BSc (Hons) Biotechnology with Foundation Year

Program Overview

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BSc (Hons) Biotechnology with Foundation Year

Why study this course with LJMU?

A practical, hands-on course, taught using state-of-the-art teaching laboratories 100% of students surveyed said this course challenged them to achieve their best work (National Student Survey 2024) Gain an understanding of the principles and applications of biotechnology and practise the latest molecular, bioprocessing and analytical techniques Offers fascinating research projects in areas such as synthetic biology, genetic engineering of crop plants, fermentation technology, bioremediation and antimicrobial resistance Benefit from strong links with industry for industrial placements Excellent spring board into careers as diverse as biopharmaceutical manufacturing, drug discovery and development, food technology and biofuel production Opportunities to undertake a year's industrial placement or work abroad Stepping stone to postgraduate study in MSc Industrial Biotechnology

About your course

The BSc (Hons) Biotechnology with Foundation Year at Liverpool John Moores University is the ideal course if you are interested in this subject, but lack the necessary qualifications to study it at degree level.

About the Foundation Year

The Foundation Year is ideal if you have the ability to study for a degree but don't have the qualifications to enter directly onto the Biotechnology honours degree programme. Once you pass the Foundation Year, you will progress directly onto the first year of the honours degree. If you are a full-time UK student, you will qualify for student financial support for the full duration of your course (subject to eligibility criteria).

About the BSc (Hons) Biotechnology degree

Biotechnology is a fascinating field of study, which has had a positive impact on many aspects of our lives, with applications across medicine, food and the environment. This multidisciplinary science builds on a foundational knowledge of molecular and cell biology, microbiology and biochemistry, using transgenic plants, animals and microbes to develop valuable technologies and products. Early known examples of biotechnology include the use of microorganisms to make cheese, bread and wine, but advances in genetic engineering and recombinant DNA technology have revolutionised the biotechnology industry. Modern biotechnology has enabled production of drugs, vaccines, energy, industrial chemicals and progressed developments in gene therapy, cancer therapy and sustainable agriculture.

This is a practical, hands-on course in which you will spend a large proportion of your time in our excellent teaching labs for cell culture, molecular biology and imaging studies, practising the latest molecular, bioprocessing and analytical techniques. You will gain an understanding of the principles and applications of biotechnology across this broad-based sector. Optional modules and a research project in the final year provide opportunities to specialise in your own particular area of interest. You will have plenty of opportunities to put your skills and knowledge into practice and explore your own interests by completing a research project. The option to do a year's industrial placement between the second and third year will also help develop transferable skills, valued by employers.

The programme enables you to develop intellectual independence, critical awareness and transferable skills attributes that are vital for employment. There is an emphasis on career development, with additional input from external speakers from industry, increasing your understanding of the business of biotechnology. As well as exploring a wide range of career options, you will develop commercial awareness and learn how new start-up biotechnology companies are created.

Opportunities for study abroad and placements

The School of Pharmacy and Biomolecular Sciences has an excellent track record of providing relevant vocational training for students. Students are supported by Erasmus and Professional Training Tutors who are responsible for advertising placements and promoting vocational training to students.

Course modules

What you will study on this degree

Foundation Year

• Human Anatomy and Physiology (20 credits)
• Fundamental Science Skills (20 credits)
• Introduction to Chemistry (20 credits)
• Introduction to Biochemistry and Cell Biology (20 credits)
• Introduction to Molecular Biology and Genetics (20 credits)
• Further Chemistry (20 credits)

Year 1

• Physiological Biochemistry (20 credits)
• Practical Skills in Biotechnology (20 credits)
• Microbial Biotechnology 1 (20 credits)
• Introduction to Structural and Functional Biochemistry (20 credits)
• Introduction to Biotechnology (20 credits)
• Introduction to Molecular Biology (20 credits)

Year 2

• Sterile Pharmaceutical Products (20 credits)
• Structural and Functional Biochemistry (20 credits)
• Molecular Biology and Functional Genomics (20 credits)
• Research Methods in Biotechnology (20 credits)
• Synthetic Biology and Bioengineering 1 (20 credits)
• Microbial Biotechnology 2 (20 credits)

Year 3

• Current Topics in Biotechnology (20 credits)
• Biotechnology Entrepreneurship (20 credits)
• Synthetic Biology and Bioengineering 2 (20 credits)
• Biochemistry/Biotechnology Research Project (40 credits)

