Biotechnology MSc

University of the West of Scotland

Overview

This programme equips you for a career in the biotechnology and life science profession or enables you to progress to PhD study.

Designed and delivered with industry input, the programme will develop your knowledge and understanding of a range of theoretical and practical skills relevant to the biotechnology industry, advance your understanding of the industry and grow your research skills.

An appreciation of the principles of commercialisation in the biotechnology industry will be developed through a bio-industry or work-related learning module.

You will develop practical laboratory skills throughout the programme in areas such as molecular biology, microbiology, and bioanalysis.

Modules developing your skills as a researcher will underpin the MSc research project, which may be studied abroad – bringing a global perspective to your studies and allowing you to gain extensive experience in a research laboratory environment.

Course Highlights

Development of practical skills and an appreciation of the biotechnology industry – including input from industry speakers – is embedded throughout the programme.

You will study at our new ultra-modern, £110 million Lanarkshire Campus which includes a suite of class II cell culture facilities, microbiology and parasitology culture suites, a well-equipped biochemistry laboratory and molecular biology and microscopy facilities.

The practical nature of the course means that graduates will readily find employment within the life science industry in the UK or abroad.

You can graduate with the bracketed Professional Practice award by completing an extra 60 credit work placement module with biotechnology and life science employers. You will also gain PGCert and PGDip awards in this course,

Assessment

• Exam: 22%
• Practical: 32%
• Coursework: 46%

Assessment across our course will require you to use various forms of written and oral presentation appropriate to a professional scientist. This will include:

• Laboratory reports
• Logbooks
• Essays
• Scientific papers
• Case studies
• Literature reviews
• Research proposals
• Posters
• Oral presentations