Course Summary

The recently revised MSc Biotechnology course comprehensively covers the core subjects of modern Biotechnology, from an advanced understanding of molecular and computational biology to applied microbiology.

The aim of the course is to provide you with an understanding of how microbes can be used on an industrial scale to benefit humankind. New technologies in molecular biology, microbiology and computational biology will be taught and an insight given into how these methodologies are applied in Biotechnology industries. The underlying biochemistry will be explained at an advanced level. Laboratory based projects will be offered in one of the four taught themes (i) molecular biology, (ii) computational biology, (iii) applied microbiology and (iv) analytical biology to provide you with the laboratory skills required for subsequent employment in biotech/pharmaceutical industries or academia.

Why choose this course?

Biotechnology is one of the UK's leading manufacturing sectors, and a rapidly expanding industry in many other countries, including China and India. It is also a growing field in universities, providing academic research opportunities or possible employment in related spin-out companies. To this end, a Biotechnology degree will support graduates seeking careers in biotechnology industries, including pharmaceutical and food companies, academic institutions and health-related industries including the NHS and other public organisations.

During this course you will:

• Receive high-quality, broad-based training in biotechnology, providing a wide knowledge base and key transferable skills
• Learn from an experienced teaching team consisting of research-active specialists in academic disciplines related to biotechnology, drawn from institutions across the UK
• Benefit from academic staff with extensive experience of supervising the training of postgraduate research students and the practical projects of postgraduate students on taught courses.

Areas of study you may cover on this course include:

• Analytical methods
• Applied microbiology
• Computational biology
• Molecular biology
• Research project

MSXBT

Assessment

The assessment philosophy of the MSc Biotechnology Award conforms to the recommendations of the QAA Benchmarking statement for BSc Biomedical Science, Medicine, Pharmacy (MPharm) and Engineering (MEng). It is essential that the procedures used for the assessment of students' achievements will correspond with the knowledge, abilities and skills that are to be developed through their degree programme. Both formative and summative modes of assessment will be used.

Evidence on which assessment of student achievement is based will include:

- Formal written examinations

- Summative practical assessments

- Laboratory and other written reports

- Problem-solving exercises

- Oral presentations

- Individual planning, conduct and reporting of project work; and

- Essay assignments

Evidence on which assessment of student achievement is based may include:

- Literature surveys and evaluations

- Collaborative project work

- Preparation and displays of 'posters' reporting project work

- Personal portfolios of learning achieved

- Computer-based assessments; and

- Self and peer assessment

The course assessment strategy is compliant with the University of Bedfordshires Quality Assurance Regulations (http://www.beds.ac.uk/aboutus/qa/documents).

The Fields commitment to practical skills and the ability to communicate and interpret data through scientific report writing is emphasised at all units of the programme. As such, practical (laboratory) reports form a significant proportion of student assessment. Practical work will be assessed through written practical reports and reflective laboratory diaries.

Assessment throughout the units, most notably in the research project, will call upon abstract writing and journal review skills to promote critical thinking and integration of knowledge across the course units. The importance of oral communication skills is also acknowledged, as the units 4 and 5 all require students to undertake oral presentations as a part of the unit assessments.

Throughout the course formative assessments will be carried out that includes practical work in all four units, mini-projects, literature reviews, case studies and presentation (unit 5) prior to final summative assessments.

A students capability in carrying out research will be assessed through mini-project design, literature review, laboratory based research reports and presentations.

The group work will help students to develop transferable skills such as taking initiative, communication, team working and decision making. A students ability in oral communication will be assessed through presentations.

All assessed work will be marked on the 16 point grade scheme used throughout the University. The pass grade for all units will be grade 5 or above. The examples of assessment criteria (for grading written assignments and oral presentations) are given in Appendix B.

Students failing to successfully complete fewer than 3 of the 4 taught units will not be eligible to undertake the laboratory based research project, and will be expected to undertake a period of guided study and a final assessment in the failed areas. These students will be able to undertake laboratory based research project if they subsequently pass the failed assessments.

