MSc/PgDip/PgCert Biotechnology

Attendance

Full-time, Part-time

Full-time – one year to masters
Part-time – typically two years to masters
The diploma and certificate are shorter
Starts September and January

At a glance

Gain the advanced skills and knowledge needed to specialise in biotechnology. You study the latest advances and applications of a wide range of technologies for modifying living organisms or their products, in areas such as genetic engineering, production of therapeutic proteins, and cell and tissue culture methodologies.

Key points
• Develop your knowledge and skills to enhance your career prospects in biotechnology.
• Experience the latest biotechnology techniques using industry standard equipment.
• Carry out a research project to develop research skills and their application to real world situations.
• Develop attributes and skills valued by employers such as practical skills, problem solving and critical analysis.

About this course

The course enhances your knowledge and skills in biotechnology and increase your competitiveness in the job market, whether you are a new graduate or already employed and seeking to further your career prospects. The course also prepares you for research in biotechnology at PhD level.

Biotechnology is the application of biological processes and is underpinned by • cell biology • molecular biology • bioinformatics • structural biology. It encompasses a wide range of technologies for modifying living organisms or their products according to human needs.

You learn about the important applications of biotechnology to medicine, agriculture and engineering including
• the production of therapeutic proteins such as antibodies using cloned DNA
• the application of stem cells to treat human disease
• the enhancement of crop yields
• herbicide and insect resistant plants
• plants with increased nutritional value, such as golden rice
• edible vaccines, in the form of modified plants which can synthesise immunogenic peptides from various pathogens, such as bacteria and viruses

You gain
• up-to-date knowledge of the cellular and molecular basis of biological processes
• an advanced understanding of DNA technology and molecular biotechnology, and how they can be used to modify proteins, nucleic acids and living organisms
• knowledge of developing and applying biotechnology to diagnosis and treatment of human diseases
• experience of the latest practical techniques, such as cell culture, quantitative PCR analysis, western blotting, cloning, and analytical techniques including HPLC and mass spectrometry.
• the transferable and research skills to enable you to continue developing your knowledge and improving your employment potential

The course is led by internationally recognised academics who are actively involved in biotechnology research and its application to the manipulation of proteins, DNA, mammalian cells and plants. Staff also have expertise in the use of nanoparticles in drug delivery and the manipulation of microbes in industrial and environmental biotechnology.

You are supported throughout your studies by a personal tutor.

Course structure
You begin your studies focusing on the fundamentals of advanced cell biology and molecular biology before specialising in molecular and plant biotechnology. Practical, employability, research and statistical skills are developed throughout the course.

You complete a practical module where you can gain experience in a range of techniques used, for example, in the determination of transcription and translational levels. All practicals are supported by experienced academic staff, skilled in the latest biotechnological techniques.

Towards the end of the course you apply your skills during a two month research project into a current biotechnological application.

What is biotechnology
Biotechnology is the basis for the production of current leading biopharmaceuticals and has already provided us with the 'clot-busting' drug, tissue plasminogen activator for the treatment of thrombosis and myocardial infarction. It also holds the promise of new treatments for neurodegeneration and cancer through recombinant antibodies. Recombinant proteins are also found throughout everyday life from washing powders to cheese as well as many industrial applications.

Genetically modified plants have improved crop yields and are able to grow in a changing environment. Manipulation of cellular organisms through biotechnological methods have also yielded a greater understanding of many disease states and have allowed us to understand how life itself functions.

Associated careers

The course is suitable for people wishing to develop their knowledge of molecular and cell biotechnology and its application to solving health and industrial problems.

You can find career opportunities in areas such as • biotechnology research • medical research in universities and hospitals • government research agencies • biotechnology industry • pharmaceutical industry.

Course content

Core modules

Cell biology
This module gives you an advanced knowledge of cellular organisation and cellular mechanisms in both health and disease. You also learn about cellular interactions including cell signalling, signal transduction, cell-cell and cell-matrix interactions.

Molecular biology
This module examines the fundamental biological processes underlying the production and transfer of genetic information. It provides the basis for a rational application of the most recent developments in the detection and treatment of genetic diseases.

Molecular biotechnology
You study how naturally occurring and novel proteins can be produced from cloned DNA in different types of host cells from bacteria to transgenic animals. You learn about the design of genetically modified organisms and their application in industrial and health settings.

Plant biotechnology
This module focuses on modern plant biotechnologies that are applied to improve food, fuel, and chemical production. You study the molecular biology, biochemistry, physiology of plants and techniques of genetic manipulation analysis that underpins the generation of new crops. You use this knowledge and understanding to develop a solution to a current problem. Activities are based on an enquiry-based learning approach, with a strong emphasis on independent research and application of those findings.

Applied biomedical techniques
The aim of this module is to develop laboratory competence in a number of chosen techniques which may include • flow cytometry • RNA extraction • cDNA synthesis • real time PCR and quantitative analysis • PCR master class • mutation detection • SDS gels and western blotting • ELISA and activity assays • HPLC/mass spectrometry or microbiological techniques.

Research methods and statistics
You develop the skills needed to formulate, carry out and report an advanced research and/or development project. These skills include creativity or invention as well as more formal skills such as application of existing knowledge and searching the literature. Statistical analysis of experimental results and database searches also form an important part of this module.

Professional development
This module extends your professional skills and improve your career prospects. It involves sessions on essential practical skills and problem solving, communication of scientific information and IT skills. Assessment includes a personal and professional development portfolio and reflective self-evaluation of your progress on the course.

Research project
During this module you work with an individual tutor to design and carry out a research project. This includes a critical review of the literature, considerable laboratory work, analysis of data and an appreciation of the meaning and application of your work.

Options

One from • bioanalytical science • cellular and molecular basis of cancer • celluar and molecular basis of disease • molecular pharmacology • new drug development

Assessment

Assessment methods include written examinations and coursework including • problem-solving exercises • case studies • reports from practical work. Research project assessment includes a written report and viva.

Entry requirements

You must have one of the following

• an honours degree in a biological subject or equivalent
• a professional qualification of equal standing to an honours degree, for example MIBiol by examination, FIMLS
• other qualifications such as HND, HNC or unclassified degree in a biological subject, plus significant relevant work experience

Non-native English speakers need to be proficient in English, typically shown by IELTS level 6.0 with a minimum of 5.5 in all skills or equivalent. If your English language skill is currently below IELTS 6.0 we recommend you consider a Sheffield Hallam University Pre-sessional English course which will enable you to achieve an equivalent English score.

Fees

Home and EU students

2013/14 academic year

Full-time – typically £4,590
Part-time – typically £1,530 a stage for PgCert, PgDip and MSc stages

International students

2013/14 academic year

Typically £11,340 for the course

2014/15 academic year

Typically £11,650 for the course

How to apply

Complete the application form available at www.shu.ac.uk/study/form

Contact details

For further information contact the Faculty of Health and Wellbeing, Sheffield Hallam University, City Campus, Sheffield S1 1WB, phone +44 (0)114 225 3468, fax +44 (0)114 225 3066, email Biosciences@shu.ac.uk