About this course
- Entry year: 2012/13
- Course code: C56A
- Applications: University
- Level: Postgraduate
- Department: Applied Sciences
- Campus: Frenchay
- Duration: One year full-time or three years day release
- Programme leader: Ian Wilson PhD
Introduction
Molecular Biotechnology is the leading-edge science of manipulating genes and transferring them between organisms in order to produce useful products or commercial processes. Although biotechnology has been around as a science for many years, recent key developments in the fields of genomic and proteomic science have led to an increasing interest in the field of molecular biotechnology.
Features of this course include:
- taught modules covering genomics, proteomics, biotechnology and bioinformatics
- practical course designed to enable you to acquire key laboratory skills in molecular biotechnology
- critical design and analysis of research
- an independent research project which represents one third of the MSc, and is carried out in the Bristol Genomics Research Institute
The course is especially suited to biologists and biomedical scientists wishing to extend their expertise in this area, or to enhance and update existing experience. A successful outcome should enhance your opportunities to apply for a range of scientific positions within the expanding molecular biotechnology sector and/or move into an appropriate PhD programme.
The course is available as a full-time or part-time route. The part-time route is suitable for students in full-time employment.
Structure
Content
All students study the core modules:
Molecular Biotechnology
This module focuses on biotechnology of microbial and eukaryotic systems, biosensors, enzyme biotechnology, environmental biotechnology, developing, regulating and patenting molecular biotechnology and bioethics.
Applied Genomics
In this module you will study model genomes including their structure and organisation, patterns, transcriptomes and proteomes, and their molecular evolution. The module also looks at functional genomics including expression analysis, transcriptomics and proteomics. The module also covers theoretical and practical applications of bioinformatics.
Gene Expression and Regulation
This module includes major themes in cell signalling such as protein phosphorylation, G proteins, inositol and calcium signalling, and the control of transcription factors. Other areas covered will be mechanisms such as post-transcriptional regulation of the levels of proteins in cells, along with the regulation of protein turnover, RNAi, epigentics and circadian rhythms.
Practical and Critical Issues in Research
This module runs as two parts, the first of which is an extended practical class which consists of a piece of practical work that involves a number of molecular genetic techniques including DNA isolation, gene cloning, PCR, and protein expression. There are also demonstrations of other technologies carried out in the Bristol Genomics Research Institute such as microarrays, 2D gel electrophoresis and mass spectrometer protein analysis module. The second part of the module covers a number of topics including; finding, using and making sense of information - information retrieval, critical reading, thinking and principles of good experimental design Characteristics of a good project, research paper and review article; The importance of bioethics; Effective communication skills - scientific writing, oral and poster presentations.
Research Project
For full-time students this is carried out over the course of the year, with more time to finish the practical work and write up in Term 3 and over the summer. For part-time students the research work is carried out at place of employment. The research project will be assessed on the preparation of a project proposal, a final written report and a viva.
Assessment
Each taught module is assessed by a written examination and coursework. Coursework may be in the form of a case study, poster, report, or oral presentation.
Entry
Entry requirements
Applicants normally have one of the following:
- an honours degree awarded by a UK institute of higher education of at least lower second status, in a relevant subject, with significant biological, biotechnology or biomedical content
- qualifications deemed equivalent by the Programme Leader
Note: preparatory modules at undergraduate level are available for interested candidates who are not eligible for direct entry to the course.
Fees
Full details of fees for this course can be found on our postgraduate fees pages.
For funding options, please see our funding and scholarship information.
How to apply
Please apply for this course by clicking on the link in the 'next steps' red box on the right hand side of this page.
For further information
Page last updated 14 December 2011