Biotechnology MSc
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Course Summary
Research in biotechnology offers new solutions for the many medical, veterinary, agricultural and environmental challenges that humankind faces in the 21st century.
This course will focus on developing your laboratory-based research skills in a biotechnological area of your choice, while equipping you for a future academic or industry-based career. Our lecturers have specialist knowledge and research experience in environmental, microbial, plant and animal (including human) biotechnology, and you will also be taught by visiting lecturers who are leaders in their respective fields.
You will take six taught but research-focused modules that aim to equip you with key theoretical and practical skills, and introduce you to examples of current and future applications of biotechnology. You will then select a laboratory-based research topic that interests you with a supervisor of your choice. In certain cases this may involve collaboration with industrial partners.
The emphasis in the course will be on applied biotechnology and problem-solving and will therefore involve the development of key skills that are in demand in the biotechnology sector. Consequently, upon successful completion of the course, you will not only be equipped for a future career in academic research but also in various biotechnology industries.
What you'llStudy
The MSc is designed for graduates with an interest in biotechnology and the answers it may help to provide to challenges such as climate change, global food shortage, safer and more advanced gene therapies, and regenerative medicine. You will also learn about setting up and running a successful biotechnology business.
Module content:
- Introduction to bioscientific research: types of research (descriptive, analytical & experimental), including pure versus applied ways of problem solving. The building blocks of scientific research: scientific language (hypothesis, concepts, operational definitions, and dependent/independent variables); sampling procedures; and measurement issues (reliability and validity). How research is funded.
- Research and data collection methods with an emphasis on experimental research (developing hypotheses, variables, controls, sample selection, design, validity).
- In vitro and in vivo models in bioscientific research, clinical research and ethical considerations.
- The nature of the knowledge base and how research is communicated- systematic reviews, literature reviews, original research papers and bioinformatic databases. Scientific conferences. Journal clubs including how to set up and participate in these.
- Advanced literature searching.
- Critical appraisal of literature - primary and secondary literature
- Developing a research problem: identifying a topic area, devising specific questions, discovering what is already known (reviewing the literature), identifying gaps in knowledge, determining feasible ways to answer the questions.
- Data analysis for research including: i. descriptive statistics - measures of central tendency, dispersion and skewness, and correlation; and, ii. inferential statistics – hypothesis tests (parametric and non-parametric), confidence intervals and regression analysis.
Module aims:
The module aims to provide students with an overview of the essential elements of sound bioscientific research and a graduate level introduction to data analysis and statistical analysis in particular. A key aim is to equip students with the skills required to source and critically analyse the bioscientific knowledge base. The module also aims to prepare students for their second ‘Essential methods’ module and for the planning and successful completion of the Research Dissertation module.
Module content:
- Introduction to bioscientific research: types of research (descriptive, analytical & experimental), including pure versus applied ways of problem solving. The building blocks of scientific research: scientific language (hypothesis, concepts, operational definitions, and dependent/independent variables); sampling procedures; and measurement issues (reliability and validity). How research is funded.
- Research and data collection methods with an emphasis on experimental research (developing hypotheses, variables, controls, sample selection, design, validity).
- In vitro and in vivo models in bioscientific research, clinical research and ethical considerations.
- The nature of the knowledge base and how research is communicated- systematic reviews, literature reviews, original research papers and bioinformatic databases. Scientific conferences. Journal clubs including how to set up and participate in these.
- Advanced literature searching.
- Critical appraisal of literature - primary and secondary literature
- Developing a research problem: identifying a topic area, devising specific questions, discovering what is already known (reviewing the literature), identifying gaps in knowledge, determining feasible ways to answer the questions.
- Data analysis for research including: i. descriptive statistics - measures of central tendency, dispersion and skewness, and correlation; and, ii. inferential statistics – hypothesis tests (parametric and non-parametric), confidence intervals and regression analysis.
