BSc (Hons) Biotechnology

Program Overview

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The BSc (Hons) Biotechnology program at the University of York is a 3-year full-time program designed to equip students with a comprehensive understanding of the principles and applications of biotechnology. The program emphasizes the importance of microbial evolution for controlling pathogens and offers a flexible and modular approach to learning, allowing students to tailor the program to their developing interests and explore various specializations within the field.

Program Outline

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Degree Overview:

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BSc (Hons) Biotechnology

at the University of York is a 3-year full-time program designed to equip students with a comprehensive understanding of the principles and applications of biotechnology. The program focuses on the use of microorganisms to solve disease-related problems, provide food, fuel, and medicines. It emphasizes the importance of microbial evolution for controlling pathogens and offers a flexible and modular approach to learning. Students can tailor the program to their developing interests and explore various specializations within the field.

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Objectives:

• Equip students with in-depth knowledge of the principles and applications of biotechnology.
• Develop a strong foundation in microbiology, including microbial evolution and its role in disease control.
• Provide students with the opportunity to explore various specializations within biotechnology.
• Cultivate critical thinking, problem-solving, and research skills.
• Prepare students for a variety of career paths in the biotechnology industry and related fields.

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Program Description:

The BSc (Hons) Biotechnology program at the University of York is characterized by its flexibility and modular structure. Students can choose from a wide range of modules to tailor the program to their specific interests and career aspirations. The program includes a strong emphasis on practical laboratory work, allowing students to develop hands-on skills and experience in applying theoretical knowledge to real-world problems. The program is delivered by experienced academics who are actively involved in research. Students benefit from access to state-of-the-art facilities, including modern laboratories, a flexible workshop, and a creative learning lounge. The program also offers opportunities for students to study abroad or undertake a year in industry, providing valuable experience and enhancing employability.

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Outline:

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Course Content:

The BSc (Hons) Biotechnology program at the University of York consists of a combination of core modules and optional modules. The core modules provide a solid foundation in the key principles of biotechnology, while the optional modules allow students to explore specific areas of interest.

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Year 1:

• Core modules: Becoming a Bioscientist: Core Skills, Life on Earth, Genetics, Becoming a Bioscientist: Grand Challenges, Cells to Organisms, Molecules of Life
• Academic integrity module

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Year 2:

• Core modules: Becoming a Bioscientist: Experimental Design and Communication, Becoming a Bioscientist: Research in Action, Molecular Biotechnology
• Three optional modules from a list including: Cell Biology, Molecular Microbiology, Genome Expression and Maintenance, Bioenterprise, Future of Food, Ecological Solutions to Global Challenges, Population Genetics and Evolution, The Immune System, Neuroscience, Practical Ecology, Behavioural Ecology, Molecular Genetics

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Year 3:

• Core modules: Biology Research Project, Advanced Topics in Biotechnology
• Three optional modules from a list including: Molecular Machinery in Action, Ageing and Regenerative Medicine, Genomics, Trends in Microbiology, Molecular Recognition, Advanced Topics in Gene Expression, Cancer Cell and Molecular Biology, Pathogens, Evolution, Conserving Biodiversity in the Anthropocene, Ecology Field Course, Current Research in Ecology, Advanced Topics in Neuroscience, Haematology and Immunology in Health and Disease, Human Genetics

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Course Schedule:

The program is delivered through a combination of lectures, workshops, practical sessions, and independent study. Students can expect to have approximately 3-5 hours of lectures per week, 4-6 hours of workshops, 3-6 hours of practical sessions, and 5 hours of small-group teaching per semester. The specific schedule may vary depending on the modules chosen.

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Individual Modules:

The program offers a wide range of optional modules, allowing students to individualize their learning experience. Some examples of optional modules include:

