Biotechnology

What is biotechnology?
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.

Biotechnologists tackle global issues in healthcare, energy, environment, food, and agriculture to:

• develop new life-saving medicines

• feed growing populations by generating plants with better nutritional value

• reduce greenhouse gas emissions by providing cleaner biofuels

What you'll study
In the first three years of this integrated masters degree you will be introduced to the fundamental aspects of biotechnology, genetic manipulations, and cellular processes relating to plants, microbes and animals. In the final year you will do a research project on ground-breaking research topics addressing global challenges:

• microbial biotechnology – learn how to genetically manipulate microorganisms to make better medicines, ensure food safety, and remediate the environment

• plant biotechnology – enhance the nutritional value of plants and develop more resistant crops

• animal biotechnology – understand animal nutrition, growth and welfare, and how biotech can be used to develop new disease treatments

Throughout the degree you can choose the aspects of biotech that interest you most.

Topics include:

• genes and cells

• analysis of gene expression

• molecular pharming

• microbiology and immunology

• genomes and gene editing techniques

• protein expression

• ethics of biotechnology

• animal physiology and biotechnology

Why choose this course?

• Practical Course – Use our facilities for gene cloning and sequencing to build your practical knowledge

• Specialist Labs – Study in specialist laboratories of molecular biology, genetics, cell culture and microbiology.

• Be Taught by Experts – Experts in the field give lectures and thought-provoking debates about the ethical, commercial and environmental concerns

• Improve Lives – Learn the latest techniques to develop new products and processes that improve our lives.

Study abroad
On many of our Faculty of Science courses, you get the chance to spend a semester or an academic year at one of our partner universities across the world. Read what it's like to study abroad and how it can open new doors for adventures, connections and opportunities.