MSc Biotechnology
Lincoln, United Kingdom
DURATION
1 Years
LANGUAGES
English
PACE
Full time
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TUITION FEES
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STUDY FORMAT
On-Campus
Scholarships
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Introduction
The MSc Biotechnology programme provides students with the opportunity to develop an advanced theoretical knowledge, understanding, and practical experience of modern molecular and systems biology approaches to emerging biotechnologies.
The course is designed to provide a grounding in core biotechnology, alongside specialist training in medical, industrial, environmental, and fermentation biotechnology, with the opportunity to complete a research project within one of these areas.
Staff within the Department of Life Sciences offer a wide range of expertise in a variety of disciplines including molecular, cell, and system biology, recombinant DNA technology, protein biochemistry, structural biology, fermentation, bioengineering, among many others. Students may also have opportunities to hear from external guest speakers working in the industry and other schools from across the University.
Research Projects
As part of this course, students can undertake an independent research project within a biotechnology-related discipline. Independent research projects are often linked to research specialisms within the Department of Life Sciences. These specialisms currently include microbiology and biotechnology, cancer and ageing, evolution and ecology, diabetes, metabolism and inflammation, and animal behaviour cognition and welfare.
"This information was correct at the time of publishing (July 2023)"
Admissions
Scholarships and Funding
Curriculum
How You Study
The programme includes a combination of lectures, workshops, laboratory practicals, IT classes, seminars, problem-based-learning group sessions, independent learning, and research projects. There is also an emphasis on the development of professional and research skills, which can enhance employability.
The first and second terms focus on introductory and specialist modules. Over the summer, students can progress to an independent research project within a biotechnology-related discipline.
Postgraduate level study involves a significant proportion of independent study, exploring the material covered in lectures and seminars. For every hour spent in class, students are expected to spend at least two to three hours in independent study.
How You Are Assessed
Assessment is mainly conducted through coursework including literature reviews, problem papers, oral and poster presentations, and ultimately the preparation of a research dissertation for the research project. There is limited use of examinations/in class tests. Specific guidance on each assessment is provided and the programme includes specific training for the main type of assessment.
Fermentation Biotechnology (Core)
This module aims to provide specialised training in larger scale growth and utilisation of microbial and cell cultures. Lectures, practicals and workshops will focus on the analysis of growth kinetics and product yield optimisation with the aim of providing insight into historical and cutting-edge large-scale implementation of these biotechnologies. The practical component of this module provides students with the chance to propose and carry out their own fermentations.
Identification of Infectious Diseases (Core)
This module aims to reinforce the underlying concepts and principles of identification of infectious diseases developed through the students existing knowledge of basic microbiology and medical microbiology. Students are expected to become familiar with diagnostic and identification techniques involved in the field of clinical microbiology, and be able to apply developing knowledge and skills in molecular biology to contemporary issues and concerns in the field of microbiology.
Independent Research Project (Core)
The research projects run over the summer, although elements of them are likely to take place in the second term (research plan and literature review). Students are able to choose a research topic from a very broad spectrum of options, primarily linked to the research focuses of the teaching staff. Supervisors of the projects will provide outline projects but students will also have the opportunity to develop their research projects in specific directions relating to their individual interests.
Industrial and Environmental Microbiology (Core)
This module aims to describe the applications of microbiology in industrial and environmental processes. The industrial aspect of the module emphasizes how microbiological knowledge and understanding can be used to improve commercial processes relevant to industries such as food production and water treatment. The environmental aspect of the module considers the role of microbial communities, interactions, and processes in the environment.
Molecular Biotechnology (Core)
This module is delivered through a combination of laboratory practicals and lectures, with the aim of equipping students with a solid background in the most important and modern molecular techniques. The expertise of teaching staff in particular techniques is utilised to its full extent and examples of use of techniques are provided throughout the lecture and practical series.
Professional and Research Skills in the Life and Environmental Sciences (Core)
The module focuses on the development of transferable skills that are applicable both professionally and to research projects, within the programme of study and beyond. The skills will be relevant to the broad life and environmental sciences and will allow students to strengthen their proficiency primarily in these areas: scientific writing and communication skills, research data analysis and presentation, professional and career skills.
The Microbial World (Core)
This module aims to equip students with core practical and writing skills and to introduce them to selected advanced concepts illustrating the depth of understanding expected at Master's level, building on their undergraduate experience. The module covers core lab and writing skills, the diversity of microbial life, growth and reproduction alongside relevant areas of biochemistry, genetics, ecology and evolution.
Program Outcome
- A grounding in core biotechnology alongside training in specialist areas
- A focus on theoretical knowledge, understanding, and practical experience
- Hear from visiting speakers from industry
- Emphasis on the development of professional and research skills
- Complete a research project in a specialist area
How You Study
The programe includes a combination of lectures, workshops, laboratory practicals, IT classes, seminars, problem-based-learning group sessions, independent learning, and research projects. There is also an emphasis on the development of professional and research skills, which can enhance employability.
The first and second terms focus on introductory and specialist modules. Over the summer, students can progress to an independent research project within a biotechnology-related discipline.
Postgraduate level study involves a significant proportion of independent study, exploring the material covered in lectures and seminars. For every hour spent in class, students are expected to spend at least two to three hours in independent study.
Program Tuition Fee
Career Opportunities
The biotechnology industry recruits qualified individuals for a broad range of roles, from sales and marketing, to research and development, manufacturing, and quality control and assurance. Research and diagnostic laboratories, either public or private, also recruit individuals with advanced knowledge on current biotechnology aspects and who are trained in modern biotechnology techniques.
To help enhance employability, students are able to access training and support to develop a broad range of professional and research skills, including science communication and dissemination, scientific writing, and career planning.