Analytical Methods

Analytical methods underpin biotechnology since without measurement there can be little knowledge or understanding. This unit will provide you with a perspective on the use of analytical methods within the disciplines of Biotechnology. It will equip you with the necessary knowledge and techniques to incorporate analytical methods practise into Biotechnology application.

•  The unit aims to address fundamental concepts of metrology in a biotechnology context.
• To consider the range of strategies for separation, detection and measurement of components in complex mixtures.  
• Subject knowledge and understanding are complemented with the development of skills in the objective and critical interpretation of information sources together with effective communication of information and ideas.

Applied Microbiology

The field of microbiology has from the outset been motivated by its application. Even before such organisms were isolated and understood, their products were exploited by industries, such as food, agriculture and medicine. Today, microorganisms continue to provide us with a range of novel products and applications in diverse biotechnology contexts.

The unit aims to equip you with the knowledge required to underpin studies in applied microbiology. Consider examples of how microorganisms have been applied to meet the needs of diverse industries. Analyse and evaluate how microorganisms may be modified to enhance their utility in applications. To reflect on the potential of microorganisms to meet the needs of society and deliver economic and health benefits. To equip you with the practical skills required to manipulate microorganisms, and appropriately manage health and safety considerations related to such activity. Enable you to appraise scientific literature and discussions related to applied microbiology and to prepare you to confidently contribute to these developments.

Sound understanding of applied microbiology and good practical skills in related areas are critically important attributes that will enable you to seek employment and/or continue further studies and research to contribute to biotechnology innovations for sustainable development.

Biotechnology Research Project

Independent research is a critical part of any master’s degree and the part that most students find the most satisfying as it is an opportunity to undertake an extended period of personal research and present it in a professional format.

Molecular Biology

Advances in molecular biology are central to the development of biotechnology.  In this unit you will learn how the synthesis and manipulation of recombinant DNA has led to this revolution in industrial scale biological science. Emphasis will be given to the methodological basis of these techniques and their historical development. The relationship to recombinant protein synthesis, as well as the development of new genetically modified organisms, will be discussed. The role of genetically modified prokaryotes and eukaryotes will be studied and the production of economically important strains and livestock will provide a focus for discussion.

The aims of this unit are to:

• Introduce the concepts and principles of molecular biology and explore its applications for use in biotechnology.
• Present the basis of methods that underpin recombinant DNA synthesis and analysis.
• Describe the basis upon which gene expression can be  manipulated in prokaryotes and eukaryotes.
• Explore the potentials of directed mutagenesis in cDNA and its application to protein engineering.
• Introduce and evaluate the use of nucleic acids as therapeutic agents.
• Present the spectrum of diagnostic methods that are based on DNA analysis.
• Explore the creation and analysis of clonal, transgenic, knock-out and knock-in animals.

Biomaterials

• To introduce the concepts and principles related to the development and application of biomaterials to the treatment of human disease and injury.
• Overview the biological mechanisms and the clinical problems associated with immunological rejection.
• Critically evaluate the key mechanisms involved in degradation of biomaterials in vivo.
• Gain a detailed understanding of the clinical application of biomaterials.
• Understand the health issues associated with insertion and removal of implants and devices.
• Compare and contrast the issues associated with development of artificial organs, plastic surgery and bone reconstructions.

Computational And Systems Biology

This unit will provide you with a perspective on the use of computational biology within Biotechnology. It will equip you with the necessary knowledge and techniques to incorporate computational biology practise into your future research.

Aims:

To equip you with an understanding of problems associated with biological data.
To develop a detailed understanding of protein structure and function.
To demonstrate via the techniques of Systems Biology that cellular pathways can be treated as network systems.
To show how computational methods can be used in the formulation and analysis of high-throughput experiments.
To gain expertise in the use of computer software packages commonly used in Bioinformatics and Systems Biology.
To gain expertise in selective reading of the objective and critical interpretation of information resources and in the written presentation of a hypothesis and the underlying evidence.