MSc in Bioscience Technology

The MSc in Bioscience Technology provides an in-depth understanding and practical experience of the latest technologies that are driving biological research. Run by our internationally recognised Technology Facility, this is a unique and unrivalled opportunity to learn from scientific and technical experts in a highly-regarded, broad-spectrum research environment. Using a mixture of technology training workshops, laboratory experience and a 20-week placement, often with external bioscience companies, the students gain both theoretical understanding and extensive practical experience in a range of techniques. The Masters is suitable for students who have a degree in any biological science or in other scientific disciplines with a substantial knowledge of biology. The programme is fully outlined in the attached Programme Specification and summarised below. To achieve the required breadth, all modules are compulsory, although there is considerable flexibility within the programme for the students to specialise in particular technology areas. Technology Training Modules: Fourteen weeks of intensive one and two week modules in terms 1 and 2 involving lectures, demonstrations and practical training provide the initial breadth of training. The following eight areas are covered: 1) Basic Science - to ensure the students have the required knowledge and skills that underpin the rest of the course 2) Protein Production - modern recombinant strategies to clone, produce and purify large quantities of a target protein 3) Biophysical Techniques - a range of techniques to determine protein form, function and interactions 4) Genomics - covering various aspects of genomics with particular emphasis on gene expression analysis and genotyping 5) Proteomics - mass spectrometry based techniques to identify and quantify protein and analyse post translational modifications 6) Microscopy & Cytometry - the use and application of advanced imaging (fluorescence, confocal and electron microscopy) and flow cytometry to image and analyse biological samples 7) Bioinformatics - integrated within and spanning the other technology modules, the module covers how to critically evaluate, select and use key bioinformatics tools 8) Other Technologies - an opportunity to gain a basic appreciation of some related technologies such as biological NMR, protein crystallography, etc. Business and Transferable Skills: Running over two terms, the module initially concentrates on the key transferable skills that are essential to both complete the course successfully and enhance future career prospects. In the second term, a unique and innovative set of workshops introduce the students to many business orientated skills through the medium of establishing and running a high level instrument facility. Workshops include budgeting, finance, project planning, marketing, quality assurance, negotiating, supervision, management, dealing with customers and team work. Producing a Curriculum Vitae and developing interviewing skills (from both sides of the table!) are also included along with individual careers advice. Laboratory Experience Module: A 5-week period working in one of the Technology Facility laboratories which provides the opportunity to gain further practical experience in a selected area of technology and develop the skills to work independently in a laboratory. The technology area is generally linked to the placement with both being organised at the same time. Placement: The 20-week placement is designed to enable students to obtain in-depth practical and work experience. The organisation of the placement is a student-centred process and we try, as far as is possible, to find placements that fit with each student's longer term career goals. Possible placements include large and small bioscience companies, equipment manufacturers, government laboratories, academic laboratories, and our own Technology Facility laboratories.