Module aims:
The module aims to provide students with an overview of the essential elements of sound bioscientific research and a graduate level introduction to data analysis and statistical analysis in particular. A key aim is to equip students with the skills required to source and critically analyse the bioscientific knowledge base. The module also aims to prepare students for their second ‘Essential methods’ module and for the planning and successful completion of the Research Dissertation module.
Module content:
1. Introduction to the cell/tissue culture and molecular biology laboratories, including safety and regulatory issues.
2. Microbial cell culture – principles and practice.
3. Mammalian cell culture – principles and practice.
4. Recombinant DNA technology, next generation sequencing and quantitative PCR analysis.
5. Protein analysis – electrophoresis and Western blotting; immunocytochemistry.
6. Statistical analysis in practice.
7. Extended practical - analysis of gene expression at the mRNA and protein levels in human cell lines.
Module aims:
The module aims to develop students’ technical skills in key areas of molecular and cell biology that are central to current biotechnological research, and to promote their understanding of recent technological advances in these fields. It further aims to develop their skills in the handling, analysis and interpretation of data.
Module content:
1. Introduction to the cell/tissue culture and molecular biology laboratories, including safety and regulatory issues.
2. Microbial cell culture – principles and practice.
3. Mammalian cell culture – principles and practice.
4. Recombinant DNA technology, next generation sequencing and quantitative PCR analysis.
5. Protein analysis – electrophoresis and Western blotting; immunocytochemistry.
6. Statistical analysis in practice.
7. Extended practical - analysis of gene expression at the mRNA and protein levels in human cell lines.
Module aims:
The module aims to develop students’ technical skills in key areas of molecular and cell biology that are central to current biotechnological research, and to promote their understanding of recent technological advances in these fields. It further aims to develop their skills in the handling, analysis and interpretation of data.
Module content:
Business for Biotechnology is an exciting and dynamic module that explores the essentials of developing and taking an idea to business start-up and running a biotechnology business.
1 - enterprise and entrepreneurship; the evaluation of a scientific idea for its business potential
2 - intellectual property/the patent system/legal aspects of the business of biotechnology
3 - ideas and stakeholders; exploring and seizing business opportunities
4 - developing business structures; keys roles, functions and objectives of a successful biotech business enterprise
5 - leadership and management approaches to innovation and business opportunities
6 - case studies presented by local "biotech" entrepreneurs who will outline their experiences of developing biotech start-up businesses from the original idea, through planning to business start-up;
Module aims:
The aim of the module is to introduce students to key approaches, skills and behaviours required to set-up and run a small-scale biotechnology business enterprise.
Insight into real world biotech business scenarios will be provided along with the key tools and processes required for both creating and developing a new start-up biotech business venture.
Module content:
Business for Biotechnology is an exciting and dynamic module that explores the essentials of developing and taking an idea to business start-up and running a biotechnology business.
1 - enterprise and entrepreneurship; the evaluation of a scientific idea for its business potential
2 - intellectual property/the patent system/legal aspects of the business of biotechnology
3 - ideas and stakeholders; exploring and seizing business opportunities
4 - developing business structures; keys roles, functions and objectives of a successful biotech business enterprise
5 - leadership and management approaches to innovation and business opportunities
6 - case studies presented by local "biotech" entrepreneurs who will outline their experiences of developing biotech start-up businesses from the original idea, through planning to business start-up;
Module aims:
The aim of the module is to introduce students to key approaches, skills and behaviours required to set-up and run a small-scale biotechnology business enterprise.
Insight into real world biotech business scenarios will be provided along with the key tools and processes required for both creating and developing a new start-up biotech business venture.
Module content:
On completion of taught modules, students will have developed their knowledge base and attained a high level of competence in the application, analysis and evaluation of theory and practice. Their knowledge and critical skills will have been assessed in all previous assignments, thereby providing students with the opportunity to undertake a research project in an area of relevance to their programme and which interests them. The dissertation subject will be agreed with an appropriate supervisor and the module leader and the student will need to prepare a detailed research proposal for evaluation prior to embarking on the research proper.