Course Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this course, students are expected to demonstrate:

1. Systematic understanding and a critical awareness of new technologies in molecular biology

2. Significant knowledge and understanding of the principles of recombinant protein expression and development process

3. Systematic knowledge and understanding of nucleotide and protein sequence databases and the tools to model 3-dimentional protein structures with molecular modelling software

4. Systematic understanding of those industrial processes to exploit the use microbes for a specific product or application

5. Ability to use assured, accurate and fluent language to present your work both orally and in written form including use of graphs and images to clearly illustrate complex points

6. Ability to synthesise and effectively use information from relevant sources and to independently and critically evaluate current research and advanced scholarship in the relevant subject areas

7. Originality in the application of knowledge, together with a practical understanding of how established techniques of research and enquiry are used to create and interpret knowledge in laboratory based research

8. Qualities, transferable skills (initiative, personal responsibility, effective communications, decision-making) and independent learning ability necessary for future employment

External Benchmarking

The QAAs. Biomedical Science, Medicine, Engineering and Pharmacy benchmarking standards.

Educational Aims

The aim of the course is to provide students with a understanding of how microbes can be used on an industrial scale to benefit humankind. New technologies in molecular biology, microbiology and computational biology will be taught and it shown how these methodologies are applied in Biotechnology industries and the underlying biochemistry explained at an advanced level. Laboratory based practical will be offered in one of the four taught themes (1) molecular biology, (2) computational biology, (3) applied microbiology and (4) analytical biology to provide our graduates with the laboratory skills required for subsequent employment in biotech/pharmaceutical industries or academia.

The 5 units that comprise this course combine to form three possible awards based on the number of credits accrued:

(1) Master of Science degree (MSc) 180 credits

(2) Postgraduate Diploma (PgD) 120 credits

(3) Postgraduate Certificate (PgC) 60 credits

Units and credit values:

1. Molecular Biology (30 credits)

2. Computational Biology (30 credits)

3. Applied Microbiology (30 credits)

4. Analytical Methods (30 credits)

5. Laboratory based research project (60 credits)

The course is designed for either full time or part time attendance. Typically, part time students will take two units in years 1 and 2 and then perform the research project in the third year. The laboratory research project can be based with the current employer if ratified by the course organiser.

Student support

A full Induction week programme will be provided in which students will:

• Learn about help with English Language for non native English speakers


• Meet the members of the teaching team and key faculty staff


• Have the student support system explained


• Complete enrolment forms


• Receive the course handbook


• Tour the relevant University sites/facilities, including Learning Resources, Division of Science, Butterfield Park campus and Student Centre


• Receive training on BREO, IT


• Receive information on plagiarism and ethics in research


• Receive training on referencing and creating bibliography for written assignments

Other presentations will also be given by representatives of the Student Services, the Learning Resources Centre (LRC), Professional and Academic Development (PAD) and the Student Union. The programme for Induction Week 2011 can be seen in Appendix (D).

Each student will be allocated a personal tutor to provide a spectrum of support ranging from assisting in the induction process to personal development planning. Student support will also be provided by the course manager, unit coordinators, lecturers/supervisors and students own peer groups.

BREO (the Universitys Blackboard based Virtual Learning Environment - VLE) provides a great deal of help and back-up material such as lecture notes and additional background information on all units. In some cases there are discussion boards and students can get in touch with lecturers and tutors vie e-mail. BREO also provides a certain amount of distance learning, revision material and formative assessments as well as containing all the administrative material needed such as the unit handbook and regular announcements. In addition all unit co-ordinators have set times during which students may book an appointment to discuss academic issues arising from a unit.

Where identified, special support will be provided to students with disabilities. The course requires students to carry out laboratory based practical and research projects. Disabled students should discuss the details with the Course Manager. Additional risk assessment will be carried out for laboratory based activities for disabled students and laboratory Health and Safety procedures will be followed.

Despite having the requisite English language entry qualification that some students will require extra English language support. Through diagnostic testing in Induction Week and by monitoring students performance in early stage assignments student requiring extra support will be directed to the Professional and academic development (PAD) team based in the Learning Resource Centre. The PAD team will be involved in delivering help session at key points through a students study on the course. In addition, subject to diagnostic testing, students may be required by the Course Leader to attend academic English classes (English for Academic Purposes and General English) provided by the Division of Language and Communication. English evening classes on Tuesday and Thursday evenings (6:30 8:30) every term are also held for students for whom English is their second language. The classes offer students an opportunity to improve their general command of the language, and take them towards the Cambridge University English Language exams, an English language qualification that is recognised world-wide, if they wish to sit the exams.

