Biotechnology is defined as the industrial exploitation of living organisms or the exploitation of components derived from these organisms. Its practical applications include age-old techniques such as brewing and fermentation, which are still important today. In recent decades, gene modification has revolutionized the biotechnology industry, spawning countless new products and improving established processes.
More and more types of fermentation are being used, and most new medicines are products of biotechnology. Modern biotechnology has become an applied area of science with a multidisciplinary approach embracing recombinant DNA technology, cellular biology, microbiology, biochemistry, as well as process design, engineering, modelling and control.
Biotechnology is a broad, multidisciplinary area of science. A Master of Science in Biotechnology is an expert in one (group of) discipline(s) and has to have sufficient knowledge and skills in other disciplines to cooperate with experts from the other disciplines. Therefore, students specialise during the Master programme and learn how to solve complex biotechnological problems in a multidisciplinary team.
On the programme of Biotechnology page you can find the general outline of the programme and more detailed information about courses, theses and internships.
Within the master's programme you can choose one of the following Specialisations to meet your personal interests.
The first job after graduation, obtained by Msc biotechnologist, is often localised at a research institute or an university in- or outside The Netherlands. It usually concerns a research project or, more detailed, a PhD project: more than 50% of the graduated biotechnologist becomes PhD. Although most graduates choose for a career in science about 1/3 also starts in functions as engineer or technical expert. Read more about career perspectives and opportunities after finishing the programme.
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This exciting interdisciplinary MSc programme focuses on providing advanced academic training in the cellular and molecular processes that relate to the production of biomedicines for use in healthcare.
This is coupled with rigorous practical training in the design, production and characterisation of biomolecules using state-of-theart biotechnological and bioengineering analytical and molecular technologies.
You acquire practical, academic and applied skills in data analysis, systems and modelling approaches, and bioinformatics, together with transferable skills in scientific writing, presentation and public affairs. On successful completion of the programme, you will be able to integrate these skills to develop novel solutions to modern biotechnological issues from both academic and industrial perspectives.
Visit the website: https://www.kent.ac.uk/courses/postgraduate/213/biotechnology-and-bioengineering
The School of Biosciences is among the best-funded schools of its kind in the UK, with current support from the BBSRC, NERC, MRC, Wellcome Trust, EU, and industry. It has 38 academic staff, 56 research staff (facility managers, research fellows, postdoctoral researchers and technicians), approximately 100 postgraduate students and 20 key support staff. The school's vibrant atmosphere has expanded to become a flourishing environment to study for postgraduate degrees in a notably friendly and supportive teaching and research environment.
Research in the School of Biosciences revolves around understanding systems and processes in the living cell. It has a strong molecular focus with leading-edge activities that are synergistic with one another and complementary to the teaching provision. Our expertise in disciplines such as biochemistry, microbiology and biomedical science allows us to exploit technology and develop groundbreaking ideas in the fields of genetics, molecular biology, protein science and biophysics. Fields of enquiry encompass a range of molecular processes from cell division, transcription and translation through to molecular motors, molecular diagnostics and the production of biotherapeutics and bioenergy.
In addition to research degrees, our key research strengths underpin a range of unique and career-focused taught Master’s programmes that address key issues and challenges within the biosciences and pharmaceutical industries and prepare graduates for future employment.
The MSc in Biotechnology and Bioengineering involves studying for 120 credits of taught modules, as indicated below. The taught component takes place during the autumn and spring terms, while a 60-credit research project take place over the summer months.
The programme is taught by staff from the Industrial Biotechnology Centre, an interdisciplinary research centre whose aim is to solve complex biological problems using an integrated approach to biotechnology and bioengineering. It is administered by the School of Biosciences who also contribute to the programme.
The following modules are indicative of those offered on this programme. This list is based on the current curriculum and may change year to year in response to new curriculum developments and innovation. Most programmes will require you to study a combination of compulsory and optional modules. You may also have the option to take modules from other programmes so that you may customise your programme and explore other subject areas that interest you.
BI830 - Science at Work (30 credits)
BI836 - Practical and Applied Research Skills for Advanced Biologists (30 credits)
BI851 Advanced Molecular Processing for Biotechnologists and Bioengineers (30 credits)
BI852 - Advanced Analytical and Emerging Technologies for Biotechnology and Bio (30 credits)
BI857 - Cancer Research in Focus (15 credits)
CB612 - New Enterprise Startup (15 credits)
CB613 - Enterprise (15 credits)
BI840 - Cancer Therapeutics: From the Laboratory to the Clinic (15 credits)
BI845 - Research project (60 credits)
Assessment is by coursework and the research project.
You will gain the following transferable skills:
- the ability to plan and manage workloads
- self-discipline and initiative
- the development of reflective learning practices to make constructive use of your own assessment of performance and use that of colleagues, staff and others to enhance performance and progress
- communication: the ability to organise information clearly, create and respond to textual and visual sources (eg images, graphs, tables), present information orally, adapt your style for different audiences.
- enhanced understanding of group work dynamics and how to work as part of a group or independently.
Research in the School of Biosciences is focused primarily on essential biological processes at the molecular and cellular level, encompassing the disciplines of biochemistry, genetics, biotechnology and biomedical research.
The School houses a dynamic research community with five major research themes:
Each area is led by a senior professor and underpinned by excellent research facilities. The School-led development of the Industrial Biotechnology Centre (IBC), with staff from the other four other schools in the Faculty of Sciences, facilitates and encourages interdisciplinary projects. The School has a strong commitment to translational research, impact and industrial application with a substantial portfolio of enterprise activity and expertise.
