Overview
Many modern medicines such as vaccines, hormones, and anticancer drugs are now made using biological cells. Insulin for example, which is used by diabetic patients worldwide, is made using living cells as opposed to more traditional chemical synthesis based methods. This means there is a strong demand for biologists who can design innovative new medicines using biological approaches, and who have the skills to work with cells and the bio-active compounds they produce. This biotechnology course will teach students how to grow and engineer biological cells in order to make safe and effective medicines using the most up-to-date information and technologies available.
The course content is specifically designed to meet the needs of the many relevant employers both nationally and internationally, and contains topical, cutting edge, industry specific material. The lectures are supplemented with in-depth analysis of relevant case studies, projects, assignments, interactive videos, web tools, and site visits. A substantial portion of the contact time in the first three years is spent in the laboratory gaining practical experience.
Work placement is a mandatory part of this course. In year 3, students will spend a minimum of 16 weeks in a local, national or internationally approved work environment. With a substantial database of national and international industry partners at our disposal, students have an opportunity to experience the reality of a work-based environment as part of their education, gaining access to some of the leading scientific companies in the world.