Biotechnology - MSc

During this course you will study six core modules as well as undertaking a research project. You will also choose from two optional modules.

• Molecular Biology (20 cp) - During this module, you'll consolidate your knowledge of the molecular biology of prokaryotes and eukaryotes, and how to prove hoe genomes are mutated, analysed and manipulated in the detection, study and therapy of disease. You'll study the control of gene expression in prokaryotes and eukaryotes, and the control at transcriptional, post-transcriptional (RNAi, microRNA) and translational levels.
• Cell Culture and Antibody Technology (20 cp) - You'll explore the scientific basis of cell culture and antibody technologies, and assess how they're used to solve problems in biotechnology, molecular biosciences, and biomedical sciences. You'll look at the relationship between cell and antibody technologies, as well as other technologies, particulary recombinant DNA technology and how these may develop in the future.
• Special Topics in Biotechnology (20 cp) - You'll study the molecular basis of the approaches used in plant and yeast biotechnology. This knowledge will be used to explore how problems in biotechnology can be solved. In addition, you'll discover the environmental implications that come with using biotechnology. This eLearning module is supported by on-campus workshops.
• Business and Enterprise (20 cp) - You'll approach ideas generation in a creative manner to understand the role of new business concepts, and their development in the biosciences industry. You'll explore all aspects of starting up a new biosciences company, including new product development, marketing and research, pricing, distribution, and promotion.
• Research Methods and Bioethics (20 cp) - This module encourages you to think beyond your own subject, and interact accordingly. You'll gain a solid foundation in literature review, research design and planning, data analysis and a poster presentation by focusing your studies on a related ethical issue. Ethical issues in research will also be explored, as you discover when and how to obtain ethical clearance in accordance with ethical governance at NTU.
• Research Project (60 cp) - In consultation with a supervisor at NTU, you'll select a research topic comprising an original, defined research question (or series of such questions), and develop a written research proposal for the Project. You'll then present this proposal as part of the Research Methods and Bioethics module.

Working individually with the guidance of supervisors, you'll design your experiments and computer-based approaches to address the research questions. A diary-stlye record of protocols or methods will be used to generate entries for your skills portfolio.

You'll communicate your findings through a written thesis, and a poster presentation. For the MRes course, an interim written report and oral presentation will be assessed after six to eight months of work, in order to review your progress.

• Microbial Diagnostics (20 cp) - This module aims to provide you with an understanding of the rationale and process of designing modern microbial diagnostic assays. Furthermore, you'll explore the theory and rationale of techniques such as culture-based diagnosis, serology, PCR, real-time PCR, microarrays, and sequencing for infectious disease diagnostics. You'll gain practical experience of performing real-time PCR detection from a sample.
• Techniques in Macromolecular Analysis (20 cp) - The aims of this module are to provide an advanced knowledge and understanding of the techniques that can be used to isolate and purify macromolecules, and the approaches that can be used to track, study and predict macromolecular structure and function. You'll explore a range of current topics, and their application to macromolecular analysis. These topics will include the macromolecular analysis of proteins, protein purification programs and simulations, and protein bioinformatics.