Biotechnology and Biodesign MRes

Full time: 12 months

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Profile

Our Biotechnology and Biodesign MRes provides a foundation into how design and engineering approaches are used in the creation of new biotechnological processes and products.

Your course during COVID-19

Please rest assured we make all reasonable efforts to provide you with the programmes, services and facilities described. However, it may be necessary to make changes due to significant disruption, for example in response to COVID-19.

Further information

Our COVID-19 Study page gives more information about your Newcastle University study experience.

Terms and conditions and student complaints

The University has terms and conditions which create a positive environment for learning and academic achievement.

Given the changing nature of the COVID-19 pandemic, the commitments outlined are subject to the guidelines that may be in place at the time.

About this course

Advances in biotechnology, computing, and laboratory automation are being coupled with design thinking approaches to engineer biological systems that may produce more sustainable products than traditional manufacturing. Examples include:

the production of synthetic meat substitutes
dairy-free milk
adaptive building materials
petroleum-replacement products
designer antimicrobial compounds
smart drug delivery systems

Our Biotechnology and Biodesign MRes:

provides a foundation in design thinking approaches
covers recent developments in applied biotechnology
provides an opportunity to develop and refine your laboratory skills
provides the opportunity to develop your own research project

The training forms an excellent foundation for students opting to follow a research orientated career path and for those looking for successful careers in the biotechnology industry.

The course is interdisciplinary. You'll be suitable for this course if you are:

a science graduate
looking to develop your knowledge and research skills

You'll gain the skills allowing you to address critical global challenges in:

sustainability
food security
the environment
healthcare

What you'll learn

Throughout the course, you will gain an advanced understanding of:

scientific concepts and practices that underpin industrial biotechnology
principles of design thinking and project design
scientific concepts of the role of recombinant DNA technology in both fundamental research and applied technology
the role of microorganisms in the search and discovery of commercially significant natural products
the role of biotechnology in agriculture and commercial enterprise
control and modelling concepts and their application in bioprocessing systems
statistical concepts and theory and their application in process engineering
advanced practical skills in molecular biological techniques, handling microorganisms and data analysis

Your development

You will cover the foundational principles of design thinking in the context of biodesign. You will also develop skills in:

handling microorganisms and plants
molecular biology techniques
data analysis
preparation of research proposals and product pitches
laboratory automation

During the MRes, you’ll participate in research group meetings and the seminar programme within the School. You'll join a large cohort of PhD students, allowing you to experience a research-intensive study environment.

Newcastle University has long-standing and successful participation in the iGEM competition, dating from 2008. Team members are drawn from a range of undergraduate and Master’s programmes.

Our staff

You'll be taught and mentored by academics from both the:

Plant and Microbial Biology research group in the School of Natural and Environmental Sciences
Experimental Architecture Group in the School of Architecture, Planning and Landscape

Our research interests range from:

natural product and antimicrobial discovery
cell-free synthetic biology
molecular diagnostics
protein and enzyme engineering
bioinspired materials and living buildings
plant productivity improvement

Our researchers regularly publish in high-impact general science and specialised journals; and hold research funding from the main UK research councils, including EPSRC and BBSRC. Our research groups have strong industrial links and global research collaborations.

Quality and Ranking

We rank in the top 100 for Life Sciences and Medicine - QS World University Rankings by Subject 2020

Delivery

The course is delivered through a variety of teaching methods including:

lectures
seminars
computer workshops
computer-based and problem-solving exercises

You will complete the 12-month long course between September and August the following year. It consists of two strands:

a taught component, which runs from late September until the end of March
a project, for which a dissertation is submitted by the end of August

You'll develop and complete independent research within the framework of the Biodesign cycle of ‘Design, Build, Test, Learn’.

Facilities

The School of Natural and Environmental Sciences has an outstanding range of facilities to support our research and teaching including:

fully equipped teaching and research laboratories
lab scale fermentation of novel biological compounds
mini bio-foundry with commercial and open-source laboratory robotics
fabrication laboratory with 3D printers, electronics, and laser cutters
access to bioinformatics software, GPU computing, and literature resources

Contact us

Academic Secretary
School of Natural and Environmental Sciences
Telephone: +44 (0) 191 208 5498
Email: snes.pgt.support@ncl.ac.uk

@SciencesNCL

PG Café: Postgraduate events

Downloads

Download: Postgraduate Guide 2020 (PDF: 8MB)

Related Degrees

Industrial and Commercial Biotechnology MSc

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Synthetic Biology MSc

This course provides you with a balance of molecular biology, engineering, computing and modelling skills necessary for a career in synthetic biology. Computational design of biological systems is important as the field of synthetic biology grows. This allows the construction of complex and large biological systems.

All related programmes

Explore Modules

Modules

You will study modules on this course. A module is a unit of a course with its own approved aims and outcomes and assessment methods.

Modules for 2020 entry

Compulsory modules

Optional modules

All students will take one of the following optional modules:

Module changes

Course content changes

The information above is intended to provide an example of what you will study.

Our teaching is informed by research. Course content changes periodically to reflect developments in the discipline, the requirements of external bodies and partners, and student feedback.

Optional module availability

Student demand for optional modules may affect availability.

Full details of the modules on offer will be published through the Programme Regulations and Specifications ahead of each academic year. This usually happens in May.

To find out more please see our terms and conditions.

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Careers

Careers Service

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Work experience

Work experience placements are a great way to develop relevant skills to excel in your chosen career.

Find out about paid and unpaid work experience options and other ways you can add to your degree.

Explore Fees & Funding

Fees & Funding

2021-2022 fees

The fees displayed here are per course.

Home

Full time: £11,400

International

Full time: £24,300

Find out more about our tuition fees, including how to pay them and available discounts.

Funding opportunities

Explore Entry Requirements

Entry Requirements

A 2.1 Honours degree or international equivalent in biology, chemistry, or related discipline.

Find out the equivalent qualifications for your country.

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Use the drop down above to find your country. If your country isn't listed please email: international.recruitment@ncl.ac.uk for further information.

English Language Requirements

Select an English language test from the list to view our English language entry requirements.

Select a certification

Please email us at international.recruitment@ncl.ac.uk for further information.

If you have lower English Language scores, you may be accepted onto a Pre-sessional English course.

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, we will be offering our Pre-sessional courses online only from June to September 2020.

Pre-sessional English Course Requirements

8 week Pre-sessional entry: IELTS 6.0 overall (with a minimum of 5.5 in all sub-skills)
12 week Pre-sessional entry: IELTS 5.5 overall (with a minimum of 5.0 in all sub-skills)

Find out How to Apply

How to Apply

You apply online, track your application and contact the admissions team via our applicant portal. Our step by step guide can help you on your way.