The programme covers the scientific principles necessary for an advanced understanding of contemporary industrial biotechnology and develops generic practical skills in handling micro-organisms, molecular biological techniques and data analysis. It examines the fundamental role played by micro-organisms in the turnover of pollutants, the search and discovery of commercially significant natural products, and the production of novel biological compounds. The programme also explores areas of related interest such as bioethics, regulatory affairs and the role of intellectual property in biotechnology. You take five compulsory modules (70 credits), optional modules (30 credits) and complete a research project leading to a thesis (80 credits), often in an industrial setting.

Compulsory modules typically include: gene technology; genetically modified organisms food and agriculture; antimicrobial drug discovery; bioinformatics theory and practice; medical biotechnology and enterprise.

Optional modules may include: modelling and control in bioprocess systems; genetic modification and cloning of animals; insects biotechnology and innovation; quantitative techniques, experimental design and data analysis; fundamentals of cell and molecular biology; bioremediation.