'm a Lecturer in
Biotechnology. The first degree I got from Flinders was
a Bachelor of Biotechnology Honours. Then still at Flinders I did a Doctor of
Philosophy in Medicine in Research. I got to participate in first class
research learning as I pursue my career. Now I'm giving back to the school as a
Lecturer of Biotechnology. As a lecturer, I guide my students
through our biotechnology program and help them find exactly what
they want to do during the academic journey.
What exactly is biotechnology? Biotechnology is an
area of science that merge principles of biology
with engineering and technology. Biotechnology studies how we can harness
the unique properties of living organisms
and apply them to our lives and the products we make,
for example, an industrial biotechnologist might help manufacture
innovative medicines, vaccines or all kinds of food.
A biotechnologist might study an innovative way
to create environmental sustainability. So biotechnologist's
are responsible for so many good in the world.
There's your standard Bachelor of Science in Biotechnology, which is three
years full-time studies. There's an Honours option where you can
add onto your bachelor which is a nine-month research.
We have a Master of Biotechnology that requires
two years full-time study and finally you can extend your Master into a PhD,
how good is that! So why should you study biotechnology at Flinders? In our program
you get to learn in small classes allowing for a friendlier,
more intimate educational experience. This way
you get to know not only your classmate but also
your lecturers. Our teaching staff include research leaders
and industry experts. Here you learn from the best.
At Flinders we prioritise practical skills
and the research you do will directly impact your ability to gain
a place in Industry and Research Institute.
We also give students business training and business planning.
At Flinders we care about our students. What that means is lecturers and
professional staff are always here to guide you
and make sure you have the best experience possible.
Interacting with students is the best rewarding part of being a lecturer at
fFinders and we are happy to provide guidance and
direction during your time with us. We have an excellent faculty of
professor here. There is Professor Chris Franco who
joined us after 10 years in drug discovery
in pharmaceutical industry. He still finds antibiotics from actinobacteria
and has won a Eureka price on his work. Under his supervision during
my PhD, I produce lutein from microalgae, this
is to improve eyesight. Professor Wei Zhang, the Director of
Centre for Marine Bioproducts is a Biochemical Engineer. He's an expert
in marine and industry engineering. He has done post-doctoral fellowship in
places like University of Tokyo, Adelaide University and University of
Cambridge. Under his guidance, Flinders has done a wide variety of
industry funded projects on marine bioprocessing. Associate
Professor Peter Anderson is our Undergraduate Course Coordinator
and he specialises in plant genetics, he was also a Fulbright Research Fellow.
Professor Jim Mitchell is the Executive Director of Marine Sciences
and the research leader in Nanotechnology Institute.
He has collaborated with Harvard University, MIT
and he specialises in microbes. Professor Munish Puri is the Deputy Director
of the Centre for Marine Bioproducts Development. He has done post-doctoral
work at the University of Oxford and
specialises in bioprocessing, producing wonderful molecules. Finally
Associate Professor Kirstin is our resident expert in Environmental
Biotechnology. These excellent faculty members used to
be my lecturers. They are the ones that taught me and
inspired me to pursue my path, without them I would not be here today.
If you come to study Biotechnology at Flinders
you could experience something similar, plus you are sure to get a close look
at a top notch of research and get involved with the science
yourself. Taking care of our students means that we provide you
with the state-of-the-art facility. You'll get a full rounded
extensive education in every aspect of biotechnology.
Biotechnology students have the opportunity to study in Malaysia,
Singapore, Indonesia, India, China and even the United States. Students in
the past have had exceptional experiences studying abroad
and it's a great way to expand your global window.
After Biotechnology at Flinders what are your options?
For example a degree in Biotechnology from Flinders
can grant you entry into Graduate Medical course.
If you are looking to be an MD, this is a great opportunity.
The research experience you get from this course makes you
job ready and gives you a whole tool kit of skills
that employers search for when hiring. The business training we provide
also helps open broader opportunities. Our students go on to successful careers
around the world in Predicts Research Centre, in the
Biotech Industry, Academia and more. A career in biotech
has been so rewarding to me and I would like to share the experience
with more and more students. Biotechnology has the ability to
transform health and well-being, whatever cause you care
about, whether it's environment or specific disease. Biotech
research can make significant advances in this area.
Industries like environmental engineering, agriculture and healthcare, all have
growing demands for biotechnologists. With a career in biotechnology your work
can be in demand all around the world. Thanks for visiting Flinders University
I look forward to welcoming you on campus.