Student working in the Joseph Banks Laboratories

Key Information

Full-time

1 Year

Part-time

Unavailable

Typical Offer

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Department

Department of Life Sciences

Campus

Brayford Pool

Validation Status

Validated

Fees

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Course Code

BIOTECMS

MSc Biotechnology

Develop advanced theoretical knowledge, understanding, and practical experience of modern molecular and systems biology approaches to emerging biotechnologies.

Key Information

Full-time

1 Year

Part-time

Unavailable

Typical Offer

View

Department

Department of Life Sciences

Campus

Brayford Pool

Validation Status

Validated

Fees

View

Course Code

BIOTECMS

Dr James Flint - Programme Leader

Dr James Flint - Programme Leader

Academic Staff List Make an Enquiry

Welcome to MSc Biotechnology

The MSc Biotechnology programme provides students with the opportunity to develop an advanced theoretical knowledge, understanding, and practical experience of modern molecular and systems biology approaches to emerging biotechnologies.

The course is designed to provide a grounding in core biotechnology, alongside specialist training in medical, industrial, environmental, and fermentation biotechnology, with the opportunity to complete a research project within one of these areas.

Staff within the Department of Life Sciences offer a wide range of expertise in a variety of disciplines including molecular, cell, and system biology, recombinant DNA technology, protein biochemistry, structural biology, fermentation, bioengineering, among many others. Students may also have opportunities to hear from external guest speakers working in the industry and other schools from across the University.

Please note that this course is only available in the full-time format.

How You Study

The programme includes a combination of lectures, workshops, laboratory practicals, IT classes, seminars, problem-based-learning group sessions, independent learning, and research projects. There is also an emphasis on the development of professional and research skills, which can enhance employability.

The first and second terms focus on introductory and specialist modules. Over the summer, students can progress to an independent research project within a biotechnology-related discipline.

Postgraduate level study involves a significant proportion of independent study, exploring the material covered in lectures and seminars. For every hour spent in class, students are expected to spend at least two to three hours in independent study. For more detailed information please contact the Programme Leader.

An Introduction to Your Modules

† Some courses may offer optional modules. The availability of optional modules may vary from year to year and will be subject to minimum student numbers being achieved. This means that the availability of specific optional modules cannot be guaranteed. Optional module selection may also be affected by staff availability.

Fermentation Biotechnology 2023-24BGY9007MLevel 72023-24This module aims to provide specialised training in larger scale growth and utilisation of microbial and cell cultures. Lectures, practicals and workshops will focus on the analysis of growth kinetics and product yield optimisation with the aim of providing insight into historical and cutting-edge large-scale implementation of these biotechnologies. The practical component of this module provides students with the chance to propose and carry out their own fermentations.CoreIdentification of Infectious Diseases 2023-24MBI9001MLevel 72023-24This module aims to reinforce the underlying concepts and principles of identification of infectious diseases developed through the students existing knowledge of basic microbiology and medical microbiology. Students are expected to become familiar with diagnostic and identification techniques involved in the field of clinical microbiology, and be able to apply developing knowledge and skills in molecular biology to contemporary issues and concerns in the field of microbiology.CoreIndependent Research Project 2023-24BGY9013MLevel 72023-24The research projects run over the summer, although elements of them are likely to take place in the second term (research plan and literature review). Students are able to choose a research topic from a very broad spectrum of options, primarily linked to the research focuses of the teaching staff. Supervisors of the projects will provide outline projects but students will also have the opportunity to develop their research projects in specific directions relating to their individual interests.CoreIndustrial and Environmental Microbiology 2023-24MBI9003MLevel 72023-24This module aims to describe the applications of microbiology in industrial and environmental processes. The industrial aspect of the module emphasizes how microbiological knowledge and understanding can be used to improve commercial processes relevant to industries such as food production and water treatment. The environmental aspect of the module considers the role of microbial communities, interactions, and processes in the environment.CoreMolecular Biotechnology 2023-24BGY9003MLevel 72023-24This module is delivered through a combination of laboratory practicals and lectures, with the aim of equipping students with a solid background in the most important and modern molecular techniques. The expertise of teaching staff in particular techniques is utilised to its full extent and examples of use of techniques are provided throughout the lecture and practical series.CoreProfessional and Research Skills in the Biosciences 2023-24BIO9029MLevel 72023-24The module focuses on the development of transferable skills that are applicable both professionally and to research projects, within the programme of study and beyond. The skills will be relevant to the broad biosciences and will allow students to strengthen their proficiency primarily in these areas: scientific writing and communication skills, research data analysis and presentation, professional and career skills.CoreThe Microbial World 2023-24MBI9005MLevel 72023-24This module aims to equip students with core practical and writing skills and to introduce them to selected advanced concepts illustrating the depth of understanding expected at Master's level, building on their undergraduate experience. The module covers core lab and writing skills, the diversity of microbial life, growth and reproduction alongside relevant areas of biochemistry, genetics, ecology and evolution.Core

