Undergraduate Biotechnology 2023-2024

This course will look at biomedical discoveries and explore the mechanisms by which these “inventions” can be developed into innovative outcomes and products with commercial and/or therapeutic value.

Entrepreneurship is so much more than just having a “Eureka!” moment.  In this course we will look at how that blinding flash of inspiration (or just a “huh, that’s weird!?”) can be capitalised upon and turned into something valuable.

• “Chance favours the prepared mind” (Pasteur)
• “Luck is what happens when preparation meets opportunity” (Seneca)
• “The inventor turns money into innovation, but the [bio]entrepreneur turns [biomedical] innovation into money” (unknown)

This course will aim to bring out the “bioentrepreneur” in you and allow you to develop a “prepared mind” for when that stroke of genius, or just a “huh, that’s weird” comes your way.

• A pre-requisite for all students intending to apply for a year’s industrial placement.
• This course covers the skills necessary to complete placement applications by exploring CV preparation, writing covering letters, completing application forms, identification of your skill sets and good interview technique.
• The course will prepare you for the workplace by making you aware of general employability skills and by helping you identify your own transferable skills.

• In the world of biomedicine and biotechnology, it is the individual who sees opportunities where others see challenges who drives innovation…and goes on to change the world

• When you make that discovery or invention, will you be prepared to seize the opportunity and change the world?

• In the world of biomedicine and biotechnology, it is the small, nimble, dynamic, entrepreneurial companies who drive innovation…and go on to change the world

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  When you go to work for that dynamic start-up company, will you have the right mindset and skills to ensure that the product reaches the patient or the customer?

• BT3502 can be taken either as a stand-alone course or as part of the “with Biobusiness” degree option. It aims to be both fun and “different” – allowing many students to explore an area they have not come across elsewhere, and to discover, develop and apply skills not previously required in the degree programme.

• this is the final course of 3 on Bio-Business and deals in depth with finance, corporate governance and business models;
• the major assessment involves the students working together in teams to set up a virtual bio-business and to pitch this business to a group of experts in the pharmaceutical and biotechnology sector;
• the team will adopt the roles of senior management team and present to the experts their part of the business

• an industrial placement allows students to experience workplace culture and makes them more effective employees following graduation;
• placements vary considerably but in general terms, students are placed in an industrial, commercial or research environment where they obtain a breadth of practical experience to complement their degree programme;
• students are employed by their host company and can expect to work a normal 40 hour week, possibly on a number of projects, over a full calendar year;
• tutorial assistance from a member of the University academic staff is available via email and / or telephone throughout the year