A postgraduate degree in the School of Biosciences is designed to equip our graduates with transferable skills that are highly valued in the workplace. Our research-led ethos ensures that students explore the frontiers of scientific knowledge, and the intensive practical components provide rigorous training in cutting edge technical skills that are used in the modern biosciences while working in areas of world-leading expertise within the School.
Destinations for our graduates include the leading pharmaceutical and biotechnological companies within the UK and leading research institutes both at home and abroad.
Find out how to apply here - https://www.kent.ac.uk/courses/postgraduate/how-to-apply/
Plants form the basis of life as they convert sunlight into an inexhaustible source of food and renewable raw materials. Plants also have a stabilising effect in (agro) ecosystems, a landscape function and ornamental value. In a nutshell, we can't do without plants. Modern molecular biology has opened up a whole new range of techniques and possibilities to scientists working in the different fields of the classical plant sciences (e.g. plant physiology, plant breeding, plant pathology). The combination of these disciplines forms a challenging domain: Plant Biotechnology.
Plant Biotechnology aims to impart understanding of the basic principles of the plant sciences and molecular biology, as well as the integration of these disciplines, to provide healthy plants in a safe environment for food, non-food, feed and health applications. Besides covering the technological aspects, Plant Biotechnology also deals with the most important environmental, quality, health, socio-economic and infrastructural aspects.
On the programme of Plant Biotechnology page you can find the general outline of the programme and more detailed information about courses, theses and internships.
Within the master's programme you can choose one of the following Specialisations to meet your personal interests.
Graduates in Plant Biotechnology are university-trained professionals. Their main career focus will be on research and development positions at universities, research institutes and biotech or agribusiness companies. Read more about career perspectives and opportunities after finishing the programme.
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Wageningen University & Research is one of the leading centres in Food Science and Technology in Europe and the world. The history of the Food Technology programme at the university goes back more than 50 years; it is considered to be one of the best and most innovative programmes in its field in Europe.
Wageningen (the Netherlands, 40.000 inhabitants, 10.000 students) is one of the leading areas for Food Technology and Nutrition in the world. Besides the many groups within Wageningen University & Research working on Food Science and Nutrition, there are also numerous companies and research institutes in Wageningen.
On the Programme of Food Technology page you can find the general outline of the programme and more detailed information about courses, theses and internships.
Within the master's programme you can choose one of the following Specialisations to meet your personal interests.
Graduates of the Food Technology programme generally find a job in either one of the food industries, the government, universities or institutes. Around 10% of the graduates will pursue a PhD degree. Below you can find several stories of graduates Food Technology about their job. Read more about career perspectives and opportunities after finishing the programme.
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Plants form the basis of life as they convert sunlight into an inexhaustible source of food and renewable raw materials. Plants also have a stabilising effect in (agro) ecosystems, a landscape function and ornamental value. In a nutshell, we cannot do without plants.
The Plant Sciences programme has been designed to help meet the worldwide demand for scientific expertise in the development of plant and crop production and farming systems. It not only covers the technological aspects of crop production, but also deals with important environmental, quality, health and socio-economic aspects. Interdisciplinarity is a hallmark of the programme.
On the programme of Plant Sciences page you can find the general outline of the programme and more detailed information about courses, theses and internships.
Within the master's programme you can choose one of the following Specialisations to meet your personal interests.
Graduates in Plant Sciences are university-trained professionals who are able to contribute to the sustainable development of plant production at various integration levels, based on their knowledge of fundamental and applied plant sciences and their interdisciplinary approach. Read more about career perspectives and opportunities after finishing the programme.
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MSc Forest and Nature Conservation
From the discovery of new energy sources to the design of enzymes to produce new medicines, most cutting-edge research requires knowledge of molecular processes. The two year MSc Molecular Life Sciences study programme focuses on the molecular aspects within the fields of nutrition, health, nature and the living environment.
This MSc programme consists of four specialisations that are based upon a unique combination of three main disciplines: biology, chemistry and physics. Research is an important part of the programme and there is a wide variety of research subjects to choose from in order to carry out your thesis and internship during your second year. The combination of chemistry, physics and biology is especially appealing to many employers.
Discoveries through chemistry are based on research conducted by motivated people. Furthermore, a combination of disciplines is needed to be at the forefront of the field of science. Wageningen University offers all that and more. Wageningen University graduates are able to conduct high level research and perform in an interdisciplinary environment. It is here that theory is put to practice and it will give you a strong background for employment in industry, government or universities.
On the programme of Molecular Life Sciences page you can find the general outline of the programme and more detailed information about courses, theses and internships.
Within the master's programme you can choose one of the following Specialisations to meet your personal interests.
The labour market for Molecular Life Sciences graduates is still looking good: the large majority finds a job within a few months. About 80% starts a PhD research. In the Netherlands you get a salary for doing a PhD; in Dutch this job is called AIO = "assistant in opleiding". After finishing your PhD you get the Dutch Doctor title; you are allowed to put Dr. in front of your name.
Read more about career perspectives and opportunities after finishing the programme.
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MS in biomedical informatics at NYU School of Medicine’s Sackler Institute of Graduate Biomedical Sciences
Study Computer Science, Mathematics and Nuclear Education at a world-class university
