Masters Degrees in Environmental Biotechnology, United Kingdom

This course will enhance your understanding of key concepts in biotechnology and environmental sustainability and their practical application from innovation to commercialisation.

This course is designed to enhance your career in a wide range of sectors, such as biorenewables, bioremediation and bioprocessing in which environmental sustainability is a key consideration. It will enable you to undertake a variety of fulfilling roles from research, and product and technology development to environmental protection and other leadership positions.

Biotechnology for Environmental Sustainability will equip you with broad theoretical knowledge and critical understanding of advanced principles in biotechnology. You’ll also gain the practical skills required to underpin a career within an industrial or research setting.

You’ll be supported by an active research group with varied interests and links with relevant industries, research institutes and other organisations.

See the website http://www.napier.ac.uk/en/Courses/MSc-Biotechnology-for-Environmental-Sustainability-Postgraduate-FullTime

What you'll learn

This course provides you with in-depth knowledge and critical understanding of key concepts in fermentation and bioprocessing, environmental microbiology, business planning and environmental policy which are relevant to the application of commercial-scale biotechnologies in an environmentally sustainable manner.

You’ll study the scientific concepts that underpin modern biotechnologies and how innovations can be exploited for the development of products and processes such as biofuels, novel bioactive compounds and waste conversion technologies. You’ll also explore the bioethical, socio-economic and regulatory aspects of environmental sustainability and the role of biotechnologies in environmental protection.

There is an emphasis on developing your practical laboratory skills with various opportunities for hands-on experience in a range of current techniques and practices such as fermentation and environmental monitoring. In your final trimester you’ll undertake an independent project within a vibrant research team, allowing you to apply and further develop your technical, research and professional skills. There may be the opportunity to conduct your research project with one of our Edinburgh Napier start-up companies or externally in a relevant organisation or industry.

You’ll also develop key skills including communication, problem solving, team work, project management, and leadership. You’ll learn through interactive lectures, workshops, tutorials, site visits, field trips and laboratory sessions, and by engaging with guided independent study. A variety of assessment tools are used to enhance and evaluate your learning.

This is a full-time programme over one year and is split up into three trimesters. You can choose to start in either January or September. There may also be some opportunities to study abroad.

Modules

• Cell technology
• Business and bioethics
• Biotechnology for sustainable renewables
• Research skills
• Biotechnology for sustainable remediation
• Environmental sustainability management
• Independent research project

Study modules mentioned above are indicative only. Some changes may occur between now and the time that you study.

Careers

Environmental sustainability is an increasingly important consideration in many aspects of our lives. Biotechnology underpins many of the solutions to existing unsustainable practices and offers the possibility of new products and as such is predicted to be a key driver in the future global economy.

This course provides a wide range of career opportunities in areas such as sustainable waste management, bioremediation, environmental protection and monitoring, biorenewables, and bioprocessing, as well as product/technology development. You'll be prepared for a variety of roles including those with a research focus and those with an emphasis on leadership in both multinational companies and smaller biotechnology enterprises.

Opportunities may also exist in contract research companies and service providers to the environmental and industrial biotechnology sectors, in addition to government and environment protection agencies.

Successful completion of the MSc programme also provides a sound platform for further study in a research setting; graduates will be qualified to continue to PhD studies in the biosciences.

How to apply

http://www.napier.ac.uk/study-with-us/postgraduate/how-to-apply

SAAS Funding

Nothing should get in the way of furthering your education. Student Awards Agency Scotland (SAAS) awards funding for postgraduate courses, and could provide the help you need to continue your studies. Find out more: http://www.napier.ac.uk/study-with-us/postgraduate/fees-and-funding/saas-funded-courses

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This new programme offers an expansion of our already successful MSc in biotechnology into industrial biotechnology and business management, jointly run with Adam Smith Business School.

Why this programme

◾Ranked world top 100 for Biological Sciences.
◾If you wish to improve your knowledge of modern molecular, biochemical, cell biological and genetic techniques for biotechnological applications, this programme is designed for you.
◾You will gain a sound understanding of the nature of business based on bioscience knowledge and research, opportunities for innovation and regulatory requirement constraints, intellectual property and ethical issues.
◾You will learn how to assess the current literature, be encouraged to form opinions based on scientific merit, and implement these ideas in future research planning.
◾You will be taught by experts in the field of Biotechnology who run active, internationally recognised, research groups here at Glasgow.
◾The course involves extensive interaction with industry, through site visits, guest lectures and an "Industrial Networking Symposium" where representatives from the European biotechnology and pharmaceutical industry will discuss their companies and answer your questions on working in the industrial sector.
◾This course has a strong laboratory component, with courses that run throughout the year, giving you hands on experience of diverse biotechnological research skills.
◾The flexible independent research project provides valuable training for students wishing to proceed to a PhD or into an industrial career; this may also be completed as a business based project.
◾Additional programme components include industrial networking sessions and a dedicated career workshop on progression planning.
◾Our Masters in Biotechnology provides an advanced practical knowledge of how research and industry are being applied to solve real world problems.

