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Why choose the School of Life Sciences
Our students have won awards from both the Institute of Biomedical Science and the Biochemical Society.
The course includes data analytics units designed to help non-computing graduates apply IT to their current role or change career direction.
Our Life Sciences Liaison Board features representatives from organisations such as Glaxo Smith Kline, the NHS and the Medicines & Healthcare products Regulatory Agency.
About the course
Specifically designed for graduates without a background in computing, this two-year MSc prepares you to combine ground-breaking biological discoveries with data and IT skills to tackle some of our planet’s most urgent challenges. You study the technologies at the forefront of molecular, microbial and computational biology while gaining a solid foundation in data analytics. With employment-focused skill development, hands-on laboratory experience and opportunities for real-world research, you graduate ready to succeed in a range of roles within this rapidly progressing field.
Facilities and specialist equipment
- Modern STEM building with purpose-built facilities and bespoke study spaces
- State-of-the-art cell culture lab and analytical science suite
- Industry-standard equipment, including high-tech HPLC, FTIR and GC-MS machines and specialised facilities for qPCR and protein analysis
Industry links
Our Life Sciences Liaison Board works in close collaboration with industry-wide professionals such as Glaxo Smith Kline, Life Science Group, the NHS and GrowPura, providing you with invaluable opportunities for work experience and building contacts.
Student experience
Our faculty’s strong links to industry partners and active involvement in cutting-edge research and consultancy feeds directly into course delivery, ensuring you’re up-to-date with the latest advances in the field.
Gain a thorough understanding of the IT-based tools and techniques needed to solve complex problems through integrated data analytics units.
Benefit from practical laboratory sessions and research-based projects, equipping you with both technical knowledge and hands-on experience.
Get involved in subject-relevant field trips to sites including Biogen, Rothamsted Research, and MSD-Merck.
Immerse yourself in interactive seminars and masterclasses from guests such as the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), Pharmaron and GSK.
Take part in our annual STEM Careers Expo, which brings together employers and students through presentations, workshops and networking sessions
Develop your transferable skills, including sought-after competencies such as scientific communication, statistical analysis, problem solving, and effective leadership.
Fulfil your potential with guidance from your own personal academic tutor.
Course Leader - Professor Prasad S. Sreenivasaprasad
My research interests in molecular ecology are focused on understanding the functional and environmental adaptation in fungi that play key roles in managed and natural ecosystems.
- Key research areas include adaptive divergence, population biology and speciation
- Integrating phylogenetics, genomics and bioinformatics with microbiology, pathology and ecology applied from laboratory to field scales
Course Leader - Professor Prasad S. Sreenivasaprasad
My research interests in molecular ecology are focused on understanding the functional and environmental adaptation in fungi that play key roles in managed and natural ecosystems.
- Key research areas include adaptive divergence, population biology and speciation
- Integrating phylogenetics, genomics and bioinformatics with microbiology, pathology and ecology applied from laboratory to field scales
What will you study?
Studying our Biotechnology with Data Analytics MSc course will equip you with the knowledge and expertise in the combined areas of molecular biology, microbiology, computational biology and information technology. In core areas of study, you will learn about the applications of Molecular Biology techniques used to analyse and manipulate DNA, RNA and protein, and gain extensive knowledge in the field of Applied Microbiology that will equip you with the skills to modify microorganisms to meet industrial and pharmaceutical needs. As an essential skill in biotechnology, you will be equipped with the knowledge and techniques to incorporate Analytical Methods in your practice. This will allow you to learn strategies for the separation, detection and measurement of components in complex mixtures.
Furthermore, you will be introduced to the concepts and principles in the development and clinical application of Biomaterials used to treat human disease and injury. This unit will expose you to the health issues associated with the development of artificial organs, plastic surgery, implants and bone reconstructions. More importantly, you will examine the biological mechanisms and clinical problems involved in these processes with a focus on immunological rejection. To give you an insight into how biology and technology come together in practice, our unit in Computational and Systems Biology will provide you with the knowledge and techniques to incorporate computational biology practise into your research. Here, you will work with biological data using computer software packages made for bioinformatics and systems biology and learn to interpret and present this information in the form of a hypothesis backed by research evidence.
In areas of data analytics, you will be introduced to Data Modelling, Management and Governance methods and techniques alongside database theory. This unit will equip you with the knowledge to use the appropriate tools to build database systems using industry standard software and apply these systems to your chosen field of interest. To add to this, our unit in Developing Independent Research will support you in producing a good research proposal where you will learn to present your critical evaluations conclusions to a professional standard. In addition, to prepare you for your career, our Personal Professional Development unit will support your career progression by enhancing your employability skills as you shape your own professional development journey and goals with help from our scheduled coaching.
To diversify your skills further, our unit in Computer Networks and Security is relevant to a wide range of career pathways including software development, business and risk management and cyber or data security. This unit will introduce you to core principles of cybersecurity while providing you with the fundamentals on how computer networks operate. Finally, you will complete a Biotechnology Research Project that will give you the opportunity to undertake a significant piece of personal research which you will then present professionally.
How will you be assessed?
Assessment is undertaken in all units of the course to check that you have met the threshold standards expected of all students. Most units have two summative assessment points and you will be provided with feedback that is designed to show you where you are meeting/exceeding the standards and where/how you can/should make further improvement.The final assessment in most of the taught units is a formal written examination. Elsewhere a range of assessment methods are used. These include not only scientific laboratory reports but others that develop a range of transferable skills including research proposals and poster/oral presentations. These are is designed to build upon and extend what is expected of students with an undergraduate degree.
Careers
This course will support you to seek a career in the biotechnology industries; pharmaceutical and food companies; academic institutions; health-related industries including the NHS; and other public-sector organisations.
