Biotechnology (Applied Molecular Biology), BSc at University of Aberdeen

Biotechnology is a technology based on the unique properties of biological molecules, cells and organisms, and provides new ways of diagnosing disease, producing antibiotics, pharmaceuticals and chemical feedstocks for industrial processes, reducing industrial contamination of the environment and improving food safety.

The study of biotechnology at Aberdeen involves study of microbiology, biochemistry and genetics. Knowledge of all three subjects is crucial in an area where microorganisms are frequently being genetically engineered to perform novel or enhanced biochemical reactions, and will become increasingly important as synthetic biology is used throughout biotechnological processes.

The potential of biotechnology to provide new health products, new fuels such as hydrogen, advances in agriculture and management of the environment (e.g. oil spill clean-up) is immense but at present only partly tapped. Biotechnology is well-placed to contribute significantly to future sustainable technology development.

How You'll Study

You will be taught using a variety of methods and styles and we continually seek to make the teaching engaging, exciting and responsive to the latest research in your subject area. The research we carry out in the School directly informs and guides our teaching, particularly in the final Honours year. Our commitment to teaching is recognised by the range of University of Aberdeen Student-led Teaching Awards given to staff from our School.

As a student, your learning is supported by MyAberdeen, our virtual learning environment from which you can access the lecture Powerpoint slides, online practice tests, links to related reading, and tutorial support material.

We make innovative use of 'educational voting' handsets in class, remote control 'clickers' that allow each and every student to electronically respond in class by anonymous vote to questions posed by the lecturer.

Your academic development is supported from year 1 through to year 4 by an assigned personal tutor, who acts as adviser and mentor throughout your University career.

Learning Methods

• LAB WORK
• LECTURES
• SEMINARS
• TUTORIALS
• WORKSHOPS

Why Study Biotechnology (Applied Molecular Biology)?

• You will gain a broad base of knowledge regarding biotechnology at the molecular and cellular levels.
• First-class courses in Biochemistry, Genetics, Microbiology and Immunology.
• Innovative and flexible teaching allowing you the student to follow your particular interests.
• The University has a strong reputation in spinning out biotechnology start-up companies. For instance, there are over 30 patents worldwide pending or granted for their immunisation technology developed from shark immune systems.
• You will have opportunities for gaining (paid) experience in industry.
• Training is provided in both specialist and employment-related skills.

Careers

A wide variety of career opportunities are available to Biotechnologists. Many of our graduates follow their undergraduate degree with PhD research in a wide range of research laboratories, in biotechnology and pharmaceutical companies in the UK and overseas. Others move directly into positions in hospital research, diagnostic laboratories and research institutes. Other major employers of Biotechnology graduates include the scientific civil service, and the food and fermentation industries.

Our degree programmes are built to enhance your employability and three flagship options give our degrees a distinctively different flavour from many others. All our degrees offer:

• A 10-week full time research project in the final year which will provide you with valuable experience of working in a medical science research environment
• The option of an industrial placement year and graduation with an undergraduate MSci
• Highly relevant and sought after experience in bio-business aimed at giving you an understanding of the commercialisation of scientific ideas and an opportunity to learn about the biotechnology and pharmaceutical industries