Course summary

Research in biotechnology offers new solutions for the many medical, veterinary, agricultural and environmental challenges that humankind faces in the 21st century. Course overview This course will focus on developing your laboratory-based research skills in a biotechnological area of your choice, while equipping you for a future academic or industry-based career. Our lecturers have specialist knowledge and research experience in human, animal, plant and microbial biotechnology, and you will also be taught by visiting lecturers from academia and local biotechnology industries who are leaders in their respective fields. Why study this course with us? You will take six taught but research-focused modules that aim to equip you with key theoretical and practical skills, and introduce you to examples of current and future applications of biotechnology. You will then select a laboratory-based research topic that interests you with a supervisor of your choice. In certain cases this may involve collaboration with industrial partners. The emphasis in the course will be on applied biotechnology and problem-solving and will therefore involve the development of key skills that are in demand in the biotechnology sector. Consequently, upon successful completion of the course, you will not only be equipped for a future career in academic research but also in various biotechnology industries. What will you learn? The MSc is designed for graduates with an interest in biotechnology and the answers it may help to provide to challenges such as climate change, global food shortage, safer and more advanced gene therapies, and regenerative medicine. You will also have the opportunity to learn about the challenges of setting up and running a successful biotechnology business. The individual research project is then undertaken and is an important focus of this course. Opportunities to work with external industrial collaborators are likely in some cases. Teaching methods Taught modules are delivered via lectures/tutorials, laboratory sessions and IT labs, involving 40 hours’ tutor contact plus 160 hours’ private guided study. The research module will involve 1,400 hours of study time, including 50 hours of tutor contact. You will have the opportunity to contribute to a journal club, tutorials and research seminars.