This course uses research-focused training to give you a unique perspective on the underpinning theory and latest research spanning the extent of molecular biology.
Course description
This 12-month course is designed to develop your confidence and independence to become a reliable researcher or investigator in the fast-moving biotechnology industry.
Throughout your studies you’ll be exposed to the diverse areas of biology and engineering, blending molecular science with chemical and biological engineering modules to develop your understanding of the interdependencies between these fields.
Through research-focused training, you’ll develop your skills in planning and carrying out your own experiments, approaching scientific problems experimentally across molecular biology and biotechnology, and using revolutionary laboratory techniques, including CRISPR genome editing technology, Western analysis, and BLAST DNA sequence analysis, to solve these problems.
Through lectures and seminars delivered by visiting experts from leading universities across the globe, you’ll gain a unique perspective on the underpinning theory and latest research spanning the breadth of molecular biology.
Once you’ve mastered the latest molecular bioscience techniques, you’ll be ready to apply these skills to your Research Project. Here you’ll spend up to six months researching an area of molecular biology or biotechnology that matches your future career aspirations under the supervision of an expert in the field.
Example research projects include:
- Cell cycle regulation
- Plant genetic engineering
- Study of mRNA processing
- Molecular cell biology and imaging
- Immunological approaches for disease therapy
- Structural biology (e.g. X-Ray Crystallography)
- Production of biofuels and other useful products from microalgae
- Biotechnology via genomic engineering techniques
Intercalation
We accept medical students who wish to intercalate their studies.
Teaching
This masters course give you a solid grounding in experimental science, with personal supervision and tutorials by experienced scientists, based in modern, well-equipped labs, leading to a project in which you design and conduct your own research. You will learn cutting edge science from research leaders, and gain practice in reading scientific literature and writing reports.
Assessment
Assessment is based on a combination of coursework, project work, formal examinations and a dissertation.
Your career
Biotechnology is a rapidly developing area that is heavily dependent upon molecular approaches, creating significant demand for graduates with strong experimental skills and knowledge of molecular bioscience and biochemical engineering. The applications are vast, from pharmaceutical biotechnology, to tissue engineering and regenerative medicine, and bioinformatics and system biology.
This course is designed to train you for a wide range of exciting careers within biotechnology, or further study to PhD level.
Graduates will be equipped with the specialist knowledge and transferable skills to pursue careers within:
- The pharmaceutical industry
- Food, manufacturing and brewing
- DNA sequencing and diagnostic laboratories
- Inspiring the next generation as a university teacher.
If you choose to continue your research training, you’ll be ready to pursue PhDs in molecular biology or biotechnology and beyond.
Entry requirements
A 2:1 degree or equivalent university qualification in molecular biology or a related subject (eg biochemistry, genetics, biotechnology, and microbiology).
We also accept medical students who wish to intercalate their studies.
Candidates with professional experience may also be considered following interview.
Overall IELTS score of 6.5 with minimum of 6.0 in each component, or equivalent.
Pathway programme for international students
If you’re an international student who does not meet the entry requirements for this course, you have the opportunity to apply for a pre-masters programme in Science and Engineering at the University of Sheffield International College. This course is designed to develop your English language and academic skills. Upon successful completion, you can progress to degree level study at the University of Sheffield.
