Biotechnology with foundation year

Study a lab-focused course that blends theory with hands-on experience, helping you develop scientific, analytical and communication skills that could be useful in solving real-world challenges and preparing for diverse roles in biotechnology.

The foundation year of this Coventry University degree will be delivered from our CU Coventry campus. Course delivery from year 1 of the degree onwards will be from the Coventry University campus.

• Build foundations: explore how life works from the smallest molecules to whole-body systems. Learn about DNA and RNA, how genes are switched on and off, and how cells use energy. Study about bioinformatics, using maths and statistics to analyse real biological data.

• Real-world focus: understand how biotechnology helps create safe, sustainable food, clean up pollution, produce useful materials on a large scale and develop greener solutions for the environment.

• Explore cutting-edge topics: learn about areas like genomics, personalised medicine, CRISPR and gene therapy in disease treatment. Learn how biotech breakthroughs are brought to market, and develop skills in areas including computational biology.

Why you should study this course

• Learn digital and analytical skills: develop bioinformatics and computational biology skills, learning how to analyse large data sets, interpret omics data and use programming tools to support breakthroughs in genomics and personalised medicine.

• Study the science that’s changing lives: from tackling antibiotic resistance to advancing cancer therapies, explore how biotechnology is solving real-world health and environmental challenges, preparing you for a meaningful career at the forefront of innovation.

• Opt for the master’s route: you may choose to extend your studies with the MSci route (subject to meeting progression requirements). Deepen your expertise with a final year focused on advanced research, which could give you an edge when applying for specialist roles.

• Contemporary facilities: apply theory through lab sessions and projects, giving you real-world experience with techniques like PCR, gene editing (CRISPR) and cell culture which are vital in research and industry.

• Learn from research-active experts and global case studies: learn from academic staff with industry experience in biotech research (staff may be subject to change). Study real-world examples from around the world, helping you understand how innovation works in different regulatory, ethical and commercial environments.

*For further information please check the course page on the Coventry University website.

Course Modules

The foundation year offers an introduction to your chosen subject and supports you to develop the skills required for degree-level study. Modules include:

• Introduction to Health and Disease
• Foundation of Anatomy and Physiology
• Introduction to Cell Biology
• Foundation of Chemistry

This course has a common first year.

• Introduction to Biomolecules and Biochemistry
• Cells to Systems
• Microbiology and Immunology
• Molecular Biology and Genetics

Year Two Modules

• Bioengineering and Industrial Biotechnology
• Agro-environmental Biotechnology
• Biotech Breakthroughs: From Science to Success
• Computational Biology

Placement Year
There’s no better way to find out what you love doing than trying it out for yourself, which is why a work placement can often be beneficial. Work placements usually occur between your second and final year of study. They’re a great way to help you explore your potential career path and gain valuable work experience, whilst developing transferable skills for the future.

Final Year

• Healthcare Biotechnology
• Frontiers in Biotechnology
• Innovating Biotech: Entrepreneurship and Product Development
• Research Project

MSci Year

• Theoretical Principles for Laboratory Scientists
• Laboratory and Data Analysis Skills
• Molecular Biology route additional modules: Advances in Molecular Biology
• Molecular Basis of Human Disease
• Industrial and Environmental route additional modules: Industrial Biotechnology
• Environmental Biotechnology
• Vaccinology and Immunotherapy route additional modules: Advanced Topics in Vaccinology and Immunotherapy
• Human and Animal Vaccines

We regularly review our course content, to make it relevant and current for the benefit of our students. For these reasons, course modules may be updated. Before accepting any offers, please check the website for the most up to date course content.

*For further information please check the course page on the Coventry University website.