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You can carry out the project on campus or as part of an industrial placement. Placements in industry will be subject to meeting academic requirements. If you are completing your project in industry you will have an industrial supervisor who will determine the topic. You will design the study; and gain familiarity with previously published literature, together with the methods/techniques. You will use data collection and appropriate quantitative analysis in preparation for the report and poster presentation.

You will be introduced to modern molecular methods in biotechnology. Particular focus will be on transgenic methods and the use and application of bioinformatics in understanding the functional roles of genes, metabolites and proteins and how they can be analysed using a variety of new technologies, including deep sequencing, proteomics, mass spectrometry and transcriptomics. You will gain knowledge in applying, analysing and manipulating cells using current molecular methods and high-throughput technologies.

Microbes, Plants and Animal cells have been largely exploited for the controlled production of substances of interest in biotechnology. This module will give an overview of nascent and current trends in development and commercialisation of products relating to food, energy, and pharmaceuticals and the need to push towards fully sustainable bio-production of a larger spectrum of substances and their economic feasibility.

The module will also highlight ethical and environmental concerns on the use of genetically modified biological systems. Topics highlighted in this module include but not limited to ethics of GMO’s, commercial development of GM varieties, products of commercial significance, current issues, patenting and risk assessments.

This module aims to provide students with the skills, knowledge and practical experience required to respond to the challenges involved in managing, commercialising and marketing technological innovation and new business development.

The content of the module focusses on career management skills and the knowledge required to gain success within the global job market. You will have the opportunities to evaluate your own skills, interests, experiences and goals to identify suitable opportunities. Training will be given in core competencies and techniques needed to be able to make applications that have positive impact on employers.

This module will provide practical experience in basic laboratory techniques including microbiological methods (media preparation, sterile technique, growth measurement etc), basic biochemical methods (buffer preparation and centrifugation) and molecular biological techniques (preparation and analysis of DNA). Practical work will be supported by lectures to provide an understanding of the basis of the techniques, the limitations of the methods and the appropriate methods of analysis.

The module is a core specialist component for MSc students specializing in Microbial, Plant and Animal Biotechnology, aimed at introducing essential research techniques and current trends in the field. As a research project preparation module it is intended to supplement and prepare students for BIOS4096 by providing foundational knowledge on relevant research techniques, literature review and data interpretation.

Overall Educational Aims

You will be attending relevant sessions relating to microbial biotechnology, animal biotechnology and plant biotechnology based on the specialist pathway you have chosen

1. To develop an in-depth understanding of research processes, including formulating hypothesis, experimental design, laboratory techniques

2. To understand ethical considerations and be able to implement data analysis and interpretation

Teaching

You will be taught in a variety ways like lectures, seminars and tutorials. You will be introduced to resources that will aid in your thesis preparation and scientific writing

Microbial Biotechnology Pathway

Students will:

• Familiarize themselves with microbial biotechnology topics and recent developments.
• Engage in critical analysis of scientific literature, which will be presented in tutorials.
• Develop presentation skills through leading discussions.

Learning Outcomes

Upon completion, students will:

• Understand the current state of microbial biotechnology.
• Understand about research techniques essential for research projects.
• Acquire skills in critically analysing scientific research.

Animal Biotechnology Pathway

The content focuses on various techniques in animal biotechnology, particularly mammalian cell culture. It aims to develop skills in experimental design, data analysis, and ethical considerations in research.

Learning Objectives

Students will:

• Gain an in-depth understanding of the research process, including hypothesis formulation and experimental design.
• Communicate research findings effectively, demonstrating critical analysis of laboratory techniques.

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion, students will:

• Understand common research techniques in animal biotechnology.
• Critically evaluate peer-reviewed research findings.
• Communicate ideas and findings through oral presentations.
• Recognize ethical and regulatory considerations in animal research.

Plant Biotechnology Pathway

This content for plant biotechnologists prepares students for their 60-credit research project by providing guidance on project selection and planning. It includes discussions on project topics and individual tutorials with the lead for plant biotech.

Learning Objectives

Students will:

• Develop a research plan based on current expertise in Plant and Crop Sciences.
• Summarize a primary research paper and engage in group discussions .

Learning Outcomes

Upon completion, students will:

• Describe specialist knowledge of plant biology relevant to laboratory projects.
• Identify practical techniques for data analysis and presentation.
• Design coordinated experimental strategies to achieve research milestones.
• Present a seminar on their research project plan.

Professional Competencies

• Students will develop skills in teamwork, coordination, reflection, professional communication, and digital capability.

Assessment: 

• Coursework 100%

This module offers three specialized pathways focusing on the industrial and commercial aspects of biotechnology, specifically in microbial, animal, and plant biotechnology. 

Microbial Biotechnology (Lead Nagamani Bora):

The content for this pathway aims at training postgraduates with the knowledge and skills necessary to harness microorganisms for the development, optimization, and commercialization of sustainable bioprocesses and bioproducts. This includes understanding scale-up processes, regulatory frameworks, market dynamics, and economic viability, enabling graduates to contribute innovatively to industries such as pharmaceuticals, food, energy sectors. There will be lectures from industrial guest speakers and covers visits to various industries related to microbial biotechnology.

