Program Overview

Biotechnology BSc

Overview

Biotechnology is a subject that combines biological science and technology to develop innovative products by changing the genetic make-up of biological cells. Biotechnology impacts on the quality of our lives and the world we live in.

What You'll Study

On this degree, you can study modules relating to microbial, plant and animal biotechnology:

• Microbial biotechnology – learn how to genetically manipulate microorganisms to make better medicines, ensure food safety, and remediate the environment
• Plant biotechnology – genetically modify plants to increase crop growth and make them disease resistant
• Animal biotechnology – understand the physiology, reproduction and nutrition of animals to improve growth, welfare, and develop new disease treatments

Why Choose This Course?

• Accredited Course – Accredited by the Royal Society of Biology, this course equips you with well-rounded knowledge and skill sets, making you highly employable.
• Improve Lives – Learn the latest techniques to develop new products and processes that improve our lives.
• Specialist Labs – Study in specialist laboratories of molecular biology, genetics, cell culture and microbiology.
• Practical Course – Use our facilities for gene cloning and sequencing to build your practical knowledge
• Be Taught by Experts – Experts in the field give lectures and thought-provoking debates about the ethical, commercial and environmental concerns
• Add an Additional Year – Choose to add a study abroad year, year in industry or year in computer science when you join.

Entry Requirements

• Qualification: BSc Hons
• Entry Requirements: BBB
• Start Date: September 2025
• UCAS code: J700
• Duration: 3 years full-time
• Fees: £9,535

Additional Entry Requirements

• A level: BBB including Biology or 2 of Chemistry, Physics and either Maths or Further Mathematics. Alternatively, BBC including Biology or 2 of Chemistry, Physics and either Maths or Further Mathematics plus an A in the EPQ.
• GCSEs: GCSE mathematics and english at grade 4 (C) or above are required.
• Excluded subjects: General studies, critical thinking, Science and Society, citizenship studies and leisure studies are not accepted.
• IB score: 28 points overall or 555 in 3 HL certificates
• IB requirements: 5 in HL Biology. Alternatively, 5 in 2 of HL Chemistry, HL Physics and either HL Mathematics Applications and Interpretations or HL Mathematics Analysis and Approaches.
• English language requirements: 6.0 (no less than 5.5 in any element)

Alternative Qualifications

• Access to HE Diploma: Access to HE Diploma must contain 60 credits overall and 45 graded credits at level 3.
• RQF BTEC Nationals: Applications are assessed on an individual basis to ensure sufficient science has been studied.

Year in Computer Science

• You can choose to add this optional additional year when you start your degree. It takes place between your second and third years. You’ll learn how to bring together the latest developments from across science disciplines.
• Module topics will cover:
  • programming
  • software development
  • modelling
  • databases
  • problem solving
  • image processing

Study Abroad

• There are a number of options to apply to study abroad during your time at Nottingham.
• You can apply to:
  • study at the University of Nottingham Malaysia in your second year for a semester or a whole year
  • study in Australia or Canada. We'll help you apply to spend a semester of your second year at one of our highly ranked international partner universities
  • study in France, Austria or Spain for an additional year between years two and three

Year in Industry

• There’s a wide range of possible year in industry placements on offer.
• We have good links with companies, and our dedicated placement team is available to support you in finding the right placement.
• Often a placement year can help you to secure a graduate job and help with your career skills.

Modules

• Year 1:
  • An Introduction to Biotechnology
  • Foundation Science for Bioscientists
  • Essential Study Skills
  • Introduction to Plant Science
  • The Physiology of Microbes
  • Introductory Physiology
  • Plant Science Research Tutorials
  • An Introduction to Genetics and Biochemistry
• Year 2:
  • Fundamentals of immunology
  • Molecular Biology of the Cell
  • Molecular Pharming and Biotechnology
  • Professional Skills for Biotechnologists
  • Research Skills for Biotechnologists
  • Epigenetics and Developmental Biotechnology
  • Analysis of Bacterial Gene Expression
  • Bacterial Biological Diversity
  • Virology
  • Reproductive Physiology
  • Applied Animal Science
  • Structure, Function and Analysis of Genes
  • Fundamental and Applied Yeast Physiology
  • Bacterial Genes and Development
  • Microbial Biotechnology
  • Computer Modelling in Science: Introduction
  • Principles of Animal Nutrition
  • Structure, Function and Analysis of Proteins
• Year 3:
  • Undergraduate Research Project
  • RNA Biology and CRISPR Technology in Cell Function and Disease
  • Yeast and Fermentation Technology
  • Biotechnology in Animal Physiology
  • Applied Bioethics 1: Animals, Biotechnology and Society
  • Omics: At the Forefront of Biotechnology
  • Computer Modelling in Science: Applications
  • Molecular Microbiology and Biotechnology
  • Genetic Improvement of Crop Plants
  • Sex, Flowers and Biotechnology
  • Current Issues in Crop Science
  • Microbial Fermentation
  • Plant Cell Signalling
  • Plant Disease Control
  • Virology and Cellular Microbiology
  • Environmental Biotechnology
  • Molecular Nutrition
  • Molecular Evolution: Constructing the Tree of Life
  • Plant Pathology
  • Technology Entrepreneurship in Practice
  • Current Topics in Development and Genetics

Careers

• Industries that need biotechnologists include:
  • pharmaceuticals
  • healthcare
  • bioenergy
  • green chemicals
  • agriculture
  • food production
• You can work in research and development (R&D), quality, operations, sales and business development.
• You could specialise in one area, which could include:
  • stem cell research and regenerative medicine
  • microbial sciences and antibiotic-resistant bacteria
  • biochemistry and plant science

Job Prospects

• Average starting salary and career progression:
  • 86.40% of undergraduates from the Faculty of Science secured employment or further study within 15 months of graduation.
  • The average annual salary for these graduates was £27,834.