Programme structure

Semester 1

You will be based in the Adam Smith Business School, developing knowledge and skills in management principles and techniques. We offer an applied approach, with an emphasis on an informed critical evaluation of information, and the subsequent application of concepts and tools to the core areas of business and management.

Core courses

◾Contemporary issues in human resource management
◾Managing creativity and innovation
◾Managing innovative change
◾Marketing management
◾Operations management
◾Project management.

Semester 2

You will study biotechnology courses, which aim to enhance your understanding of using biological processes, organisms, or systems to manufacture products intended to improve the quality of human life. These courses will provide training in state-of-the-art biotechnology applications what have resulted in ground-breaking developments in the areas of medicine, pharmaceuticals, agriculture and food production, environmental clean-up and protection and industrial processes.

Core course

◾Biotechnology Applications

Optional course

◾Omic Technologies for the biomedical sciences
◾Synthetic Biology: Concepts and Applications
◾Bioimaging
◾Biosensors and diagnostics
◾Plant Genetic Engineering
◾Crop Biotechnology.

Project or dissertation

If you are studying for an MSc you will undertake individual project in the summer period (May–August). This will give you an opportunity to apply and consolidate the course material and enhance your ability to do independent work, as well as present results in the most appropriate format. Project options are closely linked to staff research interests.

The aims of the courses are:
◾To enable students to study state-of-the-art biotechnology topics in depth;
◾To allow students to benefit from leading-edge research-led teaching;
◾To provide a critical appreciation of relevant theoretical, methodological and technical literature from the central business disciplines;
◾To develop students’ ability to critically appraise published research related to biotechnology;
◾To cultivate analytical and interpretive abilities and enable students to integrate these with essential managerial and business skills.
◾To develop students laboratory skills relevant to biotechnology;
◾To enhance students’ conceptual, analytical and presentation skills and to apply them to biotechnology problems;
◾To prepare students for management positions in the biotechnology industry or entry into PhD programmes.

Core and optional courses

Core

◾Contemporary Issues in HR
◾Managing Creativity and Innovation
◾Managing Strategic Change
◾Marketing Management
◾Operations Management
◾Project Management

Optional

◾Biotechnology Applications
◾Omic technologies for the biomedical sciences: from genomics to metabolomics
◾Synthetic Biology: Concepts and Applications
◾Bioimaging
◾Biosensors and diagnostics
◾Plant Genetic Engineering
◾Crop Biotechnology
◾Biotechnology project

Career prospects

This programme will prepare you for a career in the pharmaceutical or biotechnology industrial sectors or for entry into PhD programmes.

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This programme will give you hands-on practical experience of both laboratory and bioinformatics techniques. You will also be trained in biotechnology research strategies. A strong practical foundation is provided in the first semester (Semester A) when you study two modules: 'Cellular Molecular Biology' and 'Core Genetics and Protein Biology'. These modules concentrate on the basic principles and the techniques used in modern molecular biology investigations, and on aspects of cellular molecular biology and development.

The second semester (Semester B) has a problem-based learning approach to the application of the knowledge you gained in Semester A. You will study two modules: 'Industrial Biotechnology' and 'Molecular Biotechnology'. These modules will give you an in depth understanding of the application of molecular biological approaches to the production of industrial and medicinal proteins. You will also learn how to apply and design industrial and environmental biotechnology processes, such as process kinetics and design, reactor design and oxygen transfer, sterilization kinetics and the application of biotechnology processes for the bioremediation of contaminated sites.

In the third semester (Semester C) you undertake a research project to develop your expertise further. The research project falls into different areas and may include aspects of fermentation biotechnology, genetic manipulation and protein engineering, bioinformatics, microbial physiology and environmental biotechnology.

Why choose this course?

-This course gives in-depth knowledge of biotechnology and molecular biology for biosciences or biological chemistry graduates
-It has a strong practical basis giving you training in biotechnology research strategies and hand-on experience of laboratory and bioinformatics techniques
-It equips you for research and development positions in the biotechnology and pharmaceutical industries, as well as a wide range of non-research roles in industry
-Biosciences research facilities cover fermentation biotechnology, high performance liquid chromatography, (HPLC), cell culture, molecular biology and pharmacology
-There are excellent facilities for chemical and biomedical analysis, genetics and cell biology studies and students have access to the latest equipment for chemical synthesis and purification, PCR, qPCR and 2D protein gel analysis systems for use during their final year projects
-The School of Life and Medical Science will move into a brand new science building opening in September 2015 providing us with world class laboratories for our teaching and research. At a cost of £50M the new building provides spacious naturally lit laboratories and social spaces creating an environment that fosters multi-disciplinary learning and research

Careers

On successful completion of the programme you will be well qualified for research and development positions in the biotechnology and pharmaceutical industries, to progress to a research degree or to consider non-research roles in industry such as management, manufacturing and marketing.

