Biotechnology

Biotechnology is the application of biology to improve the quality of human life. It is a technology based on the unique properties of biological molecules, cells and organisms and provides new ways of diagnosing disease, producing antibiotics and other chemicals, reducing industrial contamination of the environment and improving food safety.

Why Aberdeen?

• Excellent staff and teaching facilities
• Innovative and flexible teaching allowing the student to follow special interests
• Opportunities for gaining (paid) experience in industry
• First-class courses in Biochemistry, Genetics, Microbiology and Immunology
• Training provided in both specialist and employment-related skills

Programmes

Study Abroad

Study abroad information

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.

First Year

Students take courses in Chemistry and Medical Sciences plus additional courses selected from the wide range available from science and other areas.

Second Year

Students take core courses drawn from Biochemistry (Molecular Biology of the Gene, Energy for Life), Genetics (Genes & Evolution) and Microbiology and Immunology (Microbes, Infection and Immunity) programmes. The second year curriculum also includes two courses devoted to development of Foundation and Research Skills in the Life Sciences.

Third Year

The third year curriculum in Biotechnology is interdisciplinary. Courses consider both the fundamental science that has enabled the biotechnology industry to develop, and the applications of different biological systems. Students gain a comprehensive understanding of the ways in which biological systems function and interact, including gene expression analysis, studies of the functions of genes and their protein products, and how the component biological processes within the cell interact.

Fourth Year (Honours)

All students begin their Honours year by attending a two-day reading party. An important feature of the Honours course is a ten-week research project, carried out in research laboratories within the Institute of Medical Sciences. This project provides the opportunity to carry out original research, using state-of-the-art technology alongside postgraduate and postdoctoral staff. The fourth year curriculum is divided into a core course and two options courses in the first semester, with the research project and research tutorials in the second semester.

Variations

Students may undertake a one-year period of research in an appropriate industrial laboratory between third and fourth year, which, taken in addition to the BSc(Honours) programme, qualifies a student for the award of an MSci degree. The student is paid a salary while with the industrial partner.

Teaching and Assessment

In the early years, teaching involves attendance at lectures, practicals and tutorials. In the later years a greater proportion of the students’ time is taken up in private study.

Careers

Many of our graduates follow their undergraduate degree with PhD research in a wide range of research laboratories, both 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, pharmaceutical, food, fermentation and related biotechnology industries.

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.
• More information on careers prospects and employability with a degree in Biotechnology.

Entrance Requirements

SQA Highers - BBBB*
A Levels - BBB*
IB - 30 points, 5 at HL*
*Including good performance in at least two Mathematics/Science subjects.

Advanced Entry - Advanced Highers ABB or A Levels ABB, or IB 34 points (6 at HL), including Biology and Chemistry, one of which must be at A-grade.

For further details of entrance requirements click here

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