Biobusiness Options

Biobusiness Options introduce students to the basic concepts of business and how these can be used in conjunction with their scientific training.

Why Aberdeen?

The Biobusiness options here at the University of Aberdeen are a unique opportunity for you as a life scientist to also learn about the commercialisation of scientific ideas.  You will be given the chance to learn about the biotechnology and pharmaceutical industries and help in understanding the language of the Biobusiness sector.  The Biobuisness Options are for scientists who want to become business "savvy" while maintaining the quality of their science.

Programmes

The opportunity to take Enhanced Study options as part of your degree and participate in co-curricular activities. See www.abdn.ac.uk/thedifference for more information.

Background

The Biotechnology Industry is one of the fastest growing areas in the UK and at the University of Aberdeen we want to be the first in the higher education sector to train our graduates for these emerging opportunities. Scotland is often at the forefront of groundbreaking scientific achievements. Indeed, science in Scotland by GDP is amongst the best in the world. However, when it comes to commercialisation of our science – making that critical journey from the lab to the marketplace – we could be better. In October 2009, the University of Aberdeen launched Scotland’s first programme to create the next generation of “business savvy” scientists and entrepreneurs enabled to bridge the gap between scientific excellence and commercial success.

What is Biobusiness?

This exciting new programme aims to introduce undergraduate students to the basic concepts of business and how these can be used in conjunction with their scientific training. The courses will give students an unprecedented insight into the rapidly expanding life sciences industry – a sector where Scotland’s excellence is acknowledged around the world. We will challenge students to think about the nature of research when driven by commercial outcomes.

Why do Biobusiness Options?

The Biobusiness programme will produce graduates who are first-class scientists but with the potential to be the next generation of bio-entrepreneurs. Many of the future recruitment opportunities for students with Life Science skills will involve roles in biobusiness rather than exclusively research at the bench. Biobusiness options will broaden career opportunities, allowing successful students to pursue postgraduate training for a PhD or our new MBA in Biotechnology.

Course Structure

The Biobusiness components will concentrate on models that relate directly to the commercialisation of science and technology. There are three courses studied as part of the Biobusiness option: Introduction to Biobusiness can be taken in either first or second year; Biobusiness and Advanced Biobusiness are taken in third and fourth year respectively. The teaching is in the form of lectures, tutorials and seminars with assessment by presentation, essays, reports and written examinations.

Experts from Biobusiness, Intellectual Property, Law and Finance will be brought in specifically to teach our Biobusiness students. Students will even be given the chance to run their own virtual biotechnology company, see if they have what it takes to be a director of a business in this burgeoning sector, and develop the skills required when pitching for funding.

A Complete Package!

For students wishing to maximise their career opportunities, the University of Aberdeen now offers a complete package of a Life Science degree with Biobusiness and Industrial Placement. This is a five year MSci degree in any discipline of Medical Science and will prepare the student for either a career in industry or a further postgraduate qualification such as a PhD or MBA.

Careers

Finding your direction

There are many opportunities at the University of Aberdeen to develop your knowledge, gain experience and build a competitive set of skills to enhance your employability. This is essential for your future career success.  The Careers Service can help you to plan your career and support your choices throughout your time with us – from first to final year – and beyond.

• More information on employability at the University of Aberdeen.
• More information on the Careers Service.

Entrance Requirements

Students undertaking any degree in Medical Sciences who are interested in the Biobusiness options should contact the Programme Co-ordinator, Dr Heather Wallace at h.m.wallace@abdn.ac.uk for further details. Further information is also available at www.abdn.ac.uk/sms/biobusiness/

Please click on the links below to find out more information on funding in your area.

• Scotland and EU (Excluding England, Wales and Northern Ireland)
• Rest of UK (England, Wales and Northern Ireland)
• International
• Scholarships

Related Links

• Scholarships
• Entrance Scholarships
• Funding Database
• England Wales and Northern Ireland Finance Guide