How you are assessed

Assessment is mainly conducted through coursework including literature reviews, problem papers, oral and poster presentations, and ultimately the preparation of a research dissertation for the research project. There is limited use of examinations/in class tests.

Specific guidance on each assessment is provided and the programme includes specific training for the main type of assessment.

Assessment Feedback

The University of Lincoln's policy on assessment feedback aims to ensure that academics will return in-course assessments to students promptly - usually within 15 working days of the submission date.

Research Project and Topics

Independent research projects are often linked to research specialisms within the School of Life Sciences. These include microbiology and biotechnology, cancer and ageing, evolution and ecology, diabetes, metabolism and inflammation, and animal behaviour cognition and welfare.

Entry Requirements 2023-24

First or second class honours degree in a relevant subject.

If you have studied outside of the UK, and are unsure whether your qualification meets the above requirements, please visit our country pages for information on equivalent qualifications.

https://www.lincoln.ac.uk/home/studywithus/internationalstudents/entryrequirementsandyourcountry/

Overseas students will be required to demonstrate English language proficiency equivalent to IELTS 6.0 overall, with a minimum of 5.5 in each element. For information regarding other English language qualifications we accept, please visit the English Requirements page.

https://www.lincoln.ac.uk/home/studywithus/internationalstudents/englishlanguagerequirementsandsupport/englishlanguagerequirements/

If you do not meet the above IELTS requirements, you may be able to take part in one of our Pre-session English and Academic Study Skills courses. These specialist courses are designed to help students meet the English language requirements for their intended programme of study.

https://www.lincoln.ac.uk/home/studywithus/internationalstudents/englishlanguagerequirementsandsupport/pre-sessionalenglishandacademicstudyskills/

Fees and Funding

For eligible students, there are more ways than ever before to fund your postgraduate study, whether you want to do a taught or research course. For those wishing to undertake a Master's course, UK students can apply for a loan as a contribution towards the course and living costs. Loans are also available to those who wish to undertake doctoral study. The University offers a number of scholarships and funded studentships for those interested in postgraduate study. Learn how Master's and PhD loans, scholarships, and studentships can help you fund your studies on our Postgraduate Fees and Funding pages.

Programme Fees

Career Opportunities

The biotechnology industry recruits qualified individuals for a broad range of roles, from sales and marketing, to research and development, manufacturing, and quality control and assurance.

Research and diagnostic laboratories, either public or private, also recruit individuals with advanced knowledge on current biotechnology aspects and who are trained in modern biotechnology techniques.

To help enhance employability, students are able to access training and support to develop a broad range of professional and research skills, including science communication and dissemination, scientific writing, and career planning.

"Studying the Biotechnology Master's at the University of Lincoln made me more confident in independent research. It was the perfect progression on from an undergraduate course in terms of critical thinking and problem solving, but with support available when needed."

Imogen Napper, MSc Biotechnology graduate

Postgraduate Events

Find out more about how postgraduate study can help further your career, develop your knowledge, or even prepare you to start your own business at one of our postgraduate events.

Find out More

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Prioritising Face-to-Face Teaching

At the University of Lincoln, we strive to ensure our students’ experience is engaging, supportive, and academically challenging. Throughout the Coronavirus pandemic, we have adapted to Government guidance to keep our students, staff, and community safe. All remaining Covid-19 legal restrictions in England were lifted in February 2022 under the Government’s Plan for Living with Covid-19, and we have embraced a safe return to in-person teaching on campus. Where appropriate, face-to-face teaching is enhanced by the use of digital tools and technology and may be complemented by online opportunities where these support learning outcomes.

We are fully prepared to adapt our plans if changes in Government guidance make this necessary, and we will endeavour to keep current and prospective students informed. For more information about how we are working to keep our community safe, please visit our coronavirus web pages.

The University intends to provide its courses as outlined in these pages, although the University may make changes in accordance with the Student Admissions Terms and Conditions.