Biology with Biotechnology BSc (Hons) at Bangor University

Biotechnology is the application of biology to improve quality of life, and the health of our planet, via the innovative use of cellular and molecular processes to develop beneficial technologies and products.

Historically, biotechnology has had a significant impact upon human life, with the earliest biotechnologists harnessing the fermentative capabilities of microorganisms to produce food products such as bread, cheese, beer and wine. In today’s world, modern biotechnology offers breakthrough products and technologies to combat disease, reduce our impact on the environment, feed the hungry, reduce our energy demands, provide cleaner energy, and produce safer, cleaner and more efficient industrial processes. This degree will empower the next generation of scientists to address global issues in an innovative manner to heal, fuel and feed the world.

You will receive training that covers evolutionary, ecological, environmental, molecular and cellular aspects of biology, and there is opportunity to follow applied aspects of biology as well as learn about fundamental processes and mechanisms. Our teaching is underpinned by internationally recognised research. Our academic staff have a well-founded expertise in biotechnology research, derived from a number of biological disciplines covering medical and environmental microbiology, plant biology, biodiversity and genetics, and cell and genome biology. We also provide a diversity of practical, laboratory and field biology experience, enabling you to acquire transferable skills (data analysis, group work, writing and presentational skills, IT skills). Extensive use is made of the exceptional range of local terrestrial and aquatic habitats during field courses and practical classes. We are unusual among British Universities in having our own botanical gardens with various habitats for biological studies. We are also part of the Environment Centre Wales, which is a partnership venture between Bangor University and the Natural Environment Research Council’s Centre for Ecology & Hydrology (CEH).

Why choose Bangor University for this course?

• Cutting-edge science is integral to our research programmes and feeds through into the teaching environment. Our expertise in biology and biotechnology encompasses studies into medical and environmental microbiology, plant biology, marine biotechnology, fisheries genetics, cell and genome biology, neurobiology and development.

• Our excellent facilities include two well equipped microbiology research laboratories; a Botanical Garden; our own Natural History Museum containing a comprehensive collection of invertebrate and vertebrate material; and extensive marine and freshwater aquaria.
• Bangor’s location provides a range of soil types, climate and topography, provides numerous diverse habitats, all within easy reach for field-based studies

Careers

Graduates in Biology with Biotechnology will possess a wealth of skills and knowledge that will be relevant to many employment sectors including hospital laboratories, research organisations, multidisciplinary consultancies, industrial companies, research charities, government departments and agencies, educational establishments, research councils and the private sector.