Program Overview

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BSc (Hons) Biotechnology

Why study this course with LJMU?

A practical, hands-on course, taught using state-of-the-art teaching laboratories Gain an understanding of the principles and applications of biotechnology and practise the latest molecular, bioprocessing and analytical techniques Offers fascinating research projects in areas such as synthetic biology, genetic engineering of crop plants, fermentation technology, bioremediation and antimicrobial resistance Benefit from strong links with industry for industrial placements Excellent spring board into careers as diverse as biopharmaceutical manufacturing, drug discovery and development, food technology and biofuel production Opportunities to undertake a year's industrial placement or work abroad International Foundation Year course available offering direct progression onto this degree programme - visit LJMU's International Study Centre to find out more Stepping stone to postgraduate study in MSc Industrial Biotechnology

About your course

BSc (Hons) Biotechnology explores the manipulation of biomolecular processes to develop technologies and products that address global challenges in health, food and the environment. The course provides excellent facilities to develop practical skills and exciting opportunities to engage with industry.

Biotechnology is a fascinating field of study, which has had a positive impact on many aspects of our lives, with applications across medicine, food and the environment.

This multidisciplinary science builds on a foundational knowledge of molecular and cell biology, microbiology and biochemistry, using transgenic plants, animals and microbes to develop valuable technologies and products. Early known examples of biotechnology include the use of microorganisms to make cheese, bread and wine, but advances in genetic engineering and recombinant DNA technology have revolutionised the biotechnology industry. Modern biotechnology has enabled production of drugs, vaccines, energy, industrial chemicals and progressed developments in gene therapy, cancer therapy and sustainable agriculture.

This is a practical, hands-on course in which you will spend a large proportion of your time in our excellent teaching labs for cell culture, molecular biology and imaging studies, practising the latest molecular, bioprocessing and analytical techniques. You will gain an understanding of the principles and applications of biotechnology across this broad-based sector. Optional modules and a research project in the final year provide opportunities to specialise in your own particular area of interest. You will have plenty of opportunities to put your skills and knowledge into practice and explore your own interests by completing a research project. The option to do a years industrial placement between the second and third year will also help develop transferable skills, valued by employers.

The programme enables you to develop intellectual independence, critical awareness and transferable skills — attributes that are vital for employment. There is an emphasis on career development, with additional input from external speakers from industry, increasing your understanding of the business of biotechnology. As well as exploring a wide range of career options, you will develop commercial awareness and learn how new start-up biotechnology companies are created.

Opportunities for study abroad and placements

The School of Pharmacy and Biomolecular Sciences has an excellent track record of providing relevant vocational training for students. Students are supported by Erasmus and Professional Training Tutors who are responsible for advertising placements and promoting vocational training to students.

Course modules

Year 1

• Physiological Biochemistry (20 credits)
• Practical Skills in Biotechnology (20 credits)
• Microbial Biotechnology 1 (20 credits)
• Introduction to Structural and Functional Biochemistry (20 credits)
• Introduction to Biotechnology (20 credits)
• Introduction to Molecular Biology (20 credits)

Year 2

• Sterile Pharmaceutical Products (20 credits)
• Structural and Functional Biochemistry (20 credits)
• Molecular Biology and Functional Genomics (20 credits)
• Research Methods in Biotechnology (20 credits)
• Synthetic Biology and Bioengineering 1 (20 credits)
• Microbial Biotechnology 2 (20 credits)

Year 3

• Current Topics in Biotechnology (20 credits)
• Biotechnology Entrepreneurship (20 credits)
• Synthetic Biology and Bioengineering 2 (20 credits)
• Biochemistry/Biotechnology Research Project (40 credits)

Optional modules

• Sandwich Year - Biotechnology (120 credits)
• Study Year Abroad - Biotechnology (120 credits)
• Study Semester Abroad - Biotechnology (60 credits)
• Industrial Product Development (20 credits)
• Microbial Technology (20 credits)
• Work-Based Learning (20 credits)
• Recombinant Proteins (20 credits)

Your Learning Experience

Teaching Support Assessment

Excellent facilities and learning resources

We adopt an active blended learning approach, meaning you will experience a combination of face-to-face and online learning during your time at LJMU. This enables you to experience a rich and diverse learning experience and engage fully with your studies. Our approach ensures that you can easily access support from your personal tutor, either by meeting them on-campus or via a video call to suit your needs.