Animal Biotechnology (Lead Natalie Mack): The content for this pathway emphasizes interaction with animal biotechnology industries, focusing on research and development processes relevant to commercial applications. It includes seminars with external speakers and industrial visits where possible to enhance understanding of current trends in the field.

Plant Biotechnology (Lead Stella Edwards)

This content focuses on the translation of plant biotechnology research into agricultural and commercial applications. It develops understanding of industry processes including crop breeding, product development, and market positioning of agri-tech products. Emphasis is placed on the interaction between academic research and industrial practice through lectures. Field visits provide practical insight into research environments, breeding programmes and industry applications.

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of these modules, students will:

• Gain first-hand knowledge of research and development processes within their respective biotechnology industries.
• Understand the scientific basis of various technologies used for commercial applications and the challenges associated with their commercialization.
• Develop skills in professional communication, critical reflection, which are essential for careers in biotechnology.

Teaching Methods

The modules employ a variety of teaching methods, including:

• Seminars and Lectures: Regular sessions with industry experts to discuss current trends and technologies.
• Industrial Visits: Opportunities to observe practical applications in real-world settings, enhancing theoretical knowledge.
• Independent Learning: Students are expected to engage in self-study, utilizing resources such as journal articles and online platforms to support their learning.

Assessment

• Coursework (100%)

The module deals with the production and perception of plant signalling molecules. The ways in which these signals are integrated to ensure appropriate responses to environmental conditions or plant pathogen attack are discussed.

The processes of floral development and reproduction are some of the most critical stages occurring during plant growth and development. They are fundamental for plant breeding, crop productivity and horticulture. The significance of plant reproduction is particularly pertinent to issues of food security and the future development of high yielding crops. In this module, you’ll focus on recent developments that have been made in the understanding of floral development, reproduction and seed production, including the current goals, methods and achievements in the genetic engineering of crop and horticultural plants. With an emphasis on reproductive biology or fruit production, you’ll learn how such processes can be manipulated for commercial exploitation and to facilitate crop improvement. Through a mix of lectures and seminars, you’ll gain a detailed knowledge on the developmental and molecular processes associated with flowering, seed production and fruit development.

The genetic improvement of crop plants is critical to address issues of food security for a growing world population and in the face of a changing climate. It is also the key to tackling environmental degradation and to meeting the increasing strict regulations on agricultural pollution which are coming into force in many Western countries. While these issues are not identical, they are linked and efficient plant breeding can be part of the solution to both. In this module, you’ll develop an understanding of crop genetic improvement through lectures, case and literature studies, research plan presentations, external expert seminars and practical exposure to crop breeding and molecular techniques. You’ll examine how modern and technological approaches can enhance crop breeding programmes and be able to assess the limitations of these approaches. The emphasis is on the application of biotechnology to conventional breeding, but you’ll also learn about genetic modification in the genetic improvement of crops. You’ll cover temperate and tropical, annual and perennial, and in-breeding and out-breeding crops.

This module will introduce the concept of metabolic control at the gene expression level with particular reference to the role of nutrients in these processes. Through the provision and application of relevant biochemical and molecular biology information, you will gain an understanding of the regulatory effects of nutrients, either directly or indirectly, on gene expression and how this influences metabolism and growth in eukaryotic systems.

This module will cover current state of the art technologies used in the animal biotechnology industry. Content includes the genetic modification of animals and animal cells with the purpose of using them as bioreactors, models of human disease and for regenerative medicine. Content is delivered via a highly interactive program of activities, including lectures, seminars, practicals, workshops, and paper discussions, that require students’ active participation in the learning process.

This module will provide you with an understanding of how antibody biotechnology can be applied to solve problems in an industrial and biomedical context. It will cover the following: antibody structure and function, monoclonal antibodies, IgE and its receptors, the immunoglobulin system, the structure of immunoglobulins and their complexes with antigen, solution structure and properties of antibodies, and other related topics.

This module will provide you with an understanding of how antibody biotechnology can be applied to solve problems in an industrial and biomedical context. It will cover the following: antibody structure and function, monoclonal antibodies, IgE and its receptors, the immunoglobulin system, the structure of immunoglobulins and their complexes with antigen, solution structure and properties of antibodies, and other related topics.

The module content includes advanced aspects of protein expression and the impact of genetic engineering in the biotechnology industry. This module covers underpinning principles for bio-processing technologies, including an overview of microbial expression systems, their metabolism and challenges in scale up of biomolecules of industrial, commercial significance. You will take part in practical sessions, lectures, seminars and tutorials.

This module considers advanced aspects of yeast cell physiology, biochemistry and the fermentation process, delivered using a blended learning approach. The content is related to yeast and fermentation, particularly relevant to the production of fermented beverages, biofuels and other related products. The specific characteristics of yeast which make this organism valuable will be described in detail. Aspects including functionality, metabolic pathways and their ability to convert substrates into commercially valuable end products for a range of industrial applications is the key focus.