Course summary

As well as your main Imperial degree (BSc), you will also receive the award of the Associateship of the Royal College of Science (ARCS) on completion of this course. Biotechnology creates a vital link between biology and technology. Our courses cover all aspects of the applied biochemistry and biotechnology industries, including commercialising technology, entrepreneurship, and intellectual property and patents, with lectures and case studies from business leaders and academics. This degree allows you to combine your training in biochemistry with study of the French language. These classes, taught in French by the Centre for Languages, Culture and Communication, focus on the use and presentation of written and oral scientific and technical material in French. Our teaching is enriched by the Department’s internationally leading research programme, so you’ll be learning at the very cutting edge of the subject. You will also benefit from access to our outstanding facilities, including for genomic and cell biology studies, tissue culture suites and the most modern microscopes. In the first two years you will cover core biotechnology modules alongside these classes, including biological chemistry, molecular biology, integrative cell biology and genes and genomics. You will also receive an introduction to the theory and practice of translation, alongside further studies in the history, politics, science and technology of French-speaking countries. You spend your third year studying in a French-speaking university, where you will attend lectures and conduct a research project. In your final year you have increased freedom to follow your own interests by choosing from a wide range of optional modules and completing a research project or dissertation involving a significant element of biotechnology. Please note: this course is not suitable for native or near-native French speakers. Normally only students who are on track for at least a 2:1 by the end of their second year, will be eligible to spend their third year abroad. The structure of the Department's courses means that transfer between different Biotechnology and Biochemistry degrees is usually possible up until the end of the second year. If you are an international student, transferring to a different course could have an impact on your Tier 4 visa, but our International Student Support Team are here to help advise and support you.