Student feedback is monitored through the student course representatives at the course committee meetings, USP questionnaires and the National Student Survey.

Team working

Collaborative activity and team working is an important aspect in modern science. Throughout the program, you are expected to work collaboratively in group work (eg, group practical work and group report). These group activities are designed to develop your team working skills and will be assessed by your group report.

Career Management Skills

Developing career management skills is important for your employability. The program encourages all students to discuss your career intentions and occupation requirements with member of the teaching team at the Centre for Personal and Career Development. The program also encourages you to undertake self assessment to identify your strengths, interests and development needs (eg through written or verbal feedbacks, student centred process such as SOAR and web based support such as MyFuture http://www.myfuture.com/).

Career/Further study opportunities

Career:

The course programme will support graduates seeking careers in drug research and development from wide range of employment opportunities provided by the pharmaceutical industry, biotech companies, academic institutions, the NHS and other public organisations in the following key areas:

Research and Development

Quality Control

Product Development

Manufacturing and Production

Product Registration, Licensing and Regulatory Affairs

Information Systems

Medical Information

Marketing and Sales

Administration

Scientific Writing

Cellular and Molecular Technologies

Further study:

Opportunities exist for further postgraduate study (e.g. MPhil/PhD) in the areas of cellular and molecular biology, biochemistry, applied biology, cancer studies, computational biology and cryobiology with supervisors from the Division of Science, University of administered through the LIRANS research institute.

Entry

Required:

Honours degree in a medical, biomedical, pharmaceutical, biological, chemical, nutritional science or a related science subject. Applicants without this formal qualification but who have significant relevant work experience may be considered on a case by case basis via a process that involves at least a telephone interview with the course leader.

UK students Undergraduate entry requirements

Standard entry requirements for Foundation degrees (FD/FdSc)

A foundation degree will be of particular interest if you have completed a Modern Apprenticeship, vocational A levels, BTEC National or equivalent.

Foundation degrees are also particularly suitable if you want to qualify while working.

• As a guideline, a typical offer would require you to obtain a UCAS tariff score of between 80-120 points, based on your level 3 studies.
• Students who require a Tier 4 Student Visa cannot apply for our foundation courses. For these courses the University of Bedfordshire is not able to sponsor Tier 4 Student Visa applications.

Many students studying for foundation degrees come to us through work-based routes so you can apply for a foundation degree even if you don’t have traditional academic qualifications.

We welcome applicants with relevant work experience.

Standard entry requirements for Undergraduate degrees (BA/BSc)

We will consider you as an individual and take into account all elements of your application, not just your qualifications. We are looking for both breadth and depth in your current studies as well as enthusiasm for the subject you wish to study.

The general requirement is one of the following:

• UCAS Tariff Score greater than 200, which should include either two A level passes or an AVCE Double Award
• An Access qualification
• Equivalent qualifications such as Irish Leaving Certificate, Scottish Highers, International Baccalaureate or BTEC National Diploma

Postgraduate taught courses

Postgraduate applications (MA/MSc) should be made direct to the University using the  standard University application form. There are some exceptions, please see individual course descriptions for details.

• UK/EU students application form
• International (non-EU) students application form
  

Students from the European Union

Entry requirements

As a general guide, to apply for a place on an undergraduate course (BA/BSc) at the University you need to have completed your high school education and have the required English qualification.

We have students from all the European Union member countries so we are quick to make decisions on most qualifications.

