MSc Applied Microbiology and Biotechnology

University of Wolverhampton

This is a module directed at postgraduate students and aims at developing students understanding of the industrial, environmental, medical and agricultural applications of microbial biotechnology. The module will cover the design and operation of bioreactors and the role of biotechnology in bioremediation, pollution control, wastewater treatment, plant improvement and applications in the production of value-added materials, biopharmaceuticals and healthcare products.

The module will explore current and future implications of global food production with an emphasis on the industrial and biotechnological role of microbiology in food security, food safety and waste management. Factors, such as projected increases in the global population and the impact of globalisation on the food supply chain, will be considered and discussed. Food security and safety will be investigated in the context of preservation, enhancement, spoilage, foodborne pathogenicity, authenticity and reliability. Food waste management strategies will be considered, including the use of food waste as substrates as for sustainable, environmentally friendly biofuel production via anaerobic digestion.

This is a research-based project that provides the opportunity to demonstrate an ability to plan and conduct an independent research investigation related to the overall programme of study. This will involve identification of research aims and objectives based on the literature followed by data collection, critical analysis and interpretation of results in relation to relevant literature.

Students will take a diet of practicals that provide preparation for their later research project work. This skill based laboratory module aims to provide a series of practicals designed to provide students from a variety of backgrounds with appropriate technical skills. The module aims to contribute to the development of communication, organisational and scientific skills.

This module is designed to ensure that the student has a basic understanding of molecular genetics, gene structure and genomics, and then is provided with the opportunity to develop this understanding to a sophisticated level. Techniques of gene manipulation such as sequencing, cloning, PCR, microarrays, transformation and transgenics will be explained. The module is designed to ensure that students have a thorough understanding of the principles of gene manipulation and genomic investigation and how these processes can be used for understanding disease inheritance and diagnosis. This module will involve a tailored report on genome analysis.

This is a module directed at postgraduate students and aims at building skills in project management, technology transfer, fund sourcing for research, setting up collaborations and for developing business enterprise in molecular cell biology.

This is a module directed to postgraduate students which develops tools and methodologies required for advanced research study. This includes project planning, data analysis and choice of statistical packages, time, project and data management, technology transfer and setting up collaborations, data presentation, information retrieval and report writing including selection of methods. This module is designed such that the student builds up a portfolio of expertise, which sets the ground and provides specific information for their research project. This module is designed such that the student can also benefit by undertaking this module in a self-study mode.