Molecular and Cellular Biology (with Biotechnology)

University of Glasgow

Biotechnology is essential for the development of new drugs, bio-control agents, energy, food security and vaccine development. Molecular cell biology is the fundamental discipline that underpins biotechnology. This covers understanding the molecular basis of gene and protein function and goes on to the design of completely artificial organisms. Biotechnology is a fascinating field of study with many practical applications to the challenges humanity faces.Molecular Cellular Biology with Biotechnolgy at the University of Glasgow continues to meet and exceed student expectations, combining both teaching excellence and a supportive learning environment. You’ll benefit from in depth lecture series on specialised topics that are aligned with practical laboratory classes, problem solving and critical thinking sessions.,. We strongly encourage applications for summer internships and help students to try to secure these either at the University of Glasgow or further afield.Practical classes access state of the art equipment and are developed and well supported by academic members of staff. You will study molecular aspects of protein design, biotechnology, plant biotechnology and antibody design. You will undertake a practical research project. This degree programme is professionally accredited by the Royal Society of Biology. You’ll be taught by world-leading scientists, whose research is making a world-changing impact in areas such as plant pest- and drought resistance, engineered CO2 assimilation, food security and vaccine design.Advances in molecular biology have been instrumental to the completion of many genome projects which in turn have led, and continue to lead, to exciting developments in medical science, agriculture, biotechnology and industry – for example, understanding the molecular basis of illness and disease to biotechnology for the development of new drugs, bio-control agents and the use of genetic engineering for vaccine development. Molecular biology is central to all biological processes and biotechnology applies the understanding of these processes to finding innovative solutions to today’s biological challenges.Many of our graduates go on to pursue a Masters degree or PhD in their area of specialism and work in research laboratories in academic institutions, biotechnology laboratories, or in industry. There are increasing opportunities in the agrochemical, pharmaceutical and fermentation industries, particularly for those graduates with interests in synthetic biology and biotechnology. Other areas of employment include the Scientific Civil Service and government research laboratories.In addition, the transferable skills you will develop such as communication (written and oral), critical thinking, problem solving, data analysis and interpretation, time management, adaptability, and teamwork, will leave you well equipped for a wide range of careers outside a laboratory setting. Recent graduates have secured positions in non-science careers as diverse as accountancy, IT, journalism, teaching, patent law, finance/investment banking, data analyst, science communication, policy makers for government and law enforcement. With your degree you will be equipped with a large number of very desirable skills that will make you very competitive when applying to potential employers.