Molecular Biology and Biotechnology MSc

Core modules:

Advanced Scientific Skills

This module builds on existing, and further develops, generic scientific skills to equip postgraduate taught students with strong competences in presenting and reporting their research work using written and oral formats, in analysing data and the scientific literature, and in acquiring and extending their critical analysis skills. Teaching will be delivered using a blended approach with a combination of lectures, workshops, tutorials and seminars together with independent study and on-line teaching.

Taught throughout the academic year, the module will be articulated around three units addressing: 

Unit 1) Scientific presentation skills. In this unit, students will explore how to develop their academic (writing and oral) presentation skills. Some of the topics taught may include how to formulate a research question and hypothesis, how to find information, and how to structure a scientific essay or report. Students will learn how to communicate effectively their research to a scientific, as well as lay, audience. Emphasis will be placed on short oral communications and poster preparation and presentation.  The learning objectives will be acquired through lectures, workshops, tutorials and independent study.

Unit 2) Critical analysis skills. This unit prepares students to develop their ability to analyse and appraise the scientific value of the published and unpublished literature. Workshops and lectures will introduce students to the process of critical appraisal of scientific work. 

Unit 3) Statistics and data analysis skills. In this unit, students will learn methods to gather and analyse large datasets. In particular, workshops and lectures will teach students the basics of R coding and statistics for application in biosciences. The unit may also deliver other forms of data analysis relevant to the programme of study. Teaching within this unit will be delivered mainly through on-line material, lectures and workshops. Independent study will be essential to complete the acquisition of skills.

15 credits

Literature Review

This unit involves an in-depth survey of the current literature on a topic relevant to molecular biology and biotechnology, agreed with an appropriate supervisor allocated by the module coordinator. The exact nature and scope of the literature review will be determined by discussion between the student and the supervisor. Students will build upon the skills in literature searching and interpretation they have developed in their undergraduate studies, making use of a variety of databases and literature-searching tools. The unit involves primarily private study by the student who will meet their supervisor at regular intervals to discuss progress.

15 credits

The Biotech and Pharmaceutical Industry

This lecture module will be taught by professionals from a wide range of companies in the drug industry and from the business services team here at the University of Sheffield. The course will teach students the major steps in the drug discovery process including; screening, development, testing, small molecule manufacture, venture capital funding, patent law, the growing field of contract research and the roles each company has within this industry. Students will learn directly from specialists within these fields. From the Sheffield business team, the students will learn how new ventures are started from University and the process of generating new spin out companies.

15 credits

Practical Techniques in Molecular Biology

This module will provide background knowledge, technical training and practical laboratory experience in key techniques in molecular biology and biotechnology. In particular, the module is designed to develop a student's understanding and technical training in molecular biology laboratory techniques. These may include the use of information from nucleic acid and protein sequence analyses for to design experiments, gene engineering techniques (for instance, enzymatic digest, DNA cloning, plasmid construction and production, DNA electrophoresis), protein and nucleic acid quantitative and qualitative analysis techniques (for instance, PCR and western blot) and cutting-edge techniques of genome editing (CRISPR-Cas9). Students will become technically competent and prepared for a research project and career in the field of molecular biology and biotechnology.

30 credits

Cellular Systems Engineering for Biotechnology

Biotechnology uses biological systems (cells) to produce valuable and novel products. The cells are often unicellular organisms such as bacteria or yeast, but could also for example be eukaryotic cells (such as CHO cells) or complete organisms such as plants. Where possible, industry is moving towards a 'plug and play' approach, often described under the general heading of Synthetic Biology. The aim of this module is to explore the complexities underlying biotechnology, including the interactions of different gene products and reactions, often grouped together under the term systems biology, and look to see how such problems are solved. Students will learn to appreciate the complexity of biological systems, the associated difficulties of predicting biological behaviour in areas such as industrial biotechnology and drug development, and emerging approaches to overcome these challenges. Students will work both individually and in small groups, to develop presentation skills and the critical skills required for the evaluation of primary literature. 

15 credits

Research Project

This unit provides a period of laboratory work, with training in experimental techniques, record keeping and writing up. Projects are supervised by a member of staff within the School of Biosciences or another suitable department, and are related to on-going research projects within the School or in other suitable research laboratories. This unit is designed to provide students with experience of undertaking investigations independently on a specific research topic, so that they can develop a research oriented approach, and gain experience of laboratory work in preparation for a future career in science. 

60 credits