The amount of time you spend in each varies according to the module and the level of study. Laboratory sessions give you a chance to develop your practical skills, while workshops and tutorials provide opportunities to discuss course material more informally. All lecture material will be available on our virtual learning environment, Canvas.

You will also be expected to do additional research around lecture subjects in your own time using the University Libraries. As the course progresses, the amount of practical and independent work increases, allowing you to develop research techniques and complete a research project.

Work-related learning

As part of your work-related learning, we highly recommend that you opt to undertake a years work placement after your second year. This will not only give you a chance to put into practice what you have learnt in the first two years, but it will also help you develop your personal skills, earn a salary while taking a years break from formal study and give you a competitive edge when you enter the graduate job market.

If you opt to take a year out on work placement, our Placement Learning and Support Unit will guide you in finding, applying for and securing a placement. During the year, you will have ongoing support from a member of staff, which will include visits to your workplace.

Dedicated personal tutor, plus study skills support

Throughout your course you will have the support of a personal tutor who will be available to discuss course-related matters in both tutorial sessions and on a one-to-one basis. In your final year, you will also have a dedicated supervisor who will provide support during your research project.

The school is fully committed to promoting a learning environment that supports a culture of equality, diversity and inclusivity (EDI) and has a Disability Support Coordinator, an EDI Coordinator and a School EDI Working Group. Personal Tutors also play a vital role in promoting awareness of support services for students.

Assessment varies depending on the modules you choose, but will usually

include a combination of exams and coursework.

Most modules are assessed through a combination of exam and coursework and some via coursework only. Exams are normally held at the end of each semester.

• Exams may include a range of question types e.g. multiple choice, short answer, interpretative, problem-based learning and essay questions
• Coursework assessment could be in the form of phase tests, practical reports, data handling, oral presentations, poster presentations, group discussions, essays or demonstrating competence in core practical skills. Most coursework assessments are based on individual assignments but some require group work

Feedback on coursework assessments is normally provided within three weeks of submission and may be via Canvas (our virtual learning environment), face-to- face or in writing. We believe that constructive feedback is vital in helping you identify your strengths as well as the areas where you can improve your work.

Career paths

Graduates will be equipped with the knowledge and skills to pursue employment opportunities world-wide.

Biotechnology graduates are employable in a wide range of industries and organisations, such as pharmaceutical, healthcare, environmental, food industries or regulatory authorities. Some graduates may prefer to continue their studies with postgraduate study (PGCE/PGDE, MSc, MPhil, MRes or PhD) in topics as wide ranging as industrial biotechnology, biomedical sciences, drug discovery and design, cosmetic science, and medical microbiology. The programme is the ideal stepping stone to the MSc Industrial Biotechnology offered by LJMU.

Tuition fees and funding

Home

• Full-time per year: £9,535
• Placement year: £1,905

International

• Full-time per year: £18,250
• Placement year: £3,830

Entry requirements

Please choose your qualifications below to view requirements

• Grades/points required from qualifications: BCC-BBB (104-120)

Work out how many UCAS points your qualifications are worth by visiting the UCAS Tariff Calculator.

GCSEs and equivalents

• Grade 4 or grade C or above in English Language and Mathematics/ Numeracy.

GCSE Equivalences accepted:
• Key Skills Level 2 in English/Maths
• NVQ Level 2 Functional skills in Maths and English Writing and or Reading
• Skills for Life Level 2 in Numeracy/English
• Higher Diploma in Maths/English
• Northern Ireland Essential Skills Level 2 in Communication or Application of Number
• Wales Essential Skills Level 2 in Communication or Application of Number

A levels

• BCC-BBB
• Minimum Number of A Levels: 2
• General Studies: Not accepted
• Subject requirements: Level 3 qualification in Chemistry and/or Biology or relevant science

BTECs

• Extended Diploma: DMM

Access awards

• Acceptable on its own and combined with other qualifications
• Pass overall with a minimum of 104 points, including relevant subjects.

International Baccalaureate

• Acceptable on its own and combined with other qualifications From a relevant subject

OCR Cambridge Technical

• Extended Diploma: DMM

Irish awards

• Acceptable on its own and combined with other qualifications From a relevant subject

T levels

• Acceptable on its own and combined with other qualifications.
• You need to obtain the required UCAS points from a related subject area.

International requirements

• IELTS: 6.0 overall with no component below 5.5, taken within two years of the course start date.

Please Note: All international qualifications are subject to a qualification equivalency check.