Teaching methods

The course consists of five modules including a research project:
-Cellular Molecular Biology
-Core Genetics and Protein Biology
-Industrial Biotechnology
-Molecular Biotechnology
-Biosciences Research Methods for Masters
-Research project

All modules are 100% assessed by coursework which includes in-course tests.

Structure

Core Modules
-Biosciences Research Methods for Masters
-Cellular Molecular Biology
-Core Genetics and Protein Biology
-Industrial Biotechnology
-Molecular Biotechnology
-Project-Mol Biology, Biotechnology, Pharmacology

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This Masters in Biotechnology programme provides you with an advanced practical knowledge of biotechnology and molecular genetic technologies underpinning modern biotechnology and how they can be applied to solve real world problems. The programme offers training in a broad range of topics including; environmental biotechnology, synthetic biology, plant engineering, stem cell therapies and vaccine development.

Why this programme

◾Ranked world top 100 for Biological Sciences
◾If you wish to improve your knowledge of modern molecular, biochemical, cell biological and genetic techniques for biotechnological applications, this programme is designed for you.
◾You will gain a sound understanding of the nature of business based on bioscience knowledge and research, their opportunities for innovation and regulatory requirement constraints, intellectual property and ethical issues.
◾We have exciting scholarship opportunities.
◾You will learn how to assess the current literature, be encouraged to form opinions based on scientific merit, and implement these ideas in future research planning.
◾You will be taught by experts in the field of Biotechnology who run active, internationally recognised, research groups here at Glasgow.
◾The course involves extensive interaction with industry, through site visits, guest lectures and an "Industrial Networking Symposium" where representatives from the European biotechnology and pharmaceutical industry will discuss their companies and answer your questions on working in the industrial sector.
◾This course has a strong laboratory component, with courses that run throughout the year, giving you hands on experience of diverse biotechnological research skills.
◾The flexible independent research project provides valuable training for students wishing to proceed to a Ph.D. or into an industrial career; this may also be completed as a business based project.
◾Additional programme components include industrial networking sessions and a dedicated career workshop on progression planning.
◾Our Masters in Biotechnology provides an advanced practical knowledge of how research and industry are being applied to solve real world problems.

Programme structure

The programme is made up of five teaching modules and a dissertation project. Each module explores different aspects of Biotechnology. The dissertation allows you to specialise the degree through a chosen field of research. You will undertake this project with the support and guidance of your chosen academic expert.

The aims of the course are:
◾To enable students to study a wide range of biotechnology topics in depth;
◾Allow students to benefit from leading-edge research-led teaching;
◾To enhance students' conceptual, analytical and generic skills and to apply them to biotechnology problems;
◾To prepare students for leading positions in the biotechnology industry or entry into PhD programmes.

Core and optional courses

◾Molecular Research Skills
◾Industrial and Environmental Microbiology
◾Bioscience Commercialisation
◾Recombinant Protein Expression
◾Omics Technologies
◾Synthetic Biology
◾Bioimaging for Researchers
◾Plant Biotechnology
◾Biotechnology Research Project

Career prospects

This programme will prepare you for a career in the pharmaceutical or biotechnology industrial sectors or for entry into PhD programmes.

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Whether you are a new graduate or already employed and seeking to further your career prospects, this course offers a solid career development path. You can also choose this course if you wish to pursue research in biotechnology at PhD level.

Biotechnology is the application of biological processes and is underpinned by • cell biology • molecular biology • bioinformatics • structural biology. It encompasses a wide range of technologies for modifying living organisms or their products according to human needs.

Applications of biotechnology span medicine, technology and engineering.

Important biotechnological advances including

• the production of therapeutic proteins using cloned DNA, for example insulin and clotting factors
• the application of stem cells to treat human disease
• the enhancement of crop yields and plants with increased nutritional value
• herbicide and insect resistant plants
• production of recombinant antibodies for the treatment of disease
• edible vaccines, in the form of modified plants
• development of biosensors for the detection of biological and inorganic analytes

You gain

• up-to-date knowledge of the cellular and molecular basis of biological processes
• an advanced understanding of DNA technology and molecular biotechnology
• knowledge of developing and applying biotechnology to diagnosis and treatment of human diseases
• practical skills applicable in a range of bioscience laboratories
• the transferable and research skills to enable you to continue developing your knowledge and improving your employment potential

The course is led by academics who are actively involved in biotechnology research and its application to the manipulation of proteins, DNA, mammalian cells and plants. Staff also have expertise in the use of nanoparticles in drug delivery and the manipulation of microbes in industrial and environmental biotechnology.

You are supported throughout your studies by an academic advisor who will help you develop your study and personal skills.

What is biotechnology

Biotechnology is the basis for the production of current leading biopharmaceuticals and has already provided us with the 'clot-busting' drug, tissue plasminogen activator for the treatment of thrombosis and myocardial infarction. It also holds the promise of new treatments for neurodegeneration and cancer through recombinant antibodies.

Genetically modified plants have improved crop yields and are able to grow in a changing environment. Manipulation of cellular organisms through gene editing methods have also yielded a greater understanding of many disease states and have allowed us to understand how life itself functions.

