Biotechnology (Healthcare Technologies) (Research)

Study the rapidly developing field of biotechnology and get ready for a career finding solutions for global healthcare challenges.

This programme will give you an understanding of how the cellular and molecular mechanisms of biological systems can be utilised and manipulated to improve diagnostic tools and drug therapies to solve real-world biological problems. You'll gain the skills and expertise required for future developments in biotechnology, along with specialist knowledge in biotechnology for healthcare.

With the successful completion of the programme, you will graduate with the specialist knowledge and employability skills required for a career in academic, clinical, industrial or commercial sectors anywhere in the world. Recent examples of graduate roles include a Healthcare Scientist, Pharmaceutical and Agri-tech R&D Scientist, Academic Researcher, Research Council Portfolio Manager.

Programme content
Learning

• Doctoral skills online

• Doctoral skills workshop

• Interaction and networking

• Laboratory sessions

• Lectures

• Online resources

• Practical sessions

• Research project

• Seminars

• Supervisory team

• Tutorials

• Video materials

• Workshops

Taught content
For the Integrated PhD in Biotechnology (Healthcare Technologies) programme you will be enrolled on the MSc Biotechnology (Healthcare Technologies) in your first year. Your MSc will be awarded upon successful completion of both the MSc and doctoral research stage of the programme. In the event you successfully complete the MSc but do not transfer to the research stage, your MSc will be awarded at the end of year 1.

Units

In addition to the units studied during the course, you'll have access to online study materials two weeks before the start of semester 1, to help you prepare for study at Bath.

Compulsory course units

These compulsory units are currently being studied by our students, or are proposed new units.

All compulsory units

• Advances in molecular biotechnology

• Broadening horizons

• Research project 1A

• Start of placement

Optional course units
These are examples of current modules available on the Healthcare Technologies stream.

• Tissue engineering

• Biosensors

• Techniques for drug discovery

Research content
Progression to your research stage in year 2 will be subject to successful completion of the MSc (with a minimum overall programme average of 50%, including 50% in the dissertation), and acceptance by a lead supervisor for the research project. Your thesis proposal and interdisciplinary supervisory team will be decided by the end of the first year. In years 2 through 4 you will conduct your PhD thesis research.

Although the registration period for an integrated PhD programme at the University of Bath is 5 years it is expected that you will submit your PhD thesis within 4 years of commencing your studies.

Professional Development
Professional development is a crucial element of doctoral study, not only in supporting your research but also as part of your longer term career development. Our Doctoral Skills workshops and courses will help you build your skills and help you succeed in your doctorate.

Please check the University of Bath website for the most recently published course detail.

Assessment methods:

• Coursework
• Data analysis practical
• Dissertation (MSc route only)
• End point assessment
• Essay
• Multiple choice examination
• Online assessment
• Practical work
• Presentations
• Seminar
• Thesis
• Viva Voce
• Written examination

Most of our research students register as probationers for the PhD programme to begin with. Your PhD registration is confirmed subject to your passing an assessment process. This normally involves submitting written work and an oral examination.

Candidates are expected to carry out supervised research at the leading edge of their chosen subject, which must then be written up as a substantial thesis.

The final stage of the PhD programme is the oral or viva voce examination, in which students are required to defend the thesis to a Board of Examiners.