Biotechnology

MSc Biotechnology
Mode: full-time

The MSc Biotechnology is unique in the combination of subject areas, all of which draw upon the latest developments in laboratory practice. We have strong links with leading laboratories for research and work experience.

The course will benefit from specialist lectures offered by individuals from eight other academic institutions and commercial companies. Students will have the opportunity to visit specialist facilities in world leading institutions.

The teaching team comprises leading specialists in biotechnology drawn from institutions across the UK.

The course also benefits from a number of high-profile Visiting Professors/Fellows including:

• Prof Mike Catt - Unilever Research, Colworth
• Prof Barry Fuller - Royal Free and University College Medical School, London
• Prof Bill Holt - Institute of Zoology, London
• Dr Robert Porter – National Physical Laboratory, London
• Prof Hugh Pritchard - Royal Botanic Gardens Kew, Ardingly, Surrey
• Prof Glyn Stacey - National Institute of Biological Standard and Controls, South Mimms
• Dr Allison van de Meene, Rothamsted Research, Harpenden
• Prof Paul Watson - Royal Veterinary College, London

Why choose this course?

• The course is unique in the combination of subject areas, all of which draw upon the latest developments in laboratory practice
• The teaching team comprises leading specialists in biotechnology drawn from institutions across the UK
• We have strong links with leading laboratories for research and work experience

Career Opportunities

Wide range of employment opportunities exist in the areas of biomedicine, nutrition, environmental monitoring, conservation and agriculture.

Teaching/learning methods and strategies

A range of approaches will be used for teaching throughout the course including lectures, seminars/ tutorials, practicals and visits to specialist facilities.

Students will have the opportunity to visit specialist facilities at other prestige institutions and industrial companies.

Students will also have the opportunity to carry out laboratory based research projects under specialist supervision in specialist laboratories at the University of Bedfordshire or at other institutions.

Assessment

Assessment will be carried out using a mixture of approaches including written essay, group work, time constraint written exam, presentation, miniproject design, practical written report, practical note book, and written project report.

Dissertation/project and research

The course is specially designed to allow a longer research project to be undertaken (4 months) in a specialist laboratory.

Recommended reading

• COOPER J & CASS AEG (Eds.; 2004) Biosensors: A Practical Approach, 2nd edition, Oxford University Press.
• CROOK A (Ed.; 2006) Clinical Chemistry and Metabolic Medicine, Hodder Arnold.
• FULLER B, LANE N & BENSON E (Eds.; 2004) Life in the Frozen State, CRC Press.
• WATSON JD, CAUDY AA, MYERS RM & WITKOWSKI JA (Eds.; 2007) Recombinant DNA: Genes & Genomes – A Short Course, 3rd Edition, WH Freeman.

Entry requirements
The standard entry qualification is an honours degree in a biological or medical discipline.

Non-standard entry:
It is expected that there will be interest in the course from individuals without an honours degree in the bio-medical sciences.

Such candidates will be invited for an interview and will be considered for entry if they have evidence of relevant experience in a related area of work, and if at the interview they can demonstrate a sound basic knowledge, motivation and a mature approach to the commitments required in the study programme.

Special entry requirements

English language qualification for international students:

• IELTS 6
• TOEFL 580
• TOEFL Computer Test 235
• IBT 80

Attendance

6-8 hours/week during teaching period, full-time attendance for project period.