Overview
Understanding and harnessing the metabolic diversity of living organisms, for example in the production of biofuels and pharmaceuticals, will make a huge contribution to developing a sustainable global environment in the 21st Century.
This is the ethos that permeates the innovative MSc Biotechnology programme for UEA. The one year course is divided into two parts. Part I is taught through face-to-face lectures, workshops and hands-on experiments in experimental biotechnology laboratories. Together these provide the opportunity to learn skills in data analysis, critical evaluation of data, laboratory working and report writing in the exciting new field of biotechnology for a sustainable future. The Programme is taught by subject specialists and supported by a number of local industries as well as the prestigious research institutes on the Norwich Research Park.
Part II is based around a major research project that provides the opportunity to design experiments and carry out original research on a chosen topic. The project provides an opportunity to enhance research skills gained at undergraduate level, through carrying out higher-level academic research and writing based on an awareness of knowledge at the very forefront of the field of biotechnology. The project is a substantial piece of individual work drawing on knowledge and understanding gained from the taught modules.
As well as learning fundamental theory, you will develop valuable transferable skills. The University supports this by providing personal development sessions including presentation skills, employability and time-management.
Assessment is through a combination of formal exams, laboratory reports, coursework assignments and presentations, as well as through the research project, which is submitted as a formal, bound dissertation and assessed by external as well as internal examination.
"I did my undergraduate degree (BSc Biotechnology) at The Sinhgad College of Science, University of Pune, India. I then joined the University of East Anglia (UEA) to complete a Masters in Biotechnology for a Sustainable Future in 2008 and successfully completed it in 2009. I chose UEA because the RAE rating was good for Biological Sciences and it has strong collaborations with the John Innes Centre (JIC) and the Institute of Food Research (IFR). All the modules for MSc Biotechnology for a Sustainable Future at UEA are based on current biotechnology research and its application in industry. The best thing about this course is the staff and the research facilities at UEA. All the staff are very helpful, kind and friendly. Currently, I am doing a PhD in Agriculture Biotechnology at Harper Adams University College, Shropshire, UK”
Kirtikumar Kondhare Former student
Course Organiser
Dr Gary Rowley
Why Choose Us?
- 90% of research activity classified as internationally leading, excellent, or recognised in the 2008 Research Assessment Exercise.
- Teaching of the highest quality; rated “Excellent” in the most recent Teaching Quality Assessment.
- Consistently ranked in the top five for overall student satisfaction amongst mainstream English universities (UK National Student Survey).
- Research and teaching supported by an impressive array of cutting edge in house facilities and a range of well equipped modern laboratories.
- Part of the Norwich Research Park, a major international centre for plant, microbial, food and health science.
- Close collaboration with scientists from the Sainsbury Laboratory.
Come and Visit Us
Our
Open Days will give you the opportunity to experience the University of East Anglia's unique campus atmosphere.
Entry Requirements
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Good degree or equivalent in life or physical sciences.
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Candidates without a relevant degree but with other experience, such as employment within a biotechnology company or relevant research experience, will also be considered.
Students for whom English is a foreign language
International applicants are required to provide evidence of proficiency in the English language (if English is not their first language).
Preferred qualifications are:
- IELTS Minimum score of 6.5 with a minimum of 6.0 in each component
- TOEFL Minimum score of 580 (paper based test), 230 (computer based test) or 92 (internet based test)
- Pearsons Test of English (PTE) Minimum score of 62 with no less than 47 in each component
- GCSE or GCE Ordinary Level English Language at grade C or above
Applicants who have previously studied in the English language may not be required to provide evidence of English language ability.
Disclaimer
Whilst the University will make every effort to offer the modules listed, changes may sometimes be made arising from the annual monitoring, review and update of modules and regular (five-yearly) review of course programmes. Where this activity leads to significant (but not minor) changes to programmes and their constituent modules, there will normally be prior consultation of students and others. It is also possible that the University may not be able to offer a module for reasons outside of its control, such as the illness of a member of staff or sabbatical leave. Where this is the case, the University will endeavour to inform students.
Year 1
Compulsory Study (200 credits)
Students will select 200 credits from the following module(s).
| Code |
Credits |
Period |
This is a compulsory and restricted module for MSc in Biotechnology for a Sustainable Future.
Biofuel is any fuel that is derived from biomass. Much research is currently in progress into the utilization of bacterial fermentation products of plant materials and the production of microalgae as an energy source, with applications being developed for biodiesel, ethanol, methanol, methane and hydrogen.