Optional modules

• Sandwich Year - Biotechnology (120 credits)
• Study Year Abroad - Biotechnology (120 credits)
• Study Semester Abroad - Biotechnology (60 credits)
• Industrial Product Development (20 credits)
• Microbial Technology (20 credits)
• Work-Based Learning (20 credits)
• Recombinant Proteins (20 credits)

Your Learning Experience

Teaching Support Assessment

Excellent facilities and learning resources

We adopt an active blended learning approach, meaning you will experience a combination of face-to-face and online learning during your time at LJMU. This enables you to experience a rich and diverse learning experience and engage fully with your studies. Our approach ensures that you can easily access support from your personal tutor, either by meeting them on-campus or via a video call to suit your needs.

The amount of time you spend in each varies according to the module and the level of study. Laboratory sessions give you a chance to develop your practical skills, while workshops and tutorials provide opportunities to discuss course material more informally. All lecture material will be available on our virtual learning environment, Canvas.

You will also be expected to do additional research around lecture subjects in your own time using the University Libraries. As the course progresses, the amount of practical and independent work increases, allowing you to develop research techniques and complete a research project.

Work-related learning

As part of your work-related learning, we highly recommend that you opt to undertake a year's work placement after your second year. This will not only give you a chance to put into practice what you have learnt in the first two years, but it will also help you develop your personal skills, earn a salary while taking a year's break from formal study and give you a competitive edge when you enter the graduate job market.

If you opt to take a year out on work placement, our Placement Learning and Support Unit will guide you in finding, applying for and securing a placement. During the year, you will have ongoing support from a member of staff, which will include visits to your workplace.

Career paths

Graduates will be equipped with the knowledge and skills to pursue employment opportunities world-wide

Biotechnology graduates are employable in a wide range of industries and organisations, such as pharmaceutical, healthcare, environmental, food industries or regulatory authorities. Some graduates may prefer to continue their studies with postgraduate study (PGCE/PGDE, MSc, MPhil, MRes or PhD) in topics as wide ranging as industrial biotechnology, biomedical sciences, drug discovery and design, cosmetic science, and medical microbiology. The programme is the ideal stepping stone to the MSc Industrial Biotechnology offered by LJMU.

Tuition fees and funding

Home

• Full-time per year: £9,535
• Placement year: £1,905

International

• Full-time per year: £18,250
• Placement year: £3,830

Entry requirements

Please choose your qualifications below to view requirements

• Grades/points required from qualifications: CCD-CCC (88-96)

Work out how many UCAS points your qualifications are worth by visiting the UCAS Tariff Calculator.

GCSEs and equivalents

• Grade 4 or grade C or above in English Language and Mathematics/Numeracy.

GCSE Equivalences accepted:

• Key Skills Level 2 in English/Maths
• NVQ Level 2 Functional skills in Maths and English Writing and or Reading
• Skills for Life Level 2 in Numeracy/English
• Higher Diploma in Maths/English
• Northern Ireland Essential Skills Level 2 in Communication or Application of Number
• Wales Essential Skills Level 2 in Communication or Application of Number

A levels

• CCD-CCC
• Subject requirements: An A2 Level in a relevant science subject

BTECs

• Extended Diploma: MMM (96)

Access awards

• Acceptable on its own and combined with other qualifications
• Pass overall with a minimum of 88 points.

International Baccalaureate

• Acceptable on its own and combined with other qualifications From a relevant subject

OCR Cambridge Technical

• Extended Diploma: MMM (96)

Irish awards

• Acceptable on its own and combined with other qualifications From a relevant subject

T levels

• Acceptable on its own and combined with other qualifications.

You need to obtain the required UCAS points from a related subject area.

International requirements

• IELTS: 6.0 overall with no component below 5.5, taken within two years of the course start date.

Find your country

Please Note: All international qualifications are subject to a qualification equivalency check.

Program Outline

• Practice the latest molecular, bioprocessing, and analytical techniques.
• Participate in research projects in areas such as synthetic biology, genetic engineering, fermentation technology, bioremediation, and antimicrobial resistance.
• Benefit from strong industry links for industrial placements.
• Prepare for careers in biopharmaceutical manufacturing, drug discovery and development, food technology, and biofuel production.
Students will spend a significant portion of their time in state-of-the-art teaching labs, practicing techniques in cell culture, molecular biology, and imaging studies. The course emphasizes practical skills development, critical thinking, and career readiness.

