Applied Biotechnology MSc

Program Overview

Applied Biotechnology MSc

Overview

Our Applied Biotechnology MSc includes a wide range of modern molecular biology techniques and explores how biotechnology can be used by today's society. It is an established course in biotechnology which has been extensively updated. You'll complement your theoretical studies with hands-on experience of fully controlled fermenters that are up to pilot-plant scale, and are linked to modern monitoring and control systems.

Course Structure

To be awarded the MSc in Applied Biotechnology, you'll need to study modules for 180 credits. If you choose to take the Postgraduate Project, you'll study seven core modules and one option module.

Core Modules

• Molecular Bioengineering: Large databases yield information about DNA, RNA and protein variation between individuals and species and bioinformatics is a crucial component of molecular biology. Polymorphisms, epigenetics and microRNA have all greatly enhanced our knowledge about regulation of gene expression. This module will look at applications of a range of advanced molecular techniques such as CRISPR gene editing, next generation sequencing, microarrays, quantitative and multiplex PCR alongside our knowledge of OMICS and gene expression databases.
• Fermentation Technology: This module integrates theoretical knowledge with practical skills, enabling students to develop a comprehensive proficiency in fermentation technology. Key topics include culture media, microbial strain/culture selection and development, microbial/animal cell culture, sterilisation, modes and types of fermentation, oxygen requirement for culture, fermentation control systems, mixing, rheology, fermenter types and designs, and scale-up/down.
• Sustainable Biotechnology: The module aims to provide you with a comprehensive understanding of the principles and practices that underpin the integration of biotechnology with sustainability goals. You will explore how biotechnology can contribute to environmentally-friendly and socially responsible solutions, addressing challenges such as resource depletion and climate change.
• Postgraduate Research Methods: The purpose of this module is to teach the principles and practice of research with a focus on study design and methods of data collection. The module shows how these designs and methods can be applied to evaluation studies as well as to research.
• Postgraduate Project: This module allows you to hone your research skills by undertaking a substantial piece of research. Within this module, you will learn how to formulate a research proposal, investigate an appropriate research topic, keep research records, analyse the results of their research, discuss the findings with reference to previously published work, and convey the importance of their research through effective communication.
• Science, Technology And Commercialisation: An in-depth study on the scope of commercial biotechnology and starting and financing an operational company. The role of intellectual property protection, preparing a business plan and communicating business ideas, assessing projects, managing a company, and managing finances are all included, as well as how to comply with industrial safety legislation and regulatory requirements.
• Bioinformatics: Bioinformatics lies at the heart of modern biology. This module introduces the discipline and shows how bioinformatics can help answer practical questions and solve problems in biology, medicine and pharmacology.

Option Modules

• Communicating Science: This module will explore topics in science communication and will help to develop transferable skills and perspectives in the many ways that scientific knowledge can be disseminated.
• Systems Biology: This module will introduce the theoretical and practical underpinnings of systems biology. The emphasis is on studies of entire systems assisted by the use of bioinformatics and how the knowledge from these may be applied to medicine.
• Analytical Techniques and Quality Processes: This industry-focused module will allow you to learn and apply an integrated knowledge base of analytical techniques utilised in the pharmaceutical industry for the quality control of drugs and other products.
• Biotherapeutics and Regenerative Medicines: This module will provide you with a deep understanding of biotherapeutics and regenerative medicines which is one of the fastest growing areas in the pharmaceutical industry.

Entry Requirements

• A minimum of a lower second class honours degree (2:2) in biological sciences or a related discipline.
• Professional qualification of equivalent status and associated work experience or an equivalent qualification deemed suitable by the course team.
• If your first language is not English, you should have an IELTS 6.5 with at least 6.5 in writing and no element below 6.0.

Fees and Funding

• UK tuition fee: £10,700 (Price per academic year)
• International tuition fee: £17,600 (Price per academic year)

Facilities

• A fermentation suite equipped with fully instrumented and controlled bioreactors of all sizes ranging from 0.5 L to 72 L and bench top downstream processing rigs including Armfield’s chromatography and tangential flow filtration units.
• A tissue culture laboratory.
• An analytical instrumentation suite equipped with gas chromatographs with FID, TCD and MS detectors, HPLC equipped with UV, PDA, MSQ, fluorescence, evaporative light scattering and electrochemical detectors, spectrophotometers (absorbance and luminescence), multi-detection microplate reader, bio-imaging system, gamma and scintillation counters, Typhoon gel imager, clinical chemistry and Haematology analysers, FTIR analyser, Potentiostat, DGGE analyser.
• A flow cytometer, PCR machines, microscopes of all types including inverted microscopes, laser scanning confocal microscopes, fluorescence microscope etc.
• Other equipment normally found in any lab including shaken incubators, bench top centrifuges, pH meters, freezers and biosafety cabinets.

Research Groups

• Cancer Research Group
• Sustainable Biotechnology Research Group
• Tissue Architecture and Regeneration Research Group

Teaching and Assessment

• Teaching methods across all our postgraduate courses focus on active student learning through lectures, seminars, workshops, problem-based and blended learning, and where appropriate practical application.
• Our postgraduate courses include a variety of assessments, which typically fall into three broad categories: written exams, practical, and coursework.

