Biotechnology Research

This course is primarily designed for those who wish to develop their career in the biosciences, with particular emphasis on biotechnology research in academia, or bio-pharmaceutical and bio-industries.



With an advanced education in biotechnology research, you will acquire the knowledge and technological skills required to support biotechnology-based industry and research, nationally and internationally.



In the third semester of the course, students will have the opportunity to undertake an independent full-time research project within one of the research groups in the Biomedical Sciences Research Institute (BMSRI).



Please see "Course Webpage" for more details.

Year one

Advanced biotechnology and bioinformatics

The module aims to give students an appreciation of the systems and concepts applied in Biotechnology research and provides relevance to the biomedical and biotechnology industries. Teaching is primarily through interactive lecture sessions, tutorials, and database mining.



Current Topics in Biotechnology Research

This module involves an in depth study of selected topics in biotechnology research which are the subject of considerable current interest. This module examines a diverse range of topics encompassing areas such as stem cell technology, genetic modification techniques, novel diagnostic technologies and innovations in biofuels and bioprotein. Case studies, augmented by laboratory practical work, are used to illustrate current applications of microbial diagnostics and future directions of diagnostics are discussed.



Scientific Methods and Communication

This module consists of independent pieces of work designed to develop key skills in the areas of literature searching, poster and grant writing, presentation skills, and the critical analysis of disciplines relevant to biotechnology research.



Professional Practice

This module is designed to facilitate personal development and a deeper understanding of professional practice in the growing and evolving global bio-sector, further developing personal core concepts, skills, and attributes to enhance graduate employability.



Biotechnology Research Project

Students are expected to apply theoretical knowledge to a problem of a practical nature. They will carry out experiments with the object of solving the problem. They will present their material in oral and written formats.

Standard entry conditions

We recognise a range of qualifications for admission to our courses. In addition to the specific entry conditions for this course you must also meet the University’s General Entrance Requirements.



Applicants must have gained:

(a) second class honours degree or better in Biology/Biomedical Sciences/Biochemistry/Biotechnology/Microbiology from a university of the United Kingdom or the Republic of Ireland, or from a recognised national awarding body, or from an institution of another country which has been recognised as being of an equivalent standard;



or an equivalent standard (minimum 50%)



(b) provide evidence of competence in written and spoken English (GCSE grade C or equivalent);



(c) In exceptional circumstances, where an individual has substantial and significant experiential learning, a portfolio of written evidence demonstrating the meeting of graduate qualities (including subject-specific outcomes, as determined by the Course Committee) may be considered as an alternative entrance route. Evidence used to demonstrate graduate qualities may not be used for exemption against modules within the programme.

Your Application

Application is through the University's online application system (see "Application Weblink").

Start Date: September 2024

Career options

This course aims to prepare students for employment in specific bioscience sectors and to equip them for continuing personal, professional and intellectual development throughout their careers.



On completion of this course, students will have gained experience of advanced laboratory techniques, problem-solving and research design in a range of Biotechnology areas and be well prepared to work in research positions or to proceed on to do a research degree in a related area.

Research Areas


Gene and Stem Cell therapies for Acute Lung Injury

Therapeutic Hypercapnia and Acute Lung Injury

Postoperative Analgesia

Evaluation of Medical Devices

Critical Care Utilization and Requirement