What is biotechnology?Biotechnology is a subject that combines biological science and technology to develop innovative products by changing the genetic make-up of biological cells. Biotechnology impacts on the quality of our lives and the world we live in.Biotechnologists tackle global issues in healthcare, energy, environment, food, and agriculture to:develop new life-saving medicinesfeed growing populations by generating plants with better nutritional valuereduce greenhouse gas emissions by providing cleaner biofuelsWhat you'll studyOn this degree, you can study modules relating to microbial, plant and animal biotechnology: microbial biotechnology – learn how to to genetically manipulate microorganisms to make better medicines, ensure food safety, and remediate the environmentplant biotechnology – genetically modify plants to increase crop growth and make them disease resistantanimal biotechnology – understand the physiology, reproduction and nutrition of animals to improve growth, welfare, and develop new disease treatmentsThroughout the degree you can choose the aspects of biotech that interest you most.Industries that need biotechnologists include:pharmaceuticalshealthcarebioenergygreen chemicalsagriculturefood productionYou can work in research and development (R&D), quality, operations, sales and business development.You could specialise in one area, which could include:stem cell research and regenerative medicinemicrobial sciences and antibiotic-resistant bacteriabiochemistry and plant science