Bioremediation is the use of organisms to remediate environments of pollutants such as toxic heavy metals or petroleum derived contaminants. In this module the potential for success will be illustrated by several case studies, including the treatment of domestic wastewater and bioremediation of oil spills. Biopolymers include bioplastics and polysaccharides. Bioplastics are biodegradable plastics produced by plants and microorganisms. Their production does not require non-renewable fossil fuels and they are readily biodegradable.
more...
|
BIO-M103 |
20 |
Semester 1 |
This module provides a Master's level introduction to the structure and function of DNA and its inheritance in pro- and eukaryotic organisms. It also includes an introduction to the study of the genomes of model organisms, together with the analysis of gene function and expression. An introduction to the role of bioinformatics in studies of evolution and genomics is also included. This module forms the foundation for more in-depth coverage of these topics later in the academic year.
more...
|
BIO-M109 |
10 |
Semester 1 |
This is a compulsory and restricted module for MSc in Biotechnology for a Sustainable Future.
AIDS, cystic fibrosis and diabetes all share one thing in common; they are some of the incurable diseases of the 21st century. Incurable diseases combined with the continued increase in drug resistance and newly emerging diseases demands new approaches to drug discovery and therapeutics.
Medical Biotechnology (red biotechnology) underpins current approaches in improving diagnostics, drug design, drug delivery and disease monitoring and the evolution of personalized medicine will in the future see treatments based on genetic abnormalities rather than symptoms.
In this module we will discuss the use of biotechnology in biomedical research and development, as well as in the current clinical setting. Where appropriate, successful case histories will be discussed. We will also consider the potential medical applications of biotechnology in the future.
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|
BIO-M105 |
20 |
Semester 1 |
This is a compulsory and restricted module for MSc in Biotechnology for a Sustainable Future. This module explores the use of microorganisms to produce enzymes and other proteins, reviews the areas of biotechnology that exploit enzymes and examines the methods available for engineering new enzymes. The productivity of the microorganisms can be manipulated through careful control of the culture conditions and the module examines techniques in batch, fed-batch and continuous culture, while providing training in the determination of bacterial growth parameters from raw data. Biodiversity provides new enzymes, but genetic engineering also provides opportunities for designing molecules with new or enhanced abilities. The manipulation of commercially important enzymes such as glucose dehydrogenase, DNA gyrase and cytochrome P450 will be examined in detail as relevant case studies. Training in the characterisation and measurement of enzyme properties using kinetics will also be given. Students will study areas of biotechnology that exploit enzymes and the methods available for producing and engineering these enzymes.
more...
|
BIO-M101 |
20 |
Semester 1 |
The aim of this module is to provide students with a number of useful transferable skills to assist their learning and career development including: scientific writing, the use of presentation software, the utilisation of IT-based resources, science communication and engagement, knowledge transfer and ethics for bioscientists.
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|
BIO-M82Y |
10 |
Year Period |
This is a compulsory and restricted Module for the MSc in Biotechnology for a Sustainable Future. This series of practicals will provide a mini-project in which you will gain experience of using biotechnological and molecular biological techniques
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|
BIO-M61Y |
20 |
Year Period |
This is a compulsory and restricted module for MSc in Biotechnology for a Sustainable Future.
The project involves individual work carried out by the student under the supervision of a member of faculty or one of the staff of an associated institute. The research project is often one of the most enjoyable and useful experiences in a student's science training.
The module is intimately linked with BIO-M14Y Research Skills. BIO-M14Y involves the formulation of hypotheses and the design of experiments to test those hypotheses. In this module (BIO-M13Y) the students will carry out the experiments, analyse the data generated and critically assess the formulated hypotheses in light of their findings.
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|
BIO-M13Y |
60 |
Year Period |
This is a compulsory and restricted module for the MSc in Biotechnology for a Sustainable Future.
The module involves individual work carried out by the student under the supervision of a member of faculty or one of the staff of an associated institute. The module involves an extensive analysis of relevant literature, the formulation of hypotheses and the design of experiments to test those hypotheses.
The module is intimately linked with BIO-M13Y Research Project. BIO-M14Y involves the formulation of hypotheses and the design of experiments. In BIO-M13Y the students will carry out the experiments, analyse the data generated and critically assess the formulated hypotheses in light of their findings.
more...
|
BIO-M14Y |
20 |
Year Period |
How To Apply
Applications for Postgraduate Taught programmes at the University of East Anglia should be made directly to the University.
You can
apply online, or by downloading the
hard copy application form, or by using the application form in the University’s Postgraduate Prospectus.
Further Information
To request further information & to be kept up to date with news & events please use our
online enquiry form.
If you would like to discuss your individual circumstances prior to applying please do contact us:
Postgraduate Admissions Office
Tel: +44 (0)1603 591515
Email:
admissions@uea.ac.uk
International candidates are also encouraged to access the
International Students section of our website.
