MScMolecular Biology and Biotechnology
Biotechnology is the exploitation of living systems or molecules from them for commercial gain. Modern biotechnologies rely on our increasing ability to manipulate organisms at the genetic level and include novel waste treatments and bioremediations, new pharmaceuticals, the exploitation of enzymes in ‘green catalysis’ and exciting new diagnostic techniques. In the 20th century our lives were transformed by information technology; the 21st century may see an equally great transformation, but this time led by biotechnology.
This Masters degree aims to teach the fundamental molecular bioscience underpinning biotechnology along with examples of its current applications.
- Entry requirements
- 2.2 Honours degree or above in a relevant area of science or equivalent qualification acceptable to the University.
- English language requirements
- An IELTS* score of 6.0 with a minimum of 5.5 in each test component. *Taken within the last 2 years.
- Tuition fees
- £20,800 / ¥189,260
Course Content
This MSc is taught by research-active staff members in the School of Biological Sciences. In addition, fundamental biological research skills are taught and students are given an understanding of bio-entrepreneurship. The degree culminates in a three-month, intensive research project in a laboratory in Queen’s, thus preparing graduates for a career in research biotechnology.
Bio-entrepreneurship
This module is designed to provide realistic challenges that confront biologists, biotechnologists and food scientists during their day-to-day activities throughout their career.
We will introduce students to the field of bioentrepreneurship and develop an insight into the overlap of biotechnology research and the successful development of related enterprises. Lectures take an interactive format, and students learn more about key aspects of Research & Development, Marketing and Finance through the development of their own business plans.
Biotechnology
Students will be given the opportunity to study Genomics and Metagenomics, Environmental technology, Plant development and Biotechnology, Gene Cloning, Immunoassays, Biocatalysis, and Aptamers and their applications (including therapeutic applications).
Foundations for Research in the Biosciences
The aim is to introduce students to the process of designing and planning a research project including all associated aspects such as: formulating hypothesis; designing experiments; budgeting; data analysis; ethical implications and the potential impact of research.
Literature Review
The aim of this module is to establish the knowledge and skills required to develop, plan and undertake a substantial piece of selfdirected critical scientific writing/project work within the field of food safety.
Nucleic Acid Structure and Function:
Students will gain an insight into Structurefunction relationships in DNA and RNA, various aspects of recombinant proteins, Bioinformatics, RNAi and Transcriptomics.
Protein Structure and Function
Students will study areas such as protein purifications, biological spectroscopy, protein structure, proteomics and protein–protein interactions.
Research Project
This programme is delivered by research-active staff and culminates in a three-month, full-time, intensive research project in a laboratory at Queen’s.
Related courses
- Advanced Food Safety
- 1 year
Applications open
Careers
This MSc will enable you to pursue a range of careers including commercial, industrial and healthcare applications of molecular biology. This course is also an excellent foundation for those wishing to pursue research at PhD level and a number of our recent graduates have secured PhD positions at Queen’s University, University of Alabama (United States), and University of Glasgow, Scotland. Recent graduates also have gone on to roles such as; Formulations Analyst, Norbrook; Right First Time Specialist, Pfizer; Research Associate at Zymergen, Inc; Technical Support, Qiagen; Validation Scientist, BD Bioscience; Quality Assurance, Baxter International; Associate Scientist, Abbott.
There were many aspects of the course that I enjoyed; the material, the class dynamic, and above all, the interests the staff associated with the course had in their students. Since completing the master’s program, my career has greatly progressed. I am employed in an environment that makes me use the skills I gained from the masters.David Butler, MSc Molecular Biology and Biotechnology 2016, Systems Verification & Validation Scientist
