In this Biotechnology MSc, you explore the latest technologies at the forefront of molecular, microbial and computational biology, gaining insight into their current commercial and scientific use while discovering how they can be applied on a global scale. With employment-focused skill development, hands-on laboratory experience and opportunities for real-world research, you graduate ready to thrive across a range of roles within this rapidly progressing field.

What will you study?

Studying our Biotechnology MSc course will equip you with the knowledge and skills around molecular and microbiological techniques, as well as computational biology. In core areas of study, you will learn about the applications of Molecular Biology techniques used to analyse and manipulate DNA, RNA and protein, and gain extensive knowledge in the field of Applied Microbiology that will equip you with the skills to modify microorganisms to meet industrial and pharmaceutical needs. As an essential skill in biotechnology, you will be equipped with the knowledge and techniques to incorporate Analytical Methods in your practice. This will allow you to learn strategies for the separation, detection and measurement of components in complex mixtures.

How will you be assessed?

Throughout course delivery workshops and tutorials are used to support the development of academic skills alongside the learning and the assessment process. All in-course assessments are supported by timetabled interactive tutorial sessions with formative assessment tasks as appropriate. In addition assessments that are based around practical work will involve a briefing before and a session after the laboratory work to explain further the expectations of the assessment and support specific tasks such as data analysis. Examinations are supported by timetabled revision sessions and by workshop sessions covering examples of past examinations and the expectations of examination questions at each level.

To assist our learners assignment briefs a uniform set of information and a consistent set of assessment criteria across the course. At the start of each level students are given introductory session(s) that set out the expectations for each year. For entry points several sessions are used to provide guidance and support to students joining the University. These provide details of support for the development of academic skills and learning from the School the Study Hub and initiatives such as peer-assisted learning (PASS scheme). For students progressing between levels introductory sessions are also provided to ensure the students are aware of the change in expectations of learning and assessment. This will flag areas such as expectations for increased selfdirected learning critical thinking and analysis that are expected as students go through the learning process.

A key aim for the school is the integration of transferable skills within learning and assessment to enhance employability. Our courses build awareness of business applications of knowledge with assessments that develop practical ideas and employability. This is supported by the University's Careers and Employability service throughout the course. Students who commit academic offences due to a lack of clear understanding of academic integrity are further supported by being invited to attend academic practice guidance (APG) meetings with course staff to discuss the issues and to refer them to the university academic integrity resource (AIR) to encourage them to develop good academic skills.

Careers

This course will support you to seek a career in the biotechnology industries pharmaceutical and food companies academic institutions health-related industries including the NHS and other public-sector organisations.