How to apply

International students

• Undergraduate applications (BA/BSc) can be made direct to the University or via our representatives in your home country. If you intend to apply to more than one university in the UK you should apply via UCAS. If you want to apply to the University of Bedfordshire only you should apply directly using our international application form (link below) or via our representatives in your home country
• Postgraduate applications should be made directly to the University using our international application form (link below) or via our representatives in your home country
• Healthcare, nursing and midwifery students Many of these courses are not available to overseas students due to UK immigration law in regard to bursary funding. Please contact international admissions to find out if you are eligible to apply
• BA Nursing Studies Level 3 (with or without Overseas Nursing Programme) is available to overseas students - please contact International Admissions by email at international-admissions@beds.ac.uk for further information

(Please note that applicants on a full student visa are not eligible for part-time study)

Course application form for international students

We recommend that you apply directly to the University where possible, as this allows us to offer the quickest turnaround time for your application.

• Course application form for direct applications [PDF]

How to complete your course application

Please read the Direct application instructions before completing the course application form.

Application forms for accommodation in the student halls at Bedford campus and Luton campus are available in the Student life section

Accreditation of prior certificated learning (APL)

APL is available for international students applying for undergraduate (Bachelor degree) study. Please do not use this APL form to apply for postgraduate courses.

Use the APL form to tell us about any non-standard qualifications and/or work experience you have that you think should be taken into consideration with your application. `

The APL form should be submitted at the same time as the course application form.

We regret we are unable to process APL forms from students who have not submitted a formal course application form.

• APL application form for International students [100Kb] updated 041007

What next?

Return your completed application to:

University of Bedfordshire
International Admissions
Park Square
Luton
Bedfordshire
LU1 3JU
United Kingdom

Contact International Admissions

T: +44 (0)1582 489326 (non-EU Students)
F: +44 (0)1582 743469
E: international-admissions@beds.ac.uk

Awarding institution

University of Bedfordshire

Teaching Strategy

In line with the QAA Benchmarking statements for BSc Biomedical Scicence, Medicine, Pharmacy (MPharm), and Engineering (MEng) motivation and challenge of the student is through a skilled and balanced selection of teaching and learning techniques, including:

- Lectures

- Practical classes

- Workshops

- Seminars

- Tutorials

- Other forms of interactive small-group teaching

- IT-based teaching and learning

- Independent assignment-based learning

- Auditable, directed private study

- Team working and

- Project work

Delivery is also in line with the Divisions Blended Learning strategy with regards e-, or network-, based learning which generally makes use of the BREO system. In line with University Policy, all units in the Division have a BREO site containing unit and assessment documents and details; assessment results; announcements/notices; lecture notes; Powerpoint presentations.

Students will be provided with training in presentation skills throughout the course during seminars and workshops. This translational skills training will equip them ahead of their case presentation and description of research progress.

As appropriate the BREO sites for a unit will also contain other support material to aid understanding of the course material. This allows it to act as a gateway to other web-based resources. Links are provided to websites containing information such as; similar lecture material; pictures or movie (avi, etc.); clips showing a biological principle in drug action, live or in a model; self-learning/assessment sites on the internet; journal articles or technical sites. These sorts of web-based material along with interactive websites that provide virtual practical, where students can undertake practical or modelling on their own and view the results, are all methods of supporting independent and blended learning to improve the students performance.

The course supports meaningful learning through a curriculum that is intellectually challenging and of practical relevance to those seeking a future career in areas of biotechnology. The course is designed to encourage a reflective, student-centred approach to learning. The course incorporates some of the latest developments in the subject of molecular biology, computational biology, applied microbiology and analytical methods with students being referred to the latest books and key references in research journals as sources of information. As such the course will be challenging in introducing new ideas and concepts.

Students will be active in their learning through interaction in lectures, seminars, tutorials, workshops, participating in laboratory practical and in preparing the assessments. Students will be encouraged to be reflective in their learning by seeking to integrate the academic content of the different units on the course and reflecting on the implications of pharmacology on society. Students are encouraged to interact with the research active teaching team. Laboratory sessions are also good environments for student communication within the cohort making the learning process a collaborative effort.

The lectures, seminars, tutorials and practical sessions for full time students will take place at the Universitys Park Square campus, Division of Science. For part time students attendance for the four units will be at Park Square campus, however the practical project could be performed at their place of employment with prior agreement. Students will have the opportunity to carry out a laboratory based research project under supervision in laboratories of the University of Bedfordshire or in other institutions.

