Programme Specification


Date Specification Approved 25/10/2024
College College Life and Env Sci
School School of Bioscience
Department School of Biosciences
Partner College and School
Collaborative Organisation and Form of Collaboration
Qualification and Programme Title M.Sci. Biotechnology Full-time
Programme Code 435J
Delivery Location Campus
Language of Study English
Length of Programme 4 Year(s)
Accreditations This programme has no outside accreditations
Aims of the Programme Biotechnology is an interdisciplinary field spanning the biosciences and is going to play a key role in responding to many global issues. It has been at the forefront of some of the most ground-breaking discoveries and innovations in recent years. From developing novel therapies for diseases to designing genetically modified organisms with enhanced traits; and continues to push the boundaries of what is possible in science and medicine. Key disciplines linked to biotechnology include genetics, cell biology, plants sciences, chemistry and chemical engineering. Advances in biotechnology play an important role in shaping various industries and improving the overall quality of life. Biotechnology graduates will benefit from a wide and diverse range of careers and opportunities.

With a growing global population, ensuring food security and sustainable agricultural practices is, and will continue to be, crucial. Although controversial, biotechnology is important for agricultural sustainability with a key role in developing genetically modified crops that are resistant to pests, droughts, and diseases, thereby increasing yield and reducing the environmental impact of farming.

Biotechnology contributes to environmental conservation by offering solutions to pollution, waste management, and the development of renewable energy sources. Biotechnology graduates will contribute to the creation of cleaner and more sustainable technologies.

Biotechnology has and will continue to be a key discipline in the healthcare revolution by enabling the development of precision medicine, gene therapies, and advanced diagnostic tools. Biotechnology undergraduates will develop the knowledge and skills to allow them to contribute to the development of new treatments and technologies within a healthcare setting.

Industries such as pharmaceuticals, biofuels, and bioplastics rely on biotechnological processes to manufacture products efficiently and sustainably. Graduates with a biotechnology degree can work in a variety of sectors and contribute to the development of greener and more efficient industrial processes.

The proposed biotechnology programme will provide students with a diverse skill set that includes biology, chemistry, genetics, microbiology, bioinformatics, and possible engineering. This interdisciplinary approach will develop and enhance problem-solving abilities of our students and prepare graduates to tackle complex challenges from multiple angles. In addition, biotechnology involves discussions about the ethical implications of certain technologies, such as gene editing and cloning and therefore students will be exposed to these ethical discussions, preparing them to navigate complex ethical dilemmas in their future career.

Both the BSc and MSci programme will provide the students with the opportunity to develop their research expertise during the research project and for professional placement students in an industrial setting.

Biotechnology has a global impact, addressing challenges that affect people's lives worldwide, such as disease outbreaks, environmental degradation, and food shortages. Biotechnology graduates will contribute to solving these global issues. Many breakthroughs in biotechnology have led to the creation of successful start-up companies. With the right knowledge and skills, graduates can become entrepreneurs and drive innovation in the biotech industry.
Programme Outcomes
Students are expected to have Knowledge and Understanding of: Which will be gained through the following Teaching and Learning methods: and assessed using the following methods:
1. Topics which underpin current understanding of biotechnology and the application of biotechnology (in depth knowledge gained will be dependent on a student’s choice of optional modules)  (Applicable to the following qualifications: CertHE/DipHE/BSc/MSci )

2. practical and theoretical methods of acquiring scientific data  (Applicable to the following qualifications: CertHE/DipHE/BSc/MSci )

3. discipline appropriate presentation, interpretation, analysis and communication of quantitative data. Familiarity with a range of statistical techniques  (Applicable to the following qualifications: CertHE/DipHE/BSc/MSci )

4. the principles of research design and the diversity of approaches used in the generation of knowledge and understanding in the field of biotechnology  (Applicable to the following qualifications: CertHE/DipHE/BSc/MSci )

5. a critical awareness of current problems and/or new insights, much of which is at, or informed by, the forefront of biotechnology  (Applicable to the following qualifications: MSci )

 1. Lectures, workshops, coursework, tutorials, directed independent study, projects 

2. Lectures, workshops, practical classes (lab and computer based), coursework, directed independent study, projects 

3. Lectures, workshops, practical classes (lab and computer based), coursework, directed independent study, projects 

4. Lectures, workshops, practical classes (lab and computer based), coursework, directed independent study, projects 

5. Coursework, research seminars, projects 


 1. Unseen examinations, class tests, written assignments, projects, presentations 

2. Laboratory notebooks, written reports, projects, unseen examinations, presentations 

3. Class tests, written reports, unseen examinations, projects 

4. Unseen examinations, class tests, written assignments, projects, presentations  

5. Research proposals, projects, presentations 
Students are expected to have attained the following Skills and other Attributes: Which will be gained through the following Teaching and Learning methods: and assessed using the following methods:
1. to work effectively both independently and as part of a team  (Applicable to the following qualifications: CertHE/DipHE/BSc/MSci )

2. the ability to access and evaluate scientific information from a variety of sources and recognise the limits of current hypotheses  (Applicable to the following qualifications: CertHE/DipHE/BSc/MSci )

3. communicate both orally and in written form to a range of audiences in a way that is organised, persuasive and topical  (Applicable to the following qualifications: CertHE/DipHE/BSc/MSci )

4. the ability to apply subject knowledge and understanding to address familiar and unfamiliar problems  (Applicable to the following qualifications: CertHE/DipHE/BSc/MSci )

5. analytical numerical and problem-solving skills which they can apply in a wide range of situations, including using Information Technology to access and analyse data   (Applicable to the following qualifications: CertHE/DipHE/BSc/MSci )

6. demonstrate self-direction and originality in tackling and solving problems, and act autonomously in planning and implementing tasks  (Applicable to the following qualifications: MSci )

7. deal with complex issues both systematically and creatively, make sound judgements in the absence of complete data  (Applicable to the following qualifications: CertHE/DipHE/BSc/MSci )

8. evaluate methodologies and develop critiques of them and, where appropriate, to propose new hypotheses  (Applicable to the following qualifications: MSci )

9. Draw upon theoretical knowledge and skills acquired during their degree and apply them in the work environment.  (Applicable to the following qualifications: MSci. NOTE: this learning outcome only applies to students undertaking the Professional Placement variant of the programme)

 1. Lectures, workshops, practical classes (lab and computer based), coursework, directed independent study, projects 

2. Lectures, practical classes, workshops, tutorials, coursework, projects 

3. Lectures, practical classes, workshops, tutorials, coursework, projects 

4. Practical classes, workshops, tutorials, coursework, projects 

5. Practical classes, workshops, coursework, projects 

6. Workshops, coursework, projects 

7. Workshops, coursework, projects 

8. Practical classes, workshops, tutorials, coursework, Extended research projects 

9. Lectures, Workshops, practicals, coursework., placement provision 


 1. Independent work: unseen examinations, class tests, essays, projects, presentations, written reports, project work.

Group work: Presentations, practical activities, written reports, project work. 

2. Unseen examinations, class tests, written assignments, projects, presentations presentations, written reports, project work 

3. Unseen examinations, class tests, written assignments, projects, presentations 

4. Unseen examinations, class tests, written assignments, projects, presentations 

5. Unseen examinations, class tests, written assignments, projects, presentations 

6. Projects, written reports, project work 

7. Projects, written reports, project work 

8. Projects, written reports, project work 

9. Placement Projects, reports, presentations, reflections