Course summary

This course provides you with a balance of molecular biology, engineering, computing and modelling skills necessary for a career in synthetic biology. Computational design of biological systems is important as the field of synthetic biology grows. This allows the construction of complex and large biological systems. While laboratory approaches to engineering biological systems are a major focus, the course specialises in computational design. This provides you with essential computing and engineering skills to allow you to develop software to program biological systems. Our course is designed for students from both biological and computational backgrounds. Prior experience with computers or computer programming is not required. Students with mathematical, engineering or other scientific backgrounds are also welcome to apply. It is ideal if you are aiming for careers in industry or academia. We provide a unique, multidisciplinary experience that is essential for understanding synthetic biology. The programme draws together the highly-rated teaching and research expertise of our Schools of Computing Science, Mathematics and Statistics, and Biology, as well as the Medical Faculty and the Institute of Human Genetics. Research is a large component of this course. The emphasis is on delivering the research training you will need in the future to meet the demands of industry and academia effectively. Newcastle's research in life sciences, computing and mathematics is internationally recognised. The teaching staff are successful researchers in their field and publish regularly in highly-ranked systems synthetic biology journals. Our experienced and friendly staff are on hand to help you. You gain the experience of working in a team in an environment with the help, support and friendship of fellow students. Project work: Your five month research project gives you real research experience in Synthetic Biology. You will have the opportunity to work closely with a leading research team in the School and there are opportunities to work on industry led projects. You will have one-to-one supervision from an experienced member of the faculty, supported with supervision from associated senior researchers and industry partners as required. The project can be carried out: •with a research group at Newcastle University •with an industrial sponsor •with a research institute •at your place of work. Delivery: This interdisciplinary programme is based in the School of Computing Science and taught jointly with the Schools of Mathematics and Statistics and Biology, and the Institute of Genetic Medicine. We cater for students with a range of backgrounds, including Life Sciences, Computing Science, Mathematics and Engineering. Half of the course is taught and the remainder is dedicated to a research project. Our programme structure is highly flexible. You can tailor your degree to your own skills and interests. You take compulsory modules and optional modules, followed by a six-month individual project that may be taken within the University or with a bioinformatics or pharmaceutical company. Optional modules enable you to tailor your degree to either a computational/numerical theme or a more biologically oriented theme. Placements: Students have a unique opportunity to complete a work placement with one of our industrial partners as part of their projects. Previous students have found placements with organisations including: •NHS Business Services Authority •Waterstons •Metropolitan Police •Accenture •IBM •Network Rail •Nissan •GSK. Accreditation: We have a policy of seeking British Computer Society (BCS) accreditation for all of our degrees, so you can be assured that you will graduate with a degree that meets the standards set out by the IT industry. Studying a BCS-accredited degree provides the foundation for professional membership of the BCS on graduation and is the first step to becoming a chartered IT professional.