Course structure

You begin your studies focusing on the fundamentals of advanced cell biology and molecular biology before specialising in both molecular and plant biotechnology. Practical skills are developed throughout the course and you gain experience in molecular biology techniques such as PCR and sub cloning alongside tissue culture.

Core to the program is the practical module where you gain experience in a range of techniques used in the determination of transcription and translational levels, for example.

All practicals are supported by experienced academic staff, skilled in the latest biotechnological techniques.

Research and statistical skills are developed throughout the program. Towards the end of the program you apply your skills on a two month research project into a current biotechnological application. Employability skills are developed throughout the course in two modules.

The masters (MSc) award is achieved by successfully completing 180 credits.

The postgraduate certificate (PgCert) is achieved by successfully completing 60 credits.

The postgraduate diploma (PgDip) is achieved by successfully completing 120 credits. 

Core modules:

• Cell biology (15 credits)
• Biotechnology (15 credits)
• Plant biotechnology (15 credits)
• Molecular biology (15 credits)
• Applied biomedical techniques (15 credits)
• Professional development (15 credits)
• Research methods and statistics (15 credits)
• Research project (60 credits)

Optional modules :

• Human genomics and proteomics (15 credits)
• Cellular and molecular basis of disease (15 credits)
• Cellular and molecular basis of cancer (15 credits)

Assessment

As students progress through the course they are exposed to a wide range of teaching and learning activities. The assessment strategy of the postgraduate course considers diverse assessment methods. Some modules offer dedicated formative feedback to aid skills development with assessments going through several rounds of formative tutor and peer feedback. Summative assessment methods are diverse, with examinations present in theory-based modules to test independent knowledge and data analysis. Several modules are entirely coursework-based, with a portfolio of skills such laboratory practical's and research proposals generated throughout the course forming the summative tasks. In all cases, the assessment criteria for all assessed assignments are made available to student prior to submission. 

Employability

The course is suitable for people wishing to develop their knowledge of molecular and cell biotechnology and its application to solving health and industrial problems.

You can find career opportunities in areas such as

• biotechnology research
• medical research in universities and hospitals
• government research agencies
• biotechnology industry
• pharmaceutical industry.

Students on this course have gone on to roles including experimental officers in contract research, research and development in scientists, diagnostics specialists and applications specialists. Many of our graduates also go on to study for PhDs and continue as academic lecturers.

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Are you a recent graduate, scientist, engineer or manager looking to develop your professional skills in multidisciplinary biotechnology and eager for a future in related sectors? The MSc in Biotechnology,
Bioprocessing and Business Management opens the door to these opportunities.

The course is delivered in partnership with our industry partners and Warwick Business School. During your studies you’ll develop a new sense of business acumen and gain in-depth knowledge of the underlying science and processing technologies. You’ll have access to specialised language classes, as well as a personal mentor who will help to improve your academic writing.

When you graduate, you’ll be ready to enter managerial and academic roles in several sectors, including the pharmaceutical industry, whether in large multinational companies or small to medium-sized enterprises.

Course structure

The course is a full time, twelve month taught programme with modular content, based around three strands:-
-Business Management
-Biotechnology & Molecular Biology
-Bioprocessing

The course programme focuses on:
-Manufacture of biochemicals, pharmaceuticals, devices and materials
-Genetic engineering and the fundamentals of biotechnology
-Business management, economics and finance
-Marketing management
-Commercialisation of products, IP
-Food, biotechnology and microbiological processing
-Fuels and energy
-Industries based on renewable and sustainable resources
-Production technologies
-Plant design and economic analysis

Students will be required to complete nine core modules. They must also select a further three elective modules. Teaching will be by interactive lectures, short question & answer sessions and small group interactive workshops/tutorials. Individual and team learning will be used for case study analysis.

All students will be required to undertake a project dissertation. Students will be encouraged to propose their own project title (selection subject to availability of an appropriate supervisor) although a range of potential titles will be offered. Projects will be non-laboratory based and generally undertaken at the University of Warwick under the supervision of an approved tutor.

Core Modules

-The fundamentals of biotechnology
-Molecular biology and genetic engineering
-Biochemical engineering
-Bioproduct plant design and economic analysis
-Business strategy
-Accounting and financial management
-Marketing management
-Entrepreneurship & commercialisation
-Biopharmaceutical product & clinical development
-Project

Elective Modules

(Availability dependent on demand)
-Microbiomics & metagenomics
-Environmental protection, risk assessment and safety
-Impact of biotechnology on the use of natural resources
-Fundamental principles of drug discovery
-E-business: Technology and management
-Chemotherapy of infectious disease
-Vaccines and gene therapy
-Laboratory Skills

Assessment

One third of the final mark will be derived from the project dissertation.

Two thirds of the final mark will be derived from assessments of the 9 core and 3 elective modules. Modules will be assessed by means of a combination of written course work, individual/group seminar presentations and a multi-choice or short answer examination. These assessments will take place during or shortly after completion of each module.

