Biotechnology MSc

About the course

This programme will give you hands-on practical experience of both laboratory and bioinformatics techniques. You will also be trained in biotechnology research strategies. A strong practical foundation is provided in the first semester (Semester A) when you study two modules: 'Core Molecular Biology' and 'Genes, Proteins and Development'. These modules concentrate on the basic principles and the techniques used in modern molecular biology investigations, and on aspects of cellular molecular biology and development.

The second semester (Semester B) has a problem-based learning approach to the application of the knowledge you gained in Semester A. You will study two modules: 'Industrial Biotechnology' and 'Molecular Biotechnology'. These modules will give you an in depth understanding of the application of molecular biological approaches to the production of industrial and medicinal proteins. You will also learn how to apply and design industrial and environmental biotechnology processes, such as process kinetics and design, reactor design and oxygen transfer, sterilization kinetics and the application of biotechnology processes for the bioremediation of contaminated sites.

In the third semester (Semester C) you undertake a research project to develop your expertise further. The research project falls into different areas and may include aspects of fermentation biotechnology, genetic manipulation and protein engineering, bioinformatics, microbial physiology and environmental biotechnology.

Why choose this course?

• This course gives in-depth knowledge of biotechnology and molecular biology for biosciences or biological chemistry graduates.
• It has a strong practical basis giving you training in biotechnology research strategies and hand-on experience of laboratory and bioinformatics techniques.
• It equips you for research and development positions in the biotechnology and pharmaceutical industries, as well as a wide range of non-research roles in industry.
• Biosciences research facilities cover fermentation biotechnology, high performance liquid chromatography, (HPLC), cell culture, molecular biology and pharmacology.
• There are excellent facilities for chemical and biomedical analysis, genetics and cell biology studies and students have access to the latest equipment for chemical synthesis and purification, PCR, qPCR and 2D protein gel analysis systems for use during their final year projects.

Study routes

• Full Time, 1 Years

Locations

• University of Hertfordshire, Hatfield

Careers

On successful completion of the programme you will be well qualified for research and development positions in the biotechnology and pharmaceutical industries, to progress to a research degree or to consider non-research roles in industry such as management, manufacturing and marketing.

Teaching methods

The course consists of five modules including a research project:

• Core Molecular Biology
• Genes, Proteins and Development
• Industrial Biotechnology
• Molecular Biotechnology
• Research project

All modules are 100% coursework assessed.

Professional Accreditations

Not applicable.

Structure

Year 1

Core Modules

• Core Molecular Biology

  DNA structure and function: genome complexity, structure of genes, DNA replication, RNA and protein synthesis, introduction to the control of gene expression. Cell molecular biology: signal transduction mechanisms, eukaryotic gene control. Principles of basic genetics, protein structure and function. Recombinant DNA technology: basic strategy - cutting and joining DNA, library screening, DNA sequencing, polymerase chain reaction, analysis of gene/transgene expression, methods for gene transfer and applications, transgenic organisms. Genomics: Physical mapping including sequencing strategies. Expressed sequence tags (ESTs). Genome databases etc. Practical bioinformatics: gene prediction, searching for cis elements, characterization of restriction sites, DNA and protein primary databases (file formats etc), searching primary databases, genome databases, PCR primer design, multiple sequence alignments and phylogenetic analysis, protein classification and structure prediction.

• Genes, Proteins and Development

  This module will provide an advanced understanding of genetics, proteins, the area of proteomics and the molecular basis of cellular differentiation and development. The isolation and analysis of genetic mutants, complementation and epistasis will be considered in addition to genetic mapping methods and techniques to identify genes involved in development. The relationship between protein structure and function will be considered as will current protein and immunochemical techniques used to isolate and analyse proteins. The use of proteomics and proteomic techniques such as 2D gel electrophoresis and mass spectrometry to analyse and identify new or modified proteins in cells and tissues will be undertaken. The differentiation and development of prokaryotic and eukaryotic organisms will be considered and these will include areas such as cell signalling and regulation of differentiation in bacteria and the molecular mechanisms that account for it. The development of selected eukaryotic systems will also be explored and the underlying molecular events including the genomic and proteomic changes that control such development and differentiation considered.

• Industrial Biotechnology

  An introduction to the range of fermentation processes; process kinetics and design; process optimisation; reactor design and oxygen transfer; sterilization kinetics; down-stream processing. The improvement of industrial strains. Effluent treatment processes. The application of biotechnology processes for the bioremediation of contaminated sites. Each student, working in a small group, will investigate two case studies using a problem-based learning approach. Examples of such problems may be: * Analysis of the kinetics of a fermentation process * To design an experiment to determine the highest biomass concentration that may be maintained under aerobic conditions in a fermentation process * To scale-up a fermentation process * To design a strain improvement programme

• Molecular Biotechnology

  Prokaryotic and eukaryotic heterologous protein production. Vector design, gene modification, protein expression, protein secretion, protein stability. Strategies for protein production and purification. Engineering of commercially important proteins. Vaccine design. DNA shuffling and artificial evolution as methods for protein improvement. Two chosen case studies will be done on a group problem-based learning approach. Examples of areas from which problems might come from - The production of specific vaccines heterologous protein production in plants baculovirus systems for protein production the use of animal cell cultures for the production of proteins.

• Project - Mol Biol, Biotech, Pharmacology & Bioinformatics

  Research methodology - the formulation and testing of hypotheses; experimental design and associated statistical analysis; questionnaire design; data analysis and the assessment of significance. Safety & risk assessment in the laboratory. Information seeking - the nature of scientific literature; the internet, textbooks, review literature and research literature; the use of databases; performance of a literature search. The research project - identification of a research field; the construction of a literature review; identification of the project aim and the specific problems to be addressed; the formulation of an hypothesis; the testing of an hypothesis, the design of investigative methods and the adoption of relevant statistical analysis; analysis and interpretation of data and drawing of conclusions; reassessment of the hypothesis, the relevance of the findings to current knowledge; production of a report; defence of the report.

Optional

Fees & funding

Discounts are available for International students if payment is made in full at registration

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Other financial support

Find out more about other financial support available to UK and EU students

Living costs / accommodation

The University of Hertfordshire offers a great choice of student accommodation, on campus or nearby in the local area, to suit every student budget.

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How to apply