Course summary

Study the rapidly developing field of biotechnology and get ready for a career finding solutions for global healthcare challenges. This course will give you an understanding of how the molecular and cellular mechanisms of biological systems can be utilised and manipulated to improve diagnostic tools and drug therapies to solve real-world biological problems. You'll gain the skills and expertise required for future developments in biotechnology, along with specialist knowledge in biotechnology for healthcare. Course specifics From creating vaccines for global pandemics to using DNA sequencing to diagnose genetic diseases, biotechnologies in healthcare are helping millions of people worldwide to live longer, healthier lives. Along with a core module in biotechnology, you'll study three specific modules so you're ready to help innovate modern healthcare: Biosensors and their use in disease monitoring. Tissue engineering: looking at how cell biology and materials science can be combined to develop strategies for tissue replacement and repair. Drug discovery and the use of biotechnology to create drugs similar to molecules already found in the human body. You'll also take a unit focussing on the wider challenges of global environmental sustainability, giving you the opportunity to develop and use skills in entrepreneurship, teaching, media and communication, or public engagement. Research projects As a key part of the course, you'll undertake two research projects: Research project 1 is a group project based in the lab working with colleagues on the course and using cutting-edge CRISPR/Cas 9 gene editing techniques. Research project 2 is a more in-depth individual project running for the summer semester. You'll work in a research team within the Faculties of Science or Engineering & Design. This includes the possibility of publishing your research at the end of the project. Examples of final projects offered to our current Molecular Biosciences with Biotechnology stream include:

• Generating genetic models of Type 2 Diabetes in zebrafish.

• Targeted Protein Degradation as new therapeutics.

• Reprogramming of pancreatic cells to hepatocyte-like cells for use in drug toxicity testing.