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This programme equips you for the biotechnology/life science profession or enables you to progress to PhD research studies. Designed and delivered with industry input, it is career-focused and vocationally-relevant.

About the programme

The programme will develop your knowledge and understanding of a range of theoretical and practical skills relevant to the biotechnology industry; advance your understanding of the industry; and grow your research skills.

Your understanding of the principles of commercialisation in the biotechnology industry will be developed through either a bioindustry
or work-related learning module. This combination of theory and practice will fully prepare you for employment in the biotechnology sector or for progression to further research.

The University’s Institute of Biomedical and Environmental Health Research (IBEHR) brings together life, physical and environmental scientists in a holistic approach to research. Your research skills are developed throughout the programme and applied in the individual research project.

Practical experience

You will develop practical laboratory skills through taught modules and apply these in your research project. It is possible to undertake a work related learning module.

Your learning

The programme offers current theory and practical skills in a range of relevant techniques including microbiology, immunology, and cell culture. The MSc is awarded on successful completion of 180 credits at Level 11. Full-time students study three 20 credit modules in trimesters 1 and 2 and a 60 credit research project in Trimester 3.

Modules include:
• Nucleic Acid and Protein Technology
• Microbial Technology
• Medical Biotechnology
• Bioanalysis
• Research Design
• Bioindustry or Placement Learning

MSc

Upon successful completion of the taught modules listed above you will undertake the MSc research project.

Our Careers Adviser says

Many of our students continue their studies to PhD level, either in the UK or abroad. It may also be possible to complete the MSc project abroad, bringing a global perspective to your studies. It’s not unusual for our graduates to travel further afield, for example we have a graduate studying for a PhD at Kyushu University, Japan, and another at Berlin-Brandenburg School for Regenerative Therapies. Alternatively you could go on to secure employment within the life science industry in the UK or abroad. One of our graduates is project co-ordinator at Quintiles.

Financial support

In session 2015/16 the Postgraduate Diploma element of this programme carried SAAS postgraduate loan funding for eligible students. Check http://www.saas.gov.uk for 2016/17 loan info.

Note: To obtain the MSc, students will usually take 9 months to gain the Postgraduate Diploma and then normally an additional 3 months of study to gain the MSc, from the date of commencement of the project.

First-class facilities

Get the hands on experience you need to succeed. We have excellent specialist facilities which support our research students and staff. These include an advanced chemical analysis lab: with state-of-theart chemical analysis for isotopic and elemental analysis at trace concentrations using ICPMS/OES and the identification of organic compounds using LCMS; and the Spatial and Pattern Analysis (SPAR) lab: providing high specification workstations, geographical information system (GIS) software, geochemical and image processing facilities to support data management in science research.

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Our established programme in Biotechnology, which has been extensively updated, includes a wide range of modern molecular biology techniques and how biotechnology can be used by today's society. You will complement your theoretical studies with hands on experience of fully controlled fermenters that are up to pilot-plant scale, and are linked to modern monitoring and control systems.

You will study a range of subjects in considerable depth, including bioactive compounds, industrial bioprocesses, microbial physiology and fermentation technology, microbial production of novel metabolites, monitoring and control of fermentation, topics in biotechnology, and types of bioreactors.

Modules

The following modules are indicative of what you will study on this course.

Core modules
-APPLIED MOLECULAR BIOLOGY
-FERMENTATION TECHNOLOGY
-INDUSTRIAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL BIOTECHNOLOGY
-POSTGRADUATE RESEARCH METHODS
-POSTGRADUATE PROJECT
-SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY AND COMMERCIALISATION

Option modules
-COMMUNICATING SCIENCE
-EXTENDED POSTGRADUATE PROJECT
-MOLECULAR BIOINFORMATICS
-MOLECULAR AND CELLULAR THERAPEUTICS
-REGENERATIVE MEDICINE
-SYSTEMS BIOLOGY

Associated careers

The course is aimed at those aspiring to be researchers and managers in the biotechnology and pharmaceutical industries or other biosectors.

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Research in biotechnology at Newcastle spans the Faculty of Medical Sciences (FMS) and the Faculty of Science, Agriculture and Engineering (SAgE). We invite proposals for MPhil and PhD projects in biotechnology across the fields of medical sciences, biological, agricultural and environmental sciences, and marine science and technology.

We offer MPhil supervision in the following research areas:

Medical sciences

In medical sciences our research focuses on translational medicine, from drug discovery and development to effective product commercialisation and process optimisation. Our key areas are:
-The development of drugs for the treatment of cancer and psychiatric disorders
-Novel antibiotic innovation
-Design and development of integrated electrochemical and bio-microelectromechanical (bio-MEMS) sensors for application to point-of-care diagnosis of disease processes and sensor technologies for real-time, high content intracellular analysis using polymer-based nanosensor systems

Biological, agricultural and environmental sciences

In biological, agricultural and environmental sciences our research focuses on:
-The search and discovery of commercially significant natural products
-The production of crops with novel traits
-The fundamental role played by micro-organisms in the turnover of pollutants and the production of high value novel compounds, including pharmaceuticals and pesticides.