Module aims:
1. To provide the student with an opportunity to conduct a research project of direct relevance to their programme of study and his/her personal interests.
2. To enable the student to draw on and contribute to the development of the growing body of knowledge in the biosciences field.
3. To present the outcomes of personal research in the form of a substantive research dissertation.
Module content:
On completion of taught modules, students will have developed their knowledge base and attained a high level of competence in the application, analysis and evaluation of theory and practice. Their knowledge and critical skills will have been assessed in all previous assignments, thereby providing students with the opportunity to undertake a research project in an area of relevance to their programme and which interests them. The dissertation subject will be agreed with an appropriate supervisor and the module leader and the student will need to prepare a detailed research proposal for evaluation prior to embarking on the research proper.
Module aims:
1. To provide the student with an opportunity to conduct a research project of direct relevance to their programme of study and his/her personal interests.
2. To enable the student to draw on and contribute to the development of the growing body of knowledge in the biosciences field.
3. To present the outcomes of personal research in the form of a substantive research dissertation.
Teaching involves 40 hours’ tutor contact plus 160 hours’ private guided study. The research module will involve 1,400 hours of study time, including 50 hours of tutor contact.
The research project culminates in the production of a substantial review paper and an academic research article suitable for publication in peer-reviewed scientific journals.
Entry Requirements
2:1 honours degree
A 2:1 honours degree in a relevant discipline together with preparedness to study and formal interview is required. A 2:2 honours degree may be mitigated by experience. Advanced standing must be agreed before enrolment.
2:1 honours degree
A 2:1 honours degree in a relevant discipline together with preparedness to study and formal interview is required. A 2:2 honours degree may be mitigated by experience. Advanced standing must be agreed before enrolment.
English Language Requirements
For those who do not have IELTS or an acceptable in-country English language qualification, the University of Chester has developed its own online English language test which applicants can take for just £50.
For more information on our English Language requirements, please visit International Entry Requirements.
Fees and Funding
£8,505 For full course (2024/25). For part-time fees please follow the PGT fees link.
Guides to the fees for students who wish to commence postgraduate courses in the academic year 2024/25 are available to view on our Postgraduate Taught Programmes Fees page.
£14,750 per year (2024/25)
The tuition fees for international students studying Postgraduate programmes in 2024/25 are £14,750.
The University of Chester offers generous international and merit-based scholarships for postgraduate study, providing a significant reduction to the published headline tuition fee. You will automatically be considered for these scholarships when your application is reviewed, and any award given will be stated on your offer letter.
For more information, go to our International Fees, Scholarship and Finance section.
Irish Nationals living in the UK or ROI are treated as Home students for Tuition Fee Purposes.
Your course will involve additional costs not covered by your tuition fees. This may include books, printing, photocopying, educational stationery and related materials, specialist clothing, travel to placements, optional field trips and software. Compulsory field trips are covered by your tuition fees.
If you are living away from home during your time at university, you will need to cover costs such as accommodation, food, travel and bills.
The University of Chester supports fair access for students who may need additional support through a range of bursaries and scholarships.
Full details, as well as terms and conditions for all bursaries and scholarships can be found on the Fees & Finance section of our website.
Your Future Career
Careers service
The University has an award-winning Careers and Employability service which provides a variety of employability-enhancing experiences; through the curriculum, through employer contact, tailored group sessions, individual information, advice and guidance.
Careers and Employability aims to deliver a service which is inclusive, impartial, welcoming, informed and tailored to your personal goals and aspirations, to enable you to develop as an individual and contribute to the business and community in which you will live and work.
We are here to help you plan your future, make the most of your time at University and to enhance your employability. We provide access to part-time jobs, extra-curricular employability-enhancing workshops and offer practical one-to-one help with career planning, including help with CVs, applications and mock interviews. We also deliver group sessions on career planning within each course and we have a wide range of extensive information covering graduate jobs and postgraduate study.