400-004-8861
Course structure The course consists of 120 credits of taught modules, with a research project and a dissertation contributing 60 credits. This course offers unique components related to specialist skills in three pathways; plant, microbial or animal biotechnology: Plant Biotechnology pathway This will provide theory and practical skills in plant genetic manipulation, plant breeding and genome research, which underpin all aspects of agriculture and horticulture worldwide. Specialist modules will provide an understanding of plant cell biology and the role of phytohormones in plant physiology. Microbial Biotechnology pathway This offers knowledge in using micro-organisms as production platforms for valuable compounds such as therapeutics, food additives and antibiotics. Specialist modules will provide you with an understanding of how antibody biotechnology can be applied to solve problems in an industrial and biomedical context. Theory is supported by practical based learning approaches and industry visits. Animal Biotechnology pathway This stream covers a range of topics from molecular techniques used to study gene function in eukaryotic cells to whole organisms, to more specialised aspects of bioinformatics, glycoengineering, molecular immunology, developmental epigenetics, molecular nutrition, reproductive biotechnologies and stem cell technologies. Our areas of expertise includes multidisciplinary projects, e.g. transgenic technologies, in vitro embryo production systems, biomarker discovery, nutritional influences on physiological functions, genetic and epigenetic basis of disease, genetic evaluation and healthy ageing. Core modules – all pathways Basic Laboratory Techniques20 credits Advanced Molecular Methods in Biotechnology Cell Factories10 credits Postgraduate Research Project60 credits Technology Entrepreneurship10 credits Professional Skills for Biotechnologists10 credits Plant Biotechnology pathway Core Plant Cell Signalling10 credits Plant Biotechnology MSc Pre-Project20 credits Sex, Flowers and Biotechnology10 credits Plant Biotechnology Industrial Visits10 credits Optional Genetic Improvement of Crop Plants20 credits Microbial Biotechnology pathway Antibody Biotechnology10 credits Microbial Biotechnology Industrial Visits10 credits Bioprocessing and Bioengineering10 credits Research Skills in Microbial Biotechnology20 credits Animal Biotechnology pathway Animal Biotechnology10 credits Animal Biotechnology Industrial Visits10 credits Molecular Nutrition (Biotechnology Option)10 credits Research Techniques in Animal Biotechnology20 credits The above is a sample of the typical modules that we offer but is not intended to be construed and/or relied upon as a definitive list of the modules that will be available in any given year. This course page may be updated over the duration of the course, as modules may change due to developments in the curriculum or in the research interests of staff. Teaching methods and assessment Most formal teaching is provided by lectures, tutorials and practical classes; learning is enhanced by the production of written reports and essays. Although lectures and practical classes still play an important role as the course progresses, your learning experience is enhanced by placing greater reliance on self-directed study, written dissertations and research project work. Skills are assessed through a combination of essay style or short-answer written examinations or by the use of multiple-choice questionnaires. Assessment of acquisition and interpretation skills also uses coursework assignments based on exercises such as oral presentations, writing essays, reports and dissertations, presentation of posters, and research project work.