Marine science and technology

Our work has led to pioneering advancements in developing novel antibiotics and omega-3 oils from plankton. We also explore the industrial applications of marine organisms such as the development of environmentally friendly antifouling coatings.

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The MSc Biotechnology programme aims to provide students with the opportunity to develop advanced level theoretical knowledge, understanding, practical experience and training, with a particular focus on modern molecular and systems biology approaches to emerging biotechnologies.

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

The programme also seeks to provide training and support in developing a variety of key professional skills, including communication, critical analysis and thinking, project and time management, scientific writing, teamwork, ethics, information technology and career management.

Teaching staff are research active with the majority belonging to two major research groups within the School of Life Sciences:

- Drug Design and Delivery

- Molecular Basis of Disease

They can offer expertise in molecular, cell and system biology, recombinant DNA technology, protein biochemistry, structural biology, fermentation, bioengineering and many other areas. In addition to this, students can also hear from external guest speakers from industry and other schools within the University.

As a consequence of the research driven character of the School, students are expected to become research engaged. They are encouraged to interact with prospective final research project supervisors from the beginning of the course and they are invited to the School’s weekly research seminars.

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

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Students can choose to start in September, May or January

About the course

Equip yourself with the knowledge and skills to be part of the new bio-economy.

The focus of this MSc is on substituting plant material for mineral oil and you can choose from a range of modules which incorporate the latest thinking around this.

This distance learning MSc is delivered by ‌IBERS, with some optional modules being drawn from Bangor University. Both universities have strong, industry focused biotech research portfolios.

Our uniquely structured-yet-flexible format allows you to:

· Study where (provided you have internet access) and when is convenient for you

· Stay focussed and motivated as you work through each module with a cohort of fellow students

· ‘Pick-n-Mix’ the modules which are most relevant to you

· Start in January, May or September

· Take as many or as few modules as you wish over your 5-year registration period

· Supplement your choices with optional modules from Bangor University

· Update your knowledge and develop your critical skills

· Embed your research project into your work

In most cases the research elements of our qualifications are carried out in your work place with regular academic supervision. However, there are also opportunities for research projects to be based at IBERS; ask us if that option would be of interest to you.

Who should take this course?

If you are working in the biotech industry or are developing policy for this sector; or if these are areas you would like to move into, this course is an ideal way to update your knowledge and gain postgraduate qualifications by studying part-time while you are working.

If you are a new graduate interested in pursuing a career in the biotech industry, you can study full or part-time to gain the qualifications and knowledge that you need to start your new career.

How is IBERS Distance Learning Delivered?

This MSc has been designed to be as accessible and flexible as possible, particularly for those in full time employment or living outside the UK. Each 20 credit, 14 week module includes recorded lectures from academics and industry experts, along with guided readings, discussion forums and two assignments. We work very closely with Bangor University, which means that you can also take relevant Bangor modules as part of your studies.

How much work will I need to do?

A typical master’s student is expected to study for 200 hours when taking a 20 credit module. Our students report spending 10 to 15 hours a week per module studying; obviously the more time and effort you can put in, the more you'll benefit from studying the module and the better your grades are likely to be.

How long will it take?

Part-time: From the initial start date you have a maximum of five years to fit in as many or as few modules as you wish. A part-time MSc cannot be completed in less than two years.

Full-time: You should choose your start time to ensure that you will cover the modules that interest you. You will be expected to take two or three modules at a time and complete within two years.

Students will be eligible for a UK Student Loan if the course is completed in 3 years.

Course Content

Students must complete six taught modules - including at least 3 subject specific modules and Research Methods PLUS a 60 credit dissertation (180 credits).

Subject Specific Modules:

Biorenewable Feedstocks
Biorefining Technologies
Biobased product development
Waste Stream Valorisation
Drivers of the Bioeconomy

Core Modules:
Research Methodologies
Work-Based Dissertation

Complementary Modules:

Genetics and Genomics
Carbon Footprinting and LCA
Anaerobic Digestion
Climate Change

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The oceans do not exist in isolation but are in constant interaction with the atmosphere and underlying geology receiving energy from the sun and to a lesser extent from geothermal sources. The highly interdisciplinary field of Marine science, the study of the oceans from the deep sea to shallow coastal seas, aims to understand the biology, chemistry, geology and physics of this dynamic system so central to all our lives.

This programme offers students with a background in marine biology, geology or geography the opportunity to integrate their expertise in the wider marine science context.

The programme has one core course and offers a wide variety of options with maximum flexibility allowing students to pursue their studies either at our Orkney Campus or in Edinburgh.

