BSc (Hons) Biotechnology

Program Overview

Liverpool John Moores University's BSc (Hons) Biotechnology program combines multidisciplinary science, practical focus, and industry relevance. It equips students with a comprehensive understanding of biotechnology principles, practical skills in molecular biology and bioprocessing, and research experience. With optional work placements and a final-year research project, graduates are well-prepared for diverse careers in the biotechnology sector.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

This program explores the manipulation of biomolecular processes to develop technologies and products that address global challenges in health, food, and the environment.

• Develop practical skills in molecular, bioprocessing, and analytical techniques.
• Conduct research projects in areas like synthetic biology, genetic engineering, fermentation technology, bioremediation, and antimicrobial resistance.
• Build strong industry connections through industrial placements.
• Prepare for diverse careers in biopharmaceutical manufacturing, drug discovery, food technology, and biofuel production.
• Provide a foundation for postgraduate study in MSc Industrial Biotechnology.

Outline:

Program Content:

• Multidisciplinary Science: Combines molecular and cell biology, microbiology, and biochemistry.
• Practical Focus: Significant lab time for cell culture, molecular biology, and imaging studies.
• Industry Relevance: Emphasis on career development with input from industry speakers.
• Research Opportunities: Optional modules and a final-year research project allow for specialization.
• Work Placement: Option for a year-long industrial placement between the second and third year.

Program Structure:

• Duration: 4 years (with placement year) or 3 years (full-time)
• Study Mode: Full-time

Course Schedule:

• Level 4: Core modules in structural and functional biochemistry, physiological biochemistry, introduction to biotechnology, practical skills in biotechnology, microbial biotechnology, and introduction to molecular biology.
• Level 5: Core modules in sterile pharmaceutical products, structural and functional biochemistry, molecular biology and functional genomics, research methods in biotechnology, synthetic biology and bioengineering, and microbial biotechnology.
Optional modules include a sandwich year, study year abroad, and study semester abroad.
• Level 6: Core modules in current topics in biotechnology, biotechnology entrepreneurship, synthetic biology and bioengineering, and biochemistry/biotechnology research project.
Optional modules include industrial product development, microbial technology, work-based learning, and recombinant proteins.

Individual Modules:

• Introduction to Structural and Functional Biochemistry: Focuses on the structure and function of macromolecules, particularly proteins.
• Physiological Biochemistry: Explores the link between nutrition, physiology, and cellular metabolism.
• Practical Skills in Biotechnology: Develops basic methodology, data handling, IT skills, and laboratory techniques.
• Introduction to Molecular Biology: Explores the molecular mechanisms underpinning molecular biology, including omics and model organisms.
• Sterile Pharmaceutical Products: Covers the formulation, preparation, manufacture, and quality control of sterile products.
• Research Methods in Biotechnology: Equips students with essential research skills and knowledge of methods and techniques used in biotechnology research.
• Synthetic Biology and Bioengineering 1: Introduces the basic concepts of synthetic biology and the foundational science behind it.
• Microbial Biotechnology 2: Develops understanding of the physiology and behavior of microorganisms in various habitats.
• Sandwich Year - Biotechnology: Provides a year-long work experience at an approved partner.
• Study Year Abroad - Biotechnology: Offers a year of study at an approved overseas partner.
• Study Semester Abroad - Biotechnology: Provides a semester of study at an approved overseas partner.
• Current Topics in Biotechnology: Explores the principles and applications of white, red, and blue biotechnology and their societal impact.
• Biotechnology Entrepreneurship: Introduces entrepreneurship and commercialization of biotechnology.
• Synthetic Biology and Bioengineering 2: Provides in-depth knowledge of current concepts and applications of synthetic biology and bioengineering.
• Biochemistry/Biotechnology Research Project: Allows students to undertake laboratory research projects or traditional research projects.
• Industrial Product Development: Covers pharmaceutical manufacturing processes and regulatory controls.
• Microbial Technology: Expands on microbiology knowledge from previous levels, covering topics like bioinformatics, antibiotic production, and phage therapy.
• Work-Based Learning: Provides an opportunity for students to gain practical experience in a workplace environment relevant to their field.
• Recombinant Proteins: Provides in-depth knowledge of current approaches used in recombinant protein production.

Assessment:

• Methods: Combination of exams and coursework, with some modules assessed solely through coursework.
• Exams: Held at the end of each semester, covering a range of question types (multiple choice, short answer, interpretative, problem-based learning, and essay questions).
• Coursework: Includes phase tests, practical reports, data handling, oral presentations, poster presentations, group discussions, essays, and demonstrations of competence in core practical skills.
• Feedback: Provided within three weeks of submission, via Canvas, face-to-face, or in writing.

Teaching:

• Approach: Active blended learning approach, combining face-to-face and online learning.
• Resources: State-of-the-art laboratories, teaching spaces, and the Avril Robarts library.
• Support: Dedicated personal tutors, a dedicated supervisor for the research project, and support services for students with disabilities and from diverse backgrounds.
• Work-Related Learning: Highly recommended year-long work placement after the second year, with support from the Placement Learning and Support Unit.

Careers:

• Potential Paths: Pharmaceutical, healthcare, environmental, food industries, regulatory authorities, and postgraduate study.
• Opportunities: Biopharmaceutical manufacturing, drug discovery and development, food technology, biofuel production, and research.
• Outcomes: Graduates are equipped with the knowledge and skills to pursue employment opportunities worldwide.

Other:

• Go Abroad: Opportunities for study abroad, work placements, internships, and summer schools.
• Go Citizen Scheme: Financial assistance for volunteering, individual projects, or unpaid placements worldwide.
• Student Futures: Careers, employability, and enterprise support services, including Careers Zone, Unitemps, Discovery Internships, and the Start-Up Hub.

• Home full-time per year: £9,250
• International full-time per year: £18,250
• Placement year: £1,850
• Placement year international: £3,830
All figures are subject to yearly increases. Tuition fees are subject to parliamentary approval.