Professional, Statutory and Regulatory Body Accreditation

N/A

Students with disabilities

The course welcomes students with disabilities. During the application process disabled students discuss their needs with individual members of the academic staff, as well as staff from the Disability Advice Team. Normally does not provide an obstacle to students participating fully in the practical aspects of coursework.

Any students that have any form of disability or medical condition that might affect their studies should make themselves known to the Field Chair or Programme Manager BEFORE beginning their studies. This is particularly important where an existing condition may generate health and safety concerns either working in the laboratory or working alone in the field.

The Disability Advice Team is available to discuss any issues students may have and can provide services such as sign language interpreters, note takers, dyslexia screening/tuition and support with mobility on campus. They offer confidential advice and information about academic and personal issues, adjustments in examinations, applying for the Disabled Students' Allowances (DSA) and buying suitable equipment.

A minor potential barrier to study is wheel chair access during practical. This is limited in some laboratories and must be in accordance with health and safety regulations, although may be possible by special arrangements. Students requiring such assistance are asked to consult with the Universitys Disability Advisor and the Division of Science to resolve any potential problems before enrolling on the course. Students with asthma or related conditions should inform academic staff prior to commencing the practical work on a unit to ensure that their health and safety is safeguarded.

Skills Development

In addition to having a good knowledge and laboratory practical skills of your subject areas, you will improve your chances of employment by developing skills in the following areas:

Communication

To help with the development of communication skills you will:

• Develop a strategy for using communication skills over an extended period of time


• Work in small groups during the laboratory practical, interacting with fellow students


• Write scientific reports for assessment using appropriate written English


• Make oral presentations supported by Powerpoint slides on the outcomes from your work and your research project


• Be expected to take a proactive role in lectures and tutorials, asking questions and volunteering opinions


• Students who are diagnosed with needs for extra support with writing and communications skills development may be required to take additional classes provided by the University

Information Literacy

To help with the development of this you will:

• Learn how to synthesise and effectively use information from relevant sources. You will also be taught about bioinformatics, the application of computing to aspects of the course subject


• Be expected to demonstrate effective use of word processing, database, statistical analysis software and presentation software such as PowerPoint

Research and Evaluation

To help with the development of this you will:

• Learn how to carry out literature and laboratory based research. You will also learn the ethical and health and safety issues associated with the research projects

Creativity and Critical Thinking

To help with the development of this you will:

• Learn how to critically evaluate information in the literature on recent scientific advances and their implications


• Learn how to critically evaluate laboratory results

Improving learning and performance

The program encourages all participants to identify and address your own personal and professional development needs. You should be proactive in discussing these needs with your personal tutor. You should pay particular attention to feedbacks, both written and verbal from various sources throughout the program.

Progress files

During the induction period, you will be introduced to Progress Files. A Progress File is a paper based document charting an individuals development and will contain three elements: the transcript, personal record and personal development planning. The Progress File will be monitored by your personal tutor.

You will be given guidance and information about the Division of Science policy on progress files during the induction.

Professional standards

Both staff and students are expected to maintain high professional standards by:

Maintaining a high attendance and punctuality rate for course related activities such as lectures, tutorials/seminars, practical sessions and meetings with lecturers etc.

Working within the deadlines

Being committed to their own personal and professional development by seeking new knowledge and skills to enhance professional performance

Working collaboratively and with a professional attitude

Appropriately address ethical issues associated with research

Appropriately address the health and safety issues in the university environment and especially in laboratory practice

Giving credit whenever you use other peoples ideas (theory, facts, statistics, graphs, drawings, spoken or written words etc) to avoid plagiarism.

Strategy for developing and embedding the professional standards

The professional standards will be introduced to students during the student induction period. Students should be proactive in maintaining these standards. Professional standards will be monitored and issues addressed throughout the program.

Ethical issues related to the course will be addressed within individual units as they arise and will be part of the assessment in some instances.

In formulating the project proposal and in its implementation, you will have the opportunity to show how well embedded the professional standards are by: your reliability in collaborating with fellow students, meeting deadlines and keeping appointments, showing an awareness of the ethical issues surrounding your area of research and by successful completion of health and safety risk assessments for your practical work.