Core course

- Oceanography and Marine Ecology
- Research Project (MSc only)

Optional courses

- Marine Resources and Sustainability
- Diversity of Marine Organisms1
- Applied Research Design & Analysis1
- Climate Change: Causes and Impacts
- Marine Ecotoxicology
- Practical Marine Ecotoxicology1
- Marine Ecology & Fisheries
- Introduction to Marine Planning
- Economics of Renewable Energy
- Environmental Processes
- Energy in the 21st Century
- Marine Biotechnology
- Practical Skills in Marine Biotechnology (Edinburgh Campus only owing to labs and practicals)
- Marine Environmental Monitoring
- Climate Change: Mitigation and Adaptation Measures
- GIS for Marine and Environmental Scientists
- Tropical Coral Reef Field Course
- Practical Skills in Marine Surveying (Orkney Campus only - field work)
- Environmental Policy & Risk
- Development Appraisal
- Development Project

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The Masters in Sustainable Energy is an interdisciplinary programme that will equip you for employment within the international energy sector. This programme addresses all the key aspects of sustainable energy, from the most advanced technologies through to ethical and economic considerations.

Why this programme

◾This programme provides an in-depth knowledge of the social and economic drivers of the current UK and international energy industry, and insights in the behavioural, business and technical aspects concerned with energy production and distribution.
◾Students will learn a range of technical knowledge in the science and engineering of energy production and use, with emphases towards chemical, electrical and mechanical engineering, dependent on the students’ preferences and past experience.
◾Electronic and Electrical Engineering at the University of Glasgow is consistently highly ranked recently achieving 1st in Scotland and 4th in the UK (Complete University Guide 2017).
◾Students will graduate from this programme with a complete scientific knowledge and appreciation of the relevance of traditional and emerging energy technologies.
◾Learning will be underpinned with regular industrial lectures and commentary so that the context is maintained and highlighted throughout the year.

Programme structure

Modes of delivery of the MSc in Sustainable Energy include lectures, seminars and tutorials and allow students the opportunity to take part in lab, project and team work.

You will take a combination of core and optional courses, and a project which you will select from a list of standard projects or you can suggest a project of your own choosing.

Core courses
◾Energy and environment
◾Energy conversion systems
◾Energy from waste
◾Integrated system design project
◾Renewable energy
◾MSc project.

Optional courses
◾Electrical energy systems
◾Environmental biotechnology
◾Environmental ethics and behavioural change
◾Impacts of climate change
◾Introduction to wind engineering
◾Nuclear power reactors
◾Power electronics
◾Project planning, appraisal and implementation
◾Theory and principles of sustainability.

Projects

-◾To complete the MSc degree you must undertake a project worth 60 credits, which will integrate subject knowledge and skills that you acquire during the MSc programme
◾The project is an important part of your MSc where you can apply your newly learned skills and show to future employers that you have been working on cutting edge projects relevant to the industry.
◾You can choose a topic from a list of MSc projects in Sustainable Energy. Alternatively, should you have your own idea for a project, department members are always open to discussion of topics.

Example projects

Examples of projects can be found online

*Posters shown are for illustrative purposes

Industry links and employability

◾You will be taught by academic staff with expertise from across a range of disciplines within the Colleges of Science & Engineering and Social Sciences. This interdisciplinary approach will provide you with high quality teaching of contemporary, industrially relevant courses which will together provide an excellent background in sustainable energy.
◾You will benefit from significant input from industry to our teaching programme, including teaching on some courses, guest lectures and seminars. There are also informal opportunities to meet people from industry at open events and visits to company offices. Projects may be carried out in conjunction with industry.
◾Many of the courses within the programme will be backed up by specific project work and much of this will be linked in to research activities across the University.

Career prospects

The degree is designed to develop future leaders and decision makers in the growing international energy business. Graduates may expect to forge careers in established energy generation and transmission companies (for instance in the UK, National Grid, Scottish and Southern Energy, etc.), energy consultancy businesses, traditional oil, gas and construction companies who are moving rapidly into renewables, or fresh new companies in the wind, marine, solar or biomass sectors. Scotland, in particular, has seen great expansion in sustainable energy businesses in the last decade, with some of the best worldwide potential for wind, wave and tidal generation.

Graduates of this programme have gone on to positions such as:
Research Assistant at a university
Geothermal Energy Engineer at Town Rock Energy
Hydropower Engineer at Renewables First
Research Analyst at Cognolink
Research and Development Consultant.

Accreditation

The MSc Sustainable Energy is accredited by the Institution of Mechanical Engineering. An accredited degree will provide you with some or all of the underpinning knowledge, understanding and skills for eventual registration as an Incorporated (IEng) or Chartered Engineer (CEng).

Some employers recruit preferentially from accredited degrees, and an accredited degree is likely to be recognised by other countries that are signatories to international accords.

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Your programme of study

The University of Aberdeen is highly regarded for Clinical Pharmacology as the discipline has been taught and delivered for 30 years. It comes from research spanning 50 years. The programme draws on strengths within the university and medical area within disease discovery. Insulin was first developed at University of Aberdeen and the discovery of drug process, treatment and design has been developed and researched ever since. Aberdeen is also known for its research in food and nutrition and other areas. This programme is ideal for newly qualified graduates in medical science disciplines such as biomedical sciences, biochemistry, pharmacology, pharmacy, medicine and similar degrees.