Location

• Our Cavendish Campus is located in central London, just a five-minute walk from Oxford Street and Tottenham Court Road.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

The Applied Biotechnology MSc is a one-year program that explores the use of biotechnology in modern society. It combines molecular biology techniques with bioprocess engineering principles. The program is taught by internationally-leading researchers and features modern facilities, including a mini industrial-scale fermentation suite. The curriculum is regularly updated to include the latest trends in biotechnology, such as synthetic biology.

Outline:

The MSc in Applied Biotechnology requires students to complete modules totaling 180 credits. The program structure includes seven core modules and one optional module.

Core Modules:

• Molecular Bioengineering: This module explores advanced molecular techniques like CRISPR gene editing, next-generation sequencing, microarrays, quantitative and multiplex PCR, and OMICS and gene expression databases.
• Fermentation Technology: This module integrates theoretical knowledge with practical skills in fermentation technology, covering topics like culture media, microbial strain selection, microbial/animal cell culture, sterilization, fermentation modes and types, oxygen requirements, fermentation control systems, mixing, rheology, fermenter types and designs, and scale-up/down.
It explores how biotechnology can contribute to environmentally-friendly and socially responsible solutions, addressing challenges like resource depletion and climate change. Topics include bioenergy production, carbon reduction, bioremediation, environmental clean-up, sustainable food production, and sustainable production of commodity chemicals.
• Postgraduate Research Methods: This module teaches the principles and practice of research, focusing on study design and methods of data collection.
It covers the application of these designs and methods to evaluation studies and research, providing a supportive environment for developing research skills.
• Postgraduate Project: This module allows students to hone their research skills by undertaking a substantial piece of research.
Students learn to formulate research proposals, investigate research topics, keep research records, analyze results, discuss findings, and communicate research effectively.
• Science, Technology And Commercialisation: This module provides an in-depth study of commercial biotechnology, covering topics like starting and financing a company, intellectual property protection, business plan preparation, communicating business ideas, project assessment, company management, financial management, and compliance with industrial safety legislation and regulatory requirements.
• Bioinformatics: This module introduces the discipline of bioinformatics and its applications in biology, medicine, and pharmacology.

Optional Modules:

• Communicating Science: This module explores topics in science communication and develops transferable skills in disseminating scientific knowledge.
It covers the nature and means of human communication, the purpose of science in society, and the impact of scientific findings on human behavior.
• Systems Biology: This module introduces the theoretical and practical underpinnings of systems biology, focusing on studies of entire systems using bioinformatics and its applications in medicine.
It examines databases and other resources and discusses key issues in systems biology studies.
• Analytical Techniques and Quality Processes: This industry-focused module teaches and applies analytical techniques used in the pharmaceutical industry for quality control of drugs and other products.
Students gain hands-on experience using state-of-the-art analytical equipment and apply these techniques to real-life problems faced by pharmaceutical scientists.
• Biotherapeutics and Regenerative Medicines: This module provides a deep understanding of biotherapeutics and regenerative medicines, one of the fastest-growing areas in the pharmaceutical industry.
It focuses on the opportunities and challenges in their development and use, exploring topics like lead development, validation, production platform selection, delivery barriers, formulation strategies, and drug safety assessments.

Assessment:

The program utilizes a variety of assessment methods, including:

• Written exams: End-of-semester exams
• Practical: Presentations, podcasts, blogs
• Coursework: Essays, in-class tests, portfolios, dissertations

Teaching:

The program employs a variety of teaching methods, including:

• Lectures: Delivering information and concepts
• Seminars: Interactive discussions and group work
• Workshops: Practical application of skills and knowledge
• Problem-based learning: Solving real-world problems
• Blended learning: Combining online and in-person learning
The program is taught by a team of experienced faculty, including:
• Dr. Godfrey Kyazze: Reader in Bioprocess Technology and course leader
• Professor Taj Keshavarz: Professor of Biotechnology
• Dr. Caroline Smith: Associate Head - LAS - ES
• Professor Mohammed Gulrez Zariwala: Professor
• Dr. Paul Curley: Senior Lecturer
• Dr. Nadege Presneau: Senior Lecturer
• Professor Lewis DARTNELL: Professor
• Dr. Emanuela Volpi: Reader
• Dr. Nina Porakishvili: Principal Lecturer

Careers:

The Applied Biotechnology MSc is designed to equip graduates with the knowledge, skills, and practical experience to contribute to the biosciences sector. The Cavendish Campus, located in central London, provides access to a wide range of scientific, library, and cultural resources. The University's Careers and Employability Service has a network of over 3,000 employers worldwide, helping students explore career opportunities. The program also has industry links with Sekisui Diagnostics and has hosted talks and seminars by guest speakers from companies like Lonza.

When you have enrolled with us, your annual tuition fees will remain the same throughout your studies with us. We do not increase your tuition fees each year. When you have enrolled with us, your annual tuition fees will remain the same throughout your studies with us. We do not increase your tuition fees each year.