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Outline:

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Foundation Year:

• The Foundation Year is designed for students who have the ability to study for a degree but lack the necessary qualifications for direct entry into the Biotechnology honors degree program.
• Upon successful completion of the Foundation Year, students progress directly onto the first year of the honors degree.

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BSc (Hons) Biotechnology:

• Level 3:
• Core Modules:
• Human Anatomy and Physiology (20 credits)
• Fundamental Science Skills (20 credits)
• Introduction to Chemistry (20 credits)
• Introduction to Biochemistry and Cell Biology (20 credits)
• Introduction to Molecular Biology and Genetics (20 credits)
• Further Chemistry (20 credits)
• Level 4:
• Core Modules:
• Introduction to Structural and Functional Biochemistry (20 credits)
• Physiological Biochemistry (20 credits)
• Introduction to Biotechnology (20 credits)
• Practical Skills in Biotechnology (20 credits)
• Microbial Biotechnology 1 (20 credits)
• Introduction to Molecular Biology (20 credits)
• Level 5:
• Core Modules:
• Sterile Pharmaceutical Products (20 credits)
• Structural and Functional Biochemistry (20 credits)
• Molecular Biology and Functional Genomics (20 credits)
• Research Methods in Biotechnology (20 credits)
• Synthetic Biology and Bioengineering 1 (20 credits)
• Microbial Biotechnology 2 (20 credits)
• Optional Modules:
• Sandwich Year - Biotechnology (120 credits)
• Study Year Abroad - Biotechnology (120 credits)
• Study Semester Abroad - Biotechnology (60 credits)
• Level 6:
• Core Modules:
• Current Topics in Biotechnology (20 credits)
• Biotechnology Entrepreneurship (20 credits)
• Synthetic Biology and Bioengineering 2 (20 credits)
• Biochemistry/Biotechnology Research Project (40 credits)
• Optional Modules:
• Industrial Product Development (20 credits)
• Microbial Technology (20 credits)
• Work-Based Learning (20 credits)
• Recombinant Proteins (20 credits)

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Assessment:

• Assessment methods vary depending on the module but typically include a combination of exams and coursework.
• Exams are usually held at the end of each semester and may include multiple choice, short answer, interpretative, problem-based learning, and essay questions.
• Coursework assessments may include phase tests, practical reports, data handling, oral presentations, poster presentations, group discussions, essays, or demonstrations of competence in core practical skills.
• Feedback on coursework assessments is generally provided within three weeks of submission via Canvas, face-to-face, or in writing.

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Teaching:

• The program utilizes a blended learning approach, combining face-to-face and online learning.
• Students have access to support from their personal tutor through on-campus meetings or video calls.
• The amount of time spent in each learning format varies depending on the module and level of study.
• Lecture materials are available on the virtual learning environment, Canvas.
• Students are expected to conduct independent research using the University Libraries.
• The program encourages students to undertake a year-long work placement after their second year to gain practical experience and develop personal skills.
• The Placement Learning and Support Unit provides guidance on finding, applying for, and securing placements.
• Students receive ongoing support from a member of staff during their placement, including workplace visits.

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Careers:

• Graduates are equipped with the knowledge and skills to pursue employment opportunities in a wide range of industries and organizations, including pharmaceutical, healthcare, environmental, food industries, and regulatory authorities.
• Some graduates may choose to continue their studies with postgraduate programs (PGCE/PGDE, MSc, MPhil, MRes, or PhD) in areas such as industrial biotechnology, biomedical sciences, drug discovery and design, cosmetic science, and medical microbiology.
• The program is a stepping stone to the MSc Industrial Biotechnology offered by LJMU.

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Other:

• The School of Pharmacy and Biomolecular Sciences has a strong track record of providing relevant vocational training for students.
• Students are supported by Erasmus and Professional Training Tutors who advertise placements and promote vocational training.
• Students explore a range of career options, develop commercial awareness, and learn about the creation of new start-up biotechnology companies.
• The university provides a range of support services for students, including a Disability Support Coordinator, an EDI Coordinator, and a School EDI Working Group.
• Personal Tutors promote awareness of support services for students.
• Students have access to state-of-the-art laboratories, teaching spaces, and the Avril Robarts library.
• the Outline section only lists the modules and their credit values.

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Home full-time per year:

£9,250

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International full-time per year:

£18,250

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Placement year:

£1,850

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Placement year international:

£3,830 Please note that all figures are subject to yearly increases. Tuition fees are subject to parliamentary approval.