Clinical pharmacology forms a critical part of the drug development process and our graduates are employed in the pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries. These industries are now in rapid growth due to a combination of innovations and strength within customised and other types of medicine and treatment industry areas. Further innovations which link into this industry come from the Internet of Things and more ability to treat and diagnose at source.

There is always a strong need for the discipline to provide a foundation to any new innovations which often come from multidisciplinary teams. Our aim is to train students in the major areas of clinical pharmacology including molecular pharmacology, drug metabolism and toxicology, therapeutics, pharmacokinetics, pharmcovigilance, regulatory affairs and experimental medicine. The programme aims to achieve this by a multi-disciplinary approach.

Courses listed for the programme

Semester 1

Molecular Pharmacology

Drug Metabolism and Toxicology

Therapeutics

Applied Statistics

Basic Skills- Induction

Generic Skills

Semester 2

Pharmacovigilance

Drug Development to Evidence Based Medicine

Pharmacokinetics

Basic Research Methods

Business of Science

Optional

Health Informatics (distance learning

Semester 3

Research Project

Find out more detail by visiting the programme web page

https://www.abdn.ac.uk/study/postgraduate-taught/degree-programmes/37/clinical-pharmacology/

Why study at Aberdeen?

• You are taught by one of the top 10 medical schools in the UK with one of the largest campuses in Europe
• Teaching is from academic and clinical teachers within a clinical setting
• You get a great range of multidisciplinary learning from our research
• We are in the top 10 for university spin out and company formation

Where you study

• University of Aberdeen
• Full Time or Part Time
• 12 Months or 24 Months
• September start

International Student Fees 2017/2018

Find out about fees:

https://www.abdn.ac.uk/study/international/tuition-fees-and-living-costs-287.php

*Please be advised that some programmes have different tuition fees from those listed above and that some programmes also have additional costs.

Scholarships

View all funding options on our funding database via the programme page

https://www.abdn.ac.uk/study/postgraduate-taught/finance-funding-1599.php

https://www.abdn.ac.uk/funding/

Living in Aberdeen

Find out more about:

• Your Accommodation
• Campus Facilities
• Aberdeen City
• Student Support
• Clubs and Societies

Find out more about living in Aberdeen:

https://abdn.ac.uk/study/student-life

Living costs

https://www.abdn.ac.uk/study/international/finance.php

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IN BRIEF:

• Excellent career prospects in biotechnology and related fields
• Multidisciplinary course uniquely integrating molecular biology, genomics, and proteomics with both medical and green biotechnology
• Biotechnology is a priority growth area in the UK (particularly the North West) as well as a globally important industry
• Part-time study option
• International students can apply

COURSE SUMMARY

This course provides strong scientific training in many issues at the forefront of modern biotechnology, as well as the professional skills that you will need to work in the field.  

Course content is well balanced across the areas of biology, biomedicine, biochemistry and molecular biology, and covers topics such as green and medical biotechnology, genomics and bioinformatics, microbiology and proteomics; you will be taught by specialists in these fields. You will also have the  opportunity  to  study a module in Bioscience with Enterprise that has been uniquely developed to allow you to advance your business skills along with core scientific skills.

TEACHING

You will be supervised by expert staff who are actively engaged in international research programmes. Teaching is by:

• Lectures
• Tutorial
• Practical sessions
• Guided reading
• Guest lectures
• Research projects

ASSESSMENT

Assessment is by a combination of written examinations, oral presentations, coursework, laboratory reports and submission of the dissertation.There are eight taught 15 credit modules each of which have only one assessment (100%). Each exam is 2 hours.

FACILITIES

The School is home to state-of-the-art laboratories with dedicated research labs for your research project. The University has invested £3m in the world-class teaching facility equipped with the latest technologies, which has been specially designed to promote an excellent student teaching experience.

The Bodmer Lab is a bright, modern space and has been designed with interconnecting walls which can be easily configured into two, three or four separate laboratories, for maximum flexibility and occupancy. An AV system allows the lecturer to be linked visually and audibly with some or all of the interconnected labs.

A new Translational Medicine Lab will be opened in mid-2017.

CAREER PROSPECTS

This course is particularly suited to those who wish to pursue a career in the biotechnological or pharmaceutical industries, which are priority areas in both the UK and abroad. However, this course will also equip you to pursue careers in hospital laboratories and research institutes, or to continue to a PhD programme.

LINKS WITH INDUSTRY

Certain modules include industrial site visits and research projects may be carried out at other institutions (recently Universities in Bremen or France and the Cancer Research UK Manchester institute). We also invite visiting lecturers to share their expertise on the subject areas.

FURTHER STUDY

After completion of this course you may wish to specialise in a chosen subject area in one of the School’s two main research centres: Ecosystems and Environment Research Centre (EER) or Biomedical Research Centre (BRC).

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