• Cell Biology: This module explores the structure and function of cells, focusing on the molecular mechanisms that underpin cellular processes.
• Molecular Microbiology: This module delves into the world of microorganisms, exploring their genetics, physiology, and interactions with their environment.
• Genome Expression and Maintenance: This module examines the complex processes involved in gene expression and how genetic information is maintained and passed on to future generations.
• Bioenterprise: This module provides students with an understanding of the business aspects of biotechnology, including entrepreneurship, marketing, and intellectual property.
• Future of Food: This module explores the challenges and opportunities associated with food production in the 21st century, focusing on sustainable and innovative approaches.
• Ecological Solutions to Global Challenges: This module examines how ecological principles can be applied to address global challenges such as climate change, biodiversity loss, and resource depletion.
• Population Genetics and Evolution: This module explores the principles of population genetics and how they contribute to our understanding of evolution.
• The Immune System: This module examines the complex mechanisms of the immune system, including its role in combating infections and diseases.
• Neuroscience: This module explores the structure and function of the nervous system, focusing on the biological basis of behavior and cognition.
• Practical Ecology: This module provides students with hands-on experience in ecological field research, including data collection, analysis, and interpretation.
• Molecular Genetics: This module delves deeper into the principles of genetics, focusing on molecular techniques and their applications in research and biotechnology.

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Assessment:

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Assessment Methods:

The BSc (Hons) Biotechnology program utilizes a variety of assessment methods to evaluate student learning. These methods include:

• Closed exams: These exams assess students' understanding of key concepts and theories.
• Online open exams: These exams allow students to access resources and use critical thinking skills to demonstrate their knowledge.
• Continuous assessment: This includes assignments, essays, presentations, and other forms of assessment that evaluate students' ongoing progress and understanding.

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Assessment Criteria:

The assessment criteria for the program are designed to ensure that students demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of the subject matter, develop critical thinking skills, and acquire the necessary practical skills for a successful career in biotechnology.

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Percentage of the Course Typically Assessed by Coursework and Exams:

The proportion of coursework and exams varies depending on the specific modules chosen by students. However, the program typically allocates 50% of the assessment to written exams and 50% to coursework in Year 1, 65% to written exams and 35% to coursework in Year 2, and 35% to written exams and 65% to coursework in Year 3.

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Teaching:

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Teaching Methods:

The BSc (Hons) Biotechnology program at the University of York utilizes a variety of teaching methods to cater to different learning styles and preferences. These methods include:

• Lectures: Lectures are delivered by experienced academics and provide students with a broad overview of key concepts and theories.
• Small-group teaching: Small-group teaching sessions allow students to engage in discussions, ask questions, and receive personalized feedback from instructors.
• Workshops: Workshops provide students with hands-on experience in applying theoretical knowledge to practical problems.
• Practical sessions: Practical sessions allow students to develop laboratory skills and techniques under the guidance of experienced instructors.
• Independent study: Independent study is an essential part of the program, allowing students to delve deeper into specific topics, consolidate their understanding, and develop research skills.

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Faculty:

The program is taught by a team of experienced academics who are actively involved in research. The faculty members have expertise in various areas of biotechnology, including microbiology, genetics, molecular biology, immunology, and bioinformatics.

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Unique Approaches:

The BSc (Hons) Biotechnology program at the University of York offers several unique approaches to teaching and learning:

• Strong emphasis on practical laboratory work: The program provides ample opportunities for students to develop hands-on skills and experience in laboratory techniques.
• Flexible and modular structure: Students can choose from a wide range of optional modules to tailor the program to their specific interests and career aspirations.
• Opportunities for study abroad or industry placements: Students can gain valuable experience and enhance their employability by studying abroad or undertaking a year in industry.
• Access to state-of-the-art facilities: The program benefits from access to modern laboratories, a flexible workshop, and a creative learning lounge, providing students with the best possible learning environment.

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Careers:

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Career Opportunities:

The BSc

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Tuition Fees and Payment Information:

UK (home) fees: £9,250 per year International and EU fees: £28,800 per year UK (home) or international fees? The level of fee that you will be asked to pay depends on whether you're classed as a UK (home) or international student. Check your fee status. Fees for subsequent years UK (home) fees may increase within the government fee cap in subsequent academic years. We will notify you of any increase as soon as we can. International fees are subject to increase in subsequent years in line with the prevailing Consumer Price Index (CPI) inflation rate (up to a maximum of 10%). More information For more information about tuition fees, any reduced fees for study abroad and work placement years, scholarships, tuition fee loans, maintenance loans and living costs see undergraduate fees and funding. Additional costs Text books and course books are all available in the library or online. We do recommend books you might find useful, reading lists are provided to you when you start your modules, but it is not compulsory for you to buy the books. You will have access to a course ebook at no additional cost. Costs for students going abroad or into industry will vary depending on what sort of placement it is and what sort of financial assistance is available.​ Field courses are an optional element of this course. If you undertake the field course the costs will be entirely met by the Department.