Course summary

The additional fourth year of this integrated master's in Biology with Biotechnology allows you to achieve a master’s-level qualification and conduct an extended research project. Should your plans change, you can also graduate with a BSc (Hons) at the end of the third year. Our MBiol Biology with Biotechnology gives you unique insight into the ways in which biological organisms are used to create innovative new products and technologies. This includes our own cutting-edge research which ranges from finding solutions for bio-based and low carbon alternatives in manufacturing and industry to clean water, conservation, improved breeding and agricultural practices. Following the curriculum of the BSc (Hons) Biology with Biotechnology for the first three years, the MBiol incorporates an additional year of specialist training which culminates in an extended research project. In Year 4, you will be tasked with completing your own fully independent master’s research project, developing your scientific skills to a higher level. This could tie in to one of our research initiatives, benefiting from our expertise in biotechnology research in medical and environmental microbiology, plant biology, biodiversity and genetics, and cell and genome biology. You can also continue research that you may have started in Year 3, deepening your understanding and expertise. Bangor University is next to the Irish Sea, Menai Strait and mountains of Eryri (Snowdonia), so your studies take place within easy reach of a diverse range of habitats, soil types, climate and topography, ideal for field work. Extensive facilities for practical classes include Europe’s largest underground soil laboratory, a natural history museum with various vertebrate and invertebrate specimens, our own botanical garden and 252 hectare site for field research and the study farm at Henfaes Research Centre. Bangor University is home to the Environment Centre for Wales, a partnership with the UK Centre for Ecology and Hydrology (UKCEH), whose Welsh branch is based there. We also host the British Trust for Ornithology (BTO) Wales. Elsewhere in Bangor, you’ll find regional offices for Natural Resources Wales (NRW), Dŵr Cymru/Welsh Water, the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB) and North Wales Wildlife Trust (NWWT) Biology covers the entirety of life on earth, and considers the interactions, dependencies, unity and diversity of its organisms. Biotechnology combines research in biology and technology to develop the breakthrough products and technologies to improve our quality of life and the health of our planet. You’ll never be short of things to do. Our Students’ Union offers a full range of student societies for those with an interest in all manner of animals. Endeavour, our long-standing Ocean Sciences Society, Bangor University Zoological Society, Bangor Herpetological Society, Bangor University Birdwatching Society (BUBS), and Bangor University Entomology Society regularly collaborate on social and educational events. You can even learn to surf or dive. ‘Placement Year’ and 'International Experience Year’ options are available for this course. You will have the opportunity to fully consider these options when you have started your course at Bangor and can make an application for a transfer onto such a pathway at the appropriate time. You can find more information about these options